Chapter 15
‘… and so, we’re just going to keep it a secret.’ I murmur into the phone pressed between my shoulder and ear as I tidy my desk.
Katie is gone - as per usual. Not that I’m complaining. Something’s been seriously stuck up her ass the past few days and I could do with a break from it.
Ruby is silent on the other end … but then I hear a squeal. ‘Okay, I know this is serious, I do, but you’re fucking your professor! And not in a creepy, give me better grades way.’
‘Well, it’s not the best situation but we did try to stay away from each other.’
‘For a few weeks.’ Ruby deadpans.
‘Yea and that was difficult.’ I say, falling back into my desk chair. ‘But anyway, what’s new with you? Any men or women on the horizon?’
Ruby hums. ‘Not a single prospect. How is it that I’m the one who likes two genders and yet I’m stillthe single one?’
‘Have you come up for air away from your computer long enough to look?’
‘… Irrelevant.’
I smile. ‘I miss you.’
‘I miss you too! We need to coordinate when we come home so were both there at the same time.’
Groaning, I close my eyes. ‘That reminds me, my mother’s been trying to get hold of me.’
‘Yikes, you’ve not spoken to them since moving?’
‘Nope.’
‘You should call her.’
‘Yep.’
She laughs, used to my complicated relationship with my parents. ‘Goodbye Scarlett. Go call your mother.’
‘Ugh fine.’
Hanging up the phone, I press dial on my mother’s name before I can talk myself out of it.
’Scarlett.’ Her voice is tight and biting, and I can imagine the expression on her face as she says it - pinched together as if she was sucking on a lemon.
‘Mother.’
‘Well, at least I can tell your father that you’re alive.’
‘I’m sure he’ll jump for joy.’ I mutter.
Ignoring me, as usual, she moves on. ‘I contacted all your professors for a report on your learning so far.’
I Sit up so fast I may just get whiplash. ‘Are you fucking serious?’
‘Language Scarlett.’
‘Mom do you not realise that I’m an adult now?’
‘Adults pay for their own college education.’
Teeth clenched; I grit out. ‘Yes, they may well pay for the college education they want not for one they’re forced into.’
‘Oh don’t be so ungrateful.’
‘Goodbye mother.’ I hang up before she can say another word.
Unbelievable! Running a stressed hand through my hair, I count to ten, breathing deeply until the anger subsides.
I shouldn’t be surprised - but I am. Every time I speak to them, a small slither inside me is hopeful that, just once, they would treat me with respect.
But no - that will never happen.
My phone vibrates.
Tristan: What’s your favourite meal?
Smiling, I type out a reply.
Scarlett: Wow.
Tristan: What?
Scarlett: All your questions have been so … deep - like angsty teen deep (just for reference). This one is just normal.
Tristan: Angsty teen deep?
Scarlett: Yep. Like emo girl in her bedroom decorating her Tumblr page in Lana Del Ray lyrics kinda deep.
Tristan: I guess I’ll have to trust you on that.
Scarlett: You sure will old man ;)
Tristan: Brat.
Tristan: So. Favourite meal?
Scarlett: Anything with fish.
Tristan: Good to know.
Scarlett: My turn!
Scarlett: Do you have siblings.
Tristan: One sister. Her name’s Isabel. You borrowed a pair of her pants on that first morning.
My stomach flutters - so that’s who they belonged to!
Scarlett: … Now it makes sense. You act like such an older brother!
Tristan: I think you two would get along well.
Scarlett: You do?
Tristan: Yea, you both have similar qualities.
Tristan: But anyway, chat later. I need to set up for my next class.
Scarlett: Sure, thing professor ;)
Putting away my phone, I sigh - the sound wistful and wanting. I very much doubt things are going to be easy for us, but it’ll be worth it. For a man like Tristan - it’s always worth it.
And As I make my way to dance, there’s not a single thing that can make my smile slip.