Chapter 9 Weslyn
Weslyn
He keeps using my name. It's making my already fuzzy brain even fuzzier and it's crawling its way to my heart too.
I stumble out of the bathroom after sending him my location feeling really strange about letting him do what he's doing for me, but I won't deny that I got myself into this situation and I'd really like to get home tonight.
Besides, I feel like my buzz is fading quickly now that I realize what I'm about to do, and I know exhaustion will invade me soon. So I grab a water bottle from the kitchen before I wander outside and wait for the Uber.
im outside now
He's not far now. About eight minutes out.
Thank you.
Wow. I get a capital letter finally.
Im so sorry for this
Do not apologize, Weslyn. You were just having fun. These things happen.
please stop using my name
I'm sorry. I didn't know it was bothering you.
It's not. the opposite actually.
What do you mean?
What do I mean? Do I tell him the truth?
That when he types out my name, I wonder what his voice sounds like when he speaks it, what he'll looks like when he looks at me and says it.
How I might want that. For him to look at me or say my name out loud.
I know it's a crazy idea. And maybe it's the alcohol talking, but the thoughts are there and they're confusing me.
11:31pm
Weslyn…
Fine. I really like it and right now, I can't stop thinking about how I'd like if you said it to me out loud it.
You're only saying that because you're tipsy.
u might be right but I really do like it
You like it when I use your name, but you want me to stop using it?
Please
But what if I don't want to?
I have to pull the phone away for a second; catch my breath. And I'm starting to feel hot all over now. Again, it could be the alcohol. Maybe it's the way I feel texting Kyran. But that's not logical, is it?
Then my phone buzzes again.
11:33pm
The Uber is pulling up now.
I look up to see headlights approaching and I wave him down to make sure he doesn't pass me up in the dark.
The car pulls up right next to me and I take a slow exhale before entering the car, not really believing that I'm doing what I'm right now.
The driver asks for directions to my destination, and once I give them to him, I text back Kyran.
11:37pm
I made it in.
Thank you for letting me know. I can let you go now if you want?
NO
Omg sorry, I didn't mean the all caps
Lol. It's fine.
So… what kind of music is the driver listening to?
That's a weird question lol
I know. Just trying to keep the conversation going for you.
Umm… I can't be too sure it's even music. It sounds more like… trash cans rubbing up against each other
Well, now I'm curious.
I have an idea… answer your phone?
Sure.
I hit call and it doesn't ring more than twice before he answers.
My heart beats with anticipation and I get nervous when I hear him say hello, but I don't say answer back.
Instead, I just swallow the lump in my throat and push the phone closer to the speakers, hoping the driver doesn't catch me.
As the music plays, I decide to open the text thread.
11:40pm
Can you hear it?
Yes, and the way you described it is actually perfect.
Right?
I keep the phone held out for a few more moments, allowing him to hear more of the music but then I end the call, feeling weird that I didn't even say goodbye to him.
But I don't have time to think about it too much when my Uber driver arrives at my apartment a few moments later.
I pull my cash out to leave him a tip but he waves me off and tells me that he was instructed not to take my money and that he's been paid generously.
My heart swells as I try to understand what is happening and that's when I see the text indicator dots rise and fall in my open message to Kyran, but then they disappear and I feel slightly deflated when I wait for them to pop back up again, but they don't. I don't know how to react, feeling overwhelmed with knowing that Kyran, a stranger, saved me from making a huge mistake tonight and he paid for my ride.
I'm not sure I know anyone who would have done the same.
After getting into my house, I head straight for the Tylenol and another cup of water, kicking off my shoes on the way before tossing myself over my bed, feeling the way my body seems to float back down from the drunken haze I was feeling not long ago. And then my phone buzzes.
11:45pm
Make it home?
Yes. And seriously thank you. You didn't need to do all this tonight.
I know. I wanted to. I'm glad you're home safe.
I won't lie, I hate thinking about how I'm going to retrieve my car tomorrow, but all that matters is that I didn't risk wrapping it around a tree tonight.
I swallow my pills and swig the water generously, loving the cool caress of the liquid chasing through my body.
I wish I had someone else to talk to about Kyran.
Not that I'm sure there's much to talk about, and maybe not talking about him is best anyway.
But there's so much to say, like how I like when he uses my name because it makes me feel good.
Like how my chest feels tight thinking about what he just did for me tonight without hesitation.
11:52pm
Well, I hope you sleep well tonight. Sweet dreams, Weslyn.
I read the text but just as quick as it came, it's gone and is replaced by a new one.
MESSAGE UNSENT
Well, I hope you sleep well tonight. Sweet dreams.
I see the difference and part of me smirks when I see that he was correcting his usage of my name, but really, I don't want him to.
Maybe I should tell him that I actually want him to keep using my name like that.
Maybe I should call him and tell him goodnight so I can hear his voice.
Maybe I should just block him and forget all about this whole exchange because what's the point?
Instead, I just settle on a simple response, knowing that the slight bout of joy I feel right now comes from talking to him.
11:53pm
Night, Kyran.
I send it, and then I'm off to bed.