Chapter 5

I got off the computer and started folding clothes when I realized I didn't have my cell phone on me like I usually do. Remembering that I had left it in the kitchen after I called Zara to get online, I went in and picked my cell phone, noticing that there were 2 missed calls. One from a number I didn't know and another one that was clearly identified on the caller ID, Kyle.

Feeling more than slightly curious, I pushed the call back button and waited for him to answer.

"Hey Ky… you call?

"Yeah, Jewelz. Did I catch you at a bad time?"

I laughed, "Kyle if it was a bad time, I wouldn't have called you back. I just forgot my phone in the kitchen when I went into my room to talk to Z on the computer."

"Oh ok. Well, yeah. So how have you been?"

"Kyle, do you realize how thoroughly awkward that just was? You've never had trouble talking to me before." My voice softened to make him feel comfortable. "It's just me, so talk."

He laughed, "Ok, I'll try. I've been talking with my parents about what I want to do now that I've graduated. And I got into a couple of good colleges, some of which have great pre-med programs. But, I…"

I waited patiently for him to finish.

"Jewelz, I joined the Marines a couple months ago. I leave in a month for my basic training."

It only took a few seconds for me to realize what he said, "You WHAT? Kyle, why?"

"They'll help pay for school but more importantly, I don't want to be just any doctor… I want to be a doctor for the Marine Corp."

"Oh. Ok. Are you sure you want to do that? I mean, it's a really big decision."

"I know it is, Jewelz. And I am definitely sure I want to do it. If I wasn't sure then I never would have signed up."

"Oh ok."

"Jewelz, it's ok. It's not that big of a deal."

"Kyle, it is. If it wasn't you wouldn't have called me on a Wednesday instead of a Sunday," I said in an attempt to lighten the mood and joke.

"I'd call you every day if you would let me and you know that."

"I know… I, I just didn't want you to get hurt."

"Talking to you can't hurt anymore than not talking to you…"

I didn't respond. I didn't know where to even begin when I did respond to him.

"Anne..." My heart stopped beating. I knew as soon as he called me Anne that there was something up. He hadn't called me that since the day I had broken up with him. It had always been his special name for me. And they way he said it always made my heart stop beating and completely melt.

"Yeah, Kyle. I'm here."

"I'm sorry. I know it's a bomb to drop on you right now but I didn't exactly have any other choice since you're in L.A. But my parents are giving me a present, kind of as their celebration I suppose, and well..." I could tell that he was struggling with the words right now. And I wasn't doing much better myself. I was still trying to swollow the first bit of news.

"It's already been arranged with your parents. I'm flying to L.A. to spend a week with you. I'll get there Sunday afternoon. I...I hope that's ok with you. Both of our parent's knew I wanted to see you before I..."

I interrupted him, "Really? Oh Kyle. I can't wait for this weekend!"

"Don't get so excited, Anne. It may be the last time I see you for a while."

I sighed deeply, "I know." It only took a split second to decide whether I would ask the question that was on my mind before it slipped off of my tongue, "Why did you start calling me Anne again?"

"Cause I miss you. And it's my special name for you. In a way, it makes you feel closer. Like things are going back to normal."

"What's normal, Ky?"

"Us."

His simple answer broke my heart and made it melt at the same time. Was that even possible?

"Jewelz, you don't have to say anything. I'll just see you on Sunday. I miss you so much. It'll be great, I promise. Cause I'll make sure of it."

With that we hung up and it wasn't until then that I noticed that he went back to calling me Jewelz. 'He still has my heart. Always has.' I went to sleep dreaming about all the possibilities this weekend and the coming week held.