My friend is utterly baffled.
“So let me get this straight. You’ve never met Brady in person, but you’re corresponding with him?” she asks, her voice riddled with doubt.
I start to get frustrated. This is exactly why I was so hesitant to tell Marcella about Brady. The excitement and rush I was feeling are now gone. Instead, I’m deflated and exhausted from trying to explain this to her.
“No, it’s not like that. We met once, when I was watering the flowers and he was working in his yard. The connection was electric, and after he was deployed, I started sending him letters and care packages. He would write back, and then we started corresponding more and more, even by email and phone. It’s not that weird you know,” I add quietly.
We sit there in silence for a moment. Marcella looks to be deep in thought.
“Okay, I just didn’t know you could fall in love over letters, without being with someone in person.”
I turn to her.
“Marc, remember how we read Cyrano de Bergerac in English class? It’s like that. Cyrano and Roxanne fall in love via letters! Brady and I did the same thing, and trust me, it’s real.”
She nods slowly, her eyes still on the road.
“Okay. So you’ve been saving yourself for a man that lives in Afghanistan. You turned down Bud Koolhouse in order to wait for Soldier Daddy to come home. But he’s old, Susie. Does he need some help from Dr. Viagra to even make sure you have a good first experience? Wait, does he even know this will be your first experience?”
Loudly, I blow out air. I feel insulted by her shots at his age and these insinuations that somehow I’m a crazy person. She doesn’t understand, and would never understand.
“Yes, he knows it’s my first time and you know what? If you want to hook up with Bud Koolhouse, then just go for it. You’ve got as much ass and boobs as me. Bud won’t even be able to tell it’s you and not me,” I shoot at her. “Plus, Brady’s not that old. Thirty-five is hardly over the hill, you know.”
I can tell I’ve hurt Marcella feelings by how red her face gets. I instantly regret what I said, but I’m still hurt that she would even say that to me. Is it my fault that Bud likes me more than her? I didn’t ask for this either. But immediately, I’m repentant.
“Look, I’m sorry. I didn’t mean it like that. But I really am in love and I’m super happy and just want your support and not your jokes,” I say apologetically.
She looks out her window briefly, and then softens up.
“I’m sorry too. I didn’t realize how serious this was for you and I shouldn’t have made all those comments. If you’re happy and in love, then I’m happy for you. Let’s just enjoy today. How many times are we going to graduate high school, after all?”
I smile at her. “Exactly. Plus, my parents are throwing a fun party at my house after. This is going to be the best day of our lives!”
We lock pinkies and smile big as we pull into the crowded parking lot of Remford High.
8
Brady
* * *
I check my watch as I step off my flight. I’ve already missed Susie’s graduation, but hopefully, I’m not too late for her graduation party. She told me about both, and I didn’t say anything about coming home in time because frankly, the United States Army has a mind of its own. I might be back, but then again, I might not be. It was easier not to say anything.
But now, I’m stateside, and my step is quick. I can’t wait to see my luscious curvy girl, and to finally taste her lips with my own. I quickly make my way to baggage claim and wait impatiently for the conveyor belt to beep and the carousel to begin.
After what feels like a lifetime, a red light starts flashing and there’s a groan as the conveyer belt starts to circle around a large opening where suitcases emerge. Luckily, mine is one of the first ones. I hoist it over my shoulders and hop into one of the waiting taxi cabs.
“Where to?” the man asks me in a deep country accent.
“South Fourth Street please, and make it quick.”
With a lurch, he pulls away from the curb and heads away from the small airport. I watch as cows and fields pass by in a haze. I can barely concentrate I’m so excited. Susie has no idea that I’m coming back today, and I cannot wait to have her in my arms.
The last year has been beautiful, but torturous too. All I’ve been able to think about is Susie, me and Susie, Susie and me, again and again. Our letters started off as a type of cross-Atlantic sexting, but then she started to open up to me about her parents and her hopes and dreams. My heart almost broke when she told me she was staying in Remford because she wanted to wait for me. I tried to convince her otherwise. College is her destiny, and I wanted her to experience it, but she was adamant. She wanted to wait, and my heart secretly unfurled with joy at her patience.