Omigoodness, everybody, I'm so sorry. If it weren't for writer's block, an anime-addict sister, videogame-addict cousins, and being busy with Christmas, I would've had this up sooner. Even still, this was quite the chapter to write.
As the title put it, this chap is a series of letters. Italics will be for Charlotte, and regular bold will be for Jeff.
Monday, June 22
Dear Jeff,
Greetings from the Campbell Castle of the USA! (as my dad would put it)
Made it home safely! I would've let you known sooner, sorry about that. Landed in New York City late at night, and I mean really late. My folks and I said hello to our new house only a few days ago along with unpacking and making it a home. It's not as big and grand as the one I showed you last summer. My guess is that it'll go from cramped to roomy once I move out; I sent you some pictures. Right now, it's good-bye Greenwich-England-time, hello jetlag.
I've only told a few people, for example my dad's family and my pals, about my engagement. And my goodness, everyone who knows about it over here in New Hope has wedding jitters.
I've only been away for a week and yet I miss you, your family, and the world over in England. I left it behind but the good news is I'll be returning soon.
And of the wedding, when would you like it? Personally I don't want it to be soon but not have to wait for a year from now. Any ideas?
Everyone here says hi. Hoping to hear from you soon.
All my love, Charlotte
Wednesday, July 1st
My darling,
The news that you arrived in America safely has made me happy. The wall between us called the Atlantic has allowed your letter to me to arrive about a week after you sent it, so this will probably never reach you until around the tenth of this month.
If anyone here in England has jitters about the wedding, Amelia is a definite first. Ever since you left she's been all over it, making plans as if it were her wedding. If I ever tried telling her that, she'd resent me for the rest of the day. As one of her greatest vows is to never marry, it's one of her greatest goals to "marry" her siblings off. Yet still, by Aristotle's stones, is she beaming. I haven't seen her like this since Cecil, my sister Mildred's son, was born (he'll be six this November).
Everything's fine, I suppose. My parents are quite happy, I think. I know my dad doesn't express his emotions a lot, but one can always count on my mum for her feelings toward some event in her life.
About our wedding, my love, the date should come first and foremost before anything else can be decided. I know Mildred and her husband Nathan married barely five months after their engagement began. Harold and Allison married seven months after theirs. As for my parents, they married a month after theirs. At an average of having not too much or not too little time, I'd say sometime between late November and mid-January.
I miss you so much, Charlotte, and am anticipating the day you come back. I love you more than anything on earth. Please write back soon.
Yours every-truly, Jeffrey
Thursday, July 9th
Jeff, my all in all,
Two weeks sure fly when it comes to school and everyday life, but not when it comes to mail, I'll say that much. Believe me, I can't wait to return to England.
How's home you may ask? Hot with a capital 'H'. We almost hit 100°F (55.56°C) last weekend. Even though the temperature drops at night, it's still hot. It's not so bad in August when we were there last year, so we missed it.
So due to that, once or twice a week, my parents, I, and sometimes a pal or two take a drive to the countryside. And that's where I am right now. It's still hot but wonderful. I've come out here for the past several years. Being out there when I was three with Joseph giving me a piggy-back ride was one of the first things I remember.
The average of the date of the big day you wrote about sounds very good. I wonder if sometime mid-December will work out, like the third week of the month: the 13th to the 19th.
As you may already know, I'm an only child and a daughter as well, so my dad might want to seize the day when he gives me away. Depending on what we [my family and I] have and the amount of people coming, we should be able to a not too small but not too big wedding. Even still, I don't expect to have the wedding of the century. And I'm sure you don't either.
Missing you very much. And I love you too, all the way to heaven and back again, to infinity and beyond.
Yours 'til the end of time, Charlotte
Saturday, July 18th
Mon chere,
I don't blame you about your first paragraph in your most recent letter. It's the first in a while that time for once doesn't fly. One of Amelia's jobs at home is to check the mail, and whenever a letter from you arrives, she yells my name at the top of her lungs upon opening the door. Hopefully time will fly someday soon.
New Hope sounds as wonderful as when I left it almost a year ago (can't believe it's been that long). And don't you fret, it does get a little stuffy here in England; you probably remember that, don't you?
You may remember, my dearest, in my previous letter me saying that my parents married barely a month after my dad proposed to my mum. There was a reason actually for such a short engagement. And of this, I have never spoken a word to anyone outside my family, not even to Harold.
