When the Flower Falls (Fitzmael 7) - COMPLETED

04: Who Do You Talk To?

WHEN I WENT HOME, I IMMEDIATELY grabbed my phone and opened my social media account. I didn't have Elimae's number, so I couldn't contact her about our plans for tomorrow.

I'd never been fond of social media—unlike my siblings and cousins. I'd had the app for more than a decade, but Catmint was the one who managed it. She even posted most of my pictures there.

I typed her name into the search bar and smiled when her profile appeared. Without a second thought, I hit follow and sent her a message.

Me:
Good afternoon, Elimae.
Are you still sick?

I put my phone down to take a quick bath. I hurried, thinking she might have replied, and I wasn't disappointed. When I came back, I saw her follow request accepted and a reply waiting.

@elimaezing01:
My head still hurts.
I just got out of the shower.

Me:
Did you check your temperature already?

@elimaezing01:
Yep. It's normal.
No fever. Just a headache.

Me:
Do you want to
see a doctor?

@elimaezing01:
No need. I'll be fine.
Anyway, did you need
something from me?

Me:
Yes. I forgot to get your
number earlier. I don't know
what time or where we're
meeting tomorrow.

@elimaezing01:
Ah. I thought you had
some other reason for
messaging me.

Me:
I also wanted to check
on you. I was worried.

@elimaezing01:
As a friend?

Me:
Why? You don't want
to be friends with me?

@elimaezing01:
You probably have a lot of girls.

Me:
Huh? I don't have girls.

@elimaezing01:
Female friends, I mean.

Me:
Ah. Yes, I do have a few,
but I don't hang out with
them often. I mostly spend
time with my siblings,
cousins, and coworkers.

@elimaezing01:
Why are you explaining?

Me:
I just don't want you to
think anything weird, Eli.

@elimaezing01:
Are you like that with
all your female friends?

I stared at the ceiling. I hadn't even realized I'd laid down on my bed. Her question echoed in my mind. I mentally went through every friendship I'd had.

Me:
I talk to some of them
sometimes, but it's always
work-related. Other than
that, there's no one else
I talk to except you.

@elimaezing01:
You have so many friends
but only talk to me? Good
thing I have plenty of
people to chat with.

My brows furrowed. I took a deep breath before replying.

Me:
Who do you talk to, then?

@elimaezing01:
My suitors.

I shot up from my bed, breathing heavily. Before I knew it, I was already downstairs in the kitchen. I grabbed a bottle of whiskey, opened it, and poured myself a glass at the counter. I didn't bother checking my phone again. My mood had just gone off the rails and I didn't even know why.