To Be Alive And Desired

Chapter 2: Text/Sext

Elise wakes up, makes breakfast, and eats it with her family.

Elise: I came home last night and everyone was sleeping. I missed you all.

Nelson: You didn't miss much.

Elise: I'm guessing nothing good was on. You were asleep on the couch. I didn't want to wake you.

Nelson: Thanks. I was real tired.

Trinity: Did you even hear me in the kitchen last night?

Nelson: No. Why?

Trinity: I was taking on my phone while I got some chips and salsa. Since mom said I can't eat in my room anymore, I ate here while I talked.

Nelson: I didn't hear a thing. Too bad. I could have heard some of the juicy gossip.

Minnie: I heard some of what you were saying.

Trinity: Shut up.

Nelson smiles.

Nelson: What did Trinity say? Tell me.

Trinity: You better not!

Minnie grows a mischievous smile on her face.

Nelson: Go ahead. Tell me.

Trinity: I swear, if you tell.

Minnie: Heh heh.

Trinity: Minnie.

Minnie: They're just boring, talking about Instagram and TikTok.

Nelson: Oh. I may have to get on that.

Trinity and Minnie: NO!

Elise watches her family getting along, but feels she has nothing to add to the conversation. She stays quiet throughout most of the meal, collects everyone's plates, and washes dishes while the girls get ready for school and Nelson gets ready for work. After washing dishes, Elise checks Facebook and sees Holden Bennet sent her a message reading "It was very nice meeting you Elise. Thanks for welcoming me to town" and she quickly responds "It was my pleasure. How are you?".

Elise checks on everyone getting ready, and it is her husband that starts a conversation with her.

Nelson: Did I tell you about the car we're working on today?

Elise: No.

Nelson: Oh yeah. I forgot. It came yesterday and I was asleep when you got home. Well, this guy brings in-

-The words of Nelson go in one of Elise's ears and out the other. She nods as she pretends to be interested in what he is saying. However, the truth is that she wants him to hurry up and leave so she can have some alone time.

Nelson: So the part should come in today, and then we can put it on and test it.

Elise looks down at her phone and sees Holden responded.

Nelson: Elise?

Elise: I'm listening. I just need to check this for work. You never know when they're going to have a sale they don't tell us about. Go on.

Nelson continues talking about the car and Elise sees Holden's message reads "I'm good. I'm excited to learn more about this town and the people in it." and to that she replies "Have fun". Quickly she gets two replies. One reading "I'm sure I will" and the other "I already met someone very interesting last night". That puts a smile on Elise's face. Then she remembers she is right in front of her husband and wonders what he'll think she's smiling at.