Suing someone wasn’t easy…especially if that someone was your previous employer. Mr. Phillips and Mr. Lemming glared at me every time I walked in the courtroom, walked out of the courtroom, or breathed, really. Keeping my anger in check was difficult. All I wanted to do was rip their heads off or something equally intense, but I stayed cool and collected. Losing my temper wouldn’t be good for the case. I had a friend of mine, Dane Welling, helping represent me. It was never a good idea to represent yourself, no matter what the circumstances were.
The weeks were long, the weekends short. I ached for Cade’s next letter each Monday. I wondered if his hair had grown longer and had that shaggy curl at the ends. If his eyes were bright and lively again, or if he still hurt and it reflected in his gaze. I annoyed Reid often now, texting him messages for Cade while he was visiting. His dad had been coming around, but he still refused to let them put a phone in his room or allow him access. I still don’t know how that was legit, but it sucked nonetheless. I drove home Cade Style, pushing the gas harder than ever before. I knew it would be waiting in the mailbox, calling me to open and read it. I just had to get there. The house was in sight and I couldn’t contain my excitement. Gripping the wheel tightly, my knuckles were as white as my pale skin, I screeched the car to a halt and pulled the box open. The junk mail littered my dash and floorboard as I searched for the treasure, my heart speeding up uncontrollably when I saw my name in his scratchy writing.
I ripped it open, surprised to see he sent two sheets this time. My cheeks flooded with embarrassment as I realized he’d written a poem back.
Heart beating quickly
Stomach feeling sickly
I can’t write
This is an awful sight
I miss you like crazy
Do you mind if I call you baby?
My body shook with laughter, and my stomach hurt from doing it for so long. Closing my eyes, I imagined him standing in front of me, his eyes wide and pitiful, his lips pouty, and his hair in all directions while he recited this poem. It was too much for me to think of, so I folded the paper, tucking it in my purse, and opened the letter.
Darling Francesca,
I hope you liked the poem. I obviously have no talent in the writing department. I think I slept through those classes, or maybe I was skipping school those days…all of them. I loved the one you sent me. I have it in my wallet and read it every day. You put so much emotion and heart into those words, I could feel it. How do you do that? Everything you do is amazing and wonderful, did you know that?
Rehab is well. I still can’t believe I can say that without embarrassment now. I don’t have to call anyone with intense cravings any more, I’m using the tools they taught me and dealing with it myself. The doctors think I may be able to become an outpatient sooner than most. I hope they’re right, because I want to see you. And I really want a large pizza from Manny’s.
The before pictures are awesome! I’m so excited you’ll have this huge place all to yourself. People will be coming to you for help, Francesca. That’s got to be amazing for you. Zander sounds like a riot. I can’t wait to meet him and talk cars. Your girlfriends all sound fun too. I saw them all that night you met Mr. Baby Batter, right? They seem like an eclectic group of ladies.
Have you started on the home renovations yet? How is the lawsuit going? I wish I could be there to support you during the trial. This lawyer you have helping, Dane, seems like a hard ass. Phillips and Lemming aren’t going to know what hit them when you’re finished, Francesca. I’m really glad you found those other women that had the same thing happen. Not that it’s good it’s happened before, but it his good for your case. You know what I mean. Have I mentioned you’re pretty?
I’m getting bored in here. I can only watch so much TV and talk in so many group sessions. I’ve made some friends, and I think they’ll extend to outside of these walls. Working through a similar issue with people that fully understand your emotions, wants, needs is incredible. We’re creating bonds.
I’m so proud that you were able to go to Josie’s crash site. I really wish I could have been the one to talk you, but Daphne is a great friend for doing it. I know it was hard on you. It’s hard on me thinking of you being there, but I hope it helped. She truly is proud of you and watching over you, Francesca. You make your sister proud.
It’s time for me to shower and get some sleep. I have meetings with two counselors tomorrow and Reid is supposedly bringing me a “surprise”…whatever that means. He really is a strange dude, you know? I hope everything goes well this week. I’ll be anxiously awaiting the next letter (and maybe poem?) you send me. Sweet dreams, my love. Happy waking hours, and as always, I’ll think of you every moment my brain is working.
I love you, Francesca.
Cade
Mangled Hearts Page 33