The Headturner

The Return

Chapter Ten - The Return

The two years she spent in Australia had changed her a lot. She had learnt to do everything on her own. Even if she basically took care of herself all these years, since her mom was always caught up in work trying to make their ends meet, she learned to be independent. Getting pursued by so many boys in her school made her so much more confident. It was demeaning and out of her character, but as she had promised herself, she got the much needed attention to boost up her self-esteem.

Staying in touch with Tanya was quite easy. They were still talking everyday on Skype, even if for five minutes. From mundane topics to serious ones, even Tanya was showing growth and maturity. Both of them were growing up together, even if they were miles apart in reality. However, the guys were not so easy to be in touch. They were mostly out clubbing and partying. She did chat with them sometimes on Facebook, but she did miss them. The protectiveness they had over her, she did miss that feeling sometimes as she was constantly under the vulture-like gazes from guys here. She still had trust issues and could not trust anybody, especially in a foreign land. She did have a friend, a 'guy' friend, Steve and Adam was so not happy about it. The first time she told him about Steve, Adam practically fumed at her,

"YOU HAVE A BOYFRIEND NOW???"

"Oh Adam, don't be a dramaqueen. He is a guyfriend, not my boyfriend."

"Yeah! That's what they all say...."

"Oh gimme a break"

"Did you go there to study or to hook up 'down under'?"

"Who died and made you my father?" She chuckled. She was enjoying this more than she meant to.

"You have nothing to worry about. He is like a brother to me."

"Yeah. I'm sure it's just you who thinks like that. He must be waiting for the window of opportunity to open. Take my word. He will make a move someday..."

"And you think I am so weak that I will give in, huh? Like I did with you?"

"Whoa... wait.... no.... what???" He sounded so confused and tongue-tied, Anne thought she was gonna flip, holding back her laughter. When she gave in to the fits of laughter, Adam growled, "Not funny, Annie. Had you been here, I would have..."

"What??? What would you do???" Anne challenged.

"Yeah listen.... um .... I gotta go."

"Wait!!!"

Click...

"What the..." Anne quickly typed a message to him on Skype.

"WHAT THE HELL ADAM !!! I HATE IT WHEN PEOPLE CUT ME OFF. I WANTED TO TELL YOU SOMETHING IMPORTANT BUT NOW I WONT."

He immediately called her back.

"What did you want to say?"

"Ummm do I know you???"

"Oh come on! Tell me fast."

"Who are you?"

"Dude, I'm sorry okay. Just tell me. You know how much I hate secrets."

"Well you deserve it! First promise me you won't do it again and you will freak out about my news."

"Okay Okay I will freak out. Now spill..... Wait? Are you pregnant?"

"What???? Where did that come from?"

"Haaahhh gotcha..."

"You wanna hear it or not?" Anne warned him.

"Okay I will behave."

"I.... am..... coming... back......"

Silence.

"Adam??? You there?"

"That is the best news I heard in years." He said in such a sad tone, she just wanted to hug him.

"You don't sound so happy though."

"Just come back soon."

"Yeah. Well I'm coming after a month. I just have to sort some things out. I just can't wait to see you."

"You are seeing me."

"Well you know what I mean. I have missed having a true friend around. You owe me some explanation for why you have not been available."

"Uh come on... I am never busy for you. You know I love you."

"You have gotta act like it sometimes." She stuck out her tongue at him and disconnected the call.

"I will." came his message.

She was so happy to be going back to her friends. Not so happy about going home though.