Set: Present Day



Tina sat on the bus watching as the sun was barely gracing her face and dancing with the clouds. She was debating with herself on whether or not she loved sunsets or sunrises more. That’s when it hit her to read the letter again. She reached in her purse and dug out the only thing that could make her lose her breath each time. She smiled as her hands traced across the permanent creases that were formed due to excessive traveling. Almost breathlessly she said “Bette.” She unfolded it and read:


                                                     July 21st


                                     Sweet Tina,



      Today before sitting down to write you this letter I took Melito on a picnic to the beach. He told me it was his favorite place in the world. I watched the waves chase him up and down the edge of the water. I looked at the smile he had when he discovered new shells to play with. I tracked his little footprints down during a game of hide and seek, and the genuine look of surprise on his face melted my heart into nothing. After which he and I took a little nap on the beach as the sun was our blanket, I felt his little breaths move in and out of his body. Which is why I don’t know why I’m feeling guilty.



I’m laying there watching his little breaths and my only thoughts are of you. I’m thinking of the way your hair falls off shoulders when your lying my stomach smiling at me. Or the way you look at me when I”m cooking in the kitchen and dancing for you. Maybe I’m thinking these thoughts because everyday I feel like I know your not ok. I loved knowing that you were always an hour away if I needed you. And now I need you more than I thought I ever could. I’m sure I sound crazy but this is what you do to me Tina, I’m not the only one who noticed.



Yesterday my Nanna asked me where my heart was, because I was completely lost in thought after one of our conversations. I told her I left it in Georgia with someone I cared for very deeply. She asked me your name and saying it aloud made me feel lightheaded. I couldn’t help the smile that formed on my face. Nanna smiled as she found my eyes with hers, she said mine were dancing with stars. I showed her that picture of you and me on that day out we had with Shane and Carmen. She called you my sunlight, and told me I was falling into the dark without you.



Without you I found that my nightmares seem more real now that I’m closer to him. It’s the same one only I wake up and I feel for you and I feel nothing. I sometimes gather Melito from his bedroom and sleep with him. Just having his little breaths against my chest is soothing enough for some form of sleep. I hope you know how much I need you Tina.



I need to have you smile at me. I want to have your arms around me. The feel of your skin’s reaction to my touch is remarkable. Your laugh is captivating, your hair is intoxicating. I want your scent on me all day, I need to feel your chin rest on my shoulder as I read to you.



Just in case you don’t get the hint, I’m missing you like crazy, and I’m craving for every inch of you.


                                                Forever,
                                                        Bette



Tina folded the letter back into its envelope carefully placing it back into her purse. She took a long sigh as she gazed out the window. That letter gave her the same feeling now as did 5 yrs. ago. She felt beautiful, she felt confident, she felt desired, and most of all she felt loved, unconditionally loved. She sat back and let her eyes follow the sign reading “Welcome to Georgia” she knew it wouldn’t be long before Bette was holding her.






TBC………………………………………………………………………….