My Last Letter To Thom

Dear Thom,

Can you believe it? It has been over five years since we started—five years of telling and retelling, imagining and re-imagining—and in a little over a month’s time, your story will finally be released to the world. It took us a while, huh? Time sure flies. You’re even an adult now, and boy do we need to catch up!

So, how’s life in Daysprings? Is Daysprings still the warm and welcoming village I last remembered it to be? How’s Haratio and the girls? Tiger is all grown-up now—is she more like Seanna or Catry? How are the Eklaysians? Oh, and do you still write to Mika? Did you manage to find out who his uncle is? Even though we worked on the book last year, we never really talked about these things. I didn’t even ask about your love life! Yes, I should know. And if you don’t intend to tell me, I’ll just ask her instead. But, all these surface questions aside, how are you… really?

I’m fine—if you’re curious about me. Life in my world isn’t as magical or as adventurous as yours. I have a pretty interesting day job, which can get rather busy at times. As it eats most of my creativity, I’ve not spoken to Robb in months—he seems to be OK with that. I do plan to write the second installment of his story this year though—after your story reaches the masses. And that will be soon… very soon. Wow, isn’t that a little nerve-wrecking?

Honestly, I’m kind of nervous about what people will say about the work we’ve created. So far, the early reviewers have been kind. But… it seems not many are willing to give your tale a shot. It’s unconventional after all. Still, I think we can both agree that the number of books sold isn’t as important as the people who read your story. So let’s just hope that The Slave Prince touches lives instead. That is why we wrote it in the first place, right? And no matter what happens, we’ve done good.

With May 29th around the corner, it saddens me that our journey will soon come to an end. Even though we’ll still be friends, we won’t be seeing much of each other any longer. No more late night conversations. No more coffee breaks. We’ll part ways—recalling our history only when we gaze into a starry night sky. If it is possible, I don’t want us to be like that. But only time will tell if we can continue to work on your story. And until the unknown future comes to past, I wish you all the best in life.

May you go on more great adventures, Thom. May magic beckon you to live more heroic tales. May you never forget who you are. And may you always believe in the power within you. You’re a prince, Thom. A true prince—the Majestas Regia will always remind you of your story.

It has been a pleasure, meeting, knowing, and working with you, Thom. Let’s not forget what we’ve created together. And let’s continue to do great things until the very end.

Yours forever, Jeyna.

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I Hated Her

I hated her. It is undeniably true. When I needed her the most, she wasn’t there. She was a useless woman who couldn’t care less about me. And it got easier and easier to despise her as I grew up.

When I was 7, I was chosen to represent the school for a football game. I was so excited, I came home with a big smile on my face. But when I told her about it, she said she was too busy to watch my game. She did not even look at me when she handed me a few dollars for my bus ride to school the next day. So I went for the game myself, and we lost. No point telling her, cause she didn’t even ask about it.

When I was 12, I made it to the top of the class. She never once bothered with my report card, but I couldn’t help but share the happiness I had when I finally had gotten number 1. As I handed her the paper, she stared at it so long, I thought she was going to praise me. But I was wrong, all she did was nod. Was it so hard for her to just spit out a few words to her son? I guess she found no reason to.

When I was 15, I won the heart of a girl I liked in school. I wanted to start our relationship right and I was looking for the perfect gift. She found me in my room one day, browsing through online stores and magazines for a gift… but she didn’t say anything. She just told me to take out the trash and left me after that. I really wanted her advice, but I didn’t bother to ask as she didn’t even care. When I was finally so desperate, I called over my best friend and after he left, I found a box with a pretty jewel necklace in it. Even he cared enough to bring something over to spare me the failure of courting a girl.

When I was 18, I graduated as a valedictorian. She never came to my graduation, and she never heard my speech. I made it a point to thank everyone except her, because she did nothing for me. When I looked at all the faces in the hall and did not see her’s, I made up my mind to stop thinking about her and carry on with life.

