My dear, my cherished being, my heart's love ... will you permit me to wallow? Just a little?
Night has fallen, and we are apart. Jury duty, calling me back to my legal address. (I plan on giving up this apartment at the end of the year and becoming a New Yorker once again, but for now it's not just my children that tie me to this place.) These past few weeks have been so blissful. Warm days have come and so we have begun to sleep with the windows of White Rose Cottage open, bathed in the sound of the wind as it rushes through the new young leaves, serenaded by some bird of the night that seems to sing only for you and me. I drank it up, drank it in, drank you in, let myself pretend that this separation wasn't coming. I held off telling you until the last possible moment ... and this morning that moment came.
It's not for long, I promised you.
One night, maybe two. You sent me on my way with sweet words about civic duty and sweeter kisses, but I saw the shadows in your eyes and I know you don't rest easy tonight, any more than I.
If I am called into a courtroom, someone will probably ask if anyone has a compelling reason why they can't serve as a juror. And as I promised I will speak up and say I am urgently needed elsewhere to assist two elderly people with a bedbound relative, and they will decide from there what to do with me. I don't scoff at jury duty. When I had my old office job, I served on a panel for a civil trial and ended up liking it very much. But now ... now the whole enterprise is just a thing that keeps me from your side. And if I say I can't do it because my parents need me, that is the truth, but it's not the truth of my heart.
whiterose: Excuse me, your honor? May I approach the bench?
(The courtroom buzzes with shock and indignation, spurring the judge to wield his gavel until order is restored.)
THE JUDGE: Young lady, what is the meaning of this? You are wasting the time of this court! I could have you thrown in jail for contempt!
whiterose:
(hangs her head, then looks up at the judge with pleading eyes) Oh, Your Honor, mercy! Mercy! Give me just a moment. Please!
THE JUDGE:
(is intrigued, despite himself) You may approach.
(bangs gavel again as the spectators burst out in an uproar) I am warning you all for the last time. I will clear this courtroom! Just because I indulge this young lady's nonsense doesn't mean my good humor is extended to the rest of you!
(The spectators grumble, but comply. Now they are interested too, watching me as I approach the judge.)
whiterose:
(speaking softly, so only THE JUDGE can hear) You see, Your Honor, it's like this ...
(I take out my phone) Here is the woman I woke up next to this morning.
(I show him the picture.)
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THE JUDGE:
(says nothing, but I notice his eyebrows have climbed up his forehead as high as they can go)
whiterose: Allow me to introduce into evidence this next picture, to fully convey the gravity of the situation. You see, I live with this lovely angel in another state. And if you put me on a jury panel, I won't be waking up next to her tomorrow.
(I open the next photo on my phone)
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THE JUDGE:
(slides a finger under his collar and tugs on it, as if it's suddenly become too tight) I ... ah ... I begin to appreciate the nature of your predicament.
whiterose: Oh, Your Honor, I just knew you would understand! I mean, look at her! This is the look she gave me when I told her I had to leave to do this. Can't you see ... she needs me! Please, Your Honor, don't make me break her heart!
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THE JUDGE: Congratulations, young lady. You have made your case indeed. You are ... DISMISSED!
(whiterose, beaming, turns to go, but THE JUDGE catches hold of her sleeve and speaks very softly.) On one condition. Strictly off the judicial record.
whiterose:
(smiles mischievously) You don't even have to ask. I'll send you 8 x 10 glossies in an envelope marked "Strictly Personal and Confidential".
THE JUDGE: DISMISSED! With prejudice! And let the record state that I decree Miss Whiterose excused from jury duty FOREVER!
(The spectators cheer and applaud. They don't know why, but it seems like the right thing to do. whiterose bows and smiles at the crowd, exits the courtroom, and breaks the speed limit in three states getting back home. THE END!)
Well, my darling? Did you like my little story? It's lifted my mood a bit and I think I can sleep now, even without you. And if I do end up in a courtroom, it will make me happy to think of my little fantasy ... but not nearly as happy as the reality of coming home to you. Sweet dreams, Christen. I love you.