The Stranger

Chapter 11

I get back on track, begin running, doing taxes, eating healthier foods, and forgetting about you, but I still don't have the courage to call Lorenzo and fuck things up.  You were right, my love, half of the curse has been broken, but another half remains, and I'm here stuck in limbo waiting for everything and nothing.  I'm writing again, and my heroine is cutting through ghost and goblins like a razor through silk, and for the first time I start to wonder if it is possible to be okay without a man to complete me, that in order to find the right person, you first have to be whole within yourself, otherwise you will only attract men who are half-assed.  I go days, and then almost a week before thinking about you, and this is when you call.  I ignore the first one, and the second, but the third one vibrates a current that runs straight up my body and into my heart and I have to pick up.

Why didn't you answer, my amor.

Because I didn't want to.

Why not?

Because you are never here when I need you, only when I don't, and if you loved me the say you love me, then you should be here whenever I need you. 

The curse, my love.

Fuck you, and the curse.  There is no curse.  You're making this shit up.  It's so fucking childish and every time I get caught into your game, I end up getting hurt.  You are the curse!

You were silent then, and I could feel you breathing like a wounded animial on the other line.  I was afraid you would hang up.  I was afraid I'd gone too far, even though I was no longer sure who I was really talking to or what it meant.

If you don't believe me about the curse then why haven't you called Lorenzo.

How do you know I haven't?  What are you stalking me now?

I can tell by your voice.  You are alone.

Yeah, well maybe I like to be alone.

I want to see you tonight.  Can I come over?

No, nows not a good time.

Now is the only time we have, my love.  You remember that much, don't you.

I hang up the phone.