The Ghost of You

Chapter 20 - Saahar's POV

I sat still on my bed, listening to the sound of two boys fighting in Spanish. Usually, when I saw an unidentified number pop up on my phone, I'd never answer. However, because I forgot to ask him for his number instead of giving mine, I knew to expect it.

After giving him my number, I pondered heavily over my decision. Why on earth did I give Cairo Castillo my number? What was I thinking?

Actually no, I know what I was thinking. I really enjoyed talking to him about my problems, there was something calming about the way he treated me. With him, I felt safe talking about everything. With him, I didn't feel like faking my emotions just to make sure he didn't see me differently. I felt safe with him.

So, I guess my thought was that by giving him my number, I could feel safe anytime my mind got lost in the memories of my brother. While it took guts to do that, it wasn't pure confidence. Oh no, a confident Saahar would've asked him for his number. Not just a confident Saahar, but a smart one too.

I thought that giving him my number would be better because at least then he wouldn't say no, Not that he would've said no if I had asked him if he wanted my number. Oh who am I kidding, he definitely would've said no. Right?

But even if I didn't ask him for his number, I could've just called myself from his phone so at least I'd know. Yes, that would've been a lot smarter. But no, I had to rush home because I had stayed there long enough - I nearly missed dinner because I allowed myself to be vulnerable with Cairo Castillo. But, this worked. Him calling me first. Well, at least it looked like he was calling me first.

"Rio!" that's all I could understand. He definitely hadn't called me first. It seemed like he had been pranked. Poor Cairo. But, also, poor me because how was I supposed to react to this - awkward situations were not my forte.

Suddenly, the arguing stopped and it was followed by a short moment of silence. Then as I heard the soft sounds of breathing, I sat up straight.

"H-Hello" he said.

"Hello" I answered, awkwardly, "Who's this?". Oh come on, you know who it is.

"Uh, what's up, Canario?" he replied. I blushed. After finding out the reason why he called me that, hearing him say it made me feel some type of way. Almost giddy inside. No, that's bad Saahar.

"Castillo?" I answered, trying to sound clueless.

"One of three".

"Are you testing to see if I gave you the right number?".

"Yeah, something like that".

"Or have I just been butt dialled?" I teased. He laughed, awkwardly. Does he know I know? How long did it take him to realise?

"Give me a second" he requested.

"Yeah, sure" I allowed.

He then put me on mute. I wondered what he was doing. Probably shouting at Rio. From the way he was yelling his name, it seemed like Rio was behind our unplanned phone conversation. I had only met him once yet I was already grateful for Rio. Thank you, Rio.

While I was on mute, I jumped up from my bed and ran to my balcony. I shut the glass door behind me, hoping that if my parents did enter my room unannounced, I wouldn't be caught talking to the enemy.

I also used the time to clear my throat. I wanted to make sure my phone voice wasn't too croaky. I also didn't want it to be too squeaky and scare him off. God, I hope it's not too croaky or squeaky. Wait, why should I care?

As I was clearing my throat loudly, I looked down and realised that I had been unmuted. But, wait a minute, him muting himself doesn't mean I'm muted! I put the phone to my ear, hoping he hadn't heard that.