LIANA'S POV
I lingered there, staring at my phone screen for too long. My thumbs hovered over Stanley's name as if touching it would make him vanish. I didn't know what scared me more, the thought that he would not pick up, or that he would but after the conversation with mum, I was convinced I needed to talk to him.
Finally, I pressed the call button.
It rang once and then it kept ringing but no answer came. My heart was pounding as I dialed it again.
"Hello?" His voice was deep and groggy.
For a moment, I was paralysed. My mouth opened but nothing came out. That voice, Lord,it was like a pull to everything I wanted to disown and everything I secretly desired.
"Are you there?" he asked, soft, hesitating.
I swallowed. "Yeah. I'm here."
There was a pause. Then his voice returned,
