• “Hi...um, is June there?” I asked quietly.

    “Yes, hold on a minute,” June’s mom said. I attached the phone to my chin and ear so I could use both hands to get Jojo food.

    It was the next day and dad had been in his office all morning. Mom had brought me in a cup of hot tea and a Vitamin Pill. She said I was looking skinny and needed something for more body fat. She left and I slipped the pill into my nightstand. I wasn’t taking them anymore. I wanted to eat real food. My stomach growled as I leaned against the counter in the kitchen. Mom had gotten rid of almost all the food besides lettuce and dried up cereal.

    “Yeah?” June answered.

    “Um, hi, June. It’s Trinity,” I said feeling awkward and not knowing if calling her would be a good idea. I never really talked on the phone before. Only to call dad and mom on. That was my cell phone. I slapped my hand to my pocket and realized I had lost my cell phone in Walmart. I groaned.

    “Something wrong?” June asked.

    “Oh, no. I just remembered I lost my cell phone in Walmart when….” I trailed off thinking about the tornado. I shivered.

    “So how are you feeling?” June asked changing the subject.

    “Okay I guess. Just bruised ribs and I’m limping but that’s all. How are you? I hope the storm didn’t get to you guys.”

    June sighed. “I’m fine, so is my family. It was rough but it only took half the roof off…and my dad’s car.” She laughed sweetly. I laughed a little too.

    “Wow, that’s good. My mom said part of our roof came off but at least the Shutters worked,” I said.

    “Yeah, ours did too, thank god!” There was a beep and I frowned and unattached the phone to my ear and chin. I looked at the screen and saw a gray haired man with a smile with the name John Williams. “Williams?” I asked quietly. Then my eyes got wide. Ryder!

    “Hey June,” I said putting the phone back to my ear. “I have to go. Um, my…grandma is calling.”

    “Oh…okay, then I’ll talk to you later. Maybe I can stop over sometime this week. The school was trashed. Apparently the tornado hit that on its way and now they won’t be having school for a couple months. We’ll all have to do it online.” The screen beeped again.

    “Oh wow, of yeah, okay. Well I’ll call you sometime. Bye!” I hung up and hit John William’s name.

    “Hello?” I asked.

    “Trinity?” Ryder asked. A smile came to face as butterflies blossomed in my stomach. Was that love?

    “Ryder, hey,” I said shyly. He chuckled.

    “How’re you feeling today?” I looked around the kitchen and into the living room where my mom sat. I could here dad typing away at his computer upstairs. I ran quickly to my bedroom and shut the door quietly.

    “Hiding?” Ryder asked with a let laugh. My face blushed even though he couldn’t see. I went over to my bed and stared at myself in my mirror. My face was paler, my hair more vibrant red. My freckles stood out more. I never thought I was beautiful or pretty. Normal? Yes. Simple? Sure. I hated complementing myself.

    “Yeah,” I said. “My dad’s been on my case about everything.”

    “Mm, that’s dad for you. So how are you?” I bit my lip and lifted my t shirt. The bruises were an ugly yellow and green but they were mostly healing.

    “Good, I guess. No pains…yet. You?”

    “Better. Much better.” I smiled.

    “Good. By the way, how’d you get my number?” He laughed

    “School directory on the internet.”

    “Oh.”

    “Do you want to meet up?” He asked.

    “Yes, but I’m afraid we might have to be discreet. Considering we had people follow me home yesterday,” I said with a slight frown.

    “Yeah, so did we. My older sister Meeka was about side with a bat when we got home trying to get everyone away,” he laughed remembering it. I smiled.

    “I wish I had a bat.” He laughed even more.

    “I want to see you,” he whispered quietly.

    I blushed despite myself, “Yeah, me too. Where do you want to meet?”

    He thought for a moment. “Café 21 on South St. in about an hour.”

    “Okay, I’ll be there. See you,” I said quietly.

    “Bye Trinity,” those words me almost giggle with excitement until there was a knock at my door. I jumped ad turned off the phone.

    “Trinity honey, I need the phone. Are you done talking to June?” I went to the door and opened it with a nervous smile.

    “Um, yes, I am. Here.” I handed her the phone. She looked at my strangely.

    “Are you—“

    “I’m going to go in a little while; um can I borrow your car?” Mom’s mouth hung down for a second.

    “Honey don’t you think it’s a little early to go out? I mean, are you sure—“

    “Mom, I’m fine. I just want to go have some coffee. I will stay away from the camera people and won’t make any more statements to them.” I promised. She sighed and rubbed her forehead pushing her red hair away from her face.

    “Okay honey but be back before dark,” she said. I smiled and kissed her cheek.

    “Thank you,”

    I pulled my cap down further onto my head and made sure my sunglasses were on straight. I folded my arms around my middle and hurried along the street trying to blend in. I looked into the Café and saw Ryder sitting in the back wearing a baseball cap too. I smiled and walked in. He stirred a cup of coffee and I noticed his mouth was moving. He had two people sitting next to him. Who were they? I wondered.