Page 556 of Call Me Baby 2: Side B

Not to check it or anything.

But soon as the phone lands in my palm,

and the screen lights up,

it’s his name I see.

It’s been six days in this motel,

and he’s still calling, still texting.

The heartache sneaks out from the corners, making my chest shake. It's the only ache that I feel inside my body now. I try to hold my breath, wait for the hurt to pass ‘cause what used to make it go away doesn’t work anymore. The urge to touch myself isn’t even there. It’s gone.

There’s no more Little Death.

There’s no heat between my thighs.

Now there’s only a fist in my throat,

and a hot pull behind my eyes.

“You don’t need to come,

“you need to cry…”

No, Andrew. I need you.

I want to hear you.

Your voice.

Only once.

My thumb hovers the first voicemail.

I breathe out, then tap it.

// ANDREW (VOICEMAIL) 01/01/25

12:19 AM

Allison.

Baby, pick up.

[pause]

Fuck. Where the fuck did you go?

No, don’t—shit. Don’t take that like I’m mad.

I’m not mad. Okay? I’m not. I’m scared.

You turn one fuckin’ corner and disappear. An’ I’ve been goin’ up and down this block lookin’ for you. And I need to know where you are.

[pause, breathing]

Allison, I fucked that up. I know I did. And listen—I know you’re upset. I know I’m the last person you wanna talk to. But you took off and it’s New Year’s, there’s drunk assholes everywhere, so I need you to call me back.