I had trouble sleeping after seeing the messages on my mum’s phone. Thanks to that, I woke up late the next day. I went downstairs and discovered mum had already left for work. After munching down a handful of dry cereal, I went back upstairs and fetched my phone.
I fired off a text to Christine. “I know who your son is seeing. It’s not who you think!”
Sorry Tommy, but this is the only way I can think off to draw a response from your mum. I left my phone on my bed and headed off to take a shower. When I came back out, there was 1 unread message. I can’t help but grin. The game’s afoot.
Christine reply was curt, so I decided to draw out the conversation a bit.
Christine: Who?
Me: Guess.
Christine: I have no idea. One of his friends from secondary school?
Me: Maybe. Wanna meet somewhere and gossip?
Christine: I don’t think you actually want to gossip.
Me: Guilty. I just want to see you.
Christine: I’ll just send you a photo then.
Me: Good idea. Show me what you’re wearing under your blouse.
Christine stopped replying.
Aiyo, too forward ah?
After staring at the screen for five minutes, I was ready to give up. But suddenly, another message from Christine arrived.
Christine: I’m worried about Tommy.
Me: Why?
Christine: He doesn’t seem like himself since he came back for holidays.
Me: How so?
Christine: You seriously don’t feel it?
I thought about the messages between mum and Tommy. It certainly didn’t seem like the Tommy I knew. Then again, it also didn’t seem like the mum I knew.
Me: Maybe a little...
Christine: Really? Tell me what you see.
Me: Hard to explain. Just little quirks I guess.
Christine: Can I tell you something? You have to promise to keep it confidential.
Me: Of course.
Christine: My son has been in therapy before.
Me: He’s retarded?
Christine: Retarded your head. This is serious. We had him treated for sex addiction.
Me: Wow, I never knew.
I truly never knew. I mean, I’ve known Tommy is quite the pussy hound, but I didn’t know it was to the point he became classified as a mental case.
Christine: I’m worried he might have relapsed. I see the signs. His mind often wanders off and he’s more quiet than usual. Like he is obsessing over something.
Me: Most people would say that is also a sign of being in love, haha.
Christine: I hope so, but I’m also worried. That’s why I’m keen to find out who Tommy is seeing. I need to see if it’s a normal relationship.
The last thing I read on my mum’s phone flashed in my mind. “Yes master,” mum had texted.
Oh no.
Definitely not “normal.”
Christine: Will you please tell me who Tommy is seeing?
Me: Well... I’d rather tell you in person.
Christine: Even after knowing the situation you’re still only thinking about sex?
Me: It’s sensitive information. I’d rather not leave a record on phones. Also, yes, I told you I’m crazy about you.
Christine: Fine. I’ll pick you up for lunch. But just to talk!
Me: Of course...
