Hold on and Hope

rough

Maisie

"Hi." I breathe out, making sure my voice stays as low as possible.

"Is everything okay?" He quickly asks, a rapid concern mixing in with his raspy voice.

"Yes, I just", I try to think of a reason why I called him. It's not that I don't want him to know about my dream, I just don't want to be questioned on the subject. "Couldn't sleep."

Great, now not only do I sound like a child, but also a pathetic child.

Before he can reply I quickly jump to an apology. "Did I wake you up? I'm so sorry if I did, I understand if you want to get back to sleep now, I mean it is really early and I-"

"Maisie." I can almost hear the small smile playing on his lips.

"Yes?" I urge him to continue nervously.

"I'm fine, I couldn't sleep either." Taking a small sigh of relief, which he likely heard, I begin the fiddle with my blanket.

"Besides, your company is so much better than sleep." He whispers, and I smile, now fully wrapped up in my blanket.

"I could say the exact same about you." I doubt he realises the raw truth in my words.

Inside, I felt like I should be uncomfortable calling Harrison this late at night for a seemingly pathetic reason. But he just made me feel welcomed. It was like his presence, in any form, engulfed me and supported me.

He asked me about what music I listen to, we spoke about movies, food and our favourite things to do. We had quite a lot on common, which is a good thing.

We continue to talk about random things for about an hour. Every time my mind would begin to sway back towards my nightmare, he began speaking again, his words usually bringing a small smile to my lips.

We were just bonding over our shared love for 'The Breakfast Club', when I accidentally let out a long yawn.

"Are you sure you're not tired?" Harrison asks, pure doubt in his voice. He'd asked me this question many times before between topics, and each time I denied it.

"Yeah, of course not." Truthfully, I just didn't want to be left alone again, to drown in my own misery.

Despite my lie to Harrison, I lay down, resting my head on my flat pillow.

He proceeds to tell me a story about when him and Conan went to a basketball match. "The Lakers scored the last hoop and Conan got so excited he fell into the woman in front of him when he jumped." I hear him chuckle at the memory. "But that's not even the worst part." He laughs.

I close my eyes, allowing my mind to be soothed by Harrison's soft voice. "The woman's fiancé began shouting at Conan and I, and when I say shouting I mean he was about double in size and turn green. We had to leave before everyone else, and all because the Lakers did something everyone expected." He howls with laughter and I can't help and laugh with him. His laugh is so carefree and contagious.

When the laughter flowing through the phone died down, we sit in a comfortable silence for a few moments.

The only noise in my room is the sound of my soft breathing. I bet Harrison thinks it's so annoying. I'm too exhausted to care though, so I keep the phone against my face as my eyes slowly close.

I don't want to say goodnight, because I don't want him to leave. Not again, not like everyone else.

As if he could read the worries straight from my mind he whispers, "do you want me to stay with you until you fall asleep?"

I sigh, not answering him, but I know he got my message.

Just as my whole body relaxes, I hear his purposely gentle voice one more time: "goodnight Maisie."