A white envelope with a blue wax seal on it was shoved in Lucia and Monica's mail box, in between the other extra garbage mail. Lucia raced outside and retrieved the mail before running back inside, opening Potato Guys's letter eagerly. It read:
Dearest Lydia,
That's a real bummer about Denny. It's awful to have things always go wrong. Has he read about the problems major scientists go through? Scientists are diligent but have their fair share of problems. It narrows down their possibilities and it heightens their chance of success! Maybe he'll like hearing that.
About Jonah, I guess I can understand why he likes you. Just from reading your letters, I can tell what an amazing friend you are. You're a real gem, Lydia. Never change unless it's for the better.
Always love reading your letters.
Potato Guy
Lucia smiled brightly as she read his carefully penned words.
"Stop it," Monica muttered.
"Stop what?" Lucia asked in confusion.
"Looking like that. Being you. It's too early in the morning for your cheery attitude, so shut up because I don't wanna hear it," Monica grumbled, pouring a cup of coffee.
Lucia grinned and rested her elbows on the table, her chin in both her hands. "I got another letter from Potato Guy."
"Oh, yeah? Did he finally get a real name?"
Lucia sighed. "Well, aren't you just a little ray of sunshine?"
Monica took a big sip of her coffee. "I am so tired."
"I'm oddly refreshed," Lucia smiled.
"Why do you even still sign your letters with your mother's name?"
"Because I'm still paranoid."
—————
Two years ago.
"Why did you sign your letter with your mother's name?" Monica frowned. "Why don't you just sign your name?"
"I've never met this guy," Lucia scoffed. "For all I know, he's a crazed, murdering psychopath."
"I doubt Jonah would have given you the address of a murderer," Monica chuckled.
"He doesn't know this guy. Remember, it's Jonah's friend's friend. Jonah has never met this guy, nor does he know his name. Jonah isn't even close friends with the friend who gave him this guy's address."
"You're so paranoid."
—————
"But what I don't understand is why he doesn't give you his real name," Monica sighed.
"I don't know. Maybe he's paranoid too," Lucia shrugged. "Hey, why don't we go shopping today?"
Monica sighed and stirred her coffee. "I guess."
"Mon?" Lucia said after a moment of silence.
"Yeah?"
"I think...I think I sort of...have feelings? For Potato Guy?"
"How do you have feelings for him?"
"Well, I really like his personality. He's super sweet and just overall an awesome guy."
"You have no idea who he is."
"True," Lucia sighed. "But still."
"It doesn't make sense."
YOU ARE READING
It Started With a Pen
RomanceLucia Matthews, a young woman who lives in Seattle, has had a pen pal for two years, who writes under the name "Potato Guy". As she gets to know him through his letters, she begins to fall in love. While she tries to keep feelings for this strange m...
