Chapter 14
Arthur
Not to sound like an old age pensioner, but there was nothing quite like a good book and a cup of strong tea to spend the evening with. I’d caught up on all of my course reading for the day, which usually meant I’d be in a massive reading slump when it came to reading for fun, opting to doom scroll through Instagram reels and rot in my bed instead. However, by some miracle, tonight I had the urge to read one of my favourites, Frankenstein. So you best believe that I didn’t take the reading bug for granted, I poured myself a cup of Earl Grey, switched on the mood light next to my bed for ambiance, and began flicking through the pages. People said that readers could live a thousand different lives in one lifetime, and I couldn’t agree more. It was bliss. I’m about to take another sip of my tea when I hear the vibrating buzz of my phone that’s currently plugged into the wall on the other side of the room. I sigh at the inconvenience as I slip the bookmark onto the page and stand up to grab my phone. I notice that I’ve received a text, but there’s no name, just a random number displayed across the top of the screen. I unlock my phone and go to open my messages.
+44 8469532451: Okay so I know I told you that I wouldn’t be a weird stalker that would text you in the middle of the night…
My chest constricts, suddenly realising who the message is from.
+44 8469532451: But it’s actually only 9:00 pm, so technically, it’s not the middle of the night
I snort, before continuing to read the third message.
+44 8469532451: Anyways, Poppy, Amy, and I are hosting a Halloween party on Saturday night and I’m not sure if Sam might have told you already or not, but I was just going to say that you are more than welcome to come too if you want??? It’s only going to be the 5 of us!
Usually, I’d be slightly pissed at the idea of someone disrupting my reading time, but Frankenstein was all but a distant memory as I sat twiddling my thumbs, deciding how to respond. I knew I should go. After all, things were different between the two of us now. I’d honestly had such a good time just sitting and talking with her in the booth the other day, I could have easily kept going for hours. I don’t know exactly what changed, but the conversation felt so easy. I didn’t find myself stuttering over my words or gasping for breath. I didn’t even find myself making a mental note every time I had to maintain and break eye contact during the interaction like I was acting off a script. It felt natural. I knew already from the various encounters I’d had with Ember since we started uni that she was a character. She always had a way of making herself known, a presence you couldn’t forget whether she was running late and making a dramatic entrance or outwitting our seminar leader. Hell, even if she was throwing up all over you, (talking from experience), you’d definitely know who she was. She just oozed confidence and ease, a pep in her stride that I could only wish to have. Even though I didn’t have a good record for being an avid partier, this sounded like it could be fun. Plus, I could tell that she wasn’t the kind of person to tell me there were only going to be five people, and then a hundred turn up. I reminded myself that it would be small and intimate and I already knew everyone who was going, bar Amy, but I’m sure she’d be fine. Before I could stop myself, I added her name to my contacts and texted her back.
Me: 9:00 pm is the middle of the night for me actually….
Me: But yeah sounds good :) what sort of time would it be?
I’m aware after I’ve sent the message that I’ve said yes, not realising that I have absolutely nothing to wear as a Halloween costume. I wouldn’t even know where to begin.
The text bubbles bounce back and forth before she replies, her name finally displayed now.
Ember: Grandma.
I gasp to myself before laughing, brutal.
Ember: Amazing! Hadn’t got that far yet lol, but about 7:00ish? We’ll let you know closer to the time for deffo x
Why did I have to try and be so overprepared? I looked like a weirdo now asking a few days in advance. I just hated not knowing the timing of things. As much as I wished I could be the easy breezy guy who rocked up to venues as and when he wanted, I wasn’t. I’d rather eat my arm than turn up late anywhere, the thought made my chest heave. Swallowing down my embarrassment, I reply.
Me: Cool, I’ll be there :)
Ember: Good! I better let you get back to bed now, wouldn’t want you to be so tired in the morning that you fall over and do your hip in x
I scoffed, knowing that she was referring to me as an old person once again. I liked that she felt she could have banter with me, it made me feel like she actually wanted to talk to me, rather than do it because she felt sorry for me. I’d have hated that otherwise, there’s nothing worse than the sympathy card.
Umming and ahhing, I finally hit send.
Me: Thanks for your concern. I just dropped my dentures in my cup of tea due to my growing exhaustion from this conversation, so your prayers and well wishes are needed.
Ember:I can only apologise! Praying for you old man.
Ember:Goodnight Arthur x
I catch myself smiling goofily in the reflection of my phone screen at the thread of messages. I remind myself that I’m only getting excited because it feels good to have another friend. Of course, Sam had constantly been there for me since day one, I definitely consider him my best friend here. But it was always good to have more friends, right? She just happened to be a friend of the opposite sex. She was essentially a female version of Sam. Well-maybe not as crude as Sam, but she liked to spar and wasn’t afraid to crawl underneath my skin. It was just nice to have a friend, friend. I don’t know why my brain insists on repeating the word over and over again but opting to ignore it, I pick up my phone.
Me: Goodnight Ember x
My friend.