The Letter

I stepped out of the library, clutching the book to my chest. It was early evening and the street vendors were just setting up. There was a commotion on the streets; I turned left to take the longer route. As it happens after every book I get, my heart was brimming with curiosity for the unknown world encased in it. The one I had just now was an old, worn-out copy of The Godfather. I flipped through the pages and pushed the book against my face. With a deep breath, I took in the scent of the old and yellowed pages. I gave it one last flip but before I could close the book something flew out of it. I jumped back with surprise and looked down. A tattered piece of neatly folded paper had fallen down. I picked it up and shook it open. 

Dearest Marie,  

Hope you are... 

A letter? I looked around me and saw the traffic thickening. Folding the paper back, I shoved it in my jeans pocket and rushed back home. I could hear my heartbeat in my chest. It must have been written long ago.  

"I'm home, mom!" I flung my shoes across the hall and hurried to my room. It was messy with novels strewn everywhere and I had to make space for myself before settling in. I pulled the letter out. My mouth started watering and I had to lick my lips. It opened up neatly. The handwriting was neat and there was hardly any editing. I took a look at the signature on the bottom. Yours in heart, Jane. Ah, perhaps sisters. I felt a malicious glee take over me at the prospect of reading into a private letter between two stranger sisters. I took a sharp breath in and proceeded to unclothe my treasure. 

Dearest Marie, 

Hope you are well. I certainly am not, my precious, and you know why, don't you? I don't want you fretting and losing weight over it though. Even so, you do know, do you not? I understand your inhibitions, darling, but really, is there not more to lose by not trying? It might be hard but together- 

"Hailey! Come out and put your shoes in order." 

"Mom! I will do it later." I said and buried my head in the letter. Before I could proceed, the door flung open and my mom stood there glaring at me. "Miss Hailey Ga-" 

"Ugh okay, mom I am going." I cut her off and stomped out of the room. I could feel myself gritting my teeth in anger and immediately regretted it. After doing my chores, I helped mom with dinner and told her about the letter. "I suppose it could be a rough draft. In any case, don't lose your head over it," she said.  

I made sure nothing would disturb me before settling in to read the letter this time.  

It might be hard but together we can bear anything. I want to raise that child with you, love. I want to love you through your journey of becoming a mother. You will not believe me and it cannot be so but I am entirely convinced in my heart that it is our child.  

What stops you, honey? Is it God? I am sure God will not mind much. He created all of us. What difference does it make to his benevolence if two of his creations even if made alike in body fall in love and choose to be together in life? If he had not willed it, angel, he would not have made it so that we fell in love. 

Is it the fear of society then that haunts you, most beautiful? Or your husband? You know that nitwit will nought do anything and if he does dare lay so much as a finger on you, gentle heart, I will make him regret it for life. You trust me, right? Because I trust you, baby. And I know you're stronger than the shackles of society. 

Tell me what stands in the way of our union now and I will annihilate it. I am as much a woman like you. Together we will make it. Fulfil the promise you made me, don't be so cruel. Cure my sleepless nights and the eyes which are bereft of your heavenly sight. Cure my longings, my love. I miss you bitterly. 

I have sent, with this letter, a little present. I hope you remember it, sweet nectar. I hope you come back soon and show me the sight of our most beloved child. 

Yours in heart, 

Jane.