Straight as Guitar Strings

𝗰𝗵𝗮𝗽𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝟮𝟱 [𝗲𝗻𝗴𝗹𝗶𝘀𝗵]

WE continued walking until the light from Leo's phone illuminated his motorbike. I was about to hop on when suddenly, my phone vibrated. I stopped in my tracks to check the notification.

"Something wrong?" Leo asked, having fixed the motorbike and already mounted it. He just needed to start the engine, and he was waiting for me to hop on.

"Huh?" I responded, staring back at my phone, busy typing out the reason to my father why I couldn't chat with him.

I looked up to find him looking at me. Realizing I hadn't responded properly, I said, "Oh, it's nothing... Papa messaged, asking where I am."

"Done? Hop on, we'll be late," he said, tapping the seat behind him for me to ride pillion.

I was about to hop on when suddenly, my phone vibrated again. I paused mid-step, "I'll just answer this, Papa's calling."

"Sure," he said, giving me a thumbs up.

The moon was now shining brightly in the sky, providing just enough light for Leo and me to see each other in the darkness.

"Hello, 'Pa?" I gestured to Leo to keep quiet as my dad had requested that I open the camera for a video call. He nodded.

"What? Are you still alive?" he started. I was illuminated by the light from Leo's phone.

"Yes, I'm talking to you," I responded. I slightly turned away from the light of Leo's phone because he had it directed at my face.

"Oh dear, it's really tough when you're in another country, you can't discipline properly!"

"Then send me over there to the guard at our subdivision. What? Did that person report me to you again? That person is really annoying, as always." I rolled my eyes, then sighed in frustration. "I'm okay, 'Pa. Don't worry."

"Sure?"

"Yes, really! Cross my heart, hope to die!"

"Where are you?" he suddenly asked, catching me off guard.

"Happy Valentine's Day, 'Pa! I love you, mwah!" I said after a few seconds of being stunned to think of a response.

He smiled, "You too. Where are you?"

I thought I had changed the subject. "Somewhere. Just hanging out, my friend took me out."

"You went on a date, didn't you? Why is it so dark there? Are your lights off?"

"Pa, it's just night time, so it's dark. We're at the beach," I replied. I wanted to laugh at his lights-off comment.

"BEACH!?"

"Gosh, he's so extra," I replied to his reaction, which surpassed that of theater artists. It was such a huge reaction!

"No, I mean, bitch!" he clarified.

Did he just call me the B-word? I don't think so, he's my father. "Yes, 'Pa, the beach."

"No, I said, 'you bitch,' why don't you let me look at your friend! She's a girl, right?" I was left dumbfounded when he said that.

"Come on, don't... you'll just scold my friend," I said and glanced at Leo for a moment. He gave me a thumbs up. I thought he might be getting impatient, that's why I checked on him. I continued talking to Papa, "One more thing, I'll clarify, it's not a girl I'm with, it's a guy."

"Just take a look, then..." he insisted.

Huh?

I paused for a moment, unsure how to say goodbye. Oh well.

I started by saying, "'Pa..."

"Oh? I don't have any money!" he exclaimed before laughing.

"I'm not asking for money, I still have some here."

"What?"

"I'll be having a sleepover at their place," I said straightforwardly. Whatever happens, whether he agrees or not, I've informed him.

"Stop with those sleepovers, Liam... you have your own room at home. Why do you need to sleep over at someone else's place? You might be drinking and there's probably a girl! Oh, many become young fathers because of those sleepovers!"

"There are no girls, I said. We're both guys anyway."

"Let me see if that's true," he insisted. Sorry, 'Pa, it's true that we're both guys, but the real question is? I'm not, I'm just not sure about Leo.

To end my father's sermon, I handed my phone to Leo. I let him talk to Papa so he wouldn't doubt further.

"Hi, Uncle Karson, it's Leo..."

"Oh, Leo! It's you. Alright, take care of Liam, okay?"

"Yes, Uncle. You too, take care always."

Leo quickly handed the phone back to me, as if their conversation was just that quick. I was surprised too, like "Huh? Do you know each other?" I asked my father, who was now smiling, clearly visible on my phone screen.

"Yes, he often chats with me and asks how you're doing, he sends me updates about you. So far, he hasn't dropped you yet, no worries." He laughed again, 'Isn't that right, Leo?' He added. "Your friend Leo is nice, son! I like Leo, be like him. Alright, bye-bye! Enjoy your Valentine's."

I was speechless.

"Leo, uh... take care of Liam, drive safely. Take care of my son," he added.

Leo snatched the phone from me, "We'll be safe, Uncle. We're very safe, I mean, your son is always safe with me."

"Okay. Thank you, son! What size are your feet again?"

Leo scratched his neck. "Uncle, no need to do it, it's so embarassing... but it's size 11 up to size 12."

"Gotcha! Bye!"

And that's the end of the call.

"Did he just ask your shoe size? How about me?" Leo handed me back my phone without answering. He smiled at me teasingly.

"I'm fucking jealous right now!" I grumbled.

He pulled me closer, reaching for my arm, his hand wrapping around my waist as he started to caress me. "Come on! I'll just give them to you if he sends me shoes."

"Are you messing with me?" I avoided his touch and broke free from his hold. Why did he do that anyway? I have no idea.

"Oh, I guess they won't fit you... you might trip when you walk." He chuckled, irritating me even more. He motioned for me to get on the seat behind him, and I reluctantly climbed aboard.

"Can't you just start the motor and let's go home?" I suggested.

"Sure!" he replied and suddenly accelerated. All I could do was hold on to him tightly throughout the trip as if lightning was chasing us at high speed because he was driving so fast.

He glanced back at me every fifteen minutes, asking if I was okay. He repeatedly reminded me not to fall asleep because I might fall off.

Have I not fallen already?