Page 10 of Desserts for Stressed People

I don’t know if he’s joking. He isn’t using any emojis, and I can’t make out his tone from a text. But somehow it feels like he’s smiling as he types that, and I do too.

Nevaeh:

I promise I won’t. I can’t have your sleep cycle on my conscience.

Shane:

I’m already much more relaxed... And here comes the first yawn.

Is he lying in bed like me, staring at his phone in the silence of his bedroom? Maybe he’s out clubbing or taking a walk. Suddenly, I need to know.

Nevaeh:

What are you doing?

Shane:

I’m watching an old movie on channel five. It’s almost over, but a good one’s starting soon.

He’s watching TV. The thought fills my heart with childlike excitement, because in all his pictures, he’s wearing suits, so that’s how I imagine him. In a fancy blue suit, sitting on his couch and watching a movie.

When the three dots blink again, I lunge at the remote. I click five, and a black and white movie appears on the screen. The entire scene is awash with a sepia effect, the yellow image is grainy, and the sound effects are terrible.

Pressing on the information button of my remote, I scoff.The Western Code.I love old movies, but this might be just too old.

Shane:

Did you put it on?

With a giggle, I type back that I did, pressing more buttons until the schedule appears on the TV screen. Once it does, I gape, eyes flaring. The next movie is my absolute favorite. A classic.Back to the Future. I’ve watched Marty and Doc try not to mess the timeline up hundreds of times. Every time I am sick, sad, celebrating, and everything in between.

Nevaeh:

Are you kidding? The next movie isn’t just good. Back to the Future is the best movie in the universe!

Shane:

Wait a minute, Doc. Are you telling me you built a time machine... out of a DeLorean?

My jaw drops. Does he know the lines by heart?

Nevaeh:

The way I see it, if you’re going to build a time machine into a car, why not do it with some style?

Shane:

You’re awesome.

I’m awesome.

I squeal and slide down until my head is resting on the pillow. It’s stupid and I’m overreacting, but I’m definitely watching this movie tonight. And it’s to celebrate the fact that I’m awesome.

Shane:

Watch it with me?

As I read the words on my screen, my excitement dissipates. I forgot what’s happening—why he’s talking to me. He wants me to go over to his place and watch a movie. But I’m not Nevaeh.

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