Love Letters

[RedHairedandFriendly]

Caroline shifted through the papers, of her best-friend and husband's personnel affects. She had been asked to go through both Roger's office files, as well as Elizabeth's private papers. Her heart burned at the memory of the lost years that she would no longer have to live with her friend and her new husband.

The stack of papers were growing, and her fingers ran lightly over them. With a heavy sigh, she rose up from the floor, and pulled out the albums, that she was soon shifting through. Elizabeth and Roger's wedding had been beautiful. Love had reflected in both their eyes. She hadn't remembered ever seeing a more beautiful bride. Elizabeth had worn the pearls from her family, the antique wedding gown, and at the reception, the blue scarf had been her garter.

Caroline smiled as her fingers stroked the picture of the groom standing next to his perfect mate. Roger's life had changed after his first wife's death, and then it had changed again when Elizabeth walked into his office. A secretary with her own wealth and her own pain, grew into a woman of love and passion. Now, as she closed the book on the album and reached for the newspaper articles that she had clipped and copied, her fingers trembled.

The article gave brief details of the beautiful couples unfortunate death. The charter plane that Roger had arranged, had been flying in bad weather. The pilot, had flown the route for 40 years, and investigators believe he just thought he could fly it with no problems. The fog had been thick, and he had missed the runway. The twin engine plane had careened into a fuel truck, and the lives were ended quickly. Tears fell to the paper, as Caroline fought to control her emotions, and began the letters to the various people that she would have to inform.

As the afternoon wore on the list got smaller, and she picked up one more, before leaving to rest. The address listed had been from a stack of letters taken from Roger's law office. Caroline had no clue if the addressee was one that was a friend or just a business acquaintance. The funeral had been swiftly done, and those at the wedding were called back to attend the quiet ceremony. The wedding had been small and intimate and the funeral had followed suite.

Pulling another rose petal covered sheet of stationary from the desk, Caroline started her letter.


*Enjoy Love Letters from the pens of RedHairedandFriendly and Auras3124 - PM's are welcomed with your comments/questions/suggestions. Thank you Red, and Auras.*

 

[RedHairedandFriendly]

William Nolan
4400 Peach Tree St.
Columbus, GA 31904

Dear Mr. Nolan,

I am writing to inform you of the death of a dear couple that were killed last month. I came across a stack of correspondence from you to Roger, and I knew that you had probably not yet been informed. I have included the newspaper clipping, but it doesn't give a lot of detail, to the couple I knew, and perhaps you knew also.

Roger and Elizabeth were married just the Thursday before the accident. The wedding was very small, and very private. I am sorry you were not there, but there were obvious mentions from Roger's private papers that he held you in great respect. They were heading to Martha's Vineyard when the plane crashed while landing, as you can read in the article.

What that article doesn't say, is how much they loved each other. How happy they were to have found one another. I do hope that you had a chance to meet Elizabeth, she was such a joy to know, and such a bright spark in Roger's life.

I have found several snap shots of them, and thought to share a few with the people in their lives, and have enclosed one I find a mystery. One the back you'll see the name William, and I assume this is you, for your the only William I know. The woman is Elizabeth, and of course Roger is there as well. I don't have a clue as to where the location is, and the smile on my dear friend's face lights up the photo, and I'm curious as to where you all were?

It may seem trivial, but I only wish to reconnect with my friend, and share what life of her's I can though she is no longer with me. If you don't wish to answer, fill free to keep the photo as my gift to you.

Sincerely,

Caroline Marker
506 Willow Reed Ln.
Summertown, LA

 

[Auras3124]

William opened the letter that he had recieved that day. He had not recognized the sender, but, whoever she was, she was from the same town Roger lived in.

He sat down as he opened it, not knowing what to expect, as he pulled out a photograph, a newspaper article, and a letter. He glanced at the photo, recognizing it from a trip he had taken with Roger and his girlfriend, Elizabeth, before beginning to read the letter.

