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Whenever You Call Chapter 2 Ring. Ring. It was Thursday evening. Mariah had just finished work at the hospital and was fixing a quick dinner before settling down to the piano for the night. "Hello?" "Hi there." Mariah smiled when she recognized the voice. "Didn't take my advice about getting speed dial, did you?" Kevin chuckled. "Actually no, but to be perfectly honest," he said shyly, "I wasn't trying to call Brian this time." "Hmm?" She didn't quite understand. "I was calling you." "Me? Why? You don't even know me; I don't know you." "I wanted to talk to you. That is generally why one person calls another," he teased trying to relieve the tension in the air. Kevin breathed an inward sigh when he heard her giggle at his comment. "You called to talk, so talk. " Mariah couldn't believe she was flirting with a total stranger over the telephone and could hear her mother admonishing her for it. "Well, it occurred to me the other night when I was talking with my cousin that exact same problem that you just pointed out. I don't know you and you don't know me. So let's start with an introduction?" He smiled. "Hello, my name is Kevin Richardson." He knew he was risking a lot in revealing his whole name but decided to chance it. "Hi, Kevin Richardson. I'm Mariah Arseneaux." "So, Miss. Arseneaux, what are you doing this fine Thursday evening?" "Fixing a none-too-exciting frozen dinner. I just got home from my after school job and don't feel like cooking." Kevin's mind went to work. He wanted to know as much about her as possible. "You go to school?" "No, I teach it. I'm the music teacher at an elementary school in Kissimmee." A music teacher. Perfect. He thought. "Really? I'm into music, too." "And your calling is?" The question he was dreading, but he managed to formulate an acceptable answer. "Ever heard of Transcontinental Records?" "Local label." "Yeah. I work with one of the groups...the Backstreet Boys." Not a lie, he thought trying to ease his conscience. "Oh, yeah. I've heard of them. It seems they are very hot with some of my students, mostly the female ones." She giggled. "They seem to like the one named Nick the most. I really don't know much about them beyond that." Yet again perfect. Kevin began to relax. "The young ones do seem to like Nicky Boy the best." He chuckled. "It's a lot of work, long hours and traveling, but I wouldn't have it any other way." Afraid he might divulge too much information and blow his cover, he changed the subject. "So what's this after school job?" "I volunteer at the one of the local hospitals in the pediatric ward for terminally ill children. Basically, helping with activities - everything from arts and crafts to music. We read books to the younger ones and help the older children catch up with their homework. Really doing all we can to keep their minds off their disease " God, this woman is incredible. "Wow, that's very commendable." "It's just so rewarding to see what an impact a few minutes of attention can have on a child. It may be a lot of work to add to my day, but honestly it is the best part for me." Kevin suddenly felt his life was inadequate. Mariah seemed like a saint or at least an angel. "Wish I could say I had time for things like that. I mean, the group does some work with cancer, heart and pediatric charities, but nothing like what you do everyday." "Come on, Kevin. Don't kid yourself. Every minute you put into volunteer work counts. I'm sure you get the same feeling I do when I know I'm helping out in some way - not matter how little it seems." He nodded. "Guess you're right. Sometimes you want to do more though, you know?" There it was the silence he was dreading. The infamous seven minute lull was interrupted by a low beeping. "Dinner?" "Yep, frozen lasagna with all its preservatives. Yum." Kevin chuckled again. "I guess I'll let you get to that then. It was great talking to you, Mariah." "Yeah, Kevin, you too." "Can I call you again?" "I'd like that," she said as she felt her heart flutter. "Goodnight." "Goodnight." Two minutes after Kevin clicked off the phone, it rang again. "Hello?" "Train, man, who the hell were you talking to? I've been trying to get you for the last half hour." "Nice to talk to you, too, A.J." "You got a new chick? Yeah, that's it, " A.J. said knowingly. "Who is she?" "I am not even gonna dignify that one with a response. It's none of your business, Bone." "Mmmhmmm. 'Kay, Kev, just remember I have my ways." "So, what did you want?" "I can't call to say hi...besides I'm bored." Kevin sighed. This was going to be a long conversation.Next: Chapter 3 |