Page 31 of Claimed By my Frenemy

Curious, I pull the box out and open it. Inside, I find a bundle of letters tied together with a faded ribbon. They look old, the edges yellowed with age. I carefully untie the ribbon and pick up the first letter, unfolding it gently.

The handwriting is delicate and elegant, clearly written by someone from another time. As I start to read, I realize these are letters from my grandmother to my grandfather. I had no idea they existed.

Dear Paul,

I miss you more than words can express. Today, I saw a bird. It sat on a branch right in front of me and kept looking at me like it was trying to figure out who I was. Then, it opened its mouth and let out the most beautiful song. Itreminded me of you and the way you always whistle. I miss you, and I hope to see you soon.

Love always, Mary

I sit down on the couch, completely absorbed in the letter. My grandmother’s words are filled with so much love.

I remember my grandmother as being the one to always have the best snacks. During the summer, I spent more days over here than at my own house because she lived closer to my friends’ houses. I could bike and play and go down to the beach by myself once I got to be double digits.

But then, I would always come home to my grandmother’s house, and she would listen and feed me and take care of me in a way my parents didn’t have time for.

These notes right here are a glimpse into a part of her life I never knew. I can’t help but think about my own life. What is love really? Is it the passionate, tumultuous relationship Theo and I seem to have? Is it good sex and someone you can talk to? Or is it someone you write letters to just to tell about a bird singing?

I read through another letter.

Dear Paul,

The garden is blooming beautifully this year. I wish you didn’t have to go off to the army, but I know you’re serving our country. I’m glad you can be brave and fight the battles I can’t. Everyone on Oak Island is proud of you. They ask me about you every time I go to the store.

“Have you heard from Paul?”

I tell them I have. I know I write to you much more often than you write to me, but I love your letters. I love you.

Yours forever, Mary

I think about the way Theo looked at me, the way he touched me, especially last night when he was taking my clothes off. There was something real there, something more than just a business proposition. But then, why does he keep pushing this resort idea? Can’t he see that it’s not what I want?

Does he care?

Do we even have enough of a foundation for something stronger to grow from?

I find another letter, this one a bit longer than the others.

Dear Paul,

Life is full of ups and downs, but it’s our love that keeps me going. I discovered I’m pregnant. The baby will be here in five months! I wanted to wait to tell you until you came, but I don’t know when that will be.

I’ve been feeling quite well to be with child, so well that I didn’t even suspect anything until I felt something strange in my abdomen. The doctor can’t believe how far along I am.

I miss you, and I wish you were here. I believe this baby will be the best thing we could ever hope for. No matter what happens, know that I will always love you.

With all my heart, Mary

Tears prick at my eyes as I read. My grandmother’s words are so beautiful, so full of hope and faith in their love. It makes me realize that love isn’t just about the good times, but about dealing with difficulties together.

I couldn’t imagine dealing with a pregnancy on my own, and here my grandmother was, pregnant with my mom. She must have been terrified, but in her letter, only love and excitement came through.

I wonder if she just didn’t want my grandfather to worry, so she kept her worry a secret in her letters.

I think about Theo again. Maybe I’ve been too harsh, too quick to judge his intentions. Maybe he really does believe that the resort is a good idea, not just for him, but for the community. Maybe he sees potential that I’ve been too scared to acknowledge.

I put the letters back in the box and sit there for a moment, lost in thought. What do I really want? Do I want to keep fighting Theo, pushing him away every time he tries to get close? Or do I want to find a way to make things work, even if it means giving up my dream?

Just the idea of giving up the bed and breakfast makes me feel sick. It makes me feel like I’m giving up my dream so Theo can pursue his. I like him, maybe even a lot. But not enough to give up my dream.

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