5+1

4

4. 

"You up?" Vernon sent the text and held his phone against his chest.  His heart was beating fast.  It was 3am after all. She should be sleeping anyways. He thought about sending a text earlier that night but thought against it. She was probably sleeping anyways.

"Yeah." His phone buzzed and he smiled at the text flashing on his screen. He felt his phone vibrate repeatedly and saw that Emily was calling him. 

"Hey." He said quietly when he picked up.

"Hey." She said back just as quietly but he could hear the smile in her voice.

"What's up?"

"Can't sleep.  Karla 's out with her boyfriend."

"Why are you talking so quietly then?" 

"I don't know. It doesn't feel right to talk loud with no one to listen."

"I'm listening."

"I know."

"Have you listened to that band I told you about?"

"Yeah, they're great."

"Yeah, I knew you would like them."

"Why can't you sleep?"

"House is too quiet without Marley."

"I'm sorry."

"It's okay. It's not your fault."

"I know."

"Are you crying?"

"A little." 

"Why?"

"I miss Marley too."

"He was old, though."

"Yeah, but he was the best dog."

"I know."

"I'll get you a puppy soon."

"Thanks."

"It's late."

"I know."

"You should sleep soon."

"So should you."

"I will. But you have to promise me that you'll sleep." 

"I will."

"Okay, I'm gonna head to bed."

"Me too."

"Promise?"

"Promise."

"Okay goodnight." 

"Goodnight."

"Hey, Vernon?"

"Yes, Emily?"

"I care about you."

"I know."

"Okay, just wanted to make sure you knew that."

"Hey, Emily?"

"Yes, Vernon?"

"I care about you too."

"I know."

"Like a lot."

"I know."

"Okay, goodnight."

"Goodnight."