The Phone Call

The perils of a long distance relationship.

“Hello, Kyle.”

“Hi, Lisa. How are you doing?”

“I'm okay.”

“Are you sure? You sound a little... subdued.”

“I'm just tired. My new job has been a little crazy.”

“Well, I have good news! I've got the week of the fifteenth off. I can drive up there and spend the whole week with you. Isn't that great?”

“Oh, Kyle. I don't think that's a good idea. Work has been so hectic. I've been working crazy hours and by the time I get home I'm exhausted. I'm afraid you wouldn't see much of me.”

“But, I miss you, Lisa.”

“I know you do, but now is not a good time to come up. I'm sorry.”

“Oh... sure. I understand.”

“Have you gotten any offers on your house, yet?”

“My house? No. No offers. The market's pretty depressed around here right now. It might be awhile before I can sell my house and move up there where you are.”

“I see. How about the job hunt? Any luck with those leads I gave you?”

“No. No luck there, either.”

Kyle, I... (long pause) Kyle... don't sell your house!”

“What?”

“Don't sell your house. Oh, Kyle! I'm so sorry!”

“Uh-oh.”

“I didn't mean for it to happen!”

“Lisa?”

“I met someone, Kyle. Please don't hate me.”

“Lisa --”

“I was at a party with some of my coworkers and I met this guy and we really hit it off and... don't sell your house and move here!”

“Lisa! I never listed my house.”

“I feel like such a-- What did you say?”

“I never listed the house, Lisa.”

“You... you didn't?”

“No. I guess I assumed... well... a new job, new city, new friends, I figured it was only a matter of time before you'd get a new boyfriend, too.”

“... and... and the job search?”

“There was no job search.”

“Oh, Kyle. I don't know whether to be relieved or... angry.”

“You have every right to be angry with me, Lisa. I didn't show any faith in you.”

“And apparently for good reason. So, you're okay with this?”

“No! Of course I'm not okay with it! I'm just not surprised.”

“Please don't hate me, Kyle.”

“I could never hate you, Lisa.”

“You're such a sweet guy, Kyle. You'll find someone else, someone better than me. You'll see.”

“Maybe.”

“Well, I guess there's nothing left to say... except good-bye.”

“Lisa?”

“Yes?”

“I... uh... hope everything works out for you. I mean that.”

“You're sweet. Good-bye, Kyle.”

(sigh) “Bye, Lisa.”

Author's Note

Suggestions and constructive criticisms are always welcome.

Reviews

[Donna]

I love this story and the phone conversation is a great idea. It was interesting and had me wanting to read more. That is great writing!

[Craig2591]

Thank you very much!

[Jazzy-Nae]

Love your story style and how you used only dialogue to describe the story.

[Craig2591]

Thank you for the read and review.

[Chaitanya Karthik]

You know I've to tell you this. The way you tell a story is fantastic. Just fantastic. You've got a fanboy here, man. Great story. Absolutely loved it!

[Craig2591]

Thank you.

[SpeedyHobbit Armstrong]

This is fantastic dialogue! With nothing but dialogue, you're spectacular at telling a story.

[Nienor Niniel]

You do an excellent job of conveying the emotions of Lisa and Kyle, with only dialogue, and also of providing a sense of past-history to the reader, even though this is only a snippet. Lovely story (even if the characters suffer as a result ;]).

[Craig2591]

Thank you so much.

[Tina Kline]

I like this piece. It just goes to show how fragile a relationship can really be.
Relationships need work and if you're not there...well...this shows what can happen.
Fantastic job on this!

[Craig2591]

Thank you.

[Cody Williams]

I like idea! A phone conversation! Thanks for sharing it Craig!

-CW

[Craig2591]

Thanks for reading.