The Freak

Chapter 4: Awkward Conversations

Chapter 4:

Awkward Conversations

'Hello there, baby sister.'

I hear a chuckle coming through the phone.

'How are you?' I ask

'Fine, I'm fine. But how are you? How was your flight? Did you arrive at the house yet? What's Starlight Shores like?'

He keeps on rumbling questions.

'Woah, stop there, bro. One question at a time.'

I laugh.

'All right, fine. Have you arrived at the house yet?'

His excitement is so cute.

'Hmm, yes, I have.'

I respond.

'And...?!'

'And... What?'

I tease him.

'Do you like it?!'

He's literally yelling at me now.

'The house? Yes, it's amazing.'

I say dryly.

'Oh, come on.'

He sounds frustrated.

'What? What'd I do wrong?'

I say, fake clueless.

'Kamira...' His voice is just irritated now.

Ah damnit, he got me.

I burst out, laughing.

'How dare you trick me like that, young lady!'

'I love it, Ric. Thank you so, so much!' I say.

'Ah, finally. You would expect a thanks if you had your sister's stuff shipped over to her.' He says.

When I want to say something back, an unfamiliar, feminine voice is coming from the phone.

'Rikkie, who are you talking to at this hour?'

I chuckle, when he responds.

'Just a second, sweety.'

'Don't be too long, honeybee.' She says.

Now I have to stop myself from laughing.

I hear him walk into a different room. When the door closes I start giggling.

'Rikkie?!' I shout.

'Keep it down, will ya.' I can hear he is embarassed.

'I didn't know you had a girlfriend.'

'That's because I didn't tell you.' He states.

'How can you hide that from me? I'm your sister! We lived in the same house. How long have you been with her.' I ask

'Three months and a week or so.' He answers.

'You're so sneaky.'

'I just didn't want to tell you yet.' He says

'Why not?' I ask, confused.

'Because you get all awkward when you're talking to me about girlfriends..'

'Not true!' I firmly respond.

'Ric! Are you almost done? It's time for bed, cutie.' Unknown girlfriend shouts.

'Woah, how many nicknames does she have for you? Is fluffy teddybear on the list too, perhaps?' I chuckle.

'No.. Kam.' He sounds ashamed.

'Oh well, it was just a guess. Time for bed, is it? Do I want to know what she means by that?'

'What? Kamira-' He tries to talk.

'I'm sure you two have already.... You know what I mean.' I suggest

'Kamira, stop, please.' He begs.

'You know what I said, always use protection and-' I get interrupted by him.

'That's what I mean! You get all awkward. Stop, I don't want to talk to you about this.'

He blurts out.

'Ouch' I laugh.

'Not funny.' He says.

'Come on! At least tell me her name then.'

I beg him

'Promise you won't look her up on Facebook..'

'I don't have a Facebook account, Rico.' I say.

'Never stopped you before.' He grunts.

I laugh. 'True, okay. I won't look her up.' I promise him.

'Rica.' He says dry.

'Wait, really?' I ask.

'Yes'

'No way.'

'Yes'

'That's amazing, Rico and Rica.' I say, stunned.

He laughs. 'Of course not, silly.'

'Hey! That's mean! Don't trick me.' I say, angry.

'You tricked me, I tricked you. We're even now.'

'Okay, fine. But, her name?' I ask.

'Marlene.' He says and I can hear the adoration coming with her name.

'How cute. Grandmother is called Marlene too, right?' I smile.

'That... That doesn't matter, alright. It's not like grandmother ever talks to us.' He sighs.

'I'm happy for the both of you, Rico.' I mean that.

'Thanks, little sister.' He answers.

'Just don't get her pregnant, hey.' I say.

'Okay, enough. Otherwise I'll hang up on you.' He threathens.

'Fine, but, Rico?'

'Yes'

'Does she... Know about me?' I ask, nervous.

'She knows I have a sister.' He mumbles.

I sigh and nod. 'Okay, that's all?'

'Yes'

'That's good.' I say relieved.

'God, Kamira. I can't keep doing this! I don't want to keep this secret from her. If she doesn't accept you, she can't be my girlfriend. And that's it.' He says.

'I don't want to mess this up like your previous relationships, Rico.' I sigh. 'You care about her. I don't want to see your heart broken again.'

'I know, but-'

'Just, talk to me first before telling her?' I say.

'All right..' He sighs.

I smile.

'I have to go, Kam. It's 11:30 PM here.' He says.

'Okay, see you later big brother.'

'Kick some ass over there, yeah?' He supports me.

'I will.' I promise him.

'I love you.' He says.

'Love you too, rikkie.' I smile when he laughs.

'Bye.'