A Call From Home

[.Rissa.]

That familiar, comforting number appeared on the screen. A small smile graced Dustin's lips, and he answered the phone.

"Hi Mom."

"Hi Sweetie, how's Blue Ridge? How's Roxie doing? Have you met your roommate?"

"It's great, rather cold, but still good. Roxie's doing great, she's laying here on the bed with me. I took her for a walk earlier, and now she's ready for a nap. I wouldn't mind one myself really. Um, I had a roommate, I'd never saw him yet, but when I came up to my room today all his stuff was gone. I guess he moved out or left."

"Oh, that's strange. Well, I'm glad everything is going well. So, have you made any friends? And who is this Casey girl you mentioned earlier?"

"Mom, she's just a girl a met on a trail ride... she is very nice, and very pretty. She has an Arabian named Zanzibar."

"Just a girl? Sounds like a bit more to me. Oh, that's neat. How's Cassidy?"

"Cassidy is really good. I'm taking a horse class here that I think will really help us out."

"That's great Dusty, well, I think I heard your father come in the door, so I will talk to you later. I love and miss you."

"I love and miss you to, Mom. Oh, tell Dad I said 'hi' and that I love him too."

"I will, goodnight."

"Good night."

[.Rissa.]

The boy finished dialing the number. He put the cell phone to his ear, hearing it ring back at him. His blue eyes looked around the dorm room as he waited for an answer. His other hand stroked the furry dog's head in his lap.

"Hello?"

Finally. "Hi, Mom," Dustin replied.

"Dusty! It's good to hear from you? So how did the trail class go?"

"Um... it went okay," the boy shrugged, rather down hearted, "I realized me and Cass have a lot of learning to do."

"Oh, don't get discouraged Sweetie, I'm sure you did great. You went out there and tried. That says alot about your character."

Dustin rose his dirty blonde brows, doubtful, "Mm, thanks Mom."

"I'm sorry I couldn't make it down honey. I will get a plane ticket up there for the next one."

"It's okay Mom. I didn't really want you to see it anyway." The boy swallowed, "So how's everyone doing?"

"We're all good here. So have you made more friends? Do you still talk to Casey?"

At the mention of her name, Dustin felt his heart flutter, "Uh yeah," he said, thinking about the kiss they shared in the bathroom, "We still talk," he cleared his throat, "the only other people I have met have been Drew and Bridget, they are in my House, and LaTosha, who I helped with homework."

"Wow, a real ladies man huh?"

"Mom!" the boy felt his cheeks heat up.

"Hahaha, I'm kidding honey. So what are your plans for the night?"

"Well, I was actually going to a school dance."

"Oh? With anyone special?"

"Nope."

"Oh, well don't stay out late. Have fun. Oh! One more thing, make sure you're 'prepared' for something to happen, you just never know."

"Mom!" the boy's voice rose an octive, "I-I-I would never-"

"It's just a precaution Dusty," the woman said in a claming tone, "I was never accusing you of anything. It's just hard to stop that moment. I guess I'll get off of here and stop embarrassing you. I love you."

"I love you too Mom." the boy replied. He took the phone from his ear and hung up. He shook his head as he looked down at the dog.