As he read it, a variety of emotions passed over his face. his expression went from shock to grief, then a brief happiness, for his friend had been a happy man when he died, he now saw. William remembered Elizabeth rather well from the short trip. he had instantly liked her and known roger had finally found the right girl. So, William was glad, and not surprised, that the two had finally married.

He was glad his friend had not suffered. william let his grief slip through for a little, a tear smearing the ink on the letter. he quickly regained his composure, though, and read through the article briefly.

A couple days later, he finally sat down to write back to this woman.

*I hope you all enjoy this! I welcome your PMs!*

 

[Auras3124]

Caroline Marker
506 Willow Reed Ln.
Summerton, LA

Dear Caroline,

I thank you for your letter. Roger was a close friend of mine; he was a good man, and will be dearly missed. i knew Elizabeth only briefly, but she was a good woman, I know she truly loved him. I now regret that I was unable to attend their wedding, but I had been out of the country. Roger knew this, and I assume this is why I was not informed. Perhaps he had planned to tell me upon my return.

As to your question about the photo, it was taken on a trip that the three of us took to Colorado for some skiing. I had invited them to go with me last winter. Roger had declined at first, but, from what I was told, Elizabeth talked him into going. We spent a week there, most of the time at a ski resort.

Elizabeth loved it right away, and Roger followed suit once we arrived. We spent the first four days skiing, then went down to Denver for the remaining time. Before we left for denver, Elizabeth and Roger had me take that picture of them in front of the lodge.

I will remember them both fondly, and how much they loved each other. It had been obvious even then. I was not surprised, then, when they were engaged, and I am glad Roger spent his last year with her.

I am glad to have someone else who knew them, who shares my grief. I thank you again for your letter, and the photo.

Sincerely,
William Nolan

 

[RedHairedandFriendly]

Caroline had spent the past several days, taping boxes shut, and shipping them to various business. She had mangaged to contact all of Roger's clients, as well as the art collectors that Elizabeth had been dealing with. But now she found herself at odds on what to do with many of her friend's personnel affects.

Taking a break from the emotional roller coaster she was on, she sat down and began to read through her own mail. She tossed bills to one side, junk mail was quickly sent through the shredder, and the staggering amount of personnel correspondence was a bit overwhelming but that to she waded through.

Letters had started to arrive, and she had answered those that she felt deserved or expected responses. Many were just crisp folds of stationary in hard envelopes, few words were spoken on them, and nothing would have led her to believe they expected any responses.

When Caroline reached the bottom of her pile of letters she raised a brow, and tried to remember a Mr. Nolan. She opened the letter, and read through his correspondence. Her lips lifted in a soft whimsy smile. His letter said nothing of expecting a return answer, but she was lonely, bored, and really needed someone to ease her mind from her musings.

Pulling her rose stationary she once more found herself writing to Mr. Nolan.

 

[RedHairedandFriendly]

Dear Mr. Nolan,

I recieved your letter today, and it happened to come at just the right moment. I was taking a break from packing up personnel papers, and more photos. Elizabeth did love pictures.

She loved to ski also. I'm not suprised she was able to talk Richard into going. I'm glad they went, it looks as if it were fun. I have never been sking. We rode horses as kids but my parents never vacationed any where with snow. It was beach and sand, and sun!

But enough about me, I wanted to thank you for the letter, it brought a smile to my face. I have since found several more, that seem to come from that same time period, and even some have included you. I am sending have with this letter and keeping the other half to arrange in an album for Elizabeth's parents.

Before I go, I just want to stress how much I enjoyed your letter.

Thank you,
Caroline

 

[Auras3124]

William got home from work that day, grabbing the mail and sorting through it as he sat down at the kitchen table of his apartment. He was making good money as a veterinarian, but he only had this small apartment, it was all he needed right now.

He was surprised to find another letter from Caroline. He had not expected her to write him again.

He opened the envelope, sorting through several old letters, until he found one with her handwriting, addressed to him. He sat back and read it slowly, a smile coming to his face as he did.

