Hate Mail

by Donna Marchetti

Dear Naomi, I hope you get struck by lightning and die in the middle of your next weather report. Wouldn’t that be ironic? —L

I want you to know that if anyone ever did those things to me, it would be because he’s a shitty person and he doesn’t deserve me. Not the other way around. And if I saw someone treating one of my friends like that, I would kick him in the balls. Love, Naomi

She made the hottest girl at my own high school look like a mushroom in comparison. I suddenly wished that I could take back all the mean things I had ever written to her.

Husky Eyes: How’s San Diego? Better than Miami? Naomi: It’s beautiful here. I might never come back. Husky Eyes: You can’t make a big decision like that until after you’ve been on a date with me. Naomi: You must be really sure of yourself to think one date can make me rethink such a big decision. Husky Eyes: It won’t be just one date.

Sometimes I went to bed imagining that it was me holding her in that photo she posted.

The numbness that came with the initial shock of the news was fading. I could feel my throat constricting, and my eyes heated with tears. The nurse, sensing that I was about to break down, stepped toward me and wrapped her arms around me in a tight hug. I didn’t realize how much I needed that hug until it was happening. I cried into her shoulder, into her hair, until the parking lot began to fill with other students and their families. It didn’t occur to me until later that I didn’t even know the nurse’s name.

As soon as we reach the sidewalk, he says, “Wait. Naomi.” For a moment, I think that he’s about to comment on what just happened a minute ago. Instead, he grabs onto my shoulders, steering me away from the edge of the sidewalk so that he’s between me and the road. “There. That’s better.” I frown. “Excuse me?” He points at the road with his thumb as he starts walking again. I stare at the road, then look back at him, confused, before I realize what he’s doing. I take a few quick steps to catch up with him. I think it’s cute that he’s following such an old-fashioned rule where the man blocks the woman from traffic.

“Salmon?” I say, reading the name of the species. “I didn’t know you had food here.” He snorts, his lip curling up in a half smile. He jabs me with his elbow. “Very funny.” “Oh no. Don’t tell me you’re against eating seafood.” He cringes, making me worry that I crossed a line. “I’m not a huge fan of seafood, but I promise it’s not because of my job.” I swipe my hand over my forehead. “Phew. I was afraid that I offended you for a second. I guess that’s kind of like asking a regular veterinarian if they eat dogs and cats.”

“Jesus, Naomi,” he whispers against my lips. “I can’t get enough of you.”

I got a call from an old friend the other day. If you go to Georgia again, tell Maxwell I said hi. Who knew you would go that far to find me? You must like me too, or something. Love, Luca

“I don’t think there’s anything you could do to scare me off, Naomi.” “What if I just started peeing? Right here. Standing up. Through my shorts.” “I would assume you got stung by a jellyfish and I just didn’t notice.” “What if I told you that I was a robot?” “Then I would say whoever built you did an excellent job.” I can hear his hand scraping the sand as he writes our names in it. “What if I told you that I hate kids?” “Then I hate them too.” “And if I told you that I want a baby right now?” “I would say ‘let’s start trying’ but if you’re a robot, then we might have to adopt.”

Speaking of that offer, is it still valid? Because I’d like to come hide away with you if you’ll have me. Just say the word and I’m yours. Love, Luca

I think anyone who reads them would know that I’m in love with you. Love, Luca Dear Luca, How can you say that you’re in love with me when we’ve never even met? If that’s how you think you feel, you should have told me a lot sooner. It’s too late now. Love, Naomi Dear Naomi, It’s not too late. Love, Luca

“Do you really think you’re the only one who’s hurting over this? I fell in love with you, and I lost you.”