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‘It’s okay. It’s the truth.’ I continue to walk to my room.
‘Come on, Ariella. Don’t make me finish the episode on my own because I said something stupid.’
‘I’m tired, that’s all.’
‘No, you’re not. When you’re tired, you fall asleep on the couch halfway through with your mouth open, catching flies and snoring. It’s gross. I’ve upset you and you’re off to pretend I don’t exist…don’t do that, please? Just tell me I’m an idiot, I’ll say sorry and we’ll squash it. Look, your boyfriend is coming on. I’ll be nice about Bobby.’
He flashes me a smile and extends his arms to present the TV, like he is showing a gift on a game show.
I return to the couch. ‘You were horrible,’ I whisper at him.
‘I know, I’m sorry.’ He pats my leg twice apologetically and points at the TV. ‘How dreamy is Bobby in this scene?’
I laugh as he nudges me playfully.
‘Don’t be pissed off at me, okay?’ he leans in to whisper, with his eyes still on the TV.
‘Okay.’
I like Caleb when he is like this and I forgive him instantly.
Tim, Caleb and a man I assume is Jack are already working on the door when I arrive home from the butcher and craft beer place.
‘Hello, gentlemen.’ I smile as I step over the toolbag lying across the door.
‘Hey,’ Caleb calls, holding our door frame as it is being removed.
‘Good to see you again, Ariella.’
‘Hi, Tim.’ I beam back. ‘How are Em and the boys? Is little Alfie feeling better?’
‘Oh yes, it was just a bug going around the school and he’s—’
‘Aww, how cute! Can we please get back to work? This door is bloody heavy.’ Caleb scowls at us.
Tim and I laugh. I notice that Jack has a large purple bruise on his cheek.
‘That looks nasty. Does it hurt?’ I say with a friendly smile.
He shakes his head, looking embarrassed, but smiles back. ‘You should see the other guy,’ he responds under his breath.
‘What other guy? It wasn’t— Ow!’
‘Sorry. Hope I didn’t hurt you too much there, Caleb,’ Tim says, not looking sorry at all.
I drop the groceries on the kitchen counter and put the beers in the fridge before I grab a quick shower. When I emerge, our old door is off, leaving a gaping hole where it used to be.
‘Caleb, I think Ariella’s sending you a message,’ Tim announces as I walk in.
‘The only message I’m getting is that no one her age should still be obsessed withSesame Street,’ Caleb retorts.
I look down at my old Oscar the Grouch T-shirt. It makes me smile.
‘Why are you so chirpy today anyway?’ Caleb asks Tim, with an undertone I don’t understand.
‘I’m doing something selfless for a lovely person,’ Tim says, turning to wink at me playfully. ‘You should try it sometime.’
‘You’ve been dropped on your head, mate.’
