Out of the Rabbit Hole

Chapter 12

"Pubes, we're going out. Don't come if you want." Mandy sneers, walking past my room with Jake.

Why does mom allow him to be here? And besides, it's Monday, school night. Why is she going to a party?

I look at my door, where Mandy was just walking by.

Strange how fast people come and go.

I hear the phone ringing downstair. I hope Mandy picks it up. My mom and dad decided to do date night today, of all hated days, so they went to see a movie and dinner. When the phone dies down, I focus back on my work. I'm scanning over the history project due tomorrow and plan to download it to a flash-drive later. Simon really helped out, so I didn't do as much work as many of my other projects.

The phone rings again.

"Mandy, answer it!" I shout out, getting nothing but an echo in response.

I push back my chair and run down the stairs to get to the phone before it rings for the third time. I grab the phone, sitting on the kitchen counter.

Your supposed to put it back on the landline, mom!

The caller ID say's the number, no name though. This is like a scary movie, when the stupid girl answers the phone slowly, then hears white noise on the other line. But being me, I put it up to my ear.

"Hello?"

My hands are sweating as I hold the phone to my ear.

"You have seven days to live." The voice is deep, low to sound more ominous.

"Quit it Simon." I chuckle into the phone,receiving a break in character by Simon.

This boob thought I didn't know it was him.

"How'd you know?"

"Did."

'You sounded apprehensive when you finally answered, so I came up with the idea that I'd be a mad killer. You know, since you love scary movies." He laughs a little. I picture him smiling again.

"Yes, I got it. Wish you didn't do it. I'm home alone, so it was creepy." I must admit I'm a sucker for things that happen in a house, by myself.

"Well I don't mind dropping in."

I smile in question. Like Simon would come, at night, to keep me company.

"Yeah sure. As if." I walk with the phone to the couch, plopping down besides Splats, who paws at one of the pillows.

"You don't believe me Andrea? I will and can."

I laugh at his childish manners. As if he needs to prove he's a grown man, going out, doing his own thing.

"I know you can, but I'm fine."

It's sweet he cares that I'm home alone. He almost acts like a concerned boyfriend.

"Okay, well I called you for a reason. Not just to hear your voice."

I don't understand, we just saw each other in History today. We talked about the project and things that needed to be addressed in it.

"Okay, so why then? Is it about the project?"

"No, it's about your no cellphone rule."

That's why he called.

"It's not a rule, there's no point in owning one."

All it does is detract from my life, leave me blinded by norms, and confused about new social media apps. Seriously, not worth it.