"I don't think I can open it."

☆

It felt like an age before Lucy's shift finally came to an end. She hadn't been able to speak to Ash in person since lunch and was desperate to see what was inside the envelope which she had in her possession. Her offers to open it for him and read it down the phone had been declined. 

Finally she was at his place, knocking rather frantically on the door. Which is finally opened. "Please, before you do anything else, open this letter. ''She hands over the now very crumpled envelope to Ash, who takes it and heads to the sofa and sits down, not once taking his eyes from the word 'Ash' written in biro across the envelope.

He begins to speak. "I don't think I can open it." 

"Well you wouldn't let me open it so you have to." Lucy says impatiently. She hurriedly sits next to Ash, with them both now gazing down at the letter in his hand. "Shall I count you in?" 

Ash lets out a weak laugh. "Ok, let's do it."

"Three, two, one…"

The seal is ripped open to reveal a letter. But not the sort of letter which Ash was prepared for. He pulls a little at the thick paper to reveal a crest on the top right hand corner of the page. 

"What is that?" Lucy says, furrowing her brow with confusion. 

"It's …it's the Royal College of Music." He says with surprise. 

"The Royal College of Music?" Lucy repeats. "I don't understand."

Ash now pulls the letter from the envelope and opens it fully to read. 'I…I seem to have an interview for the Royal College of music." He says almost in disbelief. 

"But…that's your dream isn't it? To study music?" Lucy looks at Ash with excitement. 

"It is, but how did he…?" Ash stops talking when he sees Lucy pick up the envelope. She sees another piece of paper tucked inside. 

"There's something else." She says, handing the note over to Ash. He takes it from her grasp. This felt more like what he was expecting. He swallows hard as he unfolds it to read. 

'Hey Ash. SURPRISE! Not what you were expecting right? I can explain. Well, I'll try to explain at least. 

The other letter is an interview for a place at the best music college in London. Amazing right? It's a way to say many things from me, which I cannot say to your face, because if I see you or hear your voice, my amazing plan will fail. 

I know it is your dream to study music. To perform on stage, just like I do and I thought it only right that I help you along the way. I'm not buying your silence, I'm not trying to bribe you. This is just an opportunity. An option, your choice to take, but should you go ahead and get in, know that the fees will be paid for. 

I can see you shaking your head right now. From the short time I have gotten to know you, I already know that you are stubborn. You will want to do things on your own terms. You are a fighter, but please let me explain. You have brought so much happiness to my life, over the brief time we have been together, but even though to me, we feel so right, I must not be selfish. Being with me right now would turn your world upside down and not in a good way, but maybe one day, when you are a successful pianist. Maybe we will meet, perhaps at a bar, or a venue. Maybe at a concert. I could be in the crowd watching the man who changed my life. I would be your fanboy. 

So this is my way of saying thank you. This isn't goodbye. This is an, I'll see you again some day. 

Luca.'

Ash lets the letter fall onto the coffee table. He puts his head into his hands. "What did he say?" Lucy picks up the fallen note and begins to read it. She holds a hand to her mouth before leaning over to Ash and pulling him close for a hug. "Hey, don't cry. It's gonna be ok." She whispers in his ear. Ash holds her close. His emotions felt like they were scattered all over the place. But he knew what he wanted to do. This wasn't going to be the end of them. He was determined to not make it so. Maybe he just needed to takes the longer road.