My parents met toward the end of their last year in high school. Upon graduation, they attended dance lessons at college to continue their studies (mainly Dad) or to learn (mainly Mum). During those short two years they became close and rather intimate. A bit too intimate, I'm afraid. A month before her nineteenth birthday, Mum found herself seven months away from having a baby. Upon hearing that his un-betrothed love was expecting his child, Dad gave a proposal as soon as he could. And so on August 29th, 1929 they married, all in perfect timing to keep their baby (Mildred) from being born outside wedlock without a trace.
On the week you've chosen, I believe it's a good choice. I'd say about a near weekend date. The 13th, a Sunday, wouldn't be good as many people in Watford attend church and according to some religious customs, it is a day of rest. Monday the 14th are rather hectic with work, school, family, etcetera. Our best bet would be either Friday the 18th from late afternoon to evening or Saturday the 19th from noon to evening.
Write to me soon as I read your letters repeatedly at night. I love you.
Love, Jeffrey
Tuesday, July 28th
My darling Jeff,
I'm sorry for not writing sooner. Some relatives of my dad from Tennessee came to visit for a few days—right at the time of receiving your letter. And…well, you know the rest of the story. Between the oven-like heat of the outdoors and the bit of stuffiness inside the house, it's been busy, wild, and busy. And then, at the tail end around the last night of their visit, another family (thankfully small) came to say hello. Not related but rather the family of a dear friend whom you never met last summer: Melinda. Melinda was Joseph's girlfriend and maybe fiancé-to-be before he went off to war. She still misses him, she says, but is very happy with her husband, teenage daughter (stayed home), and their little boy. Upon hearing about our engagement, she was quite enthralled, despite the fact I was usually seen by her and Joseph's friends as Campbell's little kid sister.
Her nine-year-old son, Franklin, is quite the guy. Like any typical boy, he ran around the small but very grassy yard behind the house in the dark, bug net and all. Only ten minutes before he had to leave with his parents, caught a bug and put it in a little glass container, poking holes all in a pattern on the lid. Proudly, he gave me the caged bug as a wedding present. The bug, as it turns out after looking through Joseph's old books, is a cockroach. Funny thing is I tried killing it once he left, and of all things, I couldn't. So it looks like I'm keeping my promise to him not to get rid of it.
Okay, enough drabble. I'm thinking of the 18th, the Friday, late afternoon about 5:30. We've yet to look at anything else, and we're getting days closer (makes me excited yet nervous). Any ideas about the wedding? Does the date sound good? Can't wait to hear from you.
One day more! Charlotte
Tuesday, August 4th,
Tally ho, my dear!
Time still hasn't seemed to go faster. Not to say it's the dramatic eternity as some poets pronounce, but it's not the wink of an eye either. Yet still, I'm so happy to hear from you.
I don't know about anyone else, but I find it sweet of this Melinda to still keep in touch despite the circumstances of the war. Her son sounds like quite the chap, frolicking through grass and dirt with only the light of the moon and maybe a porch light on the hunt for insects. I was never that type of boy as children in England, as you remember, were taught to be reserved. But that didn't matter; I would still hunt insects—in books, that is.
The eighteenth of December at 5:30 p.m. sounds like a plan. And that means we have one hundred and forty-three days left. That number of days left until that day. Hopefully you'll be here sooner than our wedding day. Mum's sitting across from me right now as the family is in the parlor and I'm writing on top a large book. They approve well of the date since I just told them. Amelia, bless her soul, can't stop beaming. Her eyes twinkle even without the light reflecting off her glasses. She says she'll do what she can to help, the little dear.
I've got to get back to the world outside these letters. And I can't wait to get back into it in a few weeks.
All my love, Your Jeffrey
Wednesday, August 12th
Howdy hey!
My parents are quite excited now that the date is picked. The day after I told them, at the crack of day, Mum woke me up and took me on an all-day shopping spree. I almost have my wedding gown picked out. I'm sending you samples of the templates of the invitations. I've sent Allison magazine clippings of ideas for the bridesmaid dresses. I've written to her as long as I've written to you. I'll do what I can do here in America. I'm arranged to arrive in England December 1st. My parents will arrive a week before the wedding.
I'm sorry, but I don't know what else to say. One hundred and one until we're together. One hundred and eighteen days until we're together forever.
With love, Charlotte
PS: Happy birthday! Wish I could be there, but I'll be there for the next one for sure!
Thursday, August 20th,
My dearest of dearest,
Thank you so much for the birthday wishes. It really brightened up my very hectic day yesterday. This birthday's turned out to be a wild but good one. And please, don't worry about having little to write.
