The Phone Call
SPEAK
"Hey, man. It's Collins, just wanted to check up-"
"Collins?" Mark picked up the phone.
"Mark, how are things at the loft?" Collins asked.
"Fine, fine."
"And Roger?"
Mark sighed, "Still hasn't left the house. Finished with withdrawal, though."
"That's good. So, do you guys mind if I move back in?" Collins asked.
Mark tried to control his excitement. He'd missed the wild anarchist more than he'd like to admit. He smiled, "What happened at MIT?"
"I blew up the virtual reality equipment. On protest. They were gonna fire me anyway, I figured I might as well go out with a bang," he said.
Mark laughed, "Of course you can move back in. Roger's been getting on my nerve lately, it'd be nice to have someone else here to control him."
"How's Maureen?"
Mark hesitated. Maureen had dumped him about a month ago, but he still admittedly loved her. So, he conveniently avoided the subject. "She's planning another protest," he said.
"Cool. You know, I think you guys are really good together. I mean, my two best friends dating? It's perfect."
Mark swallowed at the sting of his words. "Yeah. How about you? Dating anyone?"
Collins laughed, "You know I'm not one for love. I really, honestly, don't need anybody right now. Boyfriends just get in the way of everything, they're nice for a while, until you get tired of them. Besides, what have I ever gained from a relationship? AIDS. I feel like I'm always doing all the giving, boyfriends are just problems."
"Well I wouldn't know," Mark said. "So, when are you thinking of coming down?"
"Christmas Eve. That's when my rent is due, and that's when I won't be there to pay it," Collins said. "How about you guys? Rent… Benny, more like?"
"Benny has actually been fine. He said we were golden, whatever that means. He doesn't make us pay rent," Mark said.
"He damn well shouldn't!" Collins said.
"Yeah, I know. Well listen, I've got to go. Roger is having a bit of a meltdown, still hasn't gotten over April."
"That's too bad. Send him a hug and a kiss for me," Collins mocked. "I'll see you guys soon."
And with that, Collins hung up. Little did he know how badly he needed love, and how soon it was going to come his way.