“Well, his name—”
“His?” she interrupts.
“Yes,his. His name is Oswald.” If she’s wondering why I said his name so quietly, she doesn’t ask, which I’m thankful for because I don’t have any plans to tell her he’s here right now. “He’s in my English class, his brother is actually the TA. We’ve had lunch.”
“Oh, that’s lovely. Just the two of you?” I can practically hear how excited she is. I never really mentioned guys to her. Oh great, I thought telling her I made a friend would make her happy, but I didn’t think it through. She’s probably already wondering when she can meet him.
“No, his brother was there too.” I hope that tamps down her expectations a little.
“Oh, the teaching assistant, he must be smart,” she coos. “What are his plans for the future?”
“I don’t know.” I sigh dramatically.
“Well, that will give you something else to talk about. You know how much men like talking about themselves.”
“Yeah, how’s James?” I’m hoping she will let me change the subject when I ask about my dad by name to rib her.
“He’s off with your grandfather this week, I may go out to see them. Have you talked with Dr. Tobin or Maxwell?” She’s derailed, just not the way I would have hoped.
“No, my appointment isn’t until Wednesday afternoon. Every two weeks,” I remind her.
“Is your medicine okay? Do you need a refill?”
“Yes, it’s fine, and no. I’ll take it to a local pharmacy when I do.” There’s no way I’m going to tell her I’ve heard the voices again a few times, like just a few minutes ago.
“Are you sure? I can have it shipped right to you.” When she offers things like this, it makes me think she’s embarrassed that I’m on medication, but I know she thinks she’s helping.
“No, it’s okay. I’d rather take care of it myself.”
“Okay… I miss you. I even miss seeing your shoes.” She tinkles out a laugh filled with so much emotion.
“I miss you too. I’ll come back soon,” I promise, but it feels like a lie, even though it’s not my intention.
“Thanksgiving? Unless you’re going to host, then we can come to you and meet some of your friends!” she replies enthusiastically.
That is the last thing I want to happen. “Maybe,” I hedge, giving her the smidgen of hope she wants.
“Well, I won’t keep you. I just wanted to let you know I was thinking about you and see how you were.”
“Thanks for calling me.”
“I love you, Waylynn. Call me if you need anything.”
“Love you too, bye.”
I hit the end button, and the sadness that was weighing me down lightens as I disconnect from her. I toss my phone on the bed and just breathe for a few seconds until I feel more like myself.
I glance toward the door, hating that I know I should put distance between myself, Oswald, and Memphis because something about them triggers the voices. The association is too clear to ignore after what just happened in the laundry room. Why do the voices have to sound so much like theirs?
A creak from the stairs has me grabbing my phone and hopping up from the bed. I might as well enjoy the little time I have with them today. It’s not like I’m going to go down there and kick them out.
VACANT
Memphis
When Waylynn comes downstairs,she’s distant, even more so than before the call. Oz and I stick around, watch TV, and eventually make dinner. She goes through the motions, smiling when she should and engaging in small talk, but everything is only on the surface.
After dinner is cleaned up, she starts to get fidgety. I can tell she wants us to go, but I’m hesitant to leave her. Hell, I’m reluctant.
