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He instantly goes on alert. "What's wrong?"
"I have some news to tell you," I say.
He lets out a dry laugh. "I'm guessing it's not good news."
"Ah. I think it will be good news for you," I reply, attempting to lighten the mood.
"Okay, let's hear it."
I take a deep breath and break the news, "Mom and Dad are selling the house and moving to Arizona."
I watch his reaction closely, waiting to see if he's going to be angry or over the moon happy.
Certainly, let's work on improving this dialogue by making it flow better, more descriptive, and in first person and present tense:
"Thank goodness! It's high time they exited our lives," I sigh in relief. Elliott pauses, his eyes fixed on me.
"I know you were hoping they would change, but we're better off without them, Sutt."
I nod slowly, contemplating his words. "I'm starting to think that too."
"That's the spirit! This will be better for us. Oh man, I need to get my cars before they lay a finger on them," Elliott says, his voice taking on a hint of determination.
Over the moon happy it is, then.
"I have to call Marcus to tell him," Elliott declares, though I can sense his enthusiasm waning.
"Wait! I need to talk to you about something else."
"It better not be about your boyfriend."
My cheeks flush with embarrassment. "It might be related to him."
Elliott's voice tightens, his disapproval clear. "What did he do?"
"He was at dinner with me when Mom and Dad broke the news, and they said some hurtful things about me to him."
"What did he say about it?"
"Nothing. He didn't say a word. He hardly wanted to tell me what happened.” I ramble. "I'm so embarrassed. I can't face him after that."
"Sutt," Elliott chides.
I stumble over my words, feeling vulnerable. "If my own parents can't love me, why would he love me?"
"I'll handle it." Any lightness in Elliott's voice has vanished.
"No, Elliott. Please don't." I plead desperately.
"Sutt, I've got it under control. Give me a few days."
"Please—" I begin, but he cuts me off.
"I've got to go. Love you."
"Love—" I don't finish my sentence as he hangs up abruptly.
I search for Leia, who's already looking at me with wide eyes.
