Page 77 of The Immortal's One
I don’t want to call Kevin.
It’s not that I don’t want to talk to him. I do. But I don’t know how much time I’ll have before someone checks on me. I don’t want to risk being caught with my phone.
Not to mention, the more I talk to people, the greater the chance I will slip up and say something that contradicts whatever story the Immortals weaved about my absence.
That’s the Immortals’ problem, not yours.
Except, it would be my problem.
I don’t want Dad to worry about me, not when there’s nothing I can do to get out of this situation right now. And not when I’m unsure about his current state of health.
I put the phone on the carpet, and my head falls into my hands. I press my palms into my eyes, willing my frustrated tears to remain at bay.
I’m so over crying.
A soft, melodic chime cuts through the air.
I lift my head. Is someone calling? I don’t recognize the ringtone.
I pick up the phone. Sure enough, a name flashes on the screen, indicating an incoming call, but I’m less surprised by the call than by the person calling.
Kevin
My heart skips. How does he know I have reception?
The answer hits me fast.Kayla. She must’ve told him I called. But why?
Knowing my time is limited, I get over my initial surprise and accept the call. “Hello?”
“Hey, stranger.” Kevin’s voice makes my chest warm. “I was worried you weren’t going to answer.”
I tilt my head to the side. “Why wouldn’t I answer?”
“I don’t know.” He chuckles. “I wasn’t sure if you’d be busy. How is Greece?”
Am I crazy, or does he sound nervous?
“Greece is fine.” The lie rolls off my tongue. I only feel a little bad about it. “How are you enjoying being home for break?”
“It’s been good. It’s nice to catch up with old friends, but…”
I wait for him to say more.
I pull the phone back when he doesn't and squint at the screen.
“Kevin?” I press the phone back to my ear. “You there?”
“Yeah…” His voice falters. He coughs once. “I’m here.”
“You kinda cut out there. What were you saying?”
Another pause.
Then, slowly, he says, “I was just going to say that it’s nice to catch up with old friends, but… I wish you were here, too.”
A sudden heat rises in my cheeks. “You… you do?”
“Yeah.” The words are quiet, almost shy.
