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Whenever You Call Chapter 3 *ONE MONTH LATER* Kevin and Mariah's conversations became a weekly ritual, something both genuinely considered a highlight. Everytime he called, they discovered something new about each other. His most recent call had been on a Wednesday around 8 p.m. Mariah was seated at one of her most prized possessions - her sleek baby grand piano - working on one of her songs when the phone rang. "Hello?" "Hey, Mariah." "Kev, it's nice to hear from you." "What? We just talked on Saturday." He smiled knowing that he missed hearing her voice as much as she did his. "So what is milady up to this evening?" There was a thoughtful pause on the other end. Mariah wasn't certain how to answer his question. No one knew the time she devoted to her songwriting. No one. She knew her friends and family would feel it was a waste of time and talent. Somehow, though, she knew Kevin wouldn't judge her, that maybe he would understand that need to express herself through music. "Riah?" Kevin asked calling her by the nickname he had given her in their fourth conversation. "Are you there?" "Yeah, Kev, I was just tinkering on the piano." "I didn't know you played." He then remembered her occupation. "I guess you have to though unless you accompany your students with the kazoo." Mariah giggled. "Sometimes I use my accordion," she teased. "Roll out the barrel...we'll have a barrel of fun..." he began to sing. "Oh, God, NO!" After their laughter died down, he ventured, "I play the piano, too. So what were you playing? Mozart? Billy Joel? Chopsticks?" "Actually, um, it's an original...I write songs." "Really? That's great. You know, I do too." "Yeah?" "Mhmm. There is such a sense of accomplishment when I finish a song. It brings a whole new dimension to my feelings and my life. Music makes it easier for me to express my feelings." "Exactly," Mariah said. Finally someone who understood. "Maybe I can hear some of your songs sometime." "I don't know. They aren't very good," she trailed off. "I'm sure they�re great. You need to have more confidence in your talent." He thought for a second. "I'll play mine for you, too, okay?" Mariah smiled. "I'd like that." She changed the subject. "So what are you up to?" "Not much. Preparing for the next tour. The group is finishing off a new album and getting ready to travel again." "Oh." He was leaving? She could feel her heart stop and swallowed hard. "When? For how long?" "Not for a month or two. We'll be gone for a couple of months." Kevin could sense the pain and confusion in the silence that followed. He wasn't sure how to respond. Before he could compose a comforting sentence, he heard her voice, "Listen, Kev, I have to get back. Can't lose my inspiration, you know?" "Sure. I'll talk to you again." It was almost a question. "Yeah. Goodbye, Kevin." "Goodnight, Riah." Mariah could only stare at the phone as she felt the tears wet her eyes. She knew it was inevitable. Eventually this relationship � as strange as it would seem to anyone else - was going to fade. She had told no one of Kevin's weekly phone calls mostly because she was afraid of their reaction. Now he was leaving. She should have been mature enough to realize she was clinging to nothing. It was just that Kevin had been someone she could get close to without the risks of a real relationship. Or so she thought until now. Wagner hopped onto the piano bench then and nuzzled her hand breaking her out of her reverie. "Hi, sweetie." Mariah lifted the black cat into her arms. "Why can't all men be like you?" "Damn," Kevin swore. He knew she wouldn't take the news of the tour well but he didn't think she would react like this. "Riah, how can I make you understand?" he whispered into the dark. He had become as attached to her and she was to him. "Why didn't I listen to Brian? I'm in too deep now." Now he had to figure out a way to get her back without ever having truly lost her or having had her in the first place. He slept restlessly that night, not able to escape his thoughts.Next: Chapter 4 |