It seemed like ages, but eight o’clock finally rolled around. I logged into the PCA chat room and waited. I’d long since polished off the cookies my mom brought and the hot chocolate. I drummed my fingers on the desk impatiently.
I used the same login name that I always used. I was Ike80. Olivia was Sweet_liv. It suited her more than anything else she could have chosen.
I watched the list of chatters already there, just waiting anxiously for her to arrive. It was like watching a clock turn.
Finally the list refreshed itself and Olivia’s screen name showed up on my list.
I immediately clicked on her name and entered her into a private chat.
Ike80: Hey, Liv
Sweet_liv: Hi, Isaac. Sorry I’m late. I was finishing packing, and lost track of time.
Ike80: That’s okay. You made it, that’s all that matters.
Sweet_liv: Aww, you’re sweet. I miss you.
I grinned hugely. I was glad she felt the same way I did.
Ike80: I miss you too. Are you all set for your flight?
Sweet_liv: I am, definitely. I can’t wait. I talked to my dad and everything today.
Ike80: That’s good. Anything I can help with?
Sweet_liv: I think it’s all settled. He’s working most of the time I’ll be there.
Ike80: That sucks. I have to work tomorrow until three.
Sweet_liv: What’s the schedule for the rest of the two weeks?
Ike80: I said I’d pick up some shifts, but I don’t have to answer the phone.
Sweet_liv: That’s okay. We can hang out around your schedule.
Ike80: I don’t care about work, I want to spend my time with you.
Sweet_liv: You’re too sweet.
Ike80: I know. What time does your flight get in tomorrow?
Sweet_liv: I think I should be in Tulsa by noon. Give or take any delays.
Ike80: I can try to get off work early…
Sweet_liv: It’s okay. It’ll give me time to unpack. I can pick you up after work.
Ike80: That would be great. I can’t wait to see you.
Sweet_liv: Aww, I can’t wait to see you either!
Ike80: I think we should go out to dinner and a movie or something. A real date.
Sweet_liv: That sounds like a great idea.
Ike80: I thought so. It was hard to do actual dates at PCA. I think it’s time.
Sweet_liv: Well I think it sounds romantic.
There was a loud clanging noise coming from upstairs. It sounded like someone had dropped something onto the floor. I almost jumped. I glanced up at my ceiling. I was way too tempted to go upstairs and yell at someone to keep it down. But again, the last thing I wanted was to start a fight. I felt like I was walking on thin ice around this house. Any little thing I did or said made me afraid I might get kicked out permanently.
Ike80: I try.
Sweet_liv: Where do you work so I can pick you up?
Ike80: I work at a fast food diner on Bleaker street. It’s called Charlie’s?
Sweet_liv: Ok, I know where that is. It’s just down the street from my dad’s.
Ike80: Perfect. That works out great then.
Sweet_liv: I’ll pick you up at 3.
Ike80: I’ll probably be in the back, but I’ll look for you. You can ask one of the guys if you need to find me.
Sweet_liv: Ok.
Ike80: And I should warn at you. My mom wants to invite you for dinner one night.
Sweet_liv: Warn me? That sounds like fun. I’d like to meet her!
Ike80: I’ll explain when you get here.
Sweet_liv: Ok. How did the meeting go with your Parole officer?
Ike80: Good, actually. It’s good news, he thinks I can get cleared of the charges eventually.
Sweet_liv: Oh, Ike! That’s amazing!
I couldn’t help but smile. I knew she was smiling her adorable little smile. I could almost picture her being happy and smiling about the good news.
Ike80: I’ll tell you all about it when you get here tomorrow.
Sweet_liv: That sounds wonderful. I can’t wait to see you.
Ike80: I can’t wait either, Liv. I miss you a lot.
Sweet_liv: I miss you too.
Ike80: Do you have to get up early tomorrow to catch your flight?
Sweet_liv: Not too early. I still need to finish packing and take a bath…
Ike80: I should let you go.
Sweet_liv: It’s ok. I’ve got lots of time.
Ike80: But I shouldn’t keep you. I was invited to watch a movie with my brothers.
Sweet_liv: Ok. Have fun.
Ike80: I’ll try. I’ll see you tomorrow, ok?
Sweet_liv: Absolutely. See you soon.
I sat in the chat room and waited until Olivia logged off. I clicked out of the chat room and shut down the laptop.
I yanked off my shirt and threw it into the laundry basket at the foot of my bed. I pulled on an old grey t-shirt and changed into a pair of flannel pajama bottoms. I looked toward my alarm clock. It was far too early to go to bed. I felt like a kid on Christmas Eve. The earlier I went to bed, the earlier I would wake up to gifts.
I needed to take a trip to the bookstore soon or I was going to go absolutely crazy in my own room all by myself. Especially after spending the first seventeen years of my life sharing a room with my two brothers.
I drew in a deep breath and sighed. I caved. I left my bedroom, clicking off the light as I went.
I wandered upstairs, finding my two brothers and my dad watching a movie. Zac had a bag of chips on his lap, and there was a bowl of popcorn on the coffee table.
Zac and Taylor were sharing the sofa, while my dad occupied the reclining chair.
I was kind of glad that Zac was lying on the sofa with his feet toward Taylor. That left no room for me to sit there. I was free to take the arm chair without raising suspicion. Even though the view of the television wasn’t as good.
“You decided to join us, son.” Dad mused.
I nodded, glancing toward the television. I recognized the movie; I’d seen it.
“He was talking to his girlfriend.” Taylor teased with a smirk on his face.
I shot him a quick glare.
“Taylor.” Dad said in a tone that was clearly a warning.
“Sorry.” Taylor said quickly and reluctantly. It wasn’t an apology that was aimed at me, it was for dad’s benefit.
“We’re glad you could join us.” Dad said to me.
I nodded, plopping down into the arm chair.
“What time is your friend coming in tomorrow?” Dad asked.
“Noon. But I work until three.”
“Will she need a ride from the airport?”
I shook my head. “Her dad is picking her up. Then she’s going to pick me up after work tomorrow.”
“Okay, well if you need rides or anything, let us know. We’ll help you out.”
“Thanks.” I said. I wanted to add that the last thing I wanted was for my parents to be practically chaperoning our dates and hanging around when we didn’t need them there.
I turned my attention to the television.
I watched the movie until the end, even though I wasn’t entirely interested in seeing something I’d already seen. Once the movie was over, Zac and Taylor snuck off to bed; they had school in the morning.
I helped my dad bring the left over chips and popcorn into the kitchen silently. Neither one of us felt the need to fill the awkward silence.
“You can head off to bed, son. I’ll finish up here.” Dad offered.
I nodded. “Thanks.”
“Goodnight, son.”
“Night, dad.” I answered.
I walked from the kitchen and into the living room. I opened the door to the basement and stepped onto the stairs, shutting the door behind me. I stood there for a moment before trudging down the stairs and climbing into bed. I was asleep almost as soon as my head hit the pillow.
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