Dear AliceA Story by Noëlle McHenry It’s me again. You haven’t been replying to my emails, so I’m just emailing you to make sure you’re OK. From: Alice [Redacted] <[redacted]@gmail.com> To: Marcus Paddon Date: [Redacted], Sept 30, [redacted] at 9:34 AM Subject: This is getting out of hand
Mr. Paddon, Thomas showed up at my house several times last night. He broke in and tried to watch me sleep. I need to change my locks now. This man must truly be insane; he is still going on about marrying me. I am beginning to fear for my life. I want to file a restraining order. In case you for some reason question the legitimacy of my claims (again, I might add), I am going to forward all of Thomas’ e-mails from the past 24 hours to you. You’re my lawyer, and I think you need to start acting like it. ~ Alice
From: Thomas Arterburry <[redacted]@gmail.com> To: Alice [Redacted] <[redacted]@gmail.com> Date: [Redacted], Sept 29, [redacted] at 1:09 PM Subject: How are you?
Dear Alice, It’s me again. You haven’t been replying to my emails, so I’m just emailing you to make sure you’re OK. You were right: Seattle does seem nice. I like how it doesn’t snow here, and I’m sure you do too. No more ruining your good shoes due to a sudden snowfall, right? Ha ha. Good news, by the way! Our wedding date has been set. I know how much you enjoy Halloween, so it’s set for October 31st! Have you picked out your dress yet? If you have, I wish I could see it sooner. You’re going to look beautiful no matter what you wear, because you always do. With love, Thom
From: Thomas Arterburry <[redacted]@gmail.com> To: Alice [Redacted] <[redacted]@gmail.com> Date: [Redacted], Sept 29, [redacted] at 1:12 PM Subject: Inquiry
Dear Alice, Will you take my surname or will I take yours? I mean, it’s traditionally the wife taking the husband’s surname, but I can’t help but notice we haven’t decided yet. If you want me to take your surname, I will do so gladly. Thomas [Redacted] is probably a better change than Alice Arterburry. I just want to know you’re mine, darling. With love, Thom
From: Thomas Arterburry <[redacted]@gmail.com> To: Alice [Redacted] <[redacted]@gmail.com> Date: [Redacted], Sept 29, [redacted] at 1:35 PM Subject: Where are you?
Dear Alice, It’s been almost an entire 20 minutes since I first emailed you today. Could you just reply back to me so I know you’re OK? You don’t need to say anything, really, just tell me if you’re OK. With love, Thom
From: Thomas Arterburry <[redacted]@gmail.com> To: Alice [Redacted] <[redacted]@gmail.com> Date: [Redacted], Sept 29, [redacted] at 1:42 PM Subject: Alice?
Dear Alice, I’m getting really worried. Please reply. Thom
From: Alice [Reacted] <[redacted]@gmail.com> To: Thomas Arterburry <[redacted]@gmail.com> Date: [Redacted], Sept 29, [redacted] at 1:44 PM Subject: Re: Alice?
Thomas, Please stop e-mailing me. ~ Alice
From: Thomas Arterburry <[redacted]@gmail.com> To: Alice [Redacted] <[redacted]@gmail.com> Date: [Redacted], Sept 29, [redacted] at 1:45 PM Subject: Re: Re: Alice?
Dear Alice, I’m so relieved that you’re okay. I fear I might have been on the verge of something drastic. With love, Thom
From: Thomas Arterburry <[redacted]@gmail.com> To: Alice [Redacted] <[redacted]@gmail.com> Date: [Redacted], Sept 29, [redacted] at 2:07 PM Subject: What are you doing?
