𝑹𝒆𝒄𝒐𝒏𝒄𝒊𝒍𝒆 | ✔

6 | Distracted

OLD AND RUGGED, Lottie continued flipping through the dusty pages. All the while, she pursed her lips, movements slow and calculated. It had been a few years since this album was taken out because she could never find the courage. However, after finally meeting him face-to-face, she knew it was time. 

It was an album of her childhood. All throughout, it showed them at their best, looking into the camera and smiling. The reality, though, was much different. 

Lottie bit her lip, pushing it down the table. Then she sighed, feeling the side of her face. As much as she wanted to forgive and forget, she wouldn't. As much as she wanted to move on, she wanted to remember. This scar meant something; it was proof that her aunt wasn't fit to raise her. 

It was proof that she was a monster. 

After closing her eyes, contemplating, she dug it out of her pocket. It was a note, a hotel and phone number scribbled across. Then, at the bottom left corner, was the address to their new home. For a moment, she stared down at it, recalling just yesterday. 

Before parting ways, Eliott had penned the note after their heated discussion. Lastly, he mentioned that he'd be staying at the hotel for a few more nights.  And that Auntie wasn't there. 

Lottie shivered. At least he won't stalk us anymore. 

With that, she looked down at his number, paused, then reached for her phone. She needed to do something. Specifically, she needed a distraction. After pressing 'call', she nearly went to 'dial' when she scrolled down. When she saw Joseph's name, she mustered a smile. Maybe he was exactly what she needed. 

Maybe he was the perfect distraction. 

After the second ring, it was picked up, followed by a steady pause. 

"Joseph?" Lottie tried. "You there, pal?"

There was a low snicker on his end. "'Pal'? I don't know about that, Lottie. I still can't believe you questioned me yesterday."

"Well, at least it's Saturday," she said, rubbing her temple. "You're really not in the mood to talk, are you?"

"About what?" he deadpanned. "Are you gonna question me some more? Because I doubt it's to hang ou-"

"That's exactly why I called," she intervened, then paused, forming a response. "Joseph, I was wondering if you wanted to go to the movies."

At this, there was a long silence. "Wait," he managed, "really?"

"Yes. Really."

"Are you sure this isn't some test you'll later mock me for?" he asked a little too quickly. "Are you sure... you actually want to hang out? We've only hung out three times before, and it's been a while..."

She could hear his smile; his anticipation. "Yes, Joseph," she confirmed with a laugh. 

"Yes, as in...?" 

"Yes, I would love to go to the movies with you." Then she smiled, stroking her chin. "So, that's a yes?"

"But when?" Joseph asked, beginning to pace. "I'll be busy tomorrow since my parents and I are visiting my relatives..."

"Would today work?"

"Yes!" he exclaimed. "But at what time?"

"Would 6:00 pm work?" she offered, rising from the table. "If not, then-"

"Yes!" he repeated. 

"Well, I'll see you then. Remember, it's the movie theater out of town. Bye, Joseph." With that, she hung up.