The following “letter” is part of the continuing series from the unpublished novel by James Garrett, “Benicia Letters Once More”. He does not plan to publish the book but instead is choosing to share the letters with the readers of the Benicia Herald. The letters continue the storyline of Garrett’s first novel “Benicia and Letters of Love”. Each “letter” tells of love in one of its many forms from a separate point of view. Benicia is represented prominently in the letters because of Garrett’s deep fondness for the city of Benicia. He hopes readers see themselves or others they know in the letters because the concept of “Love” is universal.

Dear Mr. Garrett,
Joe– that isn’t his real name– said he went out of his way to pass through Benicia on his trip from one military base to another. He had just graduated from a school for officers and was headed for his latest command. His parents moved from town years ago. He said the only reason he stopped in Benicia was to see me. When I asked why, he said he just wanted to say “Hello”.
He told me he served two tours in Iraq and one in Afghanistan and would now have some time away from those areas. He was sure he would receive orders in the future to go back to one of them. He said he thought those orders would be for Afghanistan again.
We hadn’t communicated for years, but he repeatedly came to mind over that time. When I was on a date or had a steady man in my life, Joe often came to my mind. I couldn’t help but think at times how Joe compared with the man I was with at that time. In my head I had some type of scales and balanced the men against Joe. When I put everything together, Joe’s end of the scale was always heavier.
Joe and I grew up in Benicia. We had gone together for awhile in high school, but I ended it. I didn’t want to be tied down in any way, but I liked Joe better than any other guy I dated in high school.
When I asked Joe why he wanted to say “Hello”, he answered the only woman he thought of on lonely nights, especially in Iraq and Afghanistan, was me. Joe was popular with girls and women. If he wanted to have a girlfriend in high school other than me, he could have. If he wanted to have a woman in his life now, I know he could. He never went steady with another girl in high school after me and, to my knowledge, he never married. Then there he was sitting in front of me.
I was, and am, an independent female. I didn’t see what he offered when he offered it in high school. I didn’t see what he offered the day he came by to say “Hello”. We hadn’t been in contact for so many years I simply didn’t understand the depth of feeling he held towards me. After he left the depth of feeling I had always had for him enveloped me. I cried for hours.
Joe didn’t offer an address with which to contact him. I could have been his wife and be with him today. I wish I hadn’t been so independent. I have no idea where Joe is now or how he is doing.
Tami (not my real name)

James Garrett is a lifelong resident of Benicia and a former teacher at Benicia High School. He is the author of the following novels: “Benicia and Letters of Love,” “The Mansion Stories,” “Chief Salt,” and “One Great Season, 9-0!” He also compiled a three-volume work titled “The Golden Era: Benicia High School Football, The 1948 through 1960 Seasons, “A” History with Comments.”
He can be contacted at jgstoriesnpoetry@aol.com.

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