Dear Alice, Looking back on my previous email, I actually realize now that rain is probably worse for your shoes than snow. Why did you pick Seattle? I’ll buy you new shoes whenever you need them. Are you free for dinner tonight? I have coupons for [redacted], but we can go wherever you want. I’m having trouble finding anything in Seattle, though. I just want to spend some time with you. Maybe we could go for a movie? I know how much you love romantic comedies. I was walking by a pet shop today and I saw a puppy. If it hasn’t been adopted by tomorrow, I think I might get it for you. You like dogs, right? With love, Thom
From: Thomas Arterburry <[redacted]@gmail.com> To: Alice [Redacted] <[redacted]@gmail.com> Date: [Redacted], Sept 29, [redacted] at 2:51 PM Subject: I hope you like dogs
Dear Alice, I went back to the pet shop and got the dog. His name is Baxter, and he’s a Havanese. He’s sort of beige in color. I think you’re going to love him. He’s so cute. I’ll bring him to you tomorrow. Could you give me your address? With love, Thom
From: Thomas Arterburry <[redacted]@gmail.com> To: Alice [Redacted] <[redacted]@gmail.com> Date: [Redacted], Sept 29, [redacted] at 2:57 PM Subject: Re: I hope you like dogs
Never mind, I got it. See you tomorrow, Thom
From: Thomas Arterburry <[redacted]@gmail.com> To: Alice [Redacted] <[redacted]@gmail.com> Date: [Redacted], Sept 29, [redacted] at 4:28 PM Subject: Re: Re: I hope you like dogs
Dear Alice, I can’t wait to see you tomorrow. I have to hear your voice. I tried calling your phones, but I’m not even getting any answering machines. Did you block my number? If you did, you don’t have to be afraid to tell me so. It’s an honest mistake. Just tell me the truth. Baxter won’t stop yipping. I thought Havanese were supposed to be quiet dogs? At least his yips are cute. I’m going to try calling you through a payphone. With love, Thom
From: Thomas Arterburry <[redacted]@gmail.com> To: Alice [Redacted] <[redacted]@gmail.com> Date: [Redacted], Sept 29, [redacted] at 4:42 PM Subject: Did you get my message?
Dear Alice, I left you a voicemail, because you still won’t answer your phone.
Well, OK, I left two voicemails. Or maybe three. With love, Thom
From: Thomas Arterburry <[redacted]@gmail.com> To: Alice [Redacted] <[redacted]@gmail.com> Date: [Redacted], Sept 29, [redacted] at 5:08 PM Subject: Re: Did you get my message?
Dear Alice, Are you still getting my emails?
From: thom arterburry <[redacted]@yahoo.com> To: Alice [Redacted] <[redacted]@gmail.com> Date: [Redacted], Sept 29, [redacted] at 5:23 PM Subject: Alice
Dear Alice, I made a new email in case you aren’t able to get emails from my main anymore. Have I told you recently how beautiful your name is? Alice is such a fitting name for you. With love, Thom
From: Thomas Arterburry <[redacted]@gmail.com> To: Alice [Redacted] <[redacted]@gmail.com> Date: [Redacted], Sept 29, [redacted] at 5:56 PM Subject: Switching back
Dear Alice, You didn’t reply to my new email, so I’m going back to my main one. I just wanted to let you know incase you were uncertain that the other email was in fact from me. I also walked to your house. Your car is in the driveway. Did I do something wrong to make you ignore me? If I did, I’m really sorry. Could you please talk to me? I’m really worried. With love, Thom
From: Thomas Arterburry <[redacted]@gmail.com> To: Alice [Redacted] <[redacted]@gmail.com> Date: [Redacted], Sept 29, [redacted] at 6:02 PM Subject: I’m sorry
Dear Alice, I don’t know what I did to upset you. Do you not like dogs? I just want to treat you, darling; you’re my fiancée. Isn’t that what husbands do? Please talk to me, Alice. I would never hurt you. Remember when we first met? You asked me for directions. Man, did I ever fall for you. I would never do anything to upset you, Alice, so if I made you angry, I’m sorry. I didn’t do it intentionally. With love, Thom
From: Thomas Arterburry <[redacted]@gmail.com> To: Alice [Redacted] <[redacted]@gmail.com> Date: [Redacted], Sept 29, [redacted] at 6:40 PM Subject: Please talk to me
Dear Alice, Please don’t ignore me. I love you. I just want to talk. Sincerely, Thom
From: Thomas Arterburry <[redacted]@gmail.com> To: Alice [Redacted] <[redacted]@gmail.com> Date: [Redacted], Sept 29, [redacted] at 7:35 PM Subject: Re: Please talk to me
