Page 123 of Nineteen Letters

“Okay,” you said as more tears leaked from your eyes.

I placed my lips against yours and held them there for the longest time. How was I going to survive a whole week without your kisses?

“I love you, Jem.” Expressing my love to you came easy now.

“I love you too.”

“I’ll be back Friday afternoon.”

“I’ll be waiting.”

I looked at the four of you as I started the car. The four most important people in my life … my family. It was incredibly hard for me to drive away from you all that day. I wound down my window as I reversed out of the driveway. My dad’s arm was draped over your shoulder, and your head was resting on his chest.

I waved goodbye once I reached the street. “Drive safely,” your mum called out as she wiped a tear from her eye.

“I love you,” you mouthed when my gaze moved to you. I blew you a kiss, and you pretended to catch it before placing your clenched hand over your heart.

I put my foot down and drove away. It was only then that I let my emotions go. I wiped the tears from my eyes with the back of my hand as I set off down the street, ready to embark on this new chapter in my life.

The fourteenth of February 2007. It was a Wednesday. I said I wouldn’t be back until Friday, but there was no way I could miss seeing you on our very first Valentine’s Day as a couple.

I had secured a job working nights in a small pub not far from the university. I had been training all week, ready for my first shift the following Monday, so I would have to drive home and back in the one day.

I sat on the bonnet of your car when I reached the school. You didn’t know I was coming. Excitement grew within me when the bell sounded, marking the end of your day. There was a bunch of red roses in my hand, and tucked under the other arm was a white teddy bear with a big red bow around its neck. It played the song ‘You Are My Sunshine’ when you pressed its tummy.

You’ve always been my sunshine, Jem. The mere sight of you brightens my day.

It had only been five days since I’d seen you, but it felt like a lifetime. You were walking with a few of your girlfriends when one of them elbowed you, pointing in my direction. I inhaled a sharp breath because your beauty has always left me breathless. You froze the second your eyes landed on me. You just stood there for a brief time staring, and for a split second, I was unsure if you were happy that I was here.

Relief flooded through me when a huge smile broke out on your face, and you dropped your backpack and ran to me.

“Braxton,” you squealed, leaping into my arms. “What are you doing here?” I buried my face in your hair and inhaled your sweet scent.

Tears were glistening in your eyes when you drew back to look at me.

“It’s our first Valentine’s Day,” I said, “and I needed to see my girl.”

You crashed your mouth against mine. Christ, how I’d missed the feel of your soft lips. A few of the other students cheered and whistled as they passed, but it didn’t deter us in the slightest. We had five days’ worth of kisses to make up for.

Once we left the school, you asked me to take you home so you could give me my gift. You had bought me a mug that said, ‘You’re cute, can I keep you?’

To this day, it’s still my favourite mug, and I drink out of it every day.

What we had is far too beautiful to be forgotten.

Yours always,

Braxton

The weekend rolls around fast. I called over to Stephen’s apartment last night and took the spare keys to Ma and Pa’s house, just in case Jemma wants to go inside. I also packed Tilly-Girl’s saddle into the trunk of the car.

It’s a beautiful autumn day, perfect for a ride.

I arrived at Christine’s house just after eight. The earlier we leave, the longer I get to spend with her.

Before I even make it to the front porch, Jemma exits the house. My eyes drink her in. Her jade green top hangs off to one side, revealing a slender shoulder.

I can’t recall seeing her in this top before, it must be new. She’s wearing knee-high tan boots over a pair of skinny jeans that perfectly showcase her long legs. Legs that she once willingly wrapped around me. The recent memory of her straddling my lap floods my mind.