 

[Auras3124]

Dear Caroline,

I admit I was slightly surprised to see your letter today. I'm glad I could help brighten up someone else's day. Knowing how Roger was, I can believe it is quite a task packing up everything. He was never the most organized person.

They did thoroughly enjoy the trip. I've always spent my vacations in the mountains, even as a kid. I remember all my friends went to the beach when I was a kid, but my family never did. We always went to the mountains. For me, it was always snow, cold, and more snow.

I want to thank you for sending these things to me. It is good to have things to remember our friends by.

I hope I can provide you with another chance to relax with this letter.

Sincerely,
William

 

[RedHairedandFriendly]

Two weeks had gone by since the condolence letters informing the friends of Roger and Elizabeth that the couple had passed. Caroline had managed to give away the clothing, and nonperishable food and housing things to the shelters. With the help of Elizabeth's parents she arranged for an apprasier to come in and appraise Elizabeth's collection of art, both local, and reknowned artists. Elizabeth's father had arranged for the antique expert to arrive later today, and appraise the items in thier home and in his office.

She waved to the Postal worker, having met her at the gate, and shuffled through her mail. Her mouth raised in a wide grin, and she peeled open the envelope from Mr. Nolan. Turning she sat down on the porch step, and lifted the paper from inside.

Smiling at his kind words, she reread the lines, that spoke of vacations, and laughed over the difference in their lives. Roger had probably wanted beach and sun, and that was why he hadn't wanted the snowy trip. Where Elizabeth loved it. It seemed that William wanted the warmth, and Caroline wanted the cold. She laughed, and headed inside wanting to write to the man once more.

She ran her fingers over his name, and soon found herself writing him once more. The letter from Mr. Nolan was soon placed in her desk drawer on top of the other ones.

 

[RedHairedandFriendly]

William,

I noticed you signed your last letter like that, so I hope it is all right that I address it that way.

It was a pleasure to hear from you again. I laughed as I pictured you in the misery of the cold, and I in the misery of the heat, and niether one of us wanting to be there. A nice place in the middle would have been nice. Don't you think?

I have finished many things concerning Roger, and Elizabeth's estates. I have been asked to handle everything, with her parent's assisting me. As I'm sure you know that Roger had no one left in his family, but Elizabeth's welcomed him with open arms. Her previous marriage had been a horror, and I don't know how much detail you know of her life with him, but... needless to say Roger was everything she could have ever wanted.

But, enough, I wanted to write you and tell you how happy I was to get your letter, not to dwell in sadness. Oh, I didn't tell you about the dog! I have the beast now, that huge St. Bernard of their's. He's so spoiled!

I love him though, and I believe he's grown on me, though he often topples me, and well, he's a jewel all his own. Here is picture of the creature, that is me under him, well... you can't see me, but I'm there. He jumped on me and knocked me to the ground, just as I had rounded the corner with the steaks that Roger had grilled for us. His name is Sammy, just in case you forgot. How one could forget the creature is beyond me though.

I'm sure I've wasted enough of your time, but feel free to drop me a line again. It is fun to have someone to share memories with.

Caroline

 

[Auras3124]

William was tired after work that day. It had been a stressful day at his veterinary office. Therefore, he was instantly pleased to see another letter from Caroline. This was the third letter he had recieved from her.

Since he had come to enjoy her letters, all thoughts of his evening meal were forgotten for now as he opened the envelope. He removed the now-familiar stationary that was the letter, finding a photo with it this time.

He smiled when he saw it was of Sammy, the lovable brute of a dog Roger and Elizabeth had kept. William saw that Sammy appeared to be sitting on someone, the person barely discernable with the massive dog on them. He laughed when he saw this, both amused and feeling sorry for whoever it was. He knew firsthand what it was like to have Sammy tackle you like that.

William set the photo aside and turned his attention to Caroline's letter, smiling as he read it. He laughed when he read that she had acquired Sammy, and it was her under him in the photo.