You wouldn't believe where I am as I'm writing this. When you left, my sister Mildred was six months along with her third child. Well, it's half-past one. My parents are with her at the hospital since Nathan is out of town being called on business. Amelia and I were left to look after nephews Cecil and Andrew. Amelia fell asleep before any of the boys did in the attempt for bedtime. I finally succeeded at 10:30, too late for my taste. My secret? Jane Austen. Barely finished the first chapter of Persuasion and they dozed off.
Oh, joy! My parents have just come home with the word that I now have a niece (and you will too). Mildred and Nathan had already chosen some nominees before their daughter was born. And so, the new arrival's name is Bridgett Annaliese Poole, born at 11:27 p.m. on August 19th. I might see her in about a week when Mildred comes home.
Until now, I had never known a person who shares a birthday with me, I'll say that much. Mum told me Mildred said to say happy birthday and tells you now that the Hawkinsons say hello.
Allison and Harold are supposed to visit tomorrow to look over wedding arrangements so far. I love you, Charlotte.
With all my heart, Jeffrey
PS: One hundred and ten days left!
Saturday, August 29th
Jeffrey Hawkinson, my eternal love,
Congratulations, uncle! I like the name Mildred and Nathan chose: Bridgett Annaliese. It's cute yet pretty at the same time. Tell them my congratulations and that I can't wait to meet her. And while I'm at it tell your parents I said (belated) happy anniversary! And it's been thirty years, right? Wow! It's still hot but not as hot as it was in July. I can't believe it's almost six months since I left England. Summer flew by fast, but fall feels like it'll take some time to come and go. I wonder if something like that will happen again, you know. Maybe like waiting for a baby to come (if that day comes).
Dad's trying to spend his last days with me as best as he can, especially as time is starting to run out. And so, I found a way to help time fly a bit yet slow it down. I bought a kitten from two little girls selling a litter from their grandparents' farm. It's a girl, black with white on her paws, chest and a blaze on her face and has the most adorable little meow. We all already love her, and she follows Mum everywhere (we don't know why yet). Ironically, she's been here for a week and doesn't even have a name yet. And she'll stay with my parents when I leave. I sent you some pictures.
One hundred and one days left! Love you so much!
With love all the way to Heaven and back again, Charlotte
Tuesday, September 8th
My darling,
My parents say hello and thank you for the anniversary wishes and that they can't wait to see you again. And the kitten is admirable. I have good news, but I don't know which the better of the two is. I think I may know.
So last night, I met our niece Bridgett. She's only three weeks old and is one of the sweetest things I've yet to see in years. Everyone in the family agree she looks like Mildred, only with Nathan's grey eyes. It's a lovely combination. I'm sure you'll like her very much.
This is beyond amazing…even Mum and Amelia began to cry when they first heard this. I hope and pray Dad isn't disappointed. Some fellow (I'll never know who) found crumbled up notes in the waste baskets in the back of some classroom. Unable to understand what was written on there, he took it to the science professors, and even they had a hard understanding as well. Pardon my handwriting; my hand is literally shaking writing this. All this led towards the professors and scientists of the University of Cambridge. Two days ago, the staff of the University of Northampton found me and brought me to Cambridge. They recognized the basics of the formula and had me explain the further steps, even though they already knew. And so, I'm part of a research team. I won't find out anything until the end of this month. I've no major degree in science, only investigation, learning, and researching at home. But they're to use my title as a doctorate recipient, Dr. Jeffrey Hawkinson.
I will live my dreams someday this year. One hundred and eight days to go until that someday.
With every bit of love there was, is, and is to come, your Jeffrey
Thursday, September 17th
Dear Jeffrey,
Again…Congratulations, doctor! Still, wowie! I doubt anyone saw something like this coming. Reading this really made my day and almost made me cry.
So, my folks and I finally found a name for the kitten. Well, not officially; we just started calling her that and…you know. So she goes by Cheechonia, mainly based off of a '30s screwball comedy my parents recall watching years ago called "My Man Godfrey". I believe it was because one of the characters, a supposed "protégé" freeloader, was all he would sing while playing piano. Even still, Cheechon's a doll.
I know writing hasn't been so much about the wedding anymore, which I apologize for. But don't fret; Allison and I are working at it. If it weren't for you and her, I'd have no idea what I'd be doing right now.
Ninety-three more days!
All my love, Charlotte
Wednesday, September 30th
My darling Charlotte,
Sorry for not writing sooner. The last few days have been a bit hectic. The family became sick, so we all took care of each other. But don't worry; we're all fine. And it's alright.
