"Hello.... is there anyone on the other end?" Vicki's softly spoken voice washed over Billy. It made him feel warm as if his blood hadn't run cold.
"I can hear you breathing.... so if this is one of those phone calls I'm going to hang up" her voice became more stern and chastising. "Right I'm hanging up in 3... 2...." Billy interrupted the countdown. "Hi... Vicki its Billy. From the other night". He felt he needed to clarify how she knew him as if she had already forgotten him. He hoped it was the whiskey that made him so stupid. Her tone changed again and he could feel the welcoming warmth even over the phone. "Of course I know who you are Billy! Don't be so silly" she giggled to herself "Silly Billy... thats quite good.. even if I say so myself.... how are you?".
She heard a loud clunk followed by heavy hands grabbing at the phone. Billy was drunk and dropped the phone. "Are you still there Billy?" She asked concerned. "Yeah yeah I'm still here he slurred... I'm not sure why I called... I just...." he breaks off mid sentence and Vicki hears him weeping like a frightened child.
"My poor boy whatever is the matter?!.... please talk to me".
There is no verbal answer just more sounds of crying. Vicki can sense that much of this is alcohol fueled. "What are you drinking?.... cos I'm a sherry gal myself" there is still no answer. " I am partial to a nice glass of wine to at times but I wouldn't say I'm a big drinker" just listening to her voice makes Billy feel at home. "Its whiskey... I'm sorry" he sobbed again. "Theres no reason to ever say sorry to me Billy. I will never be cross with you. All sins are forgiven here". He wished that would be true. He'd give anything for it to be true.
" I'm so sorry" he felt like he was confessing for absolution.
"Its been a rough couple of days hasnt it and its gotten to us all. I think we all need a stiff drink at times like this..... do you need to talk?... I'm here if you need me. I'm always here for you". She meant her words. She felt as if she carried an unpayable debt to Billy. Again all the words Billy could muster where "I'm so sorry". Vickis instincts told her he needed more then chat and kind words. " never be afraid Billy. You've survived through your whole life so whatever is burdening you will not break you. I won't let it". She blew a kiss to him down the phone and he could almost feel it on his cheek. He again repeated "I'm so sorry". He took a breath.. "please don't hate me". He hangs up.
YOU ARE READING
Forbidden Freedoms
القصة القصيرةWhen a young man helps save a child from a fire he is held as a local hero how long can his secret remain hidden?
