Phonecall (rp thread for questionorigin and a_carrion_crow)

[take_mychances]

(a day after previous post)

When she knew her parents would be watching TV, Dalia slipped away to her bedroom, cordless phone in her hand. Quietly, she dialed Duela's cell phone. After getting her voicemail, Dalia sighed, then, with reluctance, dialed the Crane residence.

Comments

[a_carrion_crow]

Hearing the phone ring, Joshua Crane reluctantly put his book aside and reached for the receiver. He didn't immediately say anything; he'd decided it was interesting to wait and hear the reaction to silence on the line. True, his mother would probably scold him for that, but until she found out, he'd continue.

[take_mychances]

"...hello?" Dalia asked. She hated calling the Crane house. She always managed to get Joshua or Jonathan and both of them liked to unnerve her in any way they could. She tried not to let it bother her, but it was aggravating after so many times.

[a_carrion_crow]

Oh, it was her. Like his father, Joshua had little use for Dalia Dent. He'd been pleased when she hadn't attended the museum event with them. Now, if only Grandmother Nadine had, it would have been a perfect evening. He stayed silent, phone still to his ear, and reached for his book again.

[take_mychances]

"HELLO?" Dalia's voice was loud, almost screeching. She hoped her parents didn't hear from down the hall.

[a_carrion_crow]

Joshua hissed in displeasure, then muttered nastily, "You don't have to be rude. I said "Crane residence, who, may I ask, is calling?""

[take_mychances]

"You did not, creep," Dalia snapped. "I want to talk to your mother. Now."

[a_carrion_crow]

"Maybe I want to talk to your mother, you impertinent urchin. Put Grandmother on the phone."

[take_mychances]

"She's not available. Now give my sister the phone," Dalia gritted her teeth.

[a_carrion_crow]

"Maybe my mother isn't available, either," sneered Joshua. "Would you rather speak to Father? I'm not sure he has time for your hijinks, but I can ask."

[questionorigin]

"Joshua." Duela's voice came from behind the young man and was almost a snap, more warning than angry though. She gave him a disapproving look as she held out her hand for the phone.

[a_carrion_crow]

He rolled his eyes in an exaggerated manner, hissing "It seems she's interrupted her evening for you. Here you are - I hope it's important." Before Dalia could reply, he passed the phone to Duela. He didn't leave the room, though; he continued lounging on the sofa, pretending to be completely occupied with the book again.

[questionorigin]

"Really, Joshua. Manners," Duela murmured, even if she didn't seem angry. She sat in an armchair in the room, not concerned about privacy for now. "Dalia," she knew who it had to be from what she'd overheard Joshua saying, "how are you?"

[take_mychances]

"I need to talk to you," Dalia said, her voice quiet. "Like--talk-talk. Not on the phone, not--" she sighed. "Not at your house or our house."

[questionorigin]

Duela sat up, frowning. "Dalia, what's wrong? Is everything okay?" She didn't even want to imagine why her sister might be calling with that request. "When? I can pick you up. Just tell me when."

[take_mychances]

"It has to be a normal time," Dalia said. "It's too late tonight. Mom and Dad will think something's the matter..."

[questionorigin]

"How about I pick you up from school tomorrow? We'll tell them we're going shopping," Duela suggested.