He soon found himself sitting down again with his pen and paper to write to her again.

 

[Auras3124]

Caroline,

I was glad to see your letter today. It was a good relaxer after a hard day at the vet practice I own.

Yes, somewhere between the heat and the cold would be a nice change. The winters are nice here in the south, but the summer heat here is unbearable. I will have to find somewhere in the middle for my next vacation.

Yes, I remember Sammy, and I remember what it feels like to be tackled by the big furball. They always spoiled him, as I remember. He was like a child for them. They worried over him like one, too. I remember, Roger would call me every time they thought something might be wrong with Sammy.

I just want to tell you, your letters are never a waste of my time. I enjoy each of them. I'll let you get back to your work now.

William

 

[RedHairedandFriendly]

By the end of the week, Caroline had been meeting her mail carrier almost everyday. She had known that the likely hood of recieving another letter from William would have been quite surprising, she still found herself each morning looking forward to one. When she saw the now familiar face of the woman that she greeted expectantly each afternoon, she could tell that there was something special in her hands.

"Another letter for you, Ms. Marker."

"Thanks," she grinned and hurried inside. She grabbed the letter opener and slit the envelope open. William had become a bright spot in her world of dismal gray. She pulled the paper out and scanned the letter quickly, before moving her eyes to the top and beginning the first reading, she knew she'd read it several times, not sure as to why, but knowing it was pleasureable.

She smiled wide as she realized who Mr. Nolan, William was. Elizabeth had made a few comments about Sammy's vet, and how Roger pestered him. She now knew the man was at least someone Elizabeth admired and enjoyed knowing. Caroline felt a special bond growing with the man that was miles away. She wondered what kind of person he was in real life.

Picking up the letter, she smoothed it down and placed it with the rest. She went to write him, just as the phone rang, then life caught up with her, and it wasn't until late in the evening when she finally got back to his letter.

Caroline re-read it, then started her own.

 

[RedHairedandFriendly]

William,

It's me again. Funny how we keep doing this, but it is enjoyable, and I do relax when I'm able to hear from you.

As soon as I read your occupation, I knew who you were. Elizabeth would mention Roger's obsessiveness over Sammy and how their vet would probably have to live with them, when Sammy got older. When she did speak of you, it was with humor, and admiration. So it is nice to know your a decent chap.

Sammy has adjusted well, and I believe I will begin looking for a Mrs. Sammy later in the upcoming weeks. I need something more to fill my home. My house is very large, it has four bedrooms, a library, dining room, along with many other perks, but I live alone, so the idea of a brood of Sammy's running around sounds lovely!

Now.... that I know a vet... I'm teasing you, I do believe that would be an expensive house call!!

My work is quite boring on most days. I normally work at the museum as a guide. Yes, William, the boring ones that speak in monatone, just teasing I do try to add humor to the pictures of death and destruction. Right now I have taken a leave of absence so I can handle the estates of our friends. I never saw myself doing anything like this, working with my friends lives so intimately and them not a part of it. It is very private, and sometimes I feel like an intruder.

I seem to have gotten sentimental, I apologize, just creeped up on me I guess.

I look forward to hearing from you again,

Your friend,
Caroline

 

[Auras3124]

William had come to look forward to Caroline's letters, checking through his mail as soon as he got home each day. He smiled when he finally saw the familiar envelope and handwriting among the other things in the mail when he got home one day.

He didn't even bother finding his letter opener when he saw it, eager to read it. He pulled out his pocket knife and opened it quickly, sitting down to read this one. He may have lost Roger, but through that, he had gained Caroline as a friend.

He pulled out the familiar rose stationary, seeing she sent nothing else this time. He would have been disappointed, but her letters alone were what he liked.

He smiled and laughed some as he read her letter, before putting it with the others, knowing he would most likely read it again. Why? He didn't know, didn't even know why he saved them, just that they brought him some joy in his life.

He reached for his paper and pen, which he had come to keep in easy reach at the table, and began another letter to her.

