Letters from the Mysterious 'A'

t h i r t e e n

We've been staring at an empty document for a while now and its still blank. 

"Considering that you're the one that thought of this idea," Jessica looked at me, "aren't you supposed to have a plan in your head on what to write?"

I smiled awkwardly and she sighed. Jessica is always reliable when it comes to this kind of topics. The both of us are experts on different fields, so that makes it really useful when we need help on things. 

"Cheryl, you should never," she said, putting strong emphasis on the word 'never', "ever put a plan into action without thinking about it first."

I started to defend myself, but she put up her palm, telling me to stop. 

"BUT, since this isn't such a big case, and since I'm such a great friend, we can just start planning and thinking now," 

I smiled warmly at her, appreciating her help. 

"Okay, so we should start by identifying the characteristics of the three boys. Something that makes them unique, something that only one of them has," Jessica stated knowledgeably using a pen to tap her chin. 

I nodded, feeling like I had just learned something new. That actually makes sense. By doing this, we can direct the letter towards a particular person and ask questions that only that person would know the answer to. This way, there is a possibility that we can get some clues if they reply us and use the process of elimination. Smart move. 

I started typing the three names on the screen in front of us in a chart and their respective characteristics. 

Aaron:  writes, works at book addict 

Andrew: trouble-maker,  does public service early in the morning

Aiden: annoying, 

"Wow, you surely do know a lot of things about them," Jessica said sarcastically, looking at the computer screen. 

"Actually, why don't we just start with writing the letter first? That might be easier," I suggested. I had never been the type to plan, especially with writings. My teachers heavily emphasize the importance of planning before writing an essay, but I actually never do it unless it's required. For me, I get more ideas when I start the writing process. Ideas just starts to flow into my head continuously when I start to write. 

Dear A, 

No words can express my amazement when I received your letters. I was shocked. You're probably the first one to ever do such a thing to me. Is there any way that you would tell me some hints on who you are?

Cheryl. 

"Wow," Jessica said after she saw what I typed on the screen.

"Short, concise, and straight to the point!" I replied, quite proud of myself. There's no need hint things and let him guess what I want to say. I mean, if he has the courage to write these letters, then he would have to be ready to face the consequences and reveal himself someday. 

"Ok fine," she shrugged. "Your choice, not mine. But how are you gonna give it to him?" 

"The last time he sent a letter was last Friday," I explained. I have thought this through already. "He would probably come back with another letter tomorrow on Monday. I'll put mine on top of all my books in my locker so that he'll see it."

"Not gonna lie, that's pretty romantic," Jessica nudged me using her elbows. 

I rolled my eyes at her statement. I'm trying to get straight to the point, not trying to be romantic. 

oOoOoO

Today is the day after my sleepover at Jessica's. I sat at my first period class now, having Literature with Ms. Angela. We turned in our fiction writing assignment last week and now she is going to announce who will be the one to have the chance to get featured on the school newspaper. 

"Okay class," she announced to the group of students sitting in front of her. I am now going to announce the writing that will be featured on this week's edition of the school newspaper. Drum roll please."

Apparently teachers think that adding the drum roll will build onto the atmosphere. I don't get it. Sometimes I won't be able to hear the teacher announce the results just because how loud the students are hitting their table. The other students seem to be enjoying it though. Maybe it's just my personal pet peeve. 

She cleared her throat and continued. "Aaron Carlson! Congratulations! You're writing was really impressive, as always. Let's have a chat together after class to discuss," she smiled at him. 

Aaron let out a 'yes!' and nodded at Ms. Angela. The whole class applauded for him, which of course, he deserved it. I can't wait to see what Aaron wrote that impressed Ms. Angela so much. I guess I'll have to wait until the newspaper comes out in two days.  

oOoOoO

I arrived at school late today. Today was the day the newspaper was going to be published, so I quickly head towards to the shelf in front of the principal's office to get a copy. 

I was on my way to the office when Jessica came by and greeted me. She handed me a copy of the newspaper to me quickly. 

"Look," she shoved the newspaper into my empty hands. "You'll never believe this." 

I quickly flipped to the 'Creative Writing' section in the newspaper. I scanned through the writing that was underneath that section. My eyes open wide and I can feel my cheeks heat up. 

I was correct. The mysterious sender did send a letter today, but he didn't place it in my locker. 

Instead, it was something I never imagined.  The short paragraph is published on the newspaper I'm holding right in front of my eyes and for everyone to see. 

I couldn't believe my eyes that this was happening, and that the school would allow to publish something like this to the official school newspaper. I wonder how many students, publishers, teachers had saw this before me. I can't believe he had even dared to publish this. What if someone found out that the letter was directed to me? 

This was beyond embarrassing. 

oOoOoO

i apologize for this slightly shorter chapter.. but thank you to those who continued to vote!

next update will be in a week

-amelia