Page 66 of Birdy

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I didn’t getto tell him, mostly because I didn’t see much of him for the rest of the day. Walker partnered him with Delfino, and Delfino isn’t a fan of hanging around the block all day long. He will if he has to, but most of the time, he and Birks are the first to dip out and wander the halls for hours at a time. I kept waiting for him and Andrés to reappear before the end of his shift, but Lena told me he clocked out while I was in the showers. I’ve been on pins and needles since, anxiously awaiting for the lights to go out so I could pull my phone out and text him.

Me:I have something to tell you.

That’s the text I sent a little over five minutes ago, almost immediately after the block was drowned in darkness. Andrés usually waits until about eleven-thirty to start texting me, but I couldn’t wait tonight. As soon as the doors are locked, and they cut the lights, I was pulling the phone free from my hiding spot and jumping back into bed. Lena’s so used to my new nightly routine that she’s already passed out, snoring softly as usual. I feel bad that I haven’t told her yet, but she’s been in a mood the last few days—I’m blaming Mother Nature—and I didn’t want to irritate her any more by rubbing it in her face. The fact of the matter is, Lena won’t be as lucky. She’s been here longer than I have, and she’ll still be here after I get out.

Andrés’s incoming reply vibrates the phone in my hand.

Chulo:What? You miss me? :P

Yes,I think to myself, biting down on my lip as I type out my response.

Me:Yes, but no—that’s not it.

Chulo:So you*do*miss me? Good thing ‘cause I have an idea... You go first tho. What happened?

Me:I met with the counselor today…

Chulo:Yeah, I know. How’d it go?

Not yet, but it will be.

Me:I’m getting out early…

Chulo:…

Chulo:How early?

Me:Like six months from now early.

Chulo:…

Chulo:…

Chulo:Are you for real?

Me:Cross my heart.

Chulo:Headphones. Get them. NOW.

So demanding.

I fucking giggle like a little girl and pull the headphones in questions from beneath my pillow, plugging the end into the jack.

That’s not where I hide them, don’t worry…

Me:I’m ready.

Not a minute later, the FaceTime call comes through. Accepting it, I quickly drop down the menu and shift the screen brightness all the way so he can actually see me.

He’s got that full-blown dimpled smile going on as he walks through his apartment, shirtless I should add. “You’re seriously getting out in six months?”

“Yup,” I answer quietly, trying not to drool.

Those damn shoulder muscles of his, man…

“Six months, Benni… Six. Do you realize how fast that’s gonna fly?” He sounds as excited as I feel, serving himself a glass of water.

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