"Hey Lilly, I'm sorry I missed your phone call earlier. I just want to let you know, I love you too, I really do. I know you're hurting right now because of Craig, but I'm here for you and I always will be. "
I repeated the voice mail over and over again as I lay in bed. I didn't mean to ignore my phone as Oliver called me back, but I had been out of the room. I knew I could easily call back, but also really enjoyed the moment I was having. His voice calmed me in a way no other voice did. My hall looked dark, but my room was lit up by my small bedside light. My mom and dad were away to bed but I could hear the TV downstairs from where Craig was and had been all night.
"Hey Lilly, I'm sorry I missed your phone call earlier. I just want to let you know, I love you too, I really do. I know you're hurting right now because of Craig, but I'm here for you and I always will be. "
I must have played it at least fifteen times before I put down my phone. It was now just past midnight and I wasn't nearly tired enough to sleep. I was ready for bed, with my teeth brushed and puple dotted pajamas on. I had the option of sitting on my laptop all night long, but why waste the hours? I looked at my phone again. I could just call back now but something stopped me. I was overjoyed by the sound of my ringtone gong off. He was phoning me.
"Hello," I said sweetly.
"Lils, are you busy?" his voice wasn't quite as calm as his message had been.
"No, not at all. Oliver are you ok?" I was concerned that something wasn't right with him.
"I'm outside your house. Do you think you come out?"
"Ermm," I wasn't sure what to say, "Yeah."
As I hung up I realised what I was wearing. I debated whether or not I should change, but decided against it. I made my way down my stairs, careful not to make noise. I soon realised Craig was up and would notice me leaving but just risked it anyway. Chances are he'd be napping on the sofa anyway or be fully concentrated on one of his stupid movies. As I unlocked the door and stepped out, Oliver stood just like he had said.
"Oliver, what's wrong?" I sounded a little too panicked.
"Nothing, well nothing really. My mom and dad are fighting and I was sick of that and after hearing your message I just really, really needed to see you."
I smirked a little, "Oliver, I am out on a freezing cold winter night in my pajamas because I thought it was an emergancy. I look like a freak."
"I'm sorry, I couldn't wait till tomorrow. Are your parents up?"
"No but Craig is," I looked into his eyes and considered whether taking him into my house was a good idea or not, "Come in."
We crept inside my house silently but could not help being heard.
"Lilly?" Craig's voice came from the living room. We walked in together and sat down on the sofa across from him. "Should I even bother asking?"
"Probably best not to," I replied.
"So Oliver Oken," Craig began sitting up properly, "Myself and Lilly were talking about you today. Hear you're treating my lil' sis great."
"Ehrmmm yeah, I think I have."
"He has, don't worry," I butted in.
They started discussing school and work, while I sat back and smiled. It was amazing to see the two people in the whole who meant most to me together laughing and joking. Unfortunally during my joy, there was a quick burst of sadness as I realised that I had previously lost both of these people.
"I'd best get going," Oliver said standing up.
"Don't," I spoke before thinking properly, "Stay the night. My mom and dad probably won't notice you and Craig won't tell. Right Craig?"
"I suppose," he sighed, then smiled.
I took Oliver's hand and lead him out. "Night Craig," I called. Slowly we made our way up the stairs making no noise. Once we reached my room and the door was shut I grabbed hold of him and started to kiss him. Eventually we fell on the bed and the kissing became more passionate.
"Lilly, I love you so much," Oliver said between kisses, "If only this moment could last forever."
Thinking about it, I replied, "I really, really wish it could." I stopped to take a deap breath, "Oliver, you know that you mean the world to me, don't you?"
He saw I was getting teary so quickly became concerned.
I continued, "Just, please, remember that? ok. I kn -think, I think that things might get a bit rough, and I know me. I mess things up. I'm not a strong person, I wimp out in tough situations. I scared I ruin us. Everything we have. Everything. "
"No, Lils, you won't. I won't let you. Oh and you, not a strong person ? You are the strongest I know."
I shook my head, " No. No I'm not." My head was all over the place, "Oliver, what would you say if I told you that..."
"Told me what?"
"What if I told you that I know that Craig is going to die next June? What if I told you my parents are going to split up soon after and that I'm not going to get into college? And, what if I told you that after our graduation, you'll never see me again?"
"I'd take your hand," he paused, "And I'd listen."