Immediately after graduation, I got a letter from Harvard with a full scholarship. I was ecstatic! I told everyone, except her. One afternoon, I purposely left the letter with the other mail. But when she picked it up, she said nothing. She just handed it back to and told me not to leave things lying around. That was the last straw. I left for UK shortly after and I never bothered to call home or visit during holidays. Even during my graduation, I didn’t care enough to inform her, after all, she was not going to come anyways.

I stayed in the UK for a few years after graduation, and I was working for a pretty big company. I was finally able to let her go and pretend she never existed, until I got a call from a lawyer who said I was mentioned in her will. I was confused for a moment and the lawyer awkwardly told me she had passed away a week ago. He knew more of her illness than I did, and yet I felt nothing. Call me cruel or in-filial, I didn’t care. Who was she to me anyways; the woman who did nothing but nod.

Since my name was in her will, I decided to come home for a visit. I caught up with my buddies who knew well not to ask of her, and then I saw the lawyer. He read her will and I laughed. It was the stupidest thing I’ve heard and yet I was not surprised. The will stated that the house, car and all her savings were to be given to charity. The only thing she left me was a book, a small book that was not even worth five bucks. Honestly, I laughed so hard the lawyer thought I was insane.

When I told him I didn’t want the book he insisted I took it, so I did and chucked it in my bag. I have never touched that bag until now. Out of curiosity I wanted to see what cooking recipes she left me, and after three years I finally read the contents of that brown, creased book.

July 7, 1992

My dear Tristan,

I’m sorry I couldn’t make it to your football game. I really wanted to but I am struggling right now. I didn’t want to tell you this because I didn’t want you to worry, but if you must know… we are in a lot of debt. Your father left us with loan sharks and bank loans that I can’t seem to pay off. I know that is not an excuse to miss your game and it hurts me to see you walk away looking upset, but I promised myself to keep a roof over your head and I just didn’t have time for you. I know… I know you would have preferred me to be by your side, but I couldn’t imagine you homeless and hungry. I just couldn’t. I’m sorry Tristan, I’m sorry for missing your big game. Forgive me?

Love, mum.

December 12, 1997

My dear Tristan,

I am so proud of you. I really am! I knew you were a smart boy, and I know you would do great things in the future. When I saw your results, I was so happy! And I know you were waiting for me to say something, a praise of some sort, but I didn’t. I regret that now, and I wish I had fought the spinning in my head to just utter a few words. I didn’t want to tell you this, but working two jobs and settling all these debts has given me bad migraines. Sometimes, I don’t say anything because I just can’t. The pain in my head is so unbearable, I’m constantly struggling to hide it from you. I don’t want you to worry, but I know I have disappointed you. I just want you to know I’m so proud, and that I’m sorry I never said it. I wish I did. Forgive me?

Love, mum.

January 15, 2000

My dear Tristan,

I know you are dating that sweet girl from across the street. You really know how to pick them! I also saw you searching for a gift for her, and you seem to be a little confused. I would have given you some advice but I knew you didn’t want any from the way you looked at me. I understand how you feel towards me, and your silence has made it clear. But I still wanted to help, so I left the necklace my mother gave to me on your table. I just noticed it is gone, and I’m glad you have given it to her. I hope both of you would last, and I know it sounds strange coming from me, but I hope you find the love you need from her. I seem to have been failing at giving you any, and I’m sorry for that. Forgive me?

Love, mum.

August 18, 2003

My dear Tristan,

I got a call from your school this afternoon, asking if I was going to attend your graduation on the coming weekend. It pained me to say I wouldn’t be there. It is not that I don’t want to, but I just can’t. I’m a selfish person, I know. I have been seeing the doctor for my migraine, and he has asked me to do a full medical check up. I can change the date of my appointment, but I don’t want to. I don’t want to because I don’t want you to ask questions. Yes, I know this reason does not stand well with you and it only makes it seem like I’m making excuses, but I want you to know that I am sincerely thinking about you. I don’t want you to worry Tristan, you have a full life ahead of you and you are already on the right track. I don’t want to be your detour. I’m really sorry for missing your graduation, would you forgive me?

