Cross Mark

You’re a horrible influence, really. Leah is like two days away from listening into the neighbors.

It’s how she’ll build character and social skills.

She’s never without her tea thanks to you.

Oh, I miss her. Loved her the moment we met.

Right. I forgot how England houses are. Not the same in California, Monica’s sitting on her porch everyday judging her neighbors.

I’m sure she has iced tea and everything.

This is why we don’t get nice things, Mr. Wheeler. Well, is he six feet away? They say you can be outside with proper spacing. I took Leah on a walk today around the block and god, she was so much quieter after that.

You’ve seen her street. They’re all practically on top of each other.

Of course. But you’re a man who just relishes in social settings. I worry you’re not getting your fill of tea these days.

Mum’s been keeping me filled in on who’s not doing their part in the neighborhood. Apparently, Mr. Wheeler still insists on spending the first half of his day in his garden.

I worry about you, you know.

Well, duh. You’ve met me.

What, me? Oh, I’ll be fine, love. Just being dramatic.

You’re good people. That got deep, Tom. Something tells me you’re missing all that human contact the bar gives you.

I’ll believe it when I see it. Forgive my skepticism. 

I’m desperate, Nae. I’m losing it.

I can’t wait for Leah to make fun of you when you look like Tom Hanks in Castaway. Secret’s safe with me. It was a stressful situation and I think you did what you could in a very tough position. I certainly wasn’t going to cut him any slack. You’re good people, Tom.

Oh my god I can hear Bean scream from here. Oh. She and Jay? Is he really actively trying to help someone else get through something?

I won’t let it get that far... Thank you, love. Truly. Sometimes I forget that I fuck up at times, but it’s nice to remember that those accidents don’t define you.

Question. Are you growing a quarantine beard? Some of the guys at the office are and some of them are truly hideous. Our Zoom conference this morning was just….so much bad facial hair. Oh that was very naughty. You’ll give Maureen a fright if you keep going out like that. Do you feel better after talking to him?

Okay.  How’s Angie doing, in all of this? 

My thought process was, who am I trying to impress? So yes is the answer. But I’m at least grooming mine. Don’t tell on me, she’ll bite my ear off through the phone. I... don’t feel bad. He certainly had a lot to say to me and I recognize just how much I’d hurt him. But we’re going to get past it. I know we will.

She’s off the walls, I swear. Once this is over, she wants a sleepover at your place. It is lonely here. How are you, my little social butterfly?

Of course, of course. I’m doing much better. I was naughty and went to check on JR. He’s alright. We talked. I think we’re going to be able to do better with time.

I love our daughter but I’m going to kill her. She’s so social, it’s the York in her I swear. I think I’ve got one good meal left in me but I appreciate it. 

It’s the least I can do since my blood is making this quarantine rough for the both of you. I’m on her side, though. I miss seeing everyone.

Leah, give me back the phone, I’m talking to your father.

I love you, Lee! I’ll talk to you later, love!

Yeah, man. Oh, and can you do me a favor? Tell Nae I’m sorry. You’ll tell me to call her myself, but… You know how we are. It’s less likely to turn into something worse if you say it. I can admit I was an ass, but I still have some choice words for her that she’d be unwilling to hear.

Sure thing, I can do that. Take care of yourself, love.

Shut up, man, before I kick your ass.

Just...give me a call if you need anything. And for... when you’re ready. I’ll be waiting for your number.

And don’t worry about me, mate. I’m doing my part, staying in doors and all that. You should take care of yourself too. Don’t be reckless and go out trying to check on Lee or Ang or anyone. Just stay safe. I might be mad at you, but I don’t know what any of us would do if you got sick.

Sorry, am I still talking to JR York?