I wake up at 6 the next morning, feeling a bit grumpy since I was up so early on my off day.
After I dress, I decide to make breakfast for Nora since she's still asleep, and I end up making pancakes. Nothing too fancy.
I stand to grab the milk, then realize there is none. There's still a bit of time before Nora will get up, so I grab my purse.
I rummage through, trying to find my wallet.. and pull out the card as well.
The card being the card with Tino's number on it, of course.
I grab my wallet and run out of the apartment, and start to walk to the store.
And debate calling Tino.
Tino, Tino, Tino.
To call or not to call?
I call. I pull my phone from my pocket and bite my lip as I type in the number.
The phone rings. Rings, rings.
"Hello?"
Oh gosh, it's him. He sounds pretty.
"T-Tino?"
"Juu, that's me! Who's this?"
"'s me.. Birgit.."
"Birgit.." There's a pause. "Ah! Birgit, right, I'm sorry! How're you?"
"I-I am fine.. I-"
He laughs happily. "We should meet up sometime! I'm in NYC right now! How close is that to you~?"
"I-I live 'n New York City.." I barely spit out.
"Really?! That's great! I'm at the Marriott, do you think you could meet me here? I'd love to see you~"
"J-Ja.."
"Great! Just get to the hotel and page me! And if anyone asks, show them the card I gave you.. assuming you still have it~"
"J-Ja... I-"
"Alright! I'll see you tomorrow then, beautiful!"
There's a dial tone.
"I.."
I jam my phone back into my pocket, tears welling up in my eyes.
He didn't really even remember me.
I run in the store and grab the milk, and run home.
It was stupid of me to even think he would remember me, I don't know why I'm crying.
But I can't stop it.
I put the milk on the table and go to the bathroom, and lock the door. And collapse on the floor.
Any other girl would be giddy to spend the day with a star, but I'm ashamed.
He didn't remember. He only wants to play with me.
The door handle jiggles and I freeze.
"Bir? Birgit? What's wrong?"
Nora. She watched me walk in here. I feel idiotic now.
"..fine." I mutter, trying to sound at least a little put together.
The handle jiggles again. "Birgit.. c'mon... open up.."
"Go away.." I groan. There's no way I can let her see me like this, not for this reason.
"Birgit, I'm serious! Open!"
I shake my head, which was pointless, she couldn't hear it, and bury my head between my knees.
Suddenly, the door opens, but I don't bother to look up.
"Bir, baby, what's wrong?!" She falls over at my side. How can two relatives be so different?
I feebly brush her away. "Don't.. want.."
I can't even finish the sentence.
"Come here.. get off the floor.." She grabs me by the wrist and hoists me up, dragging me into the bedroom, and flops me onto the bed.
"Talk to me.. it's okay.." She snuggles close to me, and I wrap my arms around her waist and sob.
"Birgit?"
I don't answer. I can't. I'm choking on my own tears.
She sighs softly and pulls my hair aside, rubbing my back. "Shh, shh, baby.."
I quietly sob until I can't anymore, it hurts. I calm down a little.
"Are you ready to talk now? Where did you go?" Nora pulls me up in her lap, wiping off my face with tissues.
I nod, hugging her tightly. "I.. I went t' the store.. a-and I found Tino's number.."
She cringes on 'Tino'. "And you called him?"
I nod again. "He didn't remember me 't first.. 'nd.. t-then.. he invited me to his hotel.. I feel.. I feel so used.." I bit my lip, tearing up.
"I told you.. I told you.. he's an ass.." She strokes my cheek and brushes away the tears.
I shake my head. "B-But.."
She pulls me close and gently kisses me. "No.. honey... I told you.."
I lean over on her shoulder, hugging her. "I-I'm sorry-"
"It's not your fault.. shh.."
And she whispers sweet nothings to me the rest of the day.