Alice casually walked out of her apartment and down the stairs toward her mailbox. She suddenly had an odd feeling in the pit of her stomach. When she opened the mailbox and pulled out a few bills, a couple pieces of junk mail, and a letter written in an unfamiliar handwriting. Alice rushed upstairs throwing all the other pieces of mail aside and quickly opened the letter.

Dear Alice- May 6th

Im very sorry I have not written you any sooner. Things have been crazy and to be honest I really dont know where to begin. So many things have happened in the past couple months. I guess I will start with the beginning. I never really showed you truly how I felt because I was scared. I dont know if I was more scared of hurting you or getting hurt myself. The feelings and emotions that I showed you in the time that we spent together were real. That I promise you. I do regret one thingnot getting to spend more time with you. When I left, it was not too long after the huge fight with my father. I said that I was in love with you. I meant it. But I never directly told you. I was afraid to tell you because it was too soon. I didnt know how you were feeling on your side and I didnt want to scare you away. Love is a complicated thing and it is not something I want to mess up. I apologize for not having more time. The next few weeks will be very hectic. I will be traveling will my battalion to Camp Habbaniyah Iraq at 0400 hours on 8 May 2005. The camp is located half way between Ramadi and Falluja along the Euphrates River. I know you dont exactly understand why I am here, but know that it is what I am supposed to do.

Love, Natalie

P.S. send Bette and Tina my regards.

Dear Natalie, May 14th

Thank you for your latter. I was a bit surprised to hear from you. After so long I was starting to get worried. I almost called your mother but I had fears about your father answering the telephone. We all know he can be a little scary. Bette and Tina are doing great. Tina is about to pop any day now. Me? Im fine. I miss you. It is a little weird not having to around just to chat with. I know we didnt get to be together for a real long time but I liked you. I hope we can continue to chat and hopefully reunite when you come back home. I hope to hear from you soon

Love Always, Alice

P.S. Natalie, I love you too!