Before the sleep

Chapter seven

Mommy

"Hello, Joseph," my voice trembled in the phone.

I couldn't believe he was finally calling me. After so long, I had lost hope. I thought he had moved on, found another girl, and forgotten about me. It'd been weeks since he had said anything real to me.

Every day I went to class early so we could catch some free time before the professor came and I would be the last one to leave so we could be alone. However, he came to class exactly as the professor started to teach and he was the first one out the door. I became addicted to IHOP's breakfast because he had his shift in the morning. He never served me. He somehow always anticipated when I was coming so he could start being busy doing something else.

I had lost hope that this call was ever coming. I had cried myself to sleep already which aggravated Carmen. I had come home with a broken heart but there was no one here to welcome me. Neither of my parents were home when I got here. My father was without a doubt in his office, making sure his dear old business didn't lose profit. My mother was probably in a meeting about her annual fundraiser party. They were both out protecting their reputation and financials. The housekeeper was the only one there. They had left me a credit card and a new car but how was that able to heal a broken heart?

I couldn't believe he was actually on the other line. I could hear him breathing. I wished I could pull him from the phone and hold him tight so he would never leave.

"Irene," he replied. His deep voice sounded a little hesitant. "How are you?"

I sat on top of my king size bed covered in peach colored silk with my freshly shaved legs crossed under my buttocks. I twirled one lock of hair around my pinky as I bathe in his attention. A warm feeling settled in my chest as my ear drums hum in excitement.

"I'm good," I answered. "I didn't think you'd ever call again. What happened?"

There was a bit of silence on the other line, his heavy breathing was the only sound being emitted. "Uhhh, I was...well...it was...what happened was..." he struggled to find the right words.

I felt my spirit suddenly fall from its high. He was getting ready to lie to me. I recognized the signs. I'd witness it before.

"I was busy," he finally let out.

He was lying, I knew that but I didn't want to believe it. I didn't want to think of what the truth might be so I forced myself to swallow my doubts. We were never exclusive so how could I expect him to be faithful to a promise he never made?

"What have you been up to?" He asked.

I watched the snow slowly falling down my window, the sky becoming darker by the seconds. I wished I wasn't alone.

"Nothing really," I sighed and laid back on the bed. "I'm just enjoying the Christmas break."

"That's nice."

"Yeah," I held the phone tighter to my ear not wanting to end this but not knowing how to continue.

"Irene!" I heard Carmen called out.

Why was she here? Couldn't she ever leave me alone? I didn't want to move, I wanted to stay here with Joseph but I knew she was not going to stop behind the door.

"Umm, I got to go," I said reluctantly. "I'll see you in school."

My stomach churned at the thought of the endless days and nights that needed to end before I could see him again.

"Can I call you later?"

Grabbing the joyful opportunity with both hands, I nodded before remembering that he couldn't see me. I took a deep breath, deciding to act with more dignity. "Yes, you can." I said calmly.