Don't Call on Me

Rachel walked—more like floated—down the hall toward her room.

"A-hem," Autumn hemmed. Autumn was waiting for Rachel. She was leaning against the wall, and had her arms crossed.

"Something wrong, Autumn?"

"That's really for you to judge, I'm afraid."

"What do you mean?"

"Rachel, I just came here to warn you."

"About what?"

Autumn's voice dropped to a whisper as someone walked by. "Micky—y'know how he just broke up with Gianna?"

"Yeah."

"I'm not sure how likely this is, but there is a possibility that he may be using you to get back at her."

Rachel gasped. Autumn was afraid she'd get mad. "Oh, my goodness—I never thought about that! You're right!"

"Just keep that in mind." Autumn walked down the hall to her room as Rachel entered her own room.

Rachel sighed. She was having so much fun dating Micky, and then this had to come along.

"Lael?" she called.

"Out here on the ledge."

Rachel opened the window. There was Lael, feeding the pigeons on the ledge. "What do you think I should do, Lael?"

"I think that I'll tell you in a minute."

"Why not now?"

Before Lael could answer, there was a knock on the door.

"Rachel?" The door muffled Autumn's voice. "Who are you talking to?"

Rachel opened the door and admitted Autumn. "Lael."

"Who's Lael?"

Rachel motioned for her to come to teh window and look out on the ledge.

"Where?"

Rachel pointed to where Lael was sitting.

Autumn didn't see anything. "Oh. Anyway, I didn't mean to offend you or anything, I just wanted to warn you. I don't want my friends getting hurt."

"What about Gianna?"

"I can't control her hang ups—basically why they broke up."

"Oh, I see." Lael climbed into the room through the window. "Hi, Lael."

Autumn looked around. She and Rachel were the only people in the room.

"Well, at least you've got a friend in her."

"Yes, that's true."

"Huh?"

"Lael said that you're a good friend."

"Basically," said Lael.

"Oh, I see. Lael's pretty cool, then."

"Sure, it took a compliment for you to see that," Lael said sarcastically.

"That's not nice."

"Huh?"

"What Lael said."

"Oh, okay. . . . Y'know, I think I'm just gonna go back to my room now." Autumn backed toward the door.

"Well, bye."

"Yeah, get outta here," said Lael.

Autumn left shaking her head confusedly.

"Well, Lael, what should I do?"

"I think you should call Micky and tell him that you two can't see each other for a little while until you're absolutely sure that vengeance isn't his reason for dating you. And then hang up so he won't protest."

"Lael, you're so mean."

"I know—but remember, I never liked him anyway. I told you he was no good. And why didn't you bring me along on that date the other night?"

"Because I knew you'd just make snide comments about him."

"Oh, well, that's true."

"Of course it is. Now try to be quiet for a few minutes while I make the call."

Lael pouted as Rachel picked up the telephone.

Don't Call on Me Part Three

back to Don't Call on Me Part One