Hours and several high-lighted Chbosky passages later, I was ready to gouge my eyes out with Cleo's little claws. I rolled over and slid my phone out of my pocket to check for messages. There were none, but I was bored. This was my first Saturday night off since I had started working at Alex's Diner. I didn't quite know what to do with myself. I was all studied out for the time being, though. So, I clicked through to Knix's number and started a newmessage.
Harlow:is Marvok?
His reply was almostinstantaneous.
Knix:Hey, Little Bit. Marv's fine. What are youdoing?
I giggled, his texting voice was so proper, then again, so was Texas’. I wondered if they were all likethat.
Harlow:nothing, bored.U?
He ignored my attempt to change the subject to something he wasdoing.
Knix:You should bestudying.
I groaned, and rolled over onto my other side. Cleo meowed her disapproval as I unseated her from her sleepingplace.
Harlow:noooooo
Knix:You better not fail your exams. Retaking them will not befun.
Harlow:I'llpass
Knix:Go to sleep, Little Bit. I know for a fact that your mom has an early appointment tomorrow and that means you'll be up aswell.
In the past, I had pulled all-nighters several nights in a row and no one noticed. My chest ached and tingled at the fact that someone was worried about me for a change. I didn't need it, I could be independent if I wanted to be, but he cared and I liked that. I liked having someone remember me and taking time to worry about me even if I didn't need it. It made me feel caredfor.
Harlow:What aboutu?
I asked because it seemed likely enough that he and the guys were always constantly busy. I didn't know nearly as much about them as they knew about me. I recognized that if I agreed to work with them that would need tochange.
Knix:I'll be going to bed shortly. Goodnight, LittleBit.
Lying awake in my bed, I decided that I liked it. I liked them. The pet names were sweet, even them trying to give me things that I didn't want or need was sweet. I looked over at the half-opened laptop. I wouldn't keep it, but for as long as I had it, the computer reminded me of Marv, of all of them. Cleo curled up behind my knees, the warmth of her little body and sleepy purrs lulling me tosleep.