Don't Hit Redial

“Are you sure this is a good idea?” she asks, twisting her fingers in her lap. They sat together, on the edge of her bed.  The phone sat between them. She was sure that this call needed to be made, just as he was sure that this was in fact not a great idea.

“You’re the one who wants to do this.”

“That’s not what I asked you.”

“I could tell you what I think, but it’s more important that you do what needs to be done.”

“Isn’t that the same thing?”

“Just…dial the number.” She looks at him, fear and anxiety masked by an apparent hatred for him. At sixteen years old, this was a decision she made for herself, after years of searching and questioning.  Even now, after the fact, she did not know what possessed her to ask her mother for the number. Seven digits and an area code. She had the numbers memorized by now. Sharing a glance with Joe, she dialed the digits with trembling fingers.  Once she had the phone to her ear, he took the same trembling hand in his own, a sign of comfort, as inadequate as it was.

“Hello?” the other line picked up. The voice was deep, obviously male, and slightly slurred, despite the New York area code that told them it was three in the afternoon there.

“Hi. I-i-is this Rob Cruz?”

“Yeah-who the f**k is this?” Joe looked at Sheila, while she avoided his gaze.

“N-no one, sorry to bother you,” and she hung up the phone.

They were both right. But that didn’t stop her from letting the phone slip through her fingers, and mourning the loss of someone she had never known, someone she would never get to know.

Author's Note

this was written as an exercise in my creative writing class.

Reviews

[Danielle]

This is very well-written! I would love to read more.

[Emerald Seas]

Lexy, you're still good! Where's the rest? I know you have more...
Did I mention I am thrilled to see you here? :)

[khalid]

very nicely written, i liked it. but i dont know why it is rated mature!