The Girl In The Suit

Freddie

"Mr Welch! Phone call for you!"

I walk out of the bedroom, downstairs and over to Mary and she hands me her phone. I mouth a thank you and I put the phone up to my ear.

"Hello?", I say.

"What's the story, Fredser?" Gemmas voice comes through the speaker and I feel warm inside.

"Nothing much, sis, how about yourself?"

"Well, I do have some news, in fact."

"Oooh, spill the beans, Germa!"

I hear her chuckle. "Well, I'm not sure how you're going to take this but I'm going to be getting baptised when you're out."

I raise my eyebrows. "Really? I didn't know you believe."

"I actually always have, I just never said anything because I thought homophobia was a part of it but I talked to Alison and she told me it wasn't so I asked her could I get a baptism and she's calling the priest today to arrange a meeting."

"Wow. All that's great! I personally don't believe but you do you, I support you and if this makes you happy, then I'm happy." I smile to myself.

"Thanks, Fred. It does make me happy. I'm not going ahead with it until you're out though. It wont be the same without you around." Theres a pause and she sighs heavily. "I miss you, Fred. How is it in there?"

"I miss you too, kid. I actually like it in here. I've made a few friends here. Theyre nothing compared to your company though." I pause. "Have you seen Míchaél around?"

"Uh, not really. I've mostly been hanging with the girls during the week in school and I was at a party for Gabrielle's 15th last night?"

"Party?" I cock one eyebrow. "You better not have been drinking, missy."

She laughs. "I wasn't, but Caoimhe and Amelia were in a bad state."

"Amelia? Caoimhe? Who are these people? I'm gone a week and you're already Miss Popular."

She laughs again. "You'll meet them soon. They're these two gas young ones who are friends with Tasha and Gabrielle. Do you remember them?"

I smile. "How could I forget?"

I can tell shes smiling through the phone. I then hear someone in the background calling, "Gemma, you coming or what?"

"I have to go. The girls and I are going to Hayley's place and getting a pizza. I'll see you Sunday, OK?"

"Have fun, kid. See you then. I love you."

"Love you too. Bye."

"Bye."

She ends the call and I hand the phone back.

"Freddie, its time for group therapy.", Sam says as she comes down the stairs.

"Kk.", I say as I walk beside her to the group.