Friday I wake up earlier than expected, so I take a longer shower, I take longer to get my outfit on, I take longer to eat, and I take longer to get to the door for Tim. When I open the door Tim is standing there, holding a few envelopes in his hand. I give a questioning look then grab it. He brought up the mail, it was not unusual, but the grin on his face was unusual. I flip around the envelope and then see it. The yellow envelope with the camp logo on it, with my name and address, in handwriting I recognize all too well.

I gasp and throw the other letters down on the side table. My mom comes around the corner after hearing the commotion. She looks worried then sees the envelope and smiles. Of course, I told my mom about the letter I sent, I even had her proofread it because I was nervous. Now I'm too nervous to open it, my hands are shaking. My mom hugs me and tells me it's okay.

"Open it, Hun, it's alright."

"I think I might be sick if I do," I hesitate but I end up putting it in my backpack.

I dont want to lose it, and I know I'll kick myself if I man up later and I dont have it. Plus, I want the moral support of my friends. Anything can be in here, a breakup, an "I love you", a "Fuck Off", anything. So, my mom hugged me goodbye and said again that it'd be alright. When we get there, our group is in the middle at the largest table, the guys are leaning over Genes' shoulder, reading the letter he got back. I watch as they smile and bust out laughing, Gene slams his fist on the table as they all holler in laughter. That gives me the confidence to sit next to Gene with Tim at my other side and take out the letter.

"Hey, yours got here too? Fuck yeah, open it!" Genes grinning.

"I dont think I can. What if he broke up with me? I got him sent to prison basically, he's probably pissed. I dont think I can handle him breaking up with me," I voice my worry and instead get a group hug from the guys.

"Jack wouldn't do that to you. Trust me, you need to open this letter and read it. Jack mentioned something in ours, he's not mad at you. He'd never be mad at you. He outed himself because he loves you, he left without a fight because he loves you."

"Yeah, have some faith in the guy," Lucas goes to sit next to Rain. "Trust us, open it."

So, I do. I hold my breath and tear open the envelope, being careful not to rip anything inside. When I pull it out, a few pictures fall on the table. I lift the Polaroids to my face. One of them is Jack blowing me a kiss with a loving stupid look on his face, I giggled. Another is a setup of what I assume is his bunk. He put up our pictures on the wall and even drew a heart on the corner of my picture. I laugh out loud now, my heart thumping against my chest in happiness. There's a picture of him with another guy from the camp. There's a picture of him in a camouflage military outfit, laced boots that have a knife holster on the side, and a military cap on, soluting the picture. I laugh so hard I'm about to cry. I'm so happy that he looks to be doing okay. A tear slips from my eye, I move the pictures and note before it gets wet. Tim hugs my waist, not touching my ribs, comforting me as I wipe my happy tears.

"See, he'd never be mad at you for this," Gene rubs my back lightly.

I nod and grin, I then open the actual letter.

"Hey Love," I laugh seeing how informal it is, then I continue.

" I dont know where to begin. Let's start with I love you, and this is not your fault. My parents suck, and when I get back home, home with you and the guys, they will never see me again. They did this, not you Love. I promise, Malcolm, this isnt your fault.

I'm happy you start treatment again! Hell yeah Baby, let's kick this cancer in the ass! Really though, I'm proud of you, Malcolm, stay strong, Love. I'm glad you're healing and resting and taking your medication on time. I'm glad Tim is helping you along the way, I wish I could be there to help too. I can't wait to hug you, kiss you, and tell you I love you in person. Because I do love you. I got so happy when I saw that picture of you in my hoodie at the theaters, please continue to raid my closet till I get back. Do whatever keeps you close to me until I get back, even if it means sleeping in the basement, or stealing anything of mine, I dont care. I only have a little over one month, Love.

My first day here was eventful. I didnt have time to explain to you what happened, but I told Gene to tell you what happened. All I had the chance to do was text you "I love you". It hurt to text you and not tell you, but I had no time. Anyways, they took my phone, I got assigned a bed, and my bunkmate is a dick but he's pretty cool too. Everyone met and mingled for the first night, and we all shared why we were sent. You'd be surprised at how many guys were in trouble with the law and that's why they were sent. Some even volunteered to come here themselves, can you believe that? How crazy. When I was honest and said "Me falling in love with a guy was my parent's last straw", you should've seen the mixed reactions. Some people laughed with me, some laughed at me, some were supportive, and some weren't. I shrug off anyone that comes my way with bad intent now. My bunk mate is cool about the reason I'm here, but said "If you ever hit on me I'll knock your teeth in". I just laughed at him. Now I get why you got so annoyed with me at the beginning."

The first paper is full, I laugh my ass off and then turn to the next page.

" The pictures helped a lot, more than you know. I'm being honest, so dont judge me babe, but I cried when I saw those pictures and you smiling. I can't remember the last time I cried. I've already been made fun of for that. "What are you crying for soldier?!" The love of my life is miles away and I can't see them for another month. Not to mention, the love of my life has bone cancer that I have nightmares about. So please, baby, keep sending me pictures and telling me how your treatment goes. I do worry about your cancer a lot. I have nightmares where it ends up taking you from me, and I couldn't live if that happened. So please, let's bite this cancer in the ass and crush it. You will always have my support. If you ever feel weak remember just how strong you truly are. Remember that I will always be beside you to support your every step. Dont ever doubt yourself, Love. You are strong, handsome, beautiful, brave, extraordinary, unique, and passionate, and you are the love of my life.

There's still so much to say, but this is all I can stomach right now before I start crying again. I love you so much and I always will. Keep strong Malcolm. You got this.

With love,

Your boyfriend and future husband

Jackson Neroni

P.S.

Here's a small description of the pictures. There's a picture of sexy me in my uniform, I know you'll appreciate my sexiness. Dont worry, I get to keep the uniform ;)

The picture of me and my bunkmate, Jerry. He owns the Polaroid and let me send you some pictures. We hate each other lol.

Then there's my little setup. I'd rather sleep in your bed or my bed, but this little cardboard mattress is enough I guess. I put the pictures up first thing to make it homier, but I still miss my actual home.

P.P.S

I love you, Malcolm, I miss you more than anything in the world right now, kissing your picture just isnt the same. Write to me again soon, Love."

I burst out in tears, sad, angry, happy, and excited. Love. I am crying in the name of fucking love. My friends gather around me, telling me that it's okay, that I'll see him soon. It's not enough. I want to hug him, I want to kiss him, I want to hear him say I love you, I want to say I love you.

I grab the picture of him in his uniform, hold it up, and see writing through the bottom. I flip it around and read out loud.

"Your sexy future husband," I laugh and sob, holding the picture with his hoodie against my chest. "I love you."