Oh, I also submitted an application to Harvard, Oxford, and Cambridge for you. I hope you get it! I really don’t have enough money to send you to the best university, but I can try my best to get you into one.

Love, mum.

February 22, 2007

My dear Tristan,

I know what day today is. I’ve checked with the school and have gotten all the information I needed. I planned on surprising you, but my doctor said I shouldn’t leave the country in my state. I’m not getting any better and I regret not being at your graduation today. I really thought I could fly, and I’ve even saved up enough so that you didn’t have to pay for my expenses, but I didn’t know that my doctor would not give in even when I pleaded. I’m so sorry Tristan, I know this is a big day for you. I feel so horrid that I can’t even look at myself in the mirror, because all I see is your disappointed face staring back at me.

I’ve missed you so much, and I understand why you don’t call or visit. Every time I pass by your bedroom, I imagine you in it, and as crazy as it sounds I would stop to say hi. You would probably laugh if you read this because I sound like a crazy person, but my imagination of you is all I have left. I’m sorry I have not been a good mother, but I’ve never stopped trying. If you could, please forgive me for being a failure in your life.

Love, mum.

May 25, 2010

My dear Tristan,

I hope you’re reading this, I really do. My days are numbered and this is the last thing I can say to you. I didn’t want to call you because I was afraid you would reject me in this horrible time of my life. It would break my heart to know you do not care, and I’m too scared to face the truth. Death seems more comforting than knowing I have no place in your heart.

I don’t expect you to love me, or feel sorry for me. I know what I have done, and  wouldn’t forgive myself if I were you. I’ve read through all my past entries and I realize how stupid I was for asking for your forgiveness. I know I don’t deserve it, so please don’t feel like you have to forgive me.

Tristan, you are probably angry at me for a lot of things and my will might have angered you more. I know the house and the car could have patched up some of the holes I have created in your heart, but I also know it would not do much. So, I have decided to give all my earthly treasures to create a fund under your name. This is the last thing I can do for you.

People will now know who you truly are, the man who is making a difference in many lives. This small investment I’ve made cannot make up for all the wrong I’ve done, but I hope it will help you in your future.

I’m sorry for all the birthday presents I’ve failed to get you, for all the events I’ve missed, for the times I never spoke when I should have, and for all the hate I have caused you to feel. You don’t have to forgive me Tristan, I don’t deserve it. I just want you to know that I love you and I have never stopped.

Love, mum.

____________________________________________________________________________________________

I have decided to write something other than horror this time, cause I wanted to test my skill in a different genre. And since Mother’s day has just passed and Father’s day is arriving, I wanted to write a short story that would show a parent’s love towards their child. It is hard to understand how a parent feels until we become one, but I hope this short story carries enough volume of love.

It’s also my mum’s birthday today, so happy birthday mum!

It’s crucial for you to let me know what you think, because I need to know if I can actually write this genre. There’s a comment box below, so hurry up and leave a comment! 😀

© 2013 Jeyna Grace

(For more short stories, click HERE)

Chapter 25:

Joanna hesitated for a moment, as she looked at Annoria who was shaking her head and tugging at her hand to leave. But instead of heading out the front door, Joanna walked towards the back. Annoria quickly tried to stop her but Malfoy butted in before Annoria could say anything.

“What are you doing?” Malfoy said, as he hurried up to them.

“I’m giving your girlfriend the duel she wants,” Joanna replied.

“She’s not my girlfriend,” Malfoy replied and said nothing else as he opened the back door for both Joanna and Annoria to exit.

The back alley was rather abandoned at that hour of the day. The sun was at its highest and it wasn’t the best time to be strolling down the streets.

“So, will here do?” Matilda asked, sounding very much like Rose at that moment.

“Where ever would do,” Joanna replied casually as she headed up to Matilda and gave a bow. Not even bothering to see if Matilda did the same, Joanna turned and placed herself 20 feet away across Matilda.

As Joanna went into her dueling stance, Matilda quickly asked, “Wait! Who’s your second?”

“I don’t need one,” Joanna repled, immediately waving her wand and throwing a spell at Matilda, who barely managed to block it.

