Talking About Stuff

474

By Kathy Miele
I was busy working on my computer when Steven walked through the room. He hesitated for a second then said, “I forgot to tell you, Nancy called.”
“When did she call?” I asked.
“I’m not sure.” Steven thought for a moment. “I think you were out with your sister.”
I stopped typing to look over at him. “That was last week!” I cried. “Was I supposed to call her back?”
“I don’t think so.” He answered.  “We talked for a while.”
“What’s going on with them?” I asked.
Steven shrugged his shoulders. “I don’t know… stuff.”
“Well thanks. I feel all caught up now.” It wasn’t hard to miss the sarcasm in my voice.
“How am I supposed to remember?  It was over a week ago.” He complained. “It was about a little of this and a little of that.”
“What’s that supposed to mean?” I cried. “That doesn’t tell me anything.”
“I don’t know!” Steven was starting to get annoy­ed.  “Why are you asking me so many questions?”
“Because if I’d just had the conversation with Nancy I’d come in and tell you all about what’s happening in her family. How the kids are doing? Did they put the house on the market yet? Did they find a new place in Myrtle Beach?”
“OK, I think she said the kids are fine. The house might be on the market, I’m not sure, and I don’t know if they found a place or not. I forget.”
I just stared at him.
“What?” He said. “I’m trying to tell you the conversation!”
“And still I know nothing.” I complained.
“I don’t know what to tell you.” He said. “That’s all I remember.”
“That’s why I’m the one who keeps up with all the family and friend news.” I argued. “When I get done with a conversation I tell you everything. I tell you the tone they used when they said something. I even let you know what they really meant when they said something completely different.”
Steven sighed. “I always look forward to those long updates.”
“Yeah, well at least I let you know what’s going on with everybody!” I shot back. “I don’t just tell you they said ‘stuff!’” I called to him as he walked out of the room. “You know you’re terrible with relaying messages and news!” I yelled.
“And yet you still love me,” he called back.
“I’m not loving you right now,” I mumbled as I picked up the phone to give Nancy a call and find out what’s been happening with her gang.