Later that evening, when Xavier heard the phone ringing throughout the house, he jumped out of bed and quickly tiptoed down the hall, hoping his aunt wouldn’t pick up in her bedroom. He knew it was Billy calling. He’d been waiting for him to call him back all night. “Hello,” Xavier whispered, gently lifting the phone off the phone books.
“Were you sleeping? Am I calling too late? I’m sorry, but I was caught up celebrating with Francis and Julia and—”
“Hello?” Aunt Diane’s voice came on the line. “Who’s this? Xavier is that you on the phone?”
“Uh, Aunt Di, it’s okay, I got it.”
“I told you I don’t want this phone ringing after ten o’clock. Who’s calling you at this hour?”
“Aunt Diane, please get off the phone.” Xavier’s tone was firm. He heard Billy’s sharp little intake of air and wai
