Page 82 of A Grecian Getaway

Demetri heard bits and pieces of what everyone said, but it was hard for him to decipher it all with so many talking at once.

“We’ve had an awesome Christmas. It’s past midnight here now. We spent the day at Demetri’s sister’s house. His family is wonderful. We miss you!” Noelle replied.

“We miss you too, sweetie,” her dad yelled loudly into the phone.

“You don’t have to scream. We are all right here!” her mom yelled at her dad.

“Noelle and Demetri aren’t here. I can hardly hear a damn thing on this phone. I want to make sure they can hear me. Can you hear me, Noelle?” Her dad yelled again.

“Yes, dad, we hear you loud and clear.” Noelle laughed.

“Of course they can hear you. The entire neighborhood can hear you,” Noelle’s mom yelled at her husband and then turned her attention back to the phone. “Noelle, are you feeling okay? Demetri, is she taking good care of herself? You look thinner. Are you eating? Demetri, are you healed? You look wonderful.” Her mother’s face filled up the entire space of the phone.

Noelle’s dad pushed his face into the picture. “For crying out loud, you asked 50 questions. Which one are they supposed to answer first?” Noelle’s dad said to his wife. Noelle’s mom slapped his arm.

“Oh, be quiet!” Demetri heard her mom reply. Noelle shook her head and smiled.

Demetri spoke loudly and clearly into the phone so Noelle’s dad would hear. “She is doing well. Do not worry, she is not too skinny. She is just right and eating very good. In fact, I think she had two pieces of galataboutico tonight. And I am doing good, too.” Demetri squeezed Noelle’s butt out of the eyeshot from the camera.

“Wonderful! That’s your favorite Greek dessert! Was it as delicious as your Yiayia’s?” asked Noelle’s mom.

“It was fantastic, mom. A little different, but still delicious, obviously since I ate two!”

“Ok good! Your dad and I will let you talk to the girls and Nikolas for a few minutes.” Noelle’s mom then glanced away and whispered into the phone. “Your father can’t hear worth a darn, so he thinks everyone can’t hear, so then... hescreams. Here, talk to the kids. Goodbye, sweetheart. We love you very much.”

“Thanks, Mom. I know you do. We love you, too,” Noelle replied.

“I love your parents so much,” Caroline whispered into the phone.

“Me too. They are hysterical,” Claire added.

“Yes, they are both hysterical,” Niko laughed.

“Did you guys have a nice dinner?” asked Noelle.

“Yes. Mom outdid herself like usual,” Niko smiled.

“I had an extra piece of lemon pie for you, Noelle. It was amazing!” Caroline teased.

“I’m so glad you’re all together. We miss you! As much as I would love to keep talking, we should probably go. It’s been a long day, and it’s late here. I’m pretty tired,” Noelle said. “I can call tomorrow!”

“Sure, you’re tired. Okay guys, you go to bed.” Caroline laughed and used air quotes when she said the words “to bed.” Noelle shook her head and they all said their goodbyes.

It was late by the time they had gotten home and made the call. Demetri had to work the next day, but then he was off through the New Year.

“I hope you had a good time. And I hope you are not missing home too much.” Demetri pulled Noelle close to him.

“I had a wonderful time and I’m so happy to be here with you.”

“Poli Kala. I am sorry my sister is such a pest,” he said.

Noelle smiled. “I like her. She has spunk. I loved hearing all those stories about how much of a stinker you were as a little boy. And Sophia doesn’t let you push her around. She is the first person I’ve seen that doesn’t let you boss them.” She giggled.

“So you think I am bossy?” He cocked his head to the side.

“I didn’t say that. But yes. You are.”

“I thought you liked it when I am bossy. If you think I have been bossy with you, you have no idea. Maybe I should show you how much more I can be.”

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