I watch Naomi's reaction to the slam book being open on her bed. She is relieved at first. Then, she is confused. When she approaches the book and she recognises my handwriting, she is angry. I have written my new phone number in there.

Yes baby, that's right, I am back. You weren't hallucinating you did see me.

She closes the book and abruptly turns to me. Well, to the window that overlooks my room. I wave at her.

I missed her like hell. But I would never admit it to her though.

One year without her was a real hell.

She opens the window and I hear her scream even though my window is closed.

"How long have you been planning this, Job?"

She is calling me by my last name, which was only pleasant when she did it.

We're back, baby.

I tell her through signs that I can't hear here. Which is a lie because I can clearly hear every single word and she knows it.

"I know you can hear me, Job"

I lift my phone for her to see and point to it.

I had to call her. I can't have her screaming or else her father will come to her room and none of us will like the outcome.

I dial her number that I have memorized in my heart.

She isn't standing anymore next to window. I can see her looking for something. Of course, her phone isn't on her. Some things never change. I smile.

After the third ring, she answers. But she isn't anywhere in sight.

I say before she could utter anything out. "Come to where I can see you."

"What do you want Job?"

"Did you miss me Grace?"

"It's Naomi."

"It's Elijah then."

"You're still annoying."

"You got prettier." I know that I made her blush with that statement even though I can't see her.

"What do you want Elijah?" she asks again.

"Come to the window so I can see you."

"No."

"Naomi."

"Fine."

Finally, I see her again.

"Why did you steal my slam book, Job?"

"I didn't steal our slam book, I borrowed it. Besides, I had to enter my new number."

She forwns.
"You just dialed my number, Job. You clearly didn't forget it."

Smart, smart girl.

"And you know that I would never call you. Why do you always have to put me through stuff when there is always an easier way?" She pauses and then adds, sounding bitter, "And FYI, it's my slam book. Not ours."

"Where is the fun in just dialing your number? Where is my big entrance? I thought you missed me."

"I was doing perfectly fine before you made your entrance."

"You mean you were bored without me. Perfect means boring, baby."

"God, you're so annoying."

"Ah you're still going to that Sunday school, don't you?"

"None of your business, Job."

You're my one and only business, I wanted to say but I don't.

I stay quiet and stare at her through the glass. I want to see her clearly, so I open my window. I ask her to open hers. She ignores me and says,
"If you have nothing to say to explain why you stole my slam book, I will hang up. And don't do it again."

"Again Grace, I didn't steal it. I borrowed it. Stealing means keeping it with me, which I didn't. Don't they teach you what's the meaning of stealing in Sunday school?"

"Stop borrowing it then."

"So you admit that they didn't teach you the meaning of stealing."

"Job, I am not joking. Stop it."

"Sorry darling, can't do. You know you shouldn't be mad about it, this slam book is mine as well."

"It's not."

"You know it is."

I hear her dad calling her through the phone and I see her turn around. She hangs up and I smile like a fool at her retreating figure.

This conversation isn't over. Her dad might have called her for lunch. I will have to wait until she goes to her job at that coffee shop where she will meet her new colleague. Moi.

Naomi Grace will be frustrated that's for sure. I will make her admit that she missed me, that's a promise.

Naomi Grace, the reason I went through hell. The reason why I would go back to hell, happily.

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