Eden.
Alexander lets out a shaky breath.
She’s right. Violence isn’t the answer. It isn’t good enough. What he’s planning is far, far worse.
Alexander pulls out his phone and makes several calls.
She gets the text just before noon on Sunday.
Alexander: Thinking of you.
Eden rolls over in bed and smiles at her phone, reading his words over and over and over again with the giddiness of a schoolgirl. Her thumbs fly over the screen, drafting up a response.
Eden: New phone, who dis?
Not two seconds later:
Alexander: It’s me. Alexander?
She laughs aloud.
Eden: I’m just teasing you, dummy.
Alexander: You really know how to give a man a heart attack, huh? Thought I sent that to Sebastian or something.
Eden: lol nooooo don’t die
Alexander: Too late.
Eden: I’ll send help!
He sends a gif of a black lab puppy falling off a couch in a dramatic fashion,#deadflashing in bright white font at the base of the image.
Eden smiles so hard, her cheeks hurt. She can’t even say that she minds.
Eden: So cute!
Alexander: Me, or the dog?
Eden: You know the answer.
Alexander: It’s the dog. Don’t worry, I won’t take it personally.
She finally sits up in bed, nibbling at her bottom lip. She can’t believe how much she actually misses him. It’s been less than twelve hours since they parted ways, but deep down, she yearns to see him again. Like it’s been weeks or years instead of half a day.
Eden smiles to herself.
Alexander: Have to go. Service soon.
She doesn’t want their conversation to end, but she understands, nonetheless.
Eden: Have a good shift!
He sends another gif, this time of a little pug who’s somehow got his bottom half stuck in a toilet bowl. Eden doesn’t necessarily understand the message he’s trying to convey, but it doesn’t matter. It makes her feel all warm and fuzzy inside.
She eventually finds the strength to pull herself out of bed. She really does have to start her day. She may or may not spend the whole time thinking about a certain someone with inky black hair.
* * *
