Author : Chihuahua
Date : 28th August 2002
Disclaimer : I don't own any of the TRA: JQ characters, so I'm not making any cash out of this fic.
Category : Vignette, some implied HR
Rating : G
Archiver's Permission : Granted to those who want it, just let me know where it can be found.
Note : To those who remember "Don't speak… just dance" and asked for a sequel, I guess you can count this as one, although it can also simply be a standalone.
PHONE CALL
The shrill ring of the phone shattered the silence that had preceded it. The phone continued ringing, echoing off the walls slightly, further affirming the sense of desolation. The apartment exuded coolness, seeming aloof, if it were possible for an apartment to seem that way. The cold air was still, with only the constant ringing vibrating through it in pulses.
The phone continued to ring until a soft click indicated that the answering machine had kicked in. A slightly synthesised sounding voice spoke, giving the apartment an even more robotic feel.
"Hi, this is Jessie. I'm unable to take your call right now, like duh, so leave a message and I'll probably get back to you," the recording said, the girlish exuberance sounding every bit as fake as the message was devoid of any humanity.
***
Jonny sighed softly, waiting for the recording to end. He mouthed the words silently, matching the words in sync, an indication of how many times he had tried calling recently. The beep came. Jonny took a cleansing breath so that he did not just burst out with a curse.
"Hey, Ace! It's me. How's L.A.? Heard that it's warm enough to wear a bikini in winter there. Race won't like it if you're doing that, though." Jonny cringed at how forced the joke seemed. It was a forced attempt, as he never joked about Race's protective attitude towards his daughter.
"Hope you've settled in. Everyone's fine here, and Race sends his love. Call me sometime." Of course she has settled in, Jonny screamed inwardly. She had been there for over a month, and she had called back only once after she arrived at the LAX. She had exchanged a few quick words with Race, and then hung up, claiming to be too tired for any further conversation.
Suddenly a thought occurred to him. "Jess, if you're there, pick up the phone. Please." He waited a moment longer, and finally getting no satisfaction, he said, "You take care of yourself. I love you." He hoped that he simply sounded like a friend, a brother, at that last bit.
Frowning, he clicked the cordless phone off and tossed it back onto his bed. Adjusting his sweater, he peered out at the snow-covered terrain. She was at home, he knew it. Jessie never stayed out later than midnight, and it was past two in California.
***
The message ended, and the machine clicked off. Somewhere in the small cluttered den, a figure uncurled herself. She shook her red tangles and wiped away her tears. The oversized sweater was crooked but she couldn't have cared any less. With a long elegant finger, she pressed the play button, and smiled when the all-too familiar voice played…
"… I love you." The message drew to an end. She brushed away another tear and jabbed the erase button sharply, before she could regret it.
"I love you too."
THE END
Comments anyone? Send them to me at wenxina@hotmail.com