always listening | h.s.

1

eighteen

The age that marks adulthood. For some, this year is one that's been long awaited; but for me, it's a year I've been dreading. It's the year I get my headphones that connect to my soulmate. I don't know who came up with this "wonderful" idea, but I don't see the point. I don't see how everyone can be assigned a soulmate that you're supposed to magically fall in love with. I'm not sure if I even believe in love to begin with, considering my history with the subject.

"Happy birthday to you!" My mom cheers, sitting my cake on the table in front of me. I look up to her and smile, then look down at the cake.

"Happy 18th Birthday Corinna!"

"Thank you, Mom." I blow out the candles that lit up the cake. "Red velvet?"

"Of course." My mom has baked me a red velvet cake on my birthday every year since I turned one. She told me it's what her mom used to do with her, so she decided to carry on the tradition and I've loved it ever since. She always uses a cream cheese flavored frosting to coat the whole cake, and uses blue icing for the writing. I think she should've made a job for herself out of this, but she disagrees.

She pulls her hands out from behind her back to place a small wrapped box on the table. I already knew what was inside, considering what day it was.

"Please tell me there's a puppy in here." I joke. My mom chuckles and shrugs.

"I'm sorry that I can't grant that wish just yet."

I take the box in my hands and begin to unwrap it to reveal a plain white box. I open the box to see two small wireless headphones.

"Do I have to?" I say, looking up to my mom.

"No, but aren't you curious?" She smiles. "Take a listen."

"I will later." I say, closing the box. To be completely honest, I was very nervous to put those headphones on. I really hated the idea, but knowing someone could listen to you when you're just listening to music is scary; especially a complete stranger. You have no knowledge of this person whatsoever and they can hear everything when these are in your ears, vice versa. I just think this an open invitation to a stalker.

"Well, you have to tell me all about them when you talk to them." She says, continuing the conversation.

"Who says I'm going to be talking to them?"

"Oh, come on. You have to at least see what they're about."

"What if they're a complete weirdo?"

"No ones forcing you to fall in love with them."

"That's almost what it feels like, Mom." She sighs.

"Look, I know you hate this, but it's just something I'm obligated to do. Whatever you choose to do with these is all up to you. I'm not forcing you to do anything, they're just made to help." She explains.

"I know. I'm just a little sketched out."

"They can't hear you at all times. It's only if you both are wearing them at the same time. Technically, you don't have to ever talk to them. If you aren't wearing the right headphone, they won't be able to hear you."