Shooting Star and Swallow's Song

I Scream, You Scream

The day got away from her as was the new normal when texting with Steph. Alex got in more time developing and practicing her song for Steph, that she would still only play alone.

Now and then, she just stared at the picture of Steph that was the background wallpaper on her phone. Alex knew she had been staring too long when the screen faded, just about going into sleep mode. That didn't stop her from returning back to it whenever she had the urge. She still felt that her behavior was not quite normal, but it felt harmless enough.

It was one of these moments when Steph called, a little bit before seven. Alex put her on speaker so she could look at her while they talked.

"Hey cohabitator, how have you been?"

"I don't think that's a word but I've been just fine," Alex said slowly, A little confused by the question. "Didn't we just text a few minutes ago?"

"Nurse Steph needs to hear it for herself. It's easy to put up a brave front through texting."

"Well, I have been suffering here all by myself."

"Aww, you missed me?"

Careful now. Don't say too much.

"Who else is going to wait on me hand and foot?"

I should have just said yes she thought, instantly regretting her joke.

"I can only be your handmaid or your footman. You can't have both. Let's not be greedy."

"Well I've seen what you can do with feet so I'm gonna have to go with footman. Footwoman? Footperson?"

Steph smiled in amusement and just said, "Smart. Good choice."

"What about being at my beck and call?"

"Again, have to pick."

"Beck. Definitely Beck."

"Knew it."

"You did not," Alex said with a light laugh.

"Sometimes you just know."

There was an awkward pause.

Did she say that in a certain tone? Maybe? Fuck, I want to use my powers so bad. Oh, but that wouldn't even work over the phone, would it? I wonder...no. Don't even try it. Don't even think of it.

Steph hastily spoke again as Alex tried to forget she had powers.

"I mean, being a 50/50 shot kinda helps I guess."

"Yeah...for sure."

Another pause.

"So anyways, I'll be wrapping it up here and heading back right after I grab the sandwiches."

"Sounds good."

Why aren't you saying more? You're making it worse.

"Remember to take a deep breath. You know, for your ribs."

"Uh yeah, my ribs, 'kay. Remember to not bring back poisonous meat," Alex said, finally recovering enough to return to their playful banter.

Steph laughed.

"I'm never going to hear the end of that am I?"

"Are you sure you're not one of those nurses that kills all their patients as a deranged sort of mercy killing?"

"Hey, I saw that Forensic Files..." Steph said perking up a little more.

"You watch that too? I used to watch it all the time at-"