“Bye guys.”
“Drive safe!”
Harry and I stood in the doorway waving the boys goodbye. I heard my phone ring from inside and ran to answer it. I didn’t recognize the number so I hesitated a moment before swiping the screen. “Hello?”
“Hey little sis.”
“Oh my gosh, Fer?”
She chuckled, “Well yea Lee, I’m the only sibling you have.” I rolled my eyes at her. “How are you doing?”
“I’m good. How are you? How’s America? How are your studies going?”
“Whoa, Lee, slow down.”
“Well this is what happens when you don’t call me for months.” I enthusiastically yelled into the phone.
Harry came into the kitchen looking bewildered. I covered the mic as Jennifer went on about school, “It’s my sister. I’m going to go upstairs.” He nodded as I made my way out of the kitchen and up the stairs. “That’s great Fer. I’m glad you’re happy.”
“So how are things with you? Find anyone special?”
I scoffed, “No!”
“Hmm. What’s that about?”
“It’s nothing. Just a bad break up.”
“Ah yeah we all have them little sis. You’ll get over it.”
“Yeah I hope so.”
“Hey are mom and dad up? I want to talk to them.”
“Oh, um, I’m not at home.” I stood up and searched for pajamas to change into.
“Wait then where are you? Isn’t it almost midnight there?”
“Yeah I’m just crashing at a friend’s.” I grabbed a pair of Harry’s boxers and, tucking the phone between my cheek and shoulder, pulled off my jeans.
“Well who is it? How long have you been there?”
“Just a few day-” I was cut off by the door opening, as I was bent over pulling the boxers on.
“Oh I’m sorry.” I turned to see Harry with his hand over his eyes, stumbling backwards out the door, as he continued, “I- sorry Natalie. Sorry.” I laughed at him as he shut the door.
“Who was that?”
“That was Harry.” I said shuffling the covers back and plopping back onto the bed.
“Who the hell is Harry? And why didn’t you tell me about him?”
I chuckled, “Fer calm down. Harry is my best friend.”
“He’s the one you’re staying with? Are you guys being safe?”
“Jennifer!” I scolded her, “It’s not like that between us. Harry is just helping me through this break up. We’re just friends.”
“Mm-hmm, sure.” I could hear the sarcasm in her voice and rolled my eyes at her.
“What are you up to anyway? And why is the number different?”
“I’m just lounging around my apartment taking a break from homework. And Tanya thought it would be a good idea to have a home phone. I have no idea why, but I try not to figure out why she does weird things. Reason being that I’ve lived with her for two years.”
“Your girlfriend is crazy sis.” Harry came in and started shuffling around getting ready for bed.
“Yeah, but that’s why I love her.”
“Well, Harry and I are ready to hit the hay. So I love you and I’ll talk to you later.”
“Wait do you two share a bed? Are you sure there is nothing going on between you two?”
“Goodnight Jennifer.” I hung up the phone.
“Good chat Love?” Harry smiled at me, as he clambered into bed.
“Yeah,” I smiled. “It’s always good to talk to Fer.”
“Good. Well goodnight Nat.” he turned off his bedside light and rolled onto his side.
“Sweet dreams, Haz.” I shuffled under the covers and was soon fast asleep.