Page 4 of Sin With Me
“How old are you, Delly?” I ask before hanging up.
“I’m almost twenty-three.”
So she’s about two years younger than me since I’ll be twenty-five soon. That means she would’ve been a sophomore when I was a senior. Everyone knows everyone in our small town, but her name isn’t ringing a bell. Not surprised, though, because in between dealing with my depressive episodes, I drank in high school…a lot. Shit, I still do. But also, I rarely paid attention to the underclassmen.
“And you’re spendin’ your Friday night answerin’ crisis hotlines instead of a bar?”
“Yeah, because if I don’t, who would’ve answered your call?”
“Hello, you reached the Haven Grace prayer crisis hotline. How can I assist you in prayer today?”
I smile when I hear her voice.
“Hi, Delly.”
“Luke, is that you?”
“Yeah.”
“Are you okay?”
“I am now.”
“Whaddya mean?”
I lift a shoulder even though she can’t see me. “It means…hearin’ your voice is what I needed to clear my head.”
She sighs happily as if she was expecting the worst. “Okay. What would you like to talk about, then?”
“I was feelin’ down and had the urge to cut but didn’t get out my blade this time.”
“I’m happy to hear that, Luke. Did somethin’ trigger you tonight?”
“Just a little self-deprecation.”
“Talk me through what’s goin’ on in your mind.”
And without hesitation, I do.
She’s the first person I’ve ever felt comfortable enough to spill those secrets. And even though it’s because she can’t see me and has no idea who I am, it’s still a weight off my chest to speak the words aloud to someone.
“You’re a good listener, Delly…” I say when the silence between us gets too loud.
“Thank you for sharin’ that with me.” She sniffles a few times before clearing her throat. “Truly.”
“Are you catchin’ a cold?”
“Um…no.” She sniffs again as if she’s trying to control her emotions. “Just havin’ a heavy night.”
“You?” I stammer. “I don’t like the sound of that. What’s goin’ on?”
She’s quiet as if she’s contemplating telling me.
“I had a caller before you that was quite challengin’.” Her voice cracks, deepening with sorrow. “I had another volunteer call 911 while I kept him on the phone. Safe to say, I was relieved when I heard your voice because it…”
“It what?” I furrow my brows, wondering why she paused.
“It meant you were still alive and trusted me enough to call again.”
