Imaginary Boyfriend

Chapter 6: Second Chance

I was seriously considering changing my number. Fifteen texts from fifteen different guys... in two days. I knew my parents were eager but this... this was just obsessive!

                “This is insane!” I said, pulling my phone out when it vibrated. “Great! Another text. God! How many guys have they told?”

                Sam sniggered from behind his magazine. The magazine, coincidentally, was upside down.

                “I hate you,” I said glumly.

                “Aw, Kat, I love you too!”

                Sighing, I stood up and marched over until I was right in front of him. He lowered his magazine slightly and looked up at me cautiously. I snatched the magazine from him and slammed it down on the table.

                “This is not funny.”

                “Hey!” he cried indignantly. “I – I was reading that!”

                I ignored him.

                “Help me,” I said sadly, pouting. He narrowed his eyes, scrutinizing my expression. “Please?” I added hopefully.

                “What do you want me to do?” he said, sighing.

                “Think of something!” I pleaded, grabbing his hands in mine. He glanced down at our hands and then quickly looked away. He didn’t reply. “Come on. You’re really clever.”

                “I don’t know,” he finally said, pulling his hands away from mine quickly. “Just... don’t go out with one of those guys again.”

                “Well, obviously!” I snapped, and he grinned. “You think I would trust my parents again? After Raj?”

                He opened his mouth, to utter a sarcastic comment no doubt, but before he could talk the doorbell rang.

                “Pizza’s here!” Sam chirped and headed to the table next to the mirror. Our little saving’s box lay there and Sam reached inside for some money.

                I turned back to the T.V., where Sam had been watching Doctor Who. Again. I heard Sam open the door and then there was a momentary silence.

                “What are you doing here?” Sam said angrily. Frowning in confusion, I turned around and gasped, eyes wide. It wasn’t the pizza delivery guy.

                It was Raj.

                “Katrina,” he said, elbowing past Sam. “Katrina, listen – I’m sorry. I was an idiot –“

                “Too right,” Sam growled. “Get out.”

                Raj’s dark hair was combed back but still stuck out at places. He was smartly dressed in a black tux and carrying flowers. They were lilies, my favourite. But how did he know?

                “What do you want?” I said awkwardly.

                “I want another chance! I was a dick – I know that. I’m not usually like that! Ask your parents!”

                Sam looked furious. His hands were balled up into fists.

                “Can you just go, please?” I asked politely.