"hello?"
"Hey, Harry, it's Dana. Can you come over? I need some help."
"Dana, what's wrong with you? We're not in a relationship! You can't just call me for help like this!"
"Sure felt like a relationship yesterday on your desk, Harry."
"Dana, what the hell do you want?"
"My mom kicked me out. I need a place to crash, and since I was planning on spending the weekend at your place.." She was interrupted by Harry's angry voice.
"What? My place? who the hell said you could do that?"
"I thought you'd like a surprise. I mean, you do want me there, don't you? You should've seen what I packed for you.....you definitely would've had fun!"
"Dana, stop it. I am your teacher, don't you get it!" He yelled
"I get that I love you!" Dana blurted out angrily.
"Dana...."
"What? I love you. Got a problem? fine, f*ckin leave me on the street. Don't say anything. Bye. I'll sleep outside tonight. I guess you don't care about me like I thought you did"
"Dana, don't..........come on. I know that you're upset, but.."
"oh, I'm just your little whore, eh Harry? Ok to sleep with, but god forbid i come to your house when I'm having a serious problem. Why did I even think of asking you for help? You're too selfish and ignorant to know what a relationship is!"
"Dana! You know that's not true! I just don't want anyone to find out. I mean, dammit, you are a student, and I am a teacher. What would you do if the entire school knew?"
"Maybe I'm not ashamed of our relationship, Harry. Ever think of that?" He heard some muffled sobs on the other end of the phone. Or he thought he did. The reception was pretty bad.
"Dana, are you crying?"
"Not over you, Harry. Not anymore."
"Listen, Dana, you know I think you're great. I would love to be able to invite you over, but it can't happen!"
The sobbing on her end continued and she wiped away her tears quickly, embarrased, as if he could see her crying. "Dana, I'll come over. OK? don't cry. Dana, come on!"
"I said I'm not crying"
"Drop the act, Dana. It's ok. I'll be there in 10 minutes."
"Harry, don't do me any f*ckin favors I'll be ok" She snapped, ready to hang up the phone.
"Dana, accept some help for once in your life. Why don't you believe that anyone loves you!"
"Because no one ever has!" Dana replied, pleased at her ability to throw out a comeback in a second. She paused and thought for a moment, then said, "Wait... are you saying you love me, Harry?"
"Dana, I'll be there soon. Just be ready to go."
"Harry?"
"I'll be there. it's ok, don't worry. I'm on my way." He replied, avoiding the love issue completely."Bye" he added.
"Bye Harry." She hung up and sat down on a big taped up carton full of her stuff, waiting for his car to drive up and free her from this hell she had been forced into. At least, untl Dana decided to become free.