Symbiosis: The Art of Relationships | Newtmas

Chapter 6: The Art of Future Talk

Three months. When Newt said that he and Thomas would end their fake relationship after two to three months, he mentally took note of it and he promised himself that he would keep his word. However, it had been more than three months since their lie started and they still had no plans about their supposed break up.

Since they did not agree on a fixed date, they both seemed unsure when they were supposed to stop. Neither of them was even bringing it up into their conversations. Thomas never mentioned the break up even though Newt was expecting him to mention it a couple of weeks ago. Newt did not want to bring it up himself though. It's just... things seemed to be going so well for them and he didn't want to ruin it - was what he kept telling himself to clear his conscience.

It was a Saturday morning but Newt was woken up early when Lizzy called him around six in the morning. She informed him that she was already in the airport and she was going to visit him. It was supposed to be a surprise but she could not stop her excitement and it was more convenient if she was assured that Newt was already awake.

Naturally, Newt could not sleep after that call not only because his sister was arriving but also because it probably meant that she would want to meet his "fiance". He clearly recalled Thomas talking about having to work overtime the previous day when they called in the afternoon so the latter was probably too tired to meet anyone. Newt planned to just meet him some time next week but that plan just went out the window.

It was around nine in the morning. Newt was occupied with watching television when Lizzy called for the second time that day. He quickly answered the phone just after a couple of rings.

"Hey," Newt greeted, yawning a little. "You arrived yet?"

"Yes, I just did. I'm just having breakfast at the airport since I'm too hungry. Is your Tommy coming?"

"I don't think he likes it when people other than me call him Tommy. He prefers Thomas, I think."

"Fine." Lizzy grumbled. "Is Thomas coming?"

"Well, I haven't called him yet so I'm not so sure." He didn't want to wake Thomas up just to ask him for a favour.

"I assumed that he's available since it's the weekend and all but if he's not, we can move it tomorrow or whenever he's free on the weekday. I'm on leave for two weeks."

"Move what tomorrow? I'm sorry. I don't know what you're talking about."

"Oh! Right! I forgot to tell you - I mean to ask for your permission. I was planning to help you two out with the wedding planning. Is that all right? Or do you already have it all figured out?"

"I see. That's..." Newt trailed off while speaking because it suddenly sunk into his mind that real engaged people would plan actual weddings. Pretend ones like them did not need to but it was not like he could tell his sister that. "That's, um, right, that's nice of you. I appreciate it."

"No need to mention it. I'm just happy to help you. Anyway, do call Tommy-- Thomas and tell me when he's free, all right? I'll just finish this sandwich and I'll be on my way to your place."

"Sure, I'll message you. See you!"

"Yes, see you!" Lizzy greeted him back before hanging up.

Newt stared at the screen of his mobile for a few minutes before deciding that he should call Thomas. He felt a little guilty because he had been asking the latter a lot of favours ever since the beginning and no matter what he was to do, he just could not pay him back enough. Nevertheless, he dialled Thomas's number. Just when he thought he was not getting a response after many rings, Thomas finally answered.