Allison
Just as I was about to suggest ways for Colby to communicate, the call cut off abruptly.
“Ah, shit,” he muttered, looking at me with frustration. “She ended the call.”
My heart sank. “Oh my goodness, I think she found out that I told you to call her.”
I felt a wave of despair wash over me, but before I could give up hope, Colby’s phone rang again. He looked at the screen, and his eyes widened in surprise. “She’s calling,” he exclaimed, showing me the screen.
I felt a surge of excitement. “Oh my goodness, pick it up! Pick it up quickly before she changes her mind or something.”
He let out a deep breath before answering the call. “It’s actually a video call,” he said, his eyes locked on mine.
I nodded eagerly. “Just pick it up, answer it!”
He rubbed his face, as if steeling himself, before sliding the green button to answer the call. As soon as he did, Colby’s expression changed, and he began to talk.
“Where are you right now?” he asked, staring at the screen while I watched him intently, eager to know what Sally was saying, my fingers clasped together.
After a few moments, Colby nodded and said, “Alright then, so when are you coming back?” There was a brief pause before he said, “Oh, okay then, goodbye.”
As soon as he ended the call, I asked, “What did she say?”
“She’s at her friend’s place right now.”
My eyes widened in surprise. “What? In a friend’s place? Why?”
“I’ve no idea,” he replied, shaking his head. “She said she’s not coming for the holiday.”
I felt a pang of worry. “Goodness, did you ask her why?”
“I ended the call.” Was all he could answer.
“Oh, Colby, for crying out loud, you shouldn’t have ended the call without asking her!”
I rubbed my palms together in plea, my anxiety spiking. “Please, do call her again and ask her if… if who she’s staying with is a guy.”
Colby’s eyes darted to the side, and he muttered, “It’s obviously a lady, right? It can’t be a guy.”
I wasn’t convinced. “I don’t know, you ask her. Please…”
He nodded and called Sally again. Should I tell him I love him? I feel bad for stressing him out, but the thought is just gross! Do I love Colby? Hell no! Plus, Sally, who’s completely head over heels for him, would kill me. Honestly, that’s the perfect excuse for not saying it-it’s not like she’ll ever find out.
After a brief talk with Sally, Colby ended the call and turned to me.
“So, what’s up?” I asked.
Colby inhaled deeply before speaking. “She’s actually with a friend, a girl, to be precise. And also… she said the reason why she’s not coming is because she’s upset with you and your mom.”
My breath escaped in a slow, heavy sigh. but then a thought crossed my mind. “Wait a minute…”
Colby looked at me curiously. “What is it?”
“Why is she telling you all this?” I asked, my brows furrowing. “You’re not exactly… close to her, are you?”
Colby shrugged. “Well, I don’t know. Obviously, you asked me to ask her, didn’t you?”
I nodded, but my mind was racing. “Yes, but at least she should be a bit hesitant. But she told you everything… Oh yeah, I forgot. She actually likes you.”
Colby’s face turned red, and he said, with a hint of frustration in his voice, “Can you stop?”
“Okay, I’m sorry. It’s just…”
I took a deep breath, changing the subject. “Wait, how did you guys even communicate?”
“She wrote it on a paper and showed it to me. That’s how we were able to communicate.” he explained.
I nodded, feeling grateful for his help. “I see. Anyway, thank you so much, Colby. And about the stuff… We’ll talk about it later, tomorrow. Thanks again, and bye.”
I covered my window immediately without hearing from him, my mind whirling with thoughts of Sally and our conversation.
***
As we gathered around the dinner table, Tom welcomed Jayden and me warmly. The conversation flowed easily, with Tom asking about school and Sally. I glanced at my mom, expecting her to share some concern about Sally’s absence, but she just continued eating, her expression unreadable.
I let out a soft sigh and filled the silence. “Sally’s not going to be coming for the holiday. She decided to stay out.”
Tom’s eyebrows furrowed. “Is everything okay with her?”
I shrugged, trying to downplay my own worries. “I guess. I think she just wants some time alone.”
The conversation shifted to Jayden’s upcoming birthday, and Tom’s enthusiasm was infectious. It was his son so him being excited was understandable except for Jayden who kept cringing hard, judging from the constant look on his face. As dinner drew to a close, I excused myself to head upstairs.
But as I reached the door to my room, Jayden caught my hand and pulled me toward his own room. He led me to his bed, and we lay down side by side.
I turned to him, confused. Or was I confused? Because my heart kept racing fast. “What are you doing? Our parents are just downstairs.”
Jayden’s finger brushed against my lips, silencing me. He turned me back, his body shifting closer until I felt his warmth seep into mine. His arms wrapped around me, pulling me in, and his leg draped over both of mine, holding me snug.
I could feel his hardness pressing against my ass, and I instinctively started squirming against him, rocking my hips against his bulge.
He grunted in response, pulling me closer as he tightened his grip around my waist.
“Jayden?” I whispered, unsure of what was happening between us.
“Yes, baby?” He replied, placing a tender kiss on my bare neck, only making my body react more intensely.
I had to tell him my feelings at that moment. I liked him-no, I loved him-and I wanted him to end things with Yvonne and be with me instead.
“I lo-”
My words caught in my throat as I heard my mom calling my name and knocking on my door.
Shit!