getting to know you

[Every]

To: Emilee Marshall
From: Every Leighton

26th January, 2014

Dear Ms. Marshall,

I’m sorry that I didn’t get the chance to swing by to visit during the holiday season - I made it down to Santa Monica to visit my father’s grave a week or two before after a friend passed away. I needed to get away. As I mentioned in the last email, I live in Harper Rock and have for almost a year and half now despite the rumors swelling around. It’s quite silly if you ask me, but sometimes to make a living you need to go where others don’t want to.

The flowers you left on his grave were beautiful, thank you for taking time out of your schedule to visit. I’m sure he would have appreciated it. I can remember bits and pieces of him speaking about you, but it’s very light as he passed away almost sixteen years ago. How are you, and how was your holiday? Enver mentioned that you were disappointed that I didn’t make it down, but maybe I can make it up to you the next time I visit California.

Heading off to work, hope to hear from you soon.

Every Leighton.

[Enver Marshall II]

To: Every Leighton
From: Emilee Marshall

February 8, 2014

Dear Every,

I apologize for my delay in my response. I have been busy trying to learn the ways of the business world, since I have been given the biggest share of my belated husband's company. It wasn't difficult at first because Enver had come down once a month, but his visits have become more and more infrequent, so I realized I have to become self sufficient in that area. I'm not complaining, I gather he likes it in Harper Rock and it has seemed to do him a world of good given his past. It's all just a little overwhelming when you are thrown in to a world you never imagined controlling. I suppose that is silly though because Enver's dad was a few years older than me and I knew at some point I would be in possession of the studio. I suppose I just wasn't ready for Enver's father to pass away, but then no one is, are they?

I am sorry to hear of the loss of your friend. Cherish the memories you had with them. I think even in death that someone can still affect your life. I know Enver's father still does.

Please, do not thank me for the flowers. It was the least I could do for your father. We hadn't spoken much in quite a few years and his passing came as a surprise. Again, you think time is on your side, but then something unexpected happens and here you are wishing things had been different.

I have to finish this email soon and head off to work myself. In closing this, I am surprised to know Enver passed on my words to you. I know I asked it of him, but we aren't exactly close. None of us were. Another regret I have, but it was the life I lived and when you want the best for your children, I think you sometimes do not realize the damage you do in trying to give them the best and help them become the best. I do not resent the fact we are not close, or resent him for it either. I'm not complaining about our lack of relationship either, as it was my fault and Enver's father's fault too, being we were the adults in the relationship and made the choices we did. And if this is too much to ask, then please feel free to disregard this. But since it seems he talks to you more, I was hoping you would know how I could connect with him. I sometimes think that with his father gone that Enver will come around, but as its been some months now, I don't think that is true. I don't want to be another parent that he barely knew before they depart this earth. I do want our relationship to change, but we are so far disconnected that I'm not sure it's possible. Have you any ideas?


Sincerely,

Emilee Marshall

[Every]

To: Emilee Marshall
From: Every Leighton

8th February, 2014

Dear Ms. Marshall,

No worries on the delay, I understand that you’re a busy woman and it’s just nice to converse with you over email, regardless of the time frame so there’s no need to apologize. My older brother, Michael, passed away a while after my father did, so while it’s not precisely the same, the sudden need to pick up responsibly is relative, I had shoes to fill that I hadn’t quite expected – or wanted to – because of it. I wish you the best in your business now. No, loss is not always something that people are ready, nor should they be ready to experience. I’ve learned it never gets easier the hard way.

I miss her quite a bit, but sometimes it’s better for me not to dwell too long on cherished memories, as I wonder if I linger too long, I’ll miss the chance to create new ones. I have pictures and videos on my phone that I still need to convert onto my laptop, which I should probably do sometime before this evening. It’s strange to think that for the longest time you get used to being on your own and then you find out – although it was something that Enver and I aren’t thrilled on as we come from very different political views – about unknown relations.

He seemed reluctant, as if it had been an afterthought, but it surprised me as well. Enver and I don’t really speak often, in all reality it’s only when one of us does something to annoy the other that we bother with each other at all. Like I mentioned, different views on many things, different crowds and temperaments. I don’t know much about him, unfortunately, to be able to help you connect with him... but I did notice he has expensive tastes in cars? He also seems to have some strange fascination with fedoras. I can attempt to learn some things for you about him when we speak again next time.

Every Leighton.