memories were only dreams

I get lonely

Venuus

Friday (3:02 AM)

I peel my eyes open, subconsciously reaching for my blaring phone. Half-asleep, I read the name of the person calling me.

No-Caller ID

I groan softly and sit up in my bed. Who could possibly be calling me this early in the morning? I move my finger to press the green answer button, rubbing my eyes. I raise the phone to my ear.

"Hello?"

There's silence on the other line for a while. Until a breathy voice rings through my right ear.

"Venuus?"

My tired eyes widen as I'm stunned still. My body unable to move. My breathing gets unnoticeably heavier in search of the right words.

"Sorry for calling you so late at night. But I remembered. I finally remembered your birthday!" They say, excitedly. My eyes well with soft tears and my mouth gapes open slightly.

No. Someone has to be messing with me.

"Come on my Angel. Talk to me. It's been so long!"

My eyes droop and my body relaxes. I rest limply in my bed. I let out a deep breath and recollect my thoughts. I close my eyes and let my mouth move into a small smile.

"Dad?"

-

My 5 o clock alarm goes off and my eyes shoot open.

A dream.

It was just a dream.

And of course, it's not the type you immediately forget.

Already starting 17 off on a bad foot.

I grab my phone and see 179 messages from Cassidy. I chuckle and open them.

Cass <3

HAPPY BIRTHDAY MY QUEEN

And that's where the spam comes in. Every year, on our birthdays, we spam each other's phones. And every year we add more messages than the last.

Instead of spending time writing a paragraph, we send that paragraph in separate messages. It makes it easier to reply, and more exciting to read.

I spend my first 10 minutes of the day reading the texts, laughing about the memories she included, and eventually clearing my mind from the dream I had earlier.

I thank her and start getting ready for school.

That is until my mom comes into my room. Hungover of course.

"You're not taking the car. Take an uber." She hisses, throwing her credit card at me. I catch it as she continues talking. "Same with after school. Lose it and you owe me. You have a limit of $150. I don't know how much those damn things cost."

I fiddle with the blue card in my hand, waiting for her to leave my doorway. "I won't be here later, I'm going to see Randy's kids. Order a pizza or something."

I send her a nod as she moves away from my room, dragging the door with her.

I stuff the card in one of my pockets and gather all my stuff.

Let's hope I don't get to school late this time.

-

On my way to school, I opened the birthday messages from my family and all my other friends. Chris sent me a video showing a gift he bought me. He said he would give it to me at lunch, but I hope he means in private. I wouldn't want anyone to think we're more than friends.