Dear Alice, I went back to your house. I could have sworn I heard you watching something until I knocked. I called for you until my throat was raw. I know you heard me crying. I forgive you for ignoring me. Honestly, that was a little bit crazy of me. I’ll try to respect your personal space for a little while. Please email me when you’re ready to talk. With love, Thom
From: Thomas Arterburry <[redacted]@gmail.com> To: Alice [Redacted] <[redacted]@gmail.com> Date: [Redacted], Sept 29, [redacted] at 9:21 PM Subject: To cheer you up
Dear Alice, I know you’re probably still upset with me, but I want to make it up to you. I don’t really know how, though, so I decided to look up some pictures of ducklings for you on Google. I know you love baby ducks. [images removed] With love, Thom
From: Thomas Arterburry <[redacted]@gmail.com> To: Alice [Redacted] <[redacted]@gmail.com> Date: [Redacted], Sept 29, [redacted] at 11:53 PM Subject: Pictures
Dear Alice, The pictures of you are no longer enough. I can’t get to sleep. I want to have you close to me, to feel you in my arms. To think that it’ll only be another month before we’re married! I’ll make you the happiest wife any husband has ever had. I love you so much. I can’t wait to spend my forever by your side. I’m going to try to sleep again. Goodnight, darling. With love, Thom
From: Thomas Arterburry <[redacted]@gmail.com> To: Alice [Redacted] <[redacted]@gmail.com> Date: [Redacted], Sept 30, [redacted] at 1:46 AM Subject: Re: Pictures
Dear Alice, It’s no use. I can’t sleep. Baxter won’t stop yipping. I have to find something to feed him. Are you awake? With love, Thom
From: Thomas Arterburry <[redacted]@gmail.com> To: Alice [Redacted] <[redacted]@gmail.com> Date: [Redacted], Sept 30, [redacted] at 2:34 AM Subject: Re: Re: Pictures
Alice?
From: Thomas Arterburry <[redacted]@gmail.com> To: Alice [Redacted] <[redacted]@gmail.com> Date: [Redacted], Sept 30, [redacted] at 4:13 AM Subject:
alice please talk to me it’s 4 am and i can’t sleep. i need to know you’re alright. i need to hear your voice. i can’t sleep without you and THIS DOG WON’T STOP BARKING
From: Thomas Arterburry <[redacted]@gmail.com> To: Alice [Redacted] <[redacted]@gmail.com> Date: [Redacted], Sept 30, [redacted] at 6:02 AM Subject: i’m so sorry
dear alice, check your porch. i left you a present. i’m so sorry i don’t know what came over me it just wouldn’t stop barking alice i love you. with love, thom
From: Thomas Arterburry <[redacted]@gmail.com> To: Alice [Redacted] <[redacted]@gmail.com> Date: [Redacted], Sept 30, [redacted] at 6:08 AM Subject: Re: i’m so sorry
i’m coming over.
From: Thomas Arterburry <[redacted]@gmail.com> To: Alice [Redacted] <[redacted]@gmail.com> Date: [Redacted], Sept 30, [redacted] at 8:30 AM Subject:
Dear Alice, . , Thom
From: Marcus Paddon To: Alice [Redacted] <[redacted]@gmail.com> Date: [Redacted], Sept 30, [redacted] at 9:42 AM Subject: Re: This is getting out of hand
Mrs. [Redacted], I sincerely apologize for not taking you seriously at first. Some of my prior clients have overreacted in the past, but I see now that your reaction is justified. I will help to get you a restraining order against Mr. Arterburry, but in the meantime, I strongly recommend that you report him to the police if you have not done so already. I just have one question, if you do not mind my prying. Are you sure you had no prior correspondence with Mr. Arterburry until last week? Marcus W. Paddon
From: Alice [Redacted] <[redacted]@gmail.com> To: Marcus Paddon Date: [Redacted], Sept 30, [redacted] at 9:46 AM Subject: Re: Re: This is getting out of hand
Mr. Paddon, I’ve never seen him before in my life. ~ Alice © 2016 Noëlle McHenryAuthor's Note
Featured Review
Reviews
|
StatsAuthor
Noëlle McHenryCanadaAboutI like to write stories and make up characters. I also draw and occasionally do voice acting. I've been writing as a hobby since I was a little squirt, and began my first original story when I was eig.. more..Writing
|
![[send message]](https://www.writerscafe.org/images/mail.png){kind=small}
![[befriend]](https://www.writerscafe.org/images/friend.png){kind=small}
Share This
Email
Facebook
Twitter
Read Request
My Library
Flag Writing
