Pizza Kills 8:
I now sat at my desk…staring at the phone. It was time to call my parents. I said I would. Then again I didn't say when, but if I didn't call Michelle would have my head. I sighed as Willy walked in. He sat opposite me and stared at the phone to.
"What are we waiting for it to do?" he asked smiling.
"I…have to call my parents today," I said as if I was saying I would be shot at dawn.
I loved my parents but they could…try a saints nerves. I just didn't want them knowing why I was here and to talk to me about…anything.
"Do you not remember your number?" he asked.
"I wish that was it," I said and laid my head on my desk.
He thought, "Want me to call them?"
I sat up, "No…you haven't done anything to me."
"That bad?" he asked.
"Bad isn't even close a word," I said.
I picked up the receiver and glared at it. I dialed the number while the hand holding the phone was shaking. If Willy noticed he didn't say anything. It rang…and then someone answered. I put the phone on speakerphone.
"Hello…dad?" I said.
"Cheryl?" he asked.
"Yes."
Silence.
"Where are you?" he asked.
"Don't ask stupid questions. It demeans us both." I said tightly.
"When are you coming home?" he asked.
"I am home," I said.
"Your mother wants to talk to you," he said.
"Cheryl?" she said.
"Mom…it's me," I said.
"I miss you," she said.
"Miss you too."
"You're not coming back are you?" she said it as if she already knew.
"No…I'm sorry," I said. "So very sorry." I didn't know I was crying.
"Mommy loves you no matter where you are," she said and then she was gone.
"If you don't come back…don't ever show your face here again," said my dad.
"If that's how you want it," I said.
"Goodbye," he said.
"Dad?" I said as if reaching for something.
"Yes," he said as if I'd changed my mind.
"I love you too," I said and hung up the phone.
The dial tone was the only thing that was heard. Willy moved and it was good he did. I picked up the phone and flung it across the room it shattered against the wall. I sat back down and put my face in my hands shaking. I was glad I hadn't eaten yet or I'd have been sick. It was like I couldn't feel my body. Then everything went black.
I woke up to big dark violet eyes that looked concerned. He smiled and I looked over and saw a very upset Candy. I smiled at her and she came over taking my hand. She kissed me on the cheek and I could tell she had been crying.
"I'm fine," I said quietly.
"No you're not," said Willy. "He…he hurt you."
"I need to get back to work," I said sitting up.
"No!" he said. He cut me off. "Don't make me say it again. You're…you're sad…and you need to rest. Kay?"
"Kay."
Candy was in and out the rest of the day feeding me chicken soup with mushrooms. Willy kept me company after he refused to leave me. He fell asleep after we finished talking about his father. He was a good friend…and he didn't snore. I covered him up with the blanket and went to take a bath. I came out wearing shorts and a blue t-shirt. I sat watching him sleep. Candy came in. it was time for dinner. I gently shook Willy.
"Wake up sleepy head," I said quietly.
He rubbed his eyes, "But I don't wanna go to school." He said.
Candy and I laughed and then he woke up.
"Snot!" he said.
"Come on before we miss dinner," I said.
I put on my shoes and we went down to dinner. It was quiet and I was guessing Willy had talked to them about what had happened. I didn't eat much but ate enough to be respectful of Mrs. Bucket having cooked. I passed on dessert.
"You can ask me," I said.
"Are you…are you alright now?" asked Mr. Bucket.
I shook my head, "No."
"Oh," said Mrs. Bucket.
"But for me that's good," I said relaxing into the chair.
"How is that?" asked Charlie.
"Because," I sighed. "Now I can admit I'm not alright. Before I'd just…say I'm fine and hope I didn't crack. I don't have to lie to myself."
I stood and so did everyone else.
"I need a smoke. If you'll excuse me. Dinner was lovely as always Mrs. Bucket." I said.
"Cheryl," said grandpa George.
"Yes," I said. I'm sure everyone expected a joke.
"Your dad…is a jerk…and jerks aren't worth tears," he said with a wink.
"Yeah," I said throwing him a pack of smokes.
I stood outside not smoking. I just didn't have the energy it took to smoke. I felt him next to me. He brushed against my shoulder.
"Uh-oh," I said.
"What?" he asked.
"You keep touching me and people will talk," I said.
He laughed, "You know in most countries me touching you would signify we're married."
"Yes, but do I get a goat too?" I said.
We laughed.
"Willy?"
"Cheryl?"
"I love you."
Silence.
"I love you too…silly bunny."
We both sighed and watched the stars.