by R.H. Proenza
~ ~ ~ ~
A year went by as did High School graduation. He had received a letter or two from Lori afterward. They were usually just some small talk, and always somewhat polite if not apologetic. During the time that passed, Ray matured assisted by his heartache and was able to push his feelings toward Lori to the background.
Some time passed before the last one came. It was a little unusual. It looked like it had been crumpled up... like she had planned to throw it away, but changed her mind. At the end, there was evidence of a faint lipstick mark that had been vigorously erased. Then a line that had been darkly scribbled over. He was curious at what she had written and then blotted out. He worked at it with a strong eraser until he could read the barely visible words. He was certain it said: "Ray, I still love you with ALL my heart and ALWAYS ALWAYS will." He read that many time and let it sink in, not wanting to believe his eyes. Could that be true? She had changed her mind about writing that. Could she still love me after all this time had passed? At once in a torrent, all the feelings that he had pushed down and hidden away came flooding back.
After half hour of introspection and soul searching, he realized -- I have to see Lori again... in person... I have to see her, touch her... kiss her again, his mind told him and his heart screamed it.
Thinking this, he felt a fool. He was opening himself up for another crushing heartbreak.But he had to settle this once and for all. Already a plan was beginning to come to life of its own volition in the back of his mind and he could not stop it. He knew he would see her again or die trying!
