Never Too Late:Genre Writing Challenge #25

I decided to try one of the genre challenges from The Haunted Wordsmith, epistolary fiction, stories constructed from a series of letters between characters).

May 25, 1980

Dear Jennifer,

I am writing to apologize for the way I treated you ten years ago, when I insisted on an annulment of our marriage. When the doctors said that you would never conceive, I felt that I must have heard God wrong when I felt Him say, “She will make you a great wife.” No way would God have given me a barren woman, if He truly loved me, for becoming a father has been one of my greatest desires. These were my thoughts, then. Your only value to me was your womb. I did not think you were the kind of beautiful that I wanted, so letting go of the marriage suited my needs.

But recently, I have learned that I became sterile, and unable to impregnate anyone, which means that I will never be a father. I am devastated to learn that traipsing after  a beautiful woman, I contracted measles as an adult, and after days of high fevers, I was rendered sterile. I have been depressed, and I realize now that no one’s value and worth is measured by their ability to conceive or beget children. Please accept my deepest apologies for the pain I caused you. It would appear that God’s declaration that “vengeance is mine” really occurs, for you were such a wonderful woman of God.

Your Truly,

Jarrod Wesleyan, Esquire

June 10, 1980

Dear Jarrod,

I am so sorry to hear of your recent illness, and I know that finding out that you could not father has caused you great pain. I think that more than losing the marriage for me was losing your friendship, for you promised to keep in touch, and when you did not call or write over the last ten years, I assumed that you wished to forget those magical, wonderful days that meant so much to me.

But, be of good cheer, for God has not forgotten you at all. The diagnosis was correct, but the doctors underestimated the miraculous power of God. Twelve weeks after the annulment, I was so sick, ending up in the Intensive Care Unit. I was stunned to learn that I was pregnant, something my doctor kept saying just should not be occurring.

I did not know where to find you, and so I waited for you to get in touch with me, but you never did. I gave birth to quintuplets, four boys and a girl who looks like you were cloned the wrong sex, all nine years old. They are the greatest five people I have ever met, and I love being their mother. I would love for you to meet them. Please send me another letter, advising me when you may come to Boston .

God Blessing to You,

Dr. Jennifer Mallory

June 21, 1980

Dear Jennifer,

Thank you so much! Wow, I am beyond amazed! I am so sorry that you had to endure the pregnancy alone. I cannot tell you how many time God has placed you on my heart, but I felt such shame for how I treated you that I felt that I was the last person in the world you’d want to talk to. Yes, I would love to meet our children and to reconnect with you as well.

You did not address whether you were married or not, so I am assuming that you are still single and that we can talk about remarrying, so that our children can have a stable family. I have asked for time off, and I will arrive in Boston on July 5, remaining until July 19. I look forward to discussing ways of co-parenting, as I hope to be able to find a position in Boston, so that I can be a hands-on father. Your ability to forgive astounds me, but it does not surprise me.

Yours Truly,

Jarrod Wesleyan, Esquire

June 26, 1980

Dear Jarrod,

I look forward to seeing you again. No, I never remarried. Growing up in an orphanage and not having a family made being married and a part of your family so much more special. Alas, we were not married long enough for me to even meet your parents and grandparents. The judge said that granting the annulment meant that if either of wed again, it would be our “true” first marriage. But, an annulment cannot erase the days spent joyfully planning a future or the nights of sweetness that produced five new lives.

I am glad for my children that you will be in their lives, and I welcome reconnecting as friends, but you are not obligated to remarry me, nor would I want to do so. I have worked hard over the last ten years to develop a sense of my value and worth, and I know now that I am a priceless jewel. I had to forgive you, for my sanity’s sake, and because it allowed me to take back my power.

My being the mother of your children is not sufficient reason for marriage. What if that is not enough to keep us together? Before there was only me to grieve, but I cannot chance putting our children through the pain and suffering of a divorce, for when the children leave the nest, what is my value to you then? I wish us both true love in the future.  But, I have no doubts that you will be a great father, particularly, coming from a family that values parenting above all else. Have a safe journey!

Sincerely,

Dr. Jennifer Mallory

I hope that I got this somewhat right and that you enjoy it. Regina