Together or apart

Repeat

I had been sitting on the dining table, at my mother's house, when I got the call. I excused myself, took the cup of tea, and walked away from my mother.

Once I was away from listening ears and prying eyes, I accepted the call.

"Hello?" I smiled at his voice.

"Phil."

"How are you? How - how is your mother?"

"I'm fine." I bit my lip, "I miss you though." I whispered, "My mother doesn't know about the - you know."

"I got out of the hospital today." He offered.

"Oh?"

"I was thinking." I could hear the smirk in his voice, "Maybe I could book a flight."

"To where?" I teased.

"Oh, I never thought of that." He made a thoughtful sound, "Let's say, Ontario, Canada."

"Oh, will I be seeing you then?"

"If you want. I will need a place to stay, though." He paused, "If you're offering." I hummed in agreement.

"I miss you, Melinda. A lot."

"Oh, too tired of listening to your own voice now?" I teased.

He sighed, "I'm sorry. About letting you leave the hospital that day." I bit my lip, "I do want this baby with you. That is if you want to do the same thing."

"I do." I whispered.

"I'll be there tonight."

"Okay."

"Bye, Melinda."

"Bye, Phil."

I ended the call and sipped my tea.

Walking back into the house, my mom's voice boomed the foyer, "What are you not telling me, Melinda?"

I sighed, "Have you been listening in on my conversation this whole time?"

She said nothing, "Some things are supposed to be private." I looked at her, "As in, things only specific people should know. Chosen people."

"You're my daughter. I am allowed to listen to your conversation."

I sighed and walked to the couch, "Are you engaged?"

"What - mom!" I shook my head, "No. I'm not engaged."

"Then what?"

"Mom." I deadpanned, "I am an adult. I have my secrets. I don't have to tell you anything."

She rolled her eyes and I felt the resemblance between my own eye roll, "Then why was Phil calling you."

I held my head in my hands, "He had an accident. A month ago. He asked if he could fly up here to meet me."

"Are you two dating?" My mother narrowed her eyes.

"No." At least, not exactly.

"Then?"

"Mom." I deadpanned, "Drop it."

She rolled her eyes and walked to the kitchen, "I'll be in my office. I suggest getting grocery for the weekend if Philip's coming. I assume he'll be staying with us." I nodded, "We have two bedrooms."

I sighed, "He can bunk with me." My mother raised an eyebrow, "We've known each other for almost a decade. We've 'slept' together more than a few times." She nodded.

I dropped my mug in the kitchen sink and walked to my childhood room. Grabbing a change of clothes, I silently changed into the jeans and T-shirt. I let my hair down and walked out of my room with my car keys in hand.

"I'm going to get some groceries. Call me if you need something." I called out as I reached out for the door handle.

I stepped out into the moist Autumn air, taking a deep breath, I walked down the steps of my mom's porch and towards my car. I slid into the driver's seat and instantly called Phil.

"Hey." I said once he answered.

"Hey, what's up?"

I took a deep breath, "How long?"

"An hour. I had Fury fly me in a quinjet."

"Oh, wow. Fury himself, huh?"

"Yeah, well, he got me hurt."

"Haha." I went silent.

"Melinda?"

"I - I feel stuck, Phil." I whispered, "I'm scared."

"I know. Me too."

"I just - " I took a deep breath, "I don't know. I - We weren't really thinking, Phil. That night. But - that's not what scares me. It's - it's that I actually enjoyed it." I whispered.

"Y'know what? I'll be beside you in an hour. We can drive into town for dinner or we can just talk in the back. I'll listen."

"Thanks." I bit my lip, "You want something from the store."

"Uh, no. Unless, you want me to cook you something."

"I'll see."

"Bye, Phil." I whispered.

"Love you." I smiled and ended the call.

I knew I loved him, yet, I couldn't repeat those three words to him. Someday.