Just One Voice

•Coming Of The Hot Shot•

~16~

Later that evening, just as I'm heading out of my dorm room to go grab some dinner, I notice my phone screen light up from beneath my fingers. I grasp the keycard carefully between my teeth and turn the device over to read an incoming message.

M-
My mom just picked me up from the airport and I am now being bombarded with questions lol.
Today 7:03 PM

B-
I'm glad you had safe travels ☺️
Delivered 7:03 PM

Pressing the button to send my text, I realize that I'm still standing in the middle of the dorm hallway, smiling like an idiot with a card sticking out of my mouth.

I slip the piece of plastic into my back pocket and continue towards the elevator.

M-
I don't think we've stopped talking about you since we got in the car.
Today 7:05 PM

B-
Oh no what lies have you been telling her?
Delivered 7:06 PM

M-
No lies. But she did just seriously ask me if I climbed any palm trees while in Cali
😂
Today 7:07 PM

B-
She knows you too well. I wouldn't have been surprised if you had haha.
Delivered 7:07 PM

M-
Speaking of surprises... imagine how surprised I was to stumble upon a white envelope full of cash in my carry-on? Have any idea where that came from?
Today 7:09 PM

B-
Nope. No idea.
Delivered 7:09 PM

M-
Sure you don't. Because how exactly would a card with your debit number get in there as well?
Today 7:10 PM

He's onto me.

I lift my gaze and suddenly find that I am a little too close for comfort to the front door of my building. I should probably not be texting while walking, because said crime will most definitely result in my either killing myself, or someone else. Or both.

I locate a campus bench outside to sit temporarily while explaining myself to Max. WaterColor doesn't close for another forty-five minutes or so, there's no need to rush for my meal.

B-
Funny, I was just looking for my debit card...
Delivered 7:14 PM

M-
Right. Tell me exactly what you did and why you did it. Now. If you really sent all of your money across the US then you're an actual idiot.
Today 7:15 PM

B-
This is my chance to restart and separate myself from all the money everyone associates me with.
Delivered 7:16 PM
Don't worry, I kept back over $500, that's more than enough for two months on a prepaid campus.
Delivered 7:17 PM

M-
I still don't like this, B. What if there's an emergency or something?
Today 7:19 PM

B-
It's fine! If I REALLY do need the money it's still there. I just won't have it, physically?
Delivered 7:20 PM

M-
...
Today 7:20 PM

B-
Max please. This is for me mentally more than anything else. Don't tell anyone? I trust you with my money.
Delivered 7:21 PM

M-
Yeah yeah. Why didn't you mention this before though?
Today 7:22 PM

B-
I knew you wouldn't think it was a good idea. I was correct.
Delivered 7:23 PM