 

[Auras3124]

Caroline,

Yes, it is kinda funny that we do this, but I, too, enjoy it. Your letters give me something to look forward to when I come home at night to this small, empty apartment.

Yes, I remeber Elizabeth's jokes that I would have to move in with them if Roger kept on like he always did. I'm glad to hear she held me in good standing, despite any old stories Roger might have told her of our younger days. Of course, if he told her any of those stories, I'm sure he would have left his own part out of them. Half the trouble we got into was for one of his crazy ideas.

I'm sure Sammy will appreciate you finding him a Mrs. It should help him adjust from the loss of our friends. But are you sure you want more Sammys? Even one is a handful! Just joking, I'm sure you'll be able to handle them. That would be quite a housecall, though probably not one I'd be unwilling to make.

It is good to hear that you try to lighten up the atmosphere in your job. I remember those monotonous guides from school field trips to the museum as a kid. They were so boring and uninterested... and the teachers always wondered why some kids, like me or roger, would sneak off and get into trouble!

Always nice to hear from you.

Your Friend,
William

 

[RedHairedandFriendly]

She held the letter in her hand, and just stared at it. Thoughts of what to write in order to keep his letters coming to her, were something that Caroline was always looking for. She would think of something that she had done that week, and wonder if perhaps it would sound desperate to him, as if she only waited for his letters.

In reality, that is what she did. A full month had gone, five letters rested, no longer alone in her drawer, but now joined by a pink ribbon. She had slipped them back into the envelopes, wondering still why she had kept that first one. Now she pulled them out and read them over and over. She'd get a new one pull the old ones free, and pour a glass of wine, then read.

Many times she pictured him sitting at his desk or table writing her, or thinking of getting her letters. She hadn't had a friend in her life except for Elizabeth and Roger, and now she wanted to add William to that list. She slipped off into the living room, and curled up next to Sammy on the sofa. His fur was warm to her skin, and she leaned against him, using him as a pillow.

Bringing her knees up to, she laid her pen to the paper once more. Hoping that she countinued to hold his interest in his friendship.

 

[RedHairedandFriendly]

William,

I'm resting on the giant beast of a dog, as I write. A comfy pillow he makes, though at times, the lick of a sloppy tongue isn't that appealing. The price one must pay for a companion I guess.

I have had a quiet week so far, not much happened though I did try to find something to write about. I could tell you about the exciting bank robbery or the day that I took Sammy to the Alps and he rescued the wee babes that were trapped in a blizzard, but alas, those things didn't happen.

Spring is approaching fast, as I'm sure you can tell, and I have been planting flowers. A bit early, but I do love to see the Tulips rising and since they are all ready bloomed from the stores, they will add a splash of color to the greening grass.

Sammy is frolicking with his new dog house. I refuse to give him a palace like Elizabeth had for him. I believe he likes this smaller version of a dog's home. Simple red, a hole to get in and a roof to cover his giant body.

Their home will be going to auction next month, and I've gotten rid of almost all his antiques. The money is going toward the Children's Hospital that Roger supported for years before he met Elizabeth, and had attended all the Gala's until Debra's death. Elizabeth became quite the advocate for that place, and I know it is where they want the money to go.

Hmmm... a house call for Sammy. I will have to hold you to that, if the need arises.

Yours,
Caroline

 

[Auras3124]

William smiled as he sat back with her newest letter. They were almost his only reason for coming home or checking the mail.

Her previous letters were carefully stored, in envelope, in his desk drawer. He had wondered, at first, why he even bothered keeping them, thinking that this wouldn't last any long period of time. But now, if anyone ever would have come to visit him, they would have found him, most nights, sitting at his desk, re-reading her letters. He had few real friends, almost none now that Roger and Elizabeth were gone, but he had come to include Caroline in that short list.

He smiled as he read this one, picturing her on the couch with Sammy, writing to him. He read through the letter once more, then went and placed it with the others before sitting down to write to her again.

