Page 22 of Quarantined
Suddenly, I want them all gone. They can all drop dead for all I care right now. I pop my jaw and pull my phone out. I need to get her attention away from those fuckers.
Hey bday girl! Come find me after you are done being mauled by the peasants.
Raven’s phone is in her hand. I see it light up from where I’m standing. She looks at it and tenses. She doesn’t unlock her phone or make any attempt to type up a response.
What the hell?
In all the years I have known her, Raven has never failed to respond to me. Usually, she texts me throughout the day. And when I text back, I always get an immediate response.
That’s how I get by when I have an onslaught of panic coursing through me.
Is she mad at me? Did I do something to piss her off? I rack my brain. Raven’s not one to hold a grudge about petty shit.
Maybe I am just over analyzing because I am nervous. She is busy with her friends. She probably thinks it’s easier to saunter over later after she is done hugging the herd of cattle.
Why text back, when she can give me an in-person response? I need to calm down!
I am just nervous as hell about her gift.
The envelope has an itinerary for Paris. Theressa recently left her job. She has gained enough popularity for her own fashion line, so she decided to work for herself. Theressa is currently setting up a new store in Paris. She will be shifting there permanently and will be hosting a fashion show in Paris to launch her new clothing line. It’s a big show, guaranteed to propel Theressa’s career. When I found out, I sent Theressa some of Raven’s designs. She was inspired by one of them, enough to make an outfit. At her show, Theressa will be showcasing one of Raven’s sketches. Raven doesn’t know yet.
Mia will be in Grand Cayman over the summer with my parents. Last year, dad’s offer as a visiting physician was extended. I was fine with dad extending the assignment but realized I couldn't take care of three teenagers and mom. Taking care of mom is a full-time job, and I have to put Reid, Mia, and Raven's wellbeing first. Dad agreed with my assessment and took her to the Cayman Islands with him. Apparently, she has been doing a lot better. The sunshine and water have really vibed with her.
The moment she left, things got significantly better in the house, especially with Raven’s help. I don’t feel overextended, dad can send me a steady source of money to cover all of our expenses plus some more, and all of their grades have been on par. Reid might fight with me, but other than that, no drastic or dramatic teenage rebellion to report. Who knew things would actually be better without our parents around?
Dad still makes a point to fly out every month or every other month to visit. If she can muster up the energy, mom joins him too. During our school vacations, dad flies us all out to the Cayman Islands. Those three absolutely love the water and the change. I love it too because I don’t have to stress about responsibilities while on the island. Dad is really good about taking over.
But this summer, only Mia will be joining them at the Cayman Islands. Reid and I will be joining Raven and Theressa in Paris. Raven doesn’t know any of this yet. Our families have been instructed to keep it all a secret until the fashion show.
I paid extra for a flexible flight ticket. Raven can choose her outbound and return flights. If she wants to, she can leave with Reid and me, which I am guessing will be her preference. But for all that to happen, I have to give her the envelope in my jacket pocket. So why am I still sitting at this stupid restaurant bar, with Raven nowhere in sight?
I crane my neck to search for her.
She has excused herself from the crowd of imbeciles vying for her attention. Instead of finding me, Raven is headed to the dance floor with Reid. She still hasn’t acknowledged me.
This is weird…
Alright, I need to snap out of it and stop being self-absorbed. She is at a party to celebrateherand Reid’s birthday. They should enjoy their night, and I should enjoy it with them. I head to the dance floor to join them.
As soon as I make my way to Raven and Reid, I throw my hands out to hug them both.
“Happy Birthday!”
“Thank you, Milo!” They sing in unison and embrace me with a double hug.
The music on the dance floor is too loud for any more conversation. I can’t assess Raven’s mood any further as we are swarmed by our friends, who have also joined us on the dance floor.
We all dance together in a group, as more guests pile on. The dance floor is now packed.
Reid and Raven sing along as they dance. We all laugh as we watch those two butcher our favorite songs. They are horrendous singers. They get all the lyrics wrong, and they have no tune. I record tons of blackmail videos on my phone, maybe to use at their next party.
Those two dance with everyone, but stay by each other’s side all night long. I feel a similar pang of jealousy, the one I regularly feel when I see their easy connection. I try to brush it off.
Out of nowhere, Reid comes up and throws his arms around me. “Thanks for the awesome party, bro.” He is not looking at me like I am the devil reincarnated.
“Happy Birthday, little bro. Are you happy with the turnout?”
“Are you freaking kidding me? You outdid yourself. Really Milo, thank you! You are the best.”