Last Tuesday I started my duties as a scientist. Oh, how it's wonderful. Thankfully no one but the campus principal and director of the team I'm working in, Prof. Morton, know the real story. I would tell you more now, but, due to confidentiality, probably shouldn't say anything until later. I'll say this. Most of the scientists are rather surprised that I'm only a recent graduate but know so much at my age. I'm twenty-seven and they're at least in their mid-thirties up to (I believe) mid-late seventies.
I'm quite happy where I am now. All I need in my world is you to be even happier. I pray that the remaining seventy-nine days go by fast.
My love, Jeffrey
Thursday, October 8th
Hey!
Off with the blazing heat; on with the rain. I enjoy listening to it hit the window panes, especially when it's late at night and you're the only one awake. It can keep me up sometimes or lull me to sleep at other times. Having something to think about, I'm up.
I can't believe it's been a whole three months since this cycle of letters started. And I can yet can't believe I'm coming back in fifty-four days. Believe me, I can't wait for those seventy-one days to pass either, and I'm sure the last seventeen before the big day are really gonna speed time up.
Cheechon[ia] is really growing, even though it's only been about three weeks since we brought her home. I doubt that by the time I leave she'll be full grown. Even still, she's a doll.
The cockroach, you may ask? I still can't kill it. Just when I think I got it, it comes to again. My parents seem to be fine with it just as long as it stays in its jar. I'm sorry I'm writing about a bug right now, but I'm just plum out of ideas of what to write. Sorry.
I've missed you so much lately, Jeff, and I still do right now (12:30 a.m.; 5:30 a.m. your time). And I bet anything I'll get homesick here and there after we marry. But I know that I'll have something worth living for outside home, outside New Hope. Love you so much and tell everyone I said hello and loves.
With all my heart, Charlotte
PS: Seventy-one more days!
Sunday, October 18th—sixty-one days left
My darling,
Tish-tosh about being at a loss of what to write; what you've written is quite fine. Anything besides blank lines or insults are fine by me.
Last night, Allison and I discussed plans about the wedding when she received a letter or two from you. From what we've conversed, the church and the bridal party and whatnot, it seems like it will turn out to be a splendid wedding; all we need here is you. And it's good to know that you arrive in forty-four days left rather than in almost six months.
About my work at Cambridge, a month has almost passed since I started and it's still amazing. Yes, I may love dance, but this is much more thrilling than teaching a floor full of adolescents a step or two each day. I teach my colleagues but they teach me too—all at once. I can't until our wedding day—not just to show you what all I do but so much more.
I was afraid of what my dad would think about me being a scientist rather than a dance teacher. And…he doesn't seem to be bothered by it, thank goodness. The ladies of the family are overjoyed about it. After Allison left, Amelia came up to me and said (along the lines of), "You're really man now, Jeff…or a 'really big boy', as Andrew would put it." And so with that, I've decided to grow a mustache as crazy as it sounds.
These next few weeks will hopefully come and go quickly. I can't wait for your return. Thank you for all you've done in my life. I don't love you for that, but for who you are. Write soon.
Yours forever, Jeffrey
Monday, October 26th—fifty-three days left
Dearest Jeffrey,
I'm really excited right now. Thirty-five days and a plane or boat ride and I'm back!
Don't feel awkward about telling me about a mustache. I've no hard feelings about it, and I still love you, with or without one. I don't mind all only under one condition: as long as it isn't inspired by Groucho Marx. I think you'd look good with one (not a thick greasepaint one, no). Any type that inspires?
With the fact I only have a month left, Dad's giving what he can to make my last month in America an epic one. Three days ago, we got up early and took a long drive to Washington, D.C. Didn't get to see Congress (much like Parliament) in session but there was more than that to see. The Library of Congress (America's British Library) is amazing…one copy of just about every book written in the world, some so old you can't get access to it. There was so much over there we had to stay in a hotel nearby. The next day we visited the Smithsonian. Wow…I'll say that much. There's so much…five museums all put together. I know there's another museum that's part of it in New York City. Hopefully I'll see it before I go. Maybe as time goes on, there will be more museums…who knows? That's what I like yet dislike about the future. We also saw some national monuments like the Lincoln Memorial and the National Archives. Those three days flew by fast as I came back home last night. It was fabulous, and I'm sorry we weren't able to go when you were here.
I can't wait to come back to England. Five weeks should fly by quickly in some way, and I'll do what I can. I love you so much. Write soon, okay?
Love, Charlotte
Friday, November 6th—forty-two days left
My darling,
I'm happy you had a wonderful time on your holiday to Washington, D.C.; it sounded wonderful. Perhaps sometime in the near future, a few years from now, we can fly to America and experience it together. Courtesy of a very sentimental uncle and aunt from my father's side, I know quite a bit about the basics of England's history. I've yet to know the basics of the histories of other nations, and it looks like the history of the United States just might be my start.
