The phone started ringing abruptly and it was soon accompanied by groans from the man it had woken up. The covers shifted hesitantly as the man tried to make up his mind whether to get up and answer or try to ignore it. By the fourth ring the man was already up with a sigh and the phone found its way to his hand and he answered; “Mmyeah?”
“Oh hey. ..Were you sleeping?” The voice at the other end sounded quiet and hesitant as it asked the question.
“Whadya think, it’s the middle of the night.” the man replied bit irritatedly and yawned.
“I’m sorry. I figured you would have been celebrating someplace.” and the voice was truly sorry, the man could hear it and so he softened his voice in time for his next reply.
“I think I’m too old for that.”
“I’ll let you sleep then.”
“No, no.” the man hurried to say so that the voice wouldn’t hung up on him. “I’m awake now so you might as well tell me why you called.”
“Ah well, I just wanted to wish you happy New Year.”
The man couldn’t help but to smile. “You called me in middle of the night just to say that?”
“Yes, as I said I thought you’d be up. You were last year.” there was a defensive tone now.
“Last year I was a year younger too.”
“Happy New Year to you too.”
“Thank you, I wish you the same.”
“I know, you said that. So, tell me how did the others react to this midnight madness?”
“I have the honour of being the first? Should I be impressed?” the man chuckled.
“I’m not going to call anyone but you.”
“What did I do to deserve this wake up call?” he continued to chuckle so that the other would know he was not really bothered.
“Made me miss you.” the voice said under its breath, like the words had escaped without its consent. This was followed by silence on the line as the man was rendered speechless momentarily by this unexpected confession, and the voice most likely regretted saying it. The man started smiling slowly, feeling a warmth spread inside him.
“I miss you too.” the man was finally able to say, after realizing the voice could not see his reaction and was only waiting for spoken confirmation. His reply was followed with another silence though he could hear the voice let out a breath it had apparently been keeping in.
“I’ll see you next month?” the man could swear that he could hear smiling in this question as the voice asked it.
“Of course, see you then.”
“Good, I’ll look forward to it. Happy New Year and good night.”
The line went silent but the man stood with the phone held to his ear for a moment longer. He smiled still as he finally laid the phone down and headed toward the bed. As the man tucked himself in the warm comfort of his bed, he found himself wishing he could put a face on the voice and share this night with him.
Happy New Year, my oh-holy-shit-are-you-still-following-me? followers!
blakekathryn
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jacobvanloon
romaincrisis
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