‘X’ is for ‘Ex’ – Miss Write

This is a short story I write inspired by a prompt: Receiving a call from someone from your life ten years ago. 

———————————

An Unexpected Caller

I recognise the number blinking up at me from my mobile phone’s screen. It’s a number ingrained on my memory since 2003. Surely it can’t be him?

“Hello…?”

“Louise? It’s Craig. Craig Mitchell – from Cheltenham.” As if I needed reminding where I knew him from. It was one of those moments when it feels like no thoughts pass through your mind , yet there are a million fighting to be heard. Maybe that’s what a feeling of shock feels like, I pondered briefly.

“Craig from Cheltenham?” I replied, slightly tongue-in-cheek. “Hi, how are you?” All natural like. I mean, why would it be weird for my childhood sweetheart to call me after a 10 year break? I wondered how he had my number still after a decade, but if I can remember his digits, maybe he could remember mine… Interesting.

“Good, good, I’m good… erm… I’m getting married.”

Now I’m confused. Surely he’s not after my permission? God, I hope he’s not getting cold feet in a fit of nostalgia. Well, a tiny part of me hopes that – it would be a compliment if he was!

“Ah! Congratulations, what’s her name?” What else could I say? I hadn’t a clue he was seeing anyone, let alone who she was. ‘I should be asking why he’s calling…’

Craig reveals the woman he’s marrying is named Jenny and pours out a whole profile about her; how she’s a nurse, how she loves to travel – “like you,” he added – how it’s going to be a small event… That’s one motive for the sudden call I  can discount – I won’t be getting a wedding invite.

He eventually tails off. Craig always did that when he was nervous, almost running out of anxious steam to power his outburst. There was a long pause. I remember his hazel eyes. His fine hair and the juxtaposition of his coarse late-teenage beard. I remember the first piece of jewellery a man ever gave me. I remember the Yorkshire Dales.

“Well, congratulations, I’m pleased for you.” I wince at the repetition of good wishes. Is it a little transparent? I’m suddenly eager to get off the phone. “Nice to hear from you, best of luck for – “

“No, don’t go!” he interrupted. “Wait – Jenny… She wants to meet all my ex girlfriends before we tie the knot.”

Bugger. 

——————

Tomorrow’s a day off the challenge – day of rest – and then there’s just two more days to go on the April A-Z blog Challenge! 

Lou x

Find me on Facebook
…And on Twitter
Born to be a Tourist

Image courtesy of Sarah’s Scribbles