The Love Letters: A Novella (17 page)

September 16, 2003

One year ago today, I met a boy on a train.

XO Nat

September 25, 2003

Z,

What a mess.

Chloe and Adam are no longer a thing. And the worst part? I think I’m the reason.

When I met Adam (again) at Chloe’s show, things got really tense. Halfway through Chloe’s set, he stormed off and they haven’t spoken since.

So why am I to blame? It could be a number of reasons – but mostly, I think I know Adam from my past . . . as in, I think I’ve slept with him. I KNOW! God, I’m pathetic.

But then tonight, while I was watching the season premiere of the final season of Friends (omg! The gang is still in Barbados and Rachel and Joey kiss! Oh, and Monica gets corn rows) a brilliant idea popped into my manic head. Tomorrow, I will arrange to meet Adam and discuss things like mature adults. He’ll inevitably run back to Chloe, realizing that he made a mistake. She’s the coolest chick in NYC, and Adam would be lucky to have her.

And then, once this is all straightened out and the growing temptations cease to exist, maybe I can find resolve. I feel so unsettled, Zach. I’m jumpy and irritable, and I keep making mistakes in my personal life and at work. I’m like a feral cat that can sense an impending thunderstorm.

Work your magic and help me see the bigger picture.

Love always,

Nat

PS Molly is hosting a party for you in December.

PPS I’m hosting a party for you in my pants.

October 11, 2003

Zacharie,

I hate not getting mail from you! Do you not get to recoup between patrol assignments? Motherfuckers.

*serious face*

Zach, mon prince, I don’t think I’ve adequately expressed my love for you. It’s time. It’s about fucking time I profess my love and devotion. Forever and always – I choose you.

I love you! I love you in the morning with your Pop Tarts and giant woody.

I love you! I love you in the evening with your mug of beer and giant woody.

I love you! I love you in Connecticut, New York, and a million miles apart.

I love you! I love you in the shower, the bank, a taxi, and that one time in the bathroom at Hooters, oh wait, and the Santa Village at Macy’s.

I love you.

I will never be good enough for you, but I will never stop trying. And if you will have me Zacharie Parker, I will be your girl forever.

No regrets.
Natalie

October 25, 2003

Zacharie Pascale Parker, will you marry me?

Love,

Your girl

November 13, 2003

Ma femme,

Je ne regrette rien, because I found everything.

I love you.

Zach

Acknowledgments

Thank you: Erika, Nick, Vincent, Christina, Capt. Hammond, Jennifer, Marla, Susi, Jamie, Beth, Teresa, Jodie, Les Femmes, Mom & Dad, and to all the readers that love the romance of Natalie and Zach as I much as I do.

I’d also like to acknowledge my appreciation for Antoine de Saint-Exupéry, Edith Piaf, the United States Marine Corps, and American television.

No regrets.

xoap

About the Author

Hey y'all!

The Lone Star State will always be my home, but fifteen years ago, I took the plunge and became a New Yorker. NYC is an amazing place to find inspiration in my daily surroundings – the random and the ordinary that make up reality. My writing showcases inspired ideas, as well as my love for dichotomy, authenticity, and humor.

When not sitting in front of the TV devouring my favorite shows, I can be found at a soccer game with my husband and two children.

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Or find me at any local Starbucks around 3 p.m.

Other works by Ashley Pullo

The Album

The Ballad

The Coda
– Coming Spring 2015

The Duke of Pineapple Street
– Coming Summer 2015