“Hey! I wasn’t ready!” Matilda shouted.

“The duel started a while ago. Unless you don’t know the rules, you shouldn’t challenged anyone.” Joanna threw another spell, making Matilda stumble backwards. Her housemates immediately caught her before she fell over.

“I didn’t challenge you!” Matilda threw a spell in return, and Joanna blocked it off with a wave.

“Then you shouldn’t point wands when you don’t intend on using them,” Joanna replied as she sent 3 more spells. Sparks of red, blue and green flew towards Matilda and as she screamed, she ran behind her housemates, shoving them forward as she did.

Three of her housemates took the spells as they were caught off guard. One flew backwards, knocking over a few Slytherins like a bowling ball. Another had his legs tied together, and as much as he tried to balance himself, he joined the pile of his friends on the ground. The other girl screamed as boils started appearing on her hands and face.

When Matilda saw it all, she immediately demanded, “Where you trying to kill me?!”

“That is the common intention of a duel. No other rules were set, right?” Joanna replied as she walked towards Matilda.

“Joanna! What are you doing?” Annoria asked, with desperation in her voice. Then turning to Malfoy, which Annoria rarely did, she said, “Stop her!”

“Me? You gotta be kidding. Clearly, home school paid off,” Malfoy replied as he remained where he stood, by the back door of the Three Broomsticks.

“Joanna! Don’t!” Annoria shouted, as Joanna was closing in on Matilda.

Matilda’s housemates were already backing away, leaving Matilda to fend for herself.

“Guys! Help me!” Matilda commanded as she dared not to take her eyes off Joanna.

“If we did, we would be breaking the rules,” one of her friends replied.

Matilda then attempted to run, but Joanna managed to cast a leg locking spell before she could, and Matilda fell to the ground instead. She screamed in pain as she landed on her shoulder, and when she tried to prop herself up, Joanna flicked her wand and sent Matilda’s wand 10 feet away from her.

Immediately looking up at Joanna, Matilda stammered, “Ple-please. I’m, I’m sorry o.k?”

“Looks like we have a stammer,” Joanna said, and she could have sworn she heard a few of the Slytherins laugh. They probably never liked her at all.

“You know, when I was being tutored at home, I learnt a spell.” Joanna slowly squatted down beside Matilda. “This spell is not illegal yet, and most people use it in duels. It’s called, the Cruciatus curse. Have you heard of it?”

Joanna immediately felt like Rose, when she threatened to use the Cruciatus on her. But Joanna felt better than Rose, as Matilda deserved it. She was a gossipy, back-stabbing, nosy girl, who gained attention through the false rumours she spread all over school.

“Do you know what it does, Matilda?” Joanna asked as Matilda’s eyes widened.

“Joanna, don’t!” Annoria said, as she ran up to her and pulled Joanna to her feet.

“If you don’t stop your nonsense, Matilda, you will feel how it’s like being cruciated,” Joanna gave a final warning, and walked off.

As she headed past the exit of the Three Broomstick, Joanna saw Tom standing by the doorway. She didn’t know how long he had been standing there, but she decided she didn’t want to know.

After the duel, Joanna told Annoria she would be going home. She also apologized if she scared her, and justified her actions by saying she was only doing it to warn Matilda. But deep down inside, she wasn’t sorry at all, because it felt good.

That night, as Joanna was lying on her bed, an owl swooped into her room, through an open window. It landed at the foot of her bed, and with the little light that came from the moon, she noticed the seal on the letter. It was a letter from Hogwarts.

At that very moment, Joanna was afraid that the duel had reached the ears of Professor Dippet, and so she hurriedly took the letter from the owl and tore it open. But the first sentence immediately drowned her fears, as it stated that her father has informed the school that she can return to Hogwarts if she wishes to.

Why her father did not just inform her himself, she did not bother to dwell over. The question that really bothered her was whether she really wanted to go back, or remain home schooled.

To Be Continued…

(Vote or leave a comment below on whether Joanna should go back to Hogwarts or remain home schooled!)