A Phonecall From Jonathan - 1. A Phonecall From Jonathan

The cold rain poured down from the dark grey clouds onto the four trees in the backyard. Connor knew the rain was cold because he'd just been out in it. Why? Because he'd wanted a few cans of Monster and he had stupidly put them in the shed's fridge. He cursed, could this day get any worse. Oh wait, it already had.

It was his birthday, a fact which everyone seemed to forget about or be too busy to do anything about. His mother had been part of the latter group. She had remembered and had even wished him a good day but she was currently spending a holiday in Seattle with her new boyfriend. His mother thought that that was way more important that spending time with her only son on his birthday. That was figurative punch to the gut but he was sort of used to his mothers inattentiveness by now. What honestly felt worse was that none of his friends called or texted him.

His sad thoughts were interrupted by his phone. It was ringing to the tune of Wolfmothers 'Joker and the Thief' which could only mean one person. Jonathan. Out of the four people that could make this day better Connor could safely bet his money that Jonathan would be best at it. He was also pretty good looking and it was Connors little secret that he had a crush on Jonathan. He accepted the call.

“Hey man, sup,” Connor said into the phone.

“Apart from your birthday, not much,” came the reply.

“Hehe, my birthday, what a joke. You're one of the two that’s remembered it.”

“OMG, how could anyone forget your birthday. It's one of the only things I have written on my calendar.”

“That's only cause you want another party like last year. Gives you a good excuse to get right drunk. Tell me, how many people did you hit on last year and how many weren't girls.”

It was true too. At last years party Jonathan had been a little easy with his flirting. Everyone was fair game, including Connor himself. He hadn't ever told anyone but he liked it.

“Hey, I was drunk. You can't hold me accountable for my actions under the influence,” Jonathan defended.

“Sure, sure.”

“Anyway, who forgot your birthday man?” Jonathan swiftly changed the topic, something with didn't go unnoticed by Connor.

“Pretty much everyone. My father, my sister, most of our friends. The only one who did remember is my Mum and she's in Seattle with her boyfriend so didn't do anything really.”

“Jeez man, that's kinda rough.”

“Yeah well, at least you called.”

“Tell you what,” Jonathan said with a smile creeping into his voice. “You come over to mine and we'll have a small party. Just you, me and the randos next door.”

Connor laughed. “If this is going to turn out like last years party then maybe not. I don't want those randos running off because you're drunk and hitting on them.”

“Solution to that: get drunk with me. Then you won't notice them running, just the next in line.”

“That would be a good solution except that I still don't like going around and trying to kiss the next random person.”

“You didn't exactly complain when I kissed you last year.”

That pulled Connor up short. He had been sure that Jonathan was still drunk when that kiss had happened. Could he really remember it.

“What are you talking about?”

“Connor, as Mel likes to say you can be impossibly dense sometimes.” Jonathan's tone had changed, less smile more wistful humour. “I got drunk for a reason last year. It takes a lot of courage to kiss your best friend. It surprised me when you kissed me back. Also, where did you learn to kiss like that. It was great.”

Connors jaw had just about hit the ground at this point. Jonathan wanted that kiss. It made him feel slightly better about giving in and letting himself be kissed. But then something else struck him.

“Why didn't you ever mention this,” Connor muttered hoarsely. He cleared his throat and started again. “Why didn't you ever tell me that you set up that kiss. I've been thinking that you were just drunk and that it meant nothing and now you tell me that you planned it?”

“I wasn't sure how you'd react. When you didn't bring it up the next day I kept thinking you hadn't wanted it.”

“You're wrong, since then it's been one of the things I really have wanted.”

The line was silent for a minute. For Connor it was a long minute. He was holding his breath wondering how Jonathan would eventually respond.

“Well did you still want to come over. I have a lasagna here that you and me could eat. Also drinks and some of the best music known to man.”

Connor knew what sort of music Jonathan listened to and smiled. If he was talking about music then things were fine. “Well normally I don't like death-metal...”

“Hey,” Jonathan was indignant. “I'm slightly offended that you've known me all this time and don't know that I listen to other things apart from death-metal.”

“Well I didn't know you wanted to kiss me so how would I know for certain what music you like.”

“My music tastes aren't a secret for one. But what do you say, come to mine and hang out. Just you and me.”

Connor sighed in mock resignation. “Might as well, there isn't anything else to do around here.”

“Great to hear, I shall see you in a few then?”

“Yep, just need to chuck a jacket on.”

“Take as long as you need. I've waited this long, a few more minutes won't hurt.” Click, the phone went dead.

He put the phone down and started rummaging around for his jacket. This night might prove to be far better than it had seemed 20 minutes ago. It might even be the best of all. He stopped and smiled, one could only hope.