"I'm starting with breakfast now. You want something special?"
I look up from my phone and into my mom's face. She is standing in the doorway, smiling. She has been doing that a lot lately. Smiling, I mean.
"No, anything is fine." I smile back at her and she nods.
"Alright. Make sure to wear something warm today. It's pretty cold outside."
She leaves my room and I get up to pull one of the college sweatshirts over my head.
It is cozy and smells like fabric softener.
I used to hate that scent but now it makes me feel safe. And finally I'll have a reason to wear them again.
I fall back onto my bed and open my contact list. Then I dial the number.
After a few seconds, someone picks up.
"Am I dreaming or did I just saw your name pop up on my display?"
I grin. "No, it is in fact me."
"Honestly, I did not think you would call. After everything you had to go through. So, what's up?"
I can hear Isabella chewing, probably eating sour worms.
She is right though. I had avoided talking to her and instead tried to move forward. But what I've learned on this journey is that the past is part of the future. And it always will be.
"Well, the hospital called my dad earlier and told him that a certain company called Green Vision had offered to pay my hospital bills. You don't happen to know anything about that, do you?"
She chuckles. "Although I love my country, our health system isn't necessarily the best and I thought that 3 and a half months of intensive care probably cost your family quite a lot so I wanted to help out. You don't have to accept the money of course, but it is there if you need it."
"I hate to admit it but we do." I want to add 'My dad started crying' but keep it in.
"See? I sensed that. Anyway, how are you getting on?"
"Well actually." I get up from my bed and walk over to the window. Outside rain is pouring but there are still plenty of people walking down the road, probably on their way to Wallmarket.
"Believe it or not, I decided to give college another try."
"Oh my god, congrats! What field?"
"Physics. But I missed the start of the semester so while I wait I decided to attend some classes and get a job. My first shift started yesterday. I mean it's just checking tickets and selling popcorn at the theater but it's money and experience I guess."
"That is amazing." I can hear how Isabella sits down. Then she takes a sip of what I assume is coffee.
"That is really great considering where you were a few weeks ago. Pretty much dead and working a bar job. You should be proud of yourself."
And you know what?
"I am."
"I'm glad to hear that. You better make use of this second chance. What about your ex? Did you talk to her?"
Right. The one topic I was hoping to avoid.
"I did but she had already decided to...not keep the baby. After everything."
"Oh. I'm sorry."
"It's fine, really. I respect her decision and she knows that I'm here for her. If she ever needs me."
A short silence follows. I can sense that Isabella is trying to find the right words but we both know that they don't exist.
"And what about Kira?"
Kira.
"I haven't talked to her, she wouldn't recognize me anyway. But she's very free-spirited, I'm sure she can move on easily."
"Let's hope you're right and this won't affect your karma." She laughs. I grin.
I clear my throat. "But enough about my affairs, what's up with you and Judy? Have you guys talked since...you know?"
Isabella puts the phone away and shouts: "Judy!"
I just hear a faint 'What?'
"Wait, she is with you?"
"Yeah!" Isabella chuckles. "She came back to New York with me."
"Oh, my condolences to her."
"Shut up, you idiot! I'm making sure she is happy."
She shouts again. "Are you happy?"
And a faint 'Yeah' follows.
"See?"
I grin. "Yes. And although I'm still mad at you for stealing her from me, best of luck to you two."
"You're sweet, I'll invite you to our wedding."
A knock on my door.
"Alright, gotta go."
"Call me, idiot."
"We'll see, bitch. Bye."
I hang up just in time before the door opens and Alex steps in.
"Who were you talking to?"
"Just an old friend. Wait, is that my old LinkedIn Park shirt?"
He looks down at himself.
"Oh, yeah. I forgot it was yours. Anyway, breakfast is almost ready."
He claps his hands together and I roll my eyes but get up.
I trot over to the door and before Alex can turn to leave, I grab his shoulder.
He looks at me.
"You know that I love you, right?"
Alex raises an eyebrow. "I guess?"
"Good, then listen to my advice: Never touch alcohol. And if you ever get stuck inside a milf, don't panic. Got it?"
He looks at me confused but nods slowly.
"Copy that. I guess."
I pat his messy hair.
"Good. Now let's eat some pancakes."
We trot down the stairs and meet my dad halfway.
"Oh, Parker. There's a guy at the door asking for you."
"What? Who?"
He shrugs. "He didn't say his name."
I raise my eyebrows in suspicion and slowly make my way to the front door.
I open it and look in the face of a young man with messy black hair and glasses.
He seems nervous.
"Hi?"
"Parker Jones?"
"Yes?"
The man opens his bag, takes something out and hands it to me.
It's a small, yellow crystal, hardly bigger than a fingernail. Orange and pink lines are pulling themselves through the stone and if I'm not mistaken, they are radiating light.
"What is this?"
"You will find out when the time is right."
He closes his bag and pulls the hood of the jacket over his head.
"You have to hide it for me. Make sure nobody finds it. Don't lose it. We'll see each other again soon."
I huff. Why do I always attract weird people?
"What if I lose it? What horrible catastrophe will happen?"
His face hardens.
"The world will end."