A Thing Called Love

Texts From Juliette and Ricky

POV RICKY

As I skate through the sidewalks, I wonder about what they will say when I get home.

Would they be angry?

Nervous?

Or sad that I'm avoiding them?

I know it's wrong to avoid your parents after a discussion, but it's because I never knew how to cope with changes. I've always hated it.

And then I realize I'm on my front door. I get my helmet off, get the skate on my hands and get in.

When I arrive, I only see my mom at the kitchen.

- Hey, darling.

- Hi. - I answer, leaving my backpack on my couch.

- It's past 11:00 A.M. How was your night with Big Red?

- Actually, it didn't got right, so I spent the night on Nini's.

- Oh. Did you have anything to eat?

- I've eaten breakfast and a few chips.

- Are you probably hungry right now?

- A little. Yes.

- Okay, I'm cooking something for you.

A pause. I think about what about my friends talked to me yesterday. I need to ask her.

- Mom?

- Yes?

- How long are you going to stay here?

She looks at me, and... She looks sad.

- Not much longer, but I don't know yet. At least until the end of the week.

I gulp. "Until the end of the week".

- Good. - I say, trying not to choke.

I go back to the couch, catch my phone and my headphones and play "What I've Been Looking For (Duet Version)" to distract me. I hold tightly one pillow as I notice a few boxes filled with a lot of Mom's things.

She's moving away.

I close my eyes and try to concentrate on the song as I fight to hold back my tears.

ON THE AFTERNOON...

I've already eaten lunch, I'm on my room, laying down on my bed and still thinking about all that's happening. At least, I'm listening to music to try to cope.

Then I hear a chime on my phone while "Sunflower" from Harry Styles plays.

It's... Juliette?

I didn't expect her to text me.

💬👋🏼
💬 Are you busy right now?

I just can't help but to text back.

💬 No, I'm doing nothing at all. Why?

💬 Nothing. It's just...

Still texting...

💬 I just wanted to talk to you a little. I mean, if it doesn't bother you. Just to know a few people of the drama club better.

Well, it's a good distraction along with my favorite songs playing. So, let's talk.

💬 OK, let's talk.

💬 About what?

💬 ?

💬 Sorry, it's because I don't know how to start a conversation. I think it's better if you start.