[theinstitute] ic contact

[capturedevotion]

"You've reached Dave Finch. I'm unavailable at the moment, but leave me your name and number, and I'll return your call. Thank you."

❖ text
❖ voice
❖ e-mail

Comments

voicemail;

[onlyhisdreams]

[There's an awkward pause before she starts speaking.]

Hello! [Oh, no. That was too enthusiastic, wasn't it.] I mean, uhm, hello, Dave. It is I. Me? Lorna. This is Lorna, and... uhm...

You see, Monday I am cooking. [A long pause.] Uhm, I mean--I am cooking a great deal of food for everyone to--well you see, it is Passover, which is a Jewish holiday, and I know you are a Gentile so there is no need to celebrate or take time from your day but if you wanted to attend I would love--

[Aaaand the message times out.]

audio;

[capturedevotion]

[Oh, well. He saw her thing on Passover but is also doing this thing where he, you know, gives her space and all that. This message is a surprise, but of course it had to time out. Stupid technology.

He almost doesn't call her back, waffles for a little bit before finally doing so.]

Hello, Lorna?

audio;

[onlyhisdreams]

[While he waffles, she beats herself up for sounding so stupid. Maybe he wouldn't get her message? Or he would just delete it before listening to it. Why would he do that? Did he not want to listen to her voice any longer? What if she had made him hate her.

Why had he not called her back yet!?

When the phone rings, she jumps.]

Dave! I, uhm--greetings. [Lord, she sounds like an idiot on the phone.]

audio;

[capturedevotion]

[She does. He finds it endearing in this ridiculous way.

He pauses, trying not to laugh.]

Greetings to you too, m'dear. I got your message, but I fear the machine cut it off before you could finish what you were saying. Would you mind a take two?

audio;

[onlyhisdreams]

[She wants to hide in her wardrobe and never ever leave there now.]

...may I please begin where I left off?

[Because repeating all that sounds like Hell on Earth.]

audio;

[capturedevotion]

[There, there.]

I suppose that would also be acceptable.

audio;

[onlyhisdreams]

[Lorna takes a deep breath. It's easy to hear from how close the receiver is to her mouth.]

I suppose what I would like to ask you is...

[What if he tells her no? What if he has already made plans? Oh, no. How long has she been quiet? Was that pause too awkward? Too long? Well, now it is. Damn it all.]

Dave, if you are not there, I will spend the entire time wishing you were. [..............] At the feast. The one I have planned for Monday. For Passover. I told you that already, correct? Others will be there, I promise!

[It's taking all her effort not to break her phone.]

audio;

[capturedevotion]

[Just like a horror movie phone call. Perfect.

Dave almost asks if she's still there before she starts speaking again.

He wishes she hadn't said anything.]

I suppose I could stop by... I can never say no to free food and you are an excellent cook...

audio;

[onlyhisdreams]

[He said yes.

He said yes!

He also thinks she's a good cook and the way to a man's heart is through his stomach so--

No. Lorna, stop that this instant.]

Okay. [She tried very hard to make that one word not sound like the most hopeful thing ever and she failed.] I am, uhm, experimenting with chocolate, as well. You know, so many desserts being off limits leaves room for ingenuity. And I know you love your chocolate, so maybe...I could make something special for you?

audio;

[capturedevotion]

[Oh, choco -- NOPE. Nope nope nope.]

As much as I appreciate the offer, perhaps it would be best used for your new friend? I'm sure he would like it more and it would be a nice gesture, especially to a new student.

I could always help you, should you like?

audio;

[onlyhisdreams]

But I have strawberries.

[She sounds so disappointed. In a similar tone, she adds:]

And you cannot cook.

audio;

[capturedevotion]

[He was going to watch and lick the bowls clean; don't ruin this for him.]

Very tempting, but I do not think it would be a good idea, Lorna.

audio;

[onlyhisdreams]

[She's quiet for a moment.]

Well, it could go no worse than when you attempted gifts, so I still say it is worth a shot.

[onlyhisdreams]

[Ring, ring. It's your favorite person calling even though it's past her bedtime. Okay, it's 10pm, but still. Polite people call only between the hours of 10am and 4pm or something.]

[capturedevotion]

[Dave is busy doing 10pm Dave things. This mostly includes getting ready for bed because he has classes early and this isn't the weekend. Sucks.

Who the heck can be -- ah. Lorna.]

Yes, hello?

[onlyhisdreams]

Hello, David.

[She doesn't sound all that chipper and peppy.]

Are you by chance...busy?

[capturedevotion]

[Sleep or Lorna, sleep or Lorna... Dammit.

Something is wrong obviously.]

Ah, no. I'm not busy. Are you okay?

[onlyhisdreams]

[She pauses for a moment.]

Would you like to take a walk?

[capturedevotion]

So long as you don't mind my pajamas, then that sounds wonderful to me.

[onlyhisdreams]

Dave Finch going out into the world in his pajamas? Oh, Heavens. What if someone were to see you?

[At least she's feeling well enough to tease him.]

[capturedevotion]

Then I shall make it look as if I am wearing a suit. [He laughs.] Where shall I meet you, ma bichette?

[onlyhisdreams]

[She laughs, as well. Softly and briefly.]

Would by the lake suffice?

[capturedevotion]

I suppose the lake will have to do. Give me just a few minutes to find a coat and I shall be out there, okay?

[onlyhisdreams]

All right. I will be waiting.

[And soon, outside by the lake, was Lorna. She was in one of her flowing silk nightgowns, an indication she was having trouble sleeping. Her green boots matched her long, hooded cloak. Standing there in the moonlight, she really did look like she just stepped out of a fairy tale. The only thing missing was her majestic unicorn. Too bad all she had was a gilded douche.]

[capturedevotion]

[If she had ever asked nicely, the gilded douche could illusion her up a unicorn. Dur.

Dave is there not too long after, a long peacoat thrown over his burgundy (yes, burgundy) silk pajamas. He wore actual shoes since it was still cold out at night, but thankfully the weather was getting warmer. Spring is finally on its way.

He clears his throat to announce his presence before wrapping her in a quick hug. Something is bothering her or she'd be asleep right now, that's for certain.]

What's on your mind, m'dear?