Dear Anne,

It was so nice to see you again. Seeing you put everything back into perspective as far as our relationship goes. When I left you, my footsteps became bouncier, and I almost felt as though I were walking on air. We must find a way to spend more time together. I would really like to go further if you don't object.

I kept your smile in mind for the rest of my journey. I was ready to face father knowing that you were behind me. You gave me confidence. Then I stepped off the plane and he was there. I almost hugged him, but his expression held me back. There were no smiles or happy greetings. No 'I'm so glad to see you' or 'how was your trip.' He practically glared at me.

Anne, he thinks I'm staying. Seriously! He thinks summoning me back to his presence means I'm giving up on my painting...on my life! Father doesn't understand me at all. He's making plans for me to return to college, to get my BA in business. It's not going to happen, Anne. I told you before he's not turning me into a Mini Me. I'm not my father.

I must admit it's nice to come home...to see the old hometown. I do have friends here. I've gone out practically every night with old classmates and other acquaintances. There's a girl I'm seeing. Marvel Adare. I knew her in school but never really got to know her. She works in the supermarket. Ok, she was never popular and not in my crowd. In fact, she's from a poor family.

Marvel isn't going to college. Her family can't afford it and, even with a scholarship, she couldn't make ends meet. Marvel is intelligent and funny. She could go places if she had a chance. I try to encourage her. That's why I see her so frequently. Hell, she could have my college money. I'm not using it. If I could convince father...

Well, I couldn't convince father in a million years. He's big on charity but not that big. I know he's funded or helped fund scholarships, but he won't commit my bundle to anyone but me. I just wish I could help Marvel. You would agree, wouldn't you, Anne?

I really am a nice guy underneath all my whims and my emotional setbacks. You must trust me on that, my dear Anne. Please try to see beneath the surface and know that I'm okay. You make me okay.

So, I must confess I slept with Marvel. It was something that just overcame us. Get it? We went to the Slam Dunk for a few drinks. That's the local sports bar. It was two-for-one, and we were knocking 'em back pretty good. I walked her—I mean I staggered—her home and woke up the next morning in her bed. She has a two-room flat above the pharmacy, and, well, I have very little memory of what happened after the Slam Dunk.

I just feel like I must tell you everything, Anne. You mean a lot to me, and I'm compelled to honesty. I'm not the best man on earth when it comes to honor and integrity. I'm not going to become the ideal husband if that's what you're thinking. I don't know what I'm going to become. Perhaps I can change with your support. Stranger things have happened.

When I'm with you or think about you, I'm a different man. All those strange things about me seem to fade. I want you, Anne. When I slept with Marvel, I felt like a betrayed you in some way. I thought about it all day. Father said I was in a strange funk. He wanted to talk to me about the future, but I couldn't comprehend. He gave up in frustration. We have an appointment tomorrow afternoon. That's father. Throughout my life I've had to make appointments to see him. Get it? He's a busy man and his life is set by time. Time for this and time for that. So, his only son sees him by appointment.

Father will set down the law tomorrow afternoon like he's God Almighty. I'm dreading it. I wish you were here. You have the stamina to face him down. Marry me, Anne, and change my life. With you I can do anything.

Okay, skip that part. I'm crazy and I know it. I'm planning to leave soon. I must get back to Paris. Will you see me again? Maybe I'll sweep you off your feet and take you with me. How does that sound?

Love forever

Corey Clairmont