 

[Auras3124]

Caroline,

My week was okay, I guess. I had a surgery to perform Monday, but it was just a routine thing, nothing major. I could tell you all kind of stories, but none that actually happenned this week.

Yes, the winter is going by quickly, I must look into an overdue vacation before spring arrives. Hmm... perhaps I should consider making that house call for Sammy... give myself a convienient excuse to get away for a while. That is, if you wouldn't mind? I know Sammy would enjoy that, especially since there's always a couple treats for him in my stuff when I visited Roger and Elizabeth.

That's one of the good things about the south, the flowers bloom early. I love seeing the bright colors of the flowers after the blandness of winter.

Hmm... maybe, if it's okay with you... I will come down for the auction. That way, I can check up on Sammy, and I can have a final look at the place, although it will never seem the same as it did when they were there.

Can't wait to hear from you again.

Yours Truly,
Will

 

[RedHairedandFriendly]

Caroline sat there stunned. William's newest letter shook in her hands. He wanted to come here? She kept repeating the question in her head. Why did she worry about him coming over? She had no reason to deny him. Why was she so freaked about it? She knew he was decent, after all Roger and Elizabeth liked him.

It was almost a week, before Caroline sat back down and pulled out a piece of her stationary. She bit her bottom lip, and slowly began to work the words that she wanted to come across, as friendly and inviting, but not needy.

 

[RedHairedandFriendly]

William,

I apologize for this letter being so late compared to the others. Things tend to creep up on a girl, and I was busy with details concerning the auction. I can hardly believe it is only 3 weeks away, time seems to be flying so fast.

You mentioned wanting to come down for it, as well as paying a visit with Sammy. That would be lovely, it will be nice to put a face to the name. I'm enclosing the time of the auction, and if you'd like I can make arrangements for you to have a place to stay overnight. There is a silly seminar going on at the same time, but I'm sure I can get you a hotel room even now. Just let me know if you'd like me too. I assume you'll want to stay the evening, since the distance is quite long and well, I know I wouldn't want to drive all day or fly for a short time, then stay awake during some long, though fast rambling of an auctioneer.

Rambling, I must laugh at myself there, now shouldn't I, for I have seemed to rabble. Call it nerves I guess. I admit meeting you will be nice, and I find that nervous. Funny, here I am 30 years old and nervous over meeting a dear friend.

Let me know your plans, and we'll go from there.

Yours,
Caroline

 

[Auras3124]

William had become slightly worried when her letter didn't come as soon as expected. He set those worries aside though when he finally recieved her next letter, running inside and opening it quickly, almost like a little kid would run in with a toy store catalog at christmas time.

He read through the letter a couple times, a big smile on his face, before maarking down the date of the auction on his calendar and storing this letter with the others. He then sat down to write back to her.

 

[Auras3124]

Dear Caroline,

I'll admit, I did get a little worried there when I didn't see a letter from you for a while. But don't worry about that now.

I'll be glad to finally meet you. It would be wonderful if you could find a hotel for me through that weekend. Nothing too fancy, now, I don't need much. I'll close down my practice for that week and come down the day before the auction.

I look forward to meeting you, and will see you in a couple weeks!

Yours truly,
Will

 

[RedHairedandFriendly]

She set about calling hotels, and tried all the ones closest to her, and even into the next town. Finally after three days of phone calls, and online searching, she soon had to admit that she didn't have a place for him yet.

His letter had come and she hadn't responded again quickly, but now she sat down and tried to get one out to him, as the day for the auction loomed ahead.

She pulled out her stationary, and quickly looked over at the calendar. Running dates through her head she allowed for the three days ago that she had gotten the letter. Plus another three days for him to get hers, and that put the auction one week away, and William only 6 days from arriving.

Caroline wondered if he'd even write her back or not, the letters now running so close to the time he would be leaving. He may have time to write her one, but she knew he may very well not bother.

Setting her pen to paper she told him her findings and what she had come up with, concerning his stay.