The Phone Call

"Hey."

"Hey, who is this? Sorry, I'm- I'm in my car, I couldn't see who was calling."

"Jeremiah."

"Oh, hey Jeremy! What's up?"

"Hi. I heard you're having a party tomorrow?"

"Yeah, what about it?"

"How come I didn't hear about it until now?"

"Oh, I- I didn't tell you? Sorry man! I'm just busy with uh... some stuff... going on right now. You know you're always invited."

"Oh."

"Yeah, I'm sorry about that."

"Yeah... uh, who's gonna be there?"

"Hmph, let's see... I don't think you know anyone except for... maybe Jess? Oh, and Adam, too."

"Who's Adam again?"

"That guy we met in Chicago?"

"Oh, yeah. I forgot."

"Heh, I think he forgot about me, too. I think he just wanted to be nice."

"Heh..."

"It was cool of him, though. We became friends so fast, it's crazy. One weekend there and we already exchanged numbers... He's apparently in town. I hope he remembers us when we see him."

"Yeah. Forgot what he looked like."

"Hah, same honestly. Hey, since you called, do you mind staying on the phone with me for a while? I need someone to keep me company while I drive."

"Where are you driving to?"

"Your house, actually."

"..."

"I'm kidding! I'm just kidding."

"Oh, hah..."

"No, I'm actually just dropping off something at Isaac's place. He's been asking me to give him back some of his clothes he forgot when he came to visit last."

"Isaac? Why'd you guys hang out?"

"Well, Isaac was feeling pretty lonely a while back... some depressing shit was going on with him. So, we agreed to talk about it at my house. What was originally supposed to be an afternoon became a whole weekend, aaand he accidentally left his favorite shirt behind."

"How far away is he from you?"

"Right now, I got about 5 minutes left, but it's about an hour drive back."

"Wow, never realized how far he lives away now..."

"Yeah, kind of a shame... but his family is more important than us."

"True..."

"So, you coming to my party tomorrow?"

"Oh, sure, yeah."

"I'll introduce you to some people I think you'll like. You'll be fine."

"Who?"

"Welllll, one guy's named Russell. Do you know Russell?"

"Sounds familiar..."

"Well, he's got the same interests as you... rock music, reading, being shy..."

"My shyness is not a hobby, Eric."

"Welp, he's shy, too."

"Yeah, I might have met him before..."

"The other's name is Dan. I don't think you know him. He lives near Isaac."

"Oh."

"Chances are he might actually bring Isaac to the party, too."

"Oh, alright."

"Yeah. But um, I- I think you'd really like him. He's got the same humor as you. I don't know too much about him, though."

"And how many people will be there?"

"Eh, about... 50, maybe? Is that too many people for you?"

"No, no... I- I was just wondering."

"Heh, whatever you say, man. I know how reserved you are with people. Maybe this will change your mind."

"Probably not."

"Yeah... I know. I'm just being hopelessly optimistic. You do you, y'know?"

"Hah..."

"Man, you seem off. Like, you're even more sheepish than usual. Are you keeping something from me?"

"What? No... Uh... well, kind of. I don't know."

"You can tell me anything, man. You know you're my best buddy. Always will be."

"Yeah, hah... well, I'm not completely sure how to say this."

"Go ahead, I got... 2 minutes until I arrive."

"Alright... okay. Sooo, I- I've been thinking about saying this for a while now, and I've never built up the courage of how to say this, uh, but..."

"Yeeeah, I know how you are."

"But I think.. I- I like you. Like... more than a friend."

"..."

"I'm sorry."

"Jeremy. Are you gay?"

"I- I don't know, really... I'm trying to figure it all out, it's stressful and I hope you don't hate- "

"You're alright, Jer. I don't hate you. This is, uh, just... unexpected."

"Did I say this at the wrong time?"

"No, no you didn't. Honestly I don't think there ever is a right time for confessions. Especially one to your best friend."

"Like I said, I'm sorry, I- I just had to get it off my chest."

"...The thing is, I'm thinking about it, and I wouldn't even be mad if we dated. Or, at least, if we tried this whole dating thing. I mean, dating women can wait. I think that'll be a blessing for them."

"Hah, right..."

"But yeah, I'm... I'm glad you confessed. It really... opened my mind, I guess."

"Oh."

"Well, we're definitely talking when I get back, but I have to go. I'm practically at Isaac's."

"Please don't tell him."

"Oh, of course I won't! It's between you and I, alright?"

"Alright."

"Alright, talk to you later!"

"Later."