The mustache is progressing well, if you'd like to know. I decided to follow the style of what is called a pencil mustache, similar to Vincent Price's in The Fly. After not seeing Mildred and her family in nearly a month, she was very much impressed.
The immediate Hawkinsons, or Hawkies, gathered for dinner at my home last night. Cecil (going on six in a week) and Andrew are growing like weeds. And Bridgett, at eleven weeks, is coming along nicely. Her brothers have mixed feelings about her sometimes but seem to like it when she smiles, which she's been doing a lot lately, Mildred says.
With only twenty-five days until your return, the wedding jitters have finally set in, so Amelia's not the only one anymore. Meeting up with Harold and Allison is becoming less common as our wedding day draws near. I keep on forgetting to say this, but the twins, Lenora and Emily, have changed a lot since you left. Emily just started crawling and is progressing quickly. Lenora's taking her time but seems content with where she sits.
I can't wait for you to come back either. And neither can anyone else for that matter. This might be my second-to-last letter, which makes me more impatient. Write soon please.
All my love forever, Jeffrey
Saturday, November 14th—thirty-four days left
My Jeff,
The letter to end all letters—from me, that is. This might as well be my last letter because if I wrote you another one you'd probably receive it a few days after I arrive. Seventeen more days…I can't believe it. I've already started packing, and not only does my room but also the house look so different.
Another trip is scheduled for the next week starting Sunday: to New York City. There's almost as much to see there as in Washington, D.C. It's a city all on its own, the epitome of America. I haven't been there (besides leaving to and coming back from England) since a short while before I left. We'll be there for about a day, if not two. My next and final trip will be a road trip throughout Pennsylvania. I'll come home a few days before Thanksgiving, a traditional American holiday. I'll tell you everything when I see you again. Another week after that, and I'll be there in no time.
My parents and I are going through boxes in the attic, all with the cat in one of our laps. My dolls, teddy bear, old photographs, my first camera and first few pictures taken, Joseph's old books and newspaper clippings, mine and Joseph's baby blankets, Photoplay magazines my friends and I kept, Joseph's letters to us during the war…so much. It's quite the mess to clean up, but we love it. I'm actually surprised they're allowing to take some of this stuff with me.
I'm going to miss so much here in America so much. As December the first gets closer, I'm getting more excited. Wedding jitters are an epidemic now…if only these last few days can go by quickly. I'll meet you the day I arrive, and I'm pretty sure you know the rest of the story.
I love you with all my heart, Jeff. Thank you for the letters and the news, practical and impractical, you send me. And thank you for everything.
Until we meet again, Charlotte
Monday, November 23rd—twenty-five days left
My Charlotte forevermore,
Ten more days. Time sure did fly. I don't quite know how, but we succeeded in making it; well, almost. The last strings of the wedding are being tied. Almost everything's in place for the start of our new life.
Whilst the average groom has a bachelor's party a few days before the wedding, Amelia's celebrating in what little ways she can at the success of marrying me, her brother, off; for example, buying a bottle of champagne for the family every Friday before any drunks can get their hands on it. How I love my impetuous rascal of a little sister, thinking of others whilst thinking of herself.
Everyone seems to be happier than usual, and it's not just Bridgett anymore. Mum's more sentimental, and Dad's being more talkative too. I get more than one hug or kiss [on the cheek] from the ladies of the household nowadays.
Amelia looked at me last night in a way that she hasn't done in years, almost like a child. She asked, "Won't it be weird? Just me, Mum and Dad here?"
"Maybe…a little…for a while." I responded. "Why do you ask?"
She shrugged. "But whatever you do, do not leave her."
Never in eternity will I do so. No matter what, I'll always be there for you. I know one never says that until the vows are given, but I thought I should say that now. No matter what, you are my Charlotte, and no one can ever try to change that.
I love you so very much. May these last days be happy ones for us.
It just hit midnight, so now it's Tuesday the 24th. Twenty-four more days!
With love for eternity, Jeffrey
A/N: OMG, what a chap! This was even crazier than writing about The Fly. Okay, we're gettin' close now…(rubbing hand anxiously). And please, I beg of you (on hands and knees)…please read The Invincible Adversary; it needs some love right now.
Belated Merry Christmas and belated Happy Holidays, everyone. It was a good one, this 2012. And while I'm at it…HAPPY NEW YEAR! To all…from Spritzy.