My mom would never show up at their house. At least, I don't think. But she would call Zach's mom and I don't really knowwhat the outcome of the reaction would be. Quite frankly, I think it's nice that my mom is allowing me a chance to reel my brother in; something I think he should be grateful for too. But knowing that this means I'll have to actually talk to Zach, I kind of just wish she'd leave me out of it. Though, I guess I wanted a reason to talk to him all day.
I scoot myself back onto my bed, leaning against my headboard, feeling my heart start to race in my chest.
I return to the message thread between Ryen and I and begin to type.
Well… looks like I found something to talk to him about.
After I send the message to her, I scroll through my contacts and find Zach’s name. I’ve never used it before. Never needed to call him or text him, so my fingers do shake a little as I click on his name and then tap the message icon.
I don’t know why I’m so dang nervous, but I take a deep breath and then start to write out my very first text to him.
Hey Zach. I was just wondering if Bray was with you? He’s not answering me or mom.
I wait. Feeling like the seconds tick by slower than molasses as I watch the text thread, waiting to see the moment he starts typing, but I chicken out and close the messages all together. Though, after a few more seconds, I can’t resist. I open the thread back up and my heart skyrockets when I see the text-dots bubble is bouncing up and down.
He’s responding.
And then, my phone vibrates.
Cadence?
My heart skips a beat when I see my name pop up in his text bubble, but I immediately respond.
Yeah, sorry. I know it’s late. Just wondering where my brother is…
No, it's fine. He’s not with me.
How’d you get my number?
I’ve kinda had your number for a few years. Bray gave it to me in case of emergencies.
Oh.
Sorry. I can delete it if you want me to?
My stomach curls into itself. He’s going to tell me to never text him again, to erase his number and I’m going to be so embarrassed. I see the dancing dots taunt me, the pathway to rejection straight ahead. I can feel it. He’s going to-
No, it’s fine. You can keep it. I don’t mind.
Oh my god.OH MY GOD.We’re in!!
“Stay calm, Cadie,” I whisper to myself as my fingers start typing out my next response. But then, another text comes through.
How come you've never texted me then?
Okay. Now I'm nervous.
Well… I've never had an emergency.
Gotcha.
I can’t help but feel a little out of my league here. And the slight bout of excitement that greets me starts to disintegrate into anxiety and I know I have to end this conversation immediately so not to make it awkward.
Okay, well if you hear from Bray can you tell him to call mom? His curfew ends in like 6 minutes.
Yeah, I can.
Do you know where he said he was going?
