A Tale of Mischief and Mutants

Awkward Phone Call

—-Sam—-

It's the next day I'm literally wrapped up on the couch with Vili and Loki reading a book when I get a call on my phone. The number isn't one I recognize I consider letting it ring through but then remember my contact list is far from complete and it could be someone I know. I uncoil my arm from the snake and pick up the phone. 

"Hello?"

"Hey Samantha it's me Mary."

"Oh... hi is everything alright?"

The conversation is unfortunately already awkward as we don't really know each other that well. Mary continues nervously.

"Ye-yeah I just wanted to let you know I'm coming to visit I should arrive later tonight if that's ok. I mean I am already on the plane but I just don't want to impose if you don't wa-"

I feel my face light up at the thought of her coming over. I want to get to know my sister, I want to have a relationship with her.

"It's more than ok, are you flying commercial or in the Blackbird?"

Mary's voice sounds relieved when she answers.

"Commercial. The others had to take the Blackbird somewhere called the Savage Land they said it was an emergency. Where exactly do you live? I could probably get an Uber."

So Sauron had returned to the Savage Land and been too much for the locals to handle on their own I hope everything turns out ok.

"No you couldn't Tønsberg is really tiny I don't think New Asgard has a single Uber driver in the whole country. What airport are you flying into? We can come get you."

"The Skien airport I believe."

"Ok, um I'm a bit confused though. I didn't think they let people talk on the phone during flights."

"Ummm where have you been the past two years? They changed that rule back in 2021 thanks to Stark tech."

The question hits me in the gut. I know she's only trying to be informal and tease me a bit and has no way of knowing where I have actually been these past years. I hold my silence for a moment too long.

"Um yeah silly me."

My voice must sound off.

"Oh no! I'm sorry if that sounded mean. I was just joking! I don't think you're dumb or anything-"

"No no it's ok. Listen, I'm looking forward to seeing you sorry it's been so awkward. What's your expected arrival time?"

"Umm I think around 9:00 PM in your local time."

"Ok see you around then."

The next interaction is the single most awkward exchange I've ever had neither of us know what's appropriate to say.

"Yeah ummm..... love you....bye."

"Yeah I uh.... love you too, uhh yes... I will see you soon."

I end the call. I sigh and faceplam as I sink back into the couch. Loki can see I'm stressed and is quick with a joke.

"Is one of your secret lovers coming over?"

I laugh then continue the joke.

"Oh yes have you heard of Tom Hiddleston? I've been cheating on you with him since... when did Kong Skull Island come out again?"

He laughs. I can't help it he's my celebrity crush he was so goofy and innocent in interviews, handsome, and a damn good actor.

"So that's why you've watched that film a total of seventeen times since I've met you."

I laugh again then answer the the actual question behind his first joke.

"My sister's coming over."

I'm excited to see her again it will be a good opportunity for us to try and salvage what little sisterhood we had back in 2012. I'm sad that she doesn't remember any of it. I do, I remember my parents bringing her home from the hospital. I've loved her since day one.

"Ah, so I won't be murdering any Hollywood actors today."

"You wouldn't dare! The Hiddlestoners would lynch you!"

"That is... What's the expression? Oof."

I burst out laughing. I'm in tears from laughter at his attempt to use gen z lingo. Loki doesn't understand how funny it was to hear him utter the word oof.

"Am I incorrect?"

The next sentence I speak I barely get out through giggles.

"No you're right it's just... hearing you use that-"

I can't finish my sentence through the giggles and my laughter begins to make him laugh too we both have a good laughing fit.

———————————————————————

Thor is dealing with king stuff so we get into the car at around 8:00 and head out for Skien. It's really weird to see Loki driving a car.

"When did you learn to drive?"

"My dear I've piloted spacecraft and this isn't exactly rocket science."

I nod Asgardian style is just so old fashioned it's easy to forget that they're an advanced space faring race and a car was probably pretty primitive in comparison to their technology.

"Right I forget sometimes."

He smiles then turns on his 'radio' classical music fills the car. I groan then reach for the aux cord he playfully slaps my hand away.

"No no no. I quite enjoy this one. After this piece perhaps."

I sigh.

"What even is this?"

"Franz Schubert, String Quartet Number 13 in A minor."

I giggle.

"That's a mouthful. After this is done I'm playing some Queen or Twenty One Pilots I haven't decided but it's going to be something from the last century."

"Very well, now hush and let me listen."

The song is very long over ten minutes. It's not at all bad though and we agree on a compromise for the rest of the car ride we go back and forth between his music and mine. I have successfully converted him to being a Queen fan after playing Bohemian Rhapsody, Another One Bites the Dust, and Don't Stop Me Now.

He has made me appreciate some classical music with long names that I honestly can't remember. During our ride Mary texts me that she's landed and specifies on where to pick her up from at the airport. When we finally arrive I spot her and get out of the car to greet her.