All Too Well [H.S]

Two

Lilah Green

Elizabethtown, Pennsylvania

2:56 P.M.

November 29th, 2024

Lilah's 24th birthday.

"Happy birthday, Lilah," I hear my father say for the fifth time on the other end of the phone. I had him on speaker while I was loading the dishwasher. I smile regardless of how many times he has said it; I still appreciate every single one.

"Thank you, again." I giggle as I add in the dishwasher soap before closing it and turning it on.

My father and I haven't seen each other in months since he lives in Georgia. I never miss a phone call from him, and I miss him dearly. He has been pretty lonesome since my mother passed away in 2022 from ovarian cancer. They caught it late, tried chemotherapy, but it didn't work. She passed away within a few months after the diagnosis.

She wanted to die peacefully and not go through with the therapies, but my father insisted. He was so horrified at the idea of losing her, and so was I. We don't speak of her often since we both tend to end up in tears and hanging up the phone. The only thing was that made all of this even more painful was the day she died.

My birthday.

There was nothing worse than sobbing in the doctor's arms, begging her to bring my mother back. My dad had to hold me back because I wouldn't let go of my mother's dead body. She was only fifty-two, so young. She was a nurse and didn't plan on retiring for at least another decade. It pains me that I can't run to her anymore with all my problems.

"What do you plan on doing today, sweetheart? I hope it is something exciting! Do you and Marianne have plans?" He asks sweetly, wanting the best for me always.

I grin, "Something like that." My mind is now thinking of the concert that is in a few hours. Marianne should be here any second to get ready. "I'm um—going to a concert with Marianne. Yeah."

He gasps in excitement, "Oh Lilah, good! It's been years since you have had a nice birthday! What concert are you going to?"

I pause and debate on telling him that it's Harry's concert. It's not that he would be upset, more likely confused as to why. He is aware of the fact that I haven't spoken to him since my birthday.

He notices I don't say anything, "Lilah, sweetheart? Did the line cut out?"

"No, no. It didn't. I'm here, sorry." I say, taking the speaker off and going over to sit on my couch. I rub my temple and sigh.

"Is everything okay?" His demeanor changed, sounding upset.

I nod as if he can see me, "Yeah, everything is fine. The concert, yeah. It's Harry's concert." I admit, biting my cheek. The line goes silent for a couple of seconds.

I could picture his eyebrows furrowed, and arms crossed over his chest, "Harry? As in Harry your Harry?"

My Harry. I almost laugh at the words.

"Um, yeah. That Harry." I hated saying his name so much.

"Oh, what made you decide to go? Are you speaking to him again?" He was clearly so confused as to why I was going to the concert of my ex-best friend, who I hadn't spoken to in four years.

Four knocks are at my door, and I literally thank the heavens, "Dad, could we talk about this later? Marianne is here now and we have to get ready to go soon. I promise I will answer all your questions tomorrow, okay?" I urge, walking over to the door.