Collapsed

PHONE CALL

Aira Sanders

The timer from the oven dinged indicating that the cupcakes were ready. Wearing her gloves she carefully took them out and placed them on the counter. Her eyes caught the sight of the white envelope lying nearby. Her eyes crinkled as an unknowing smile came across her face. FINALLY, she has received the acceptance letter from her dream university - 'SAINT TERESA'. She imagined the proud glint in her father's eyes when she will surprise him with the news. Her mother will go crazy and will start panicking about the future and maybe get a little emotional because she would be leaving for Seattle. Jasmine and TWAIN - her siblings will immediately ask for a celebration.

Being the eldest child she was very responsible and like a mother figure to her little brother who was 3 -year old. From making him eat his food to giving him a bath she mostly did all his chores. She took care of him whenever her parents travelled for work. Twain adored her sister. Her sister Jasmine had an outgoing personality with an amazing sense of humor. She always teased Aira for being a nerd and about her becoming a housewife in the future.

Aira was a true beauty just like her mother. They were similar to look at with light brown hair and blue eyes. She was wooed by many boys at school but she declined saying that she was not ready yet. Jasmine was like a personal stylist for her, making her buy clothes and showing her the way to dress the best. For Aira dressing up didn't matter but she approved the way Jasmine helped her.

Aira's biggest fear was to disappoint her father. She always wanted him to be happy and proud of her. Indeed she did everything that her father asked her to. It felt right this way because her father knew the right things for her. He was an architect with a well to do salary. Together they were a happy family and she couldn't imagine her life without them. The only other relative they has was her father's brother - Uncle James. They were really close to him and often visited him in Denver.

While putting the frosting on the cupcakes she was eagerly waiting for her family to return from Denver. They had gone to visit James during summer vacations. Aira stayed because she volunteered in a orphanage nearby and her presence was required there. She glanced at the wall clock. 'Only an hour left for their arrival' she thought. She hated travelling although her parents loved to travel due to there jobs. Her comfort zone was the kitchen or her room.

As she was giving finishing touches to the masterpiece and daydreaming about the near future, her phone started ringing. A little excited to see it was Uncle James calling her she picked it up and began telling him about the letter.
"Guess what?? Your niece got accepted. Yay!! I know I should have told you in person but.."
"Aira, sweetheart stop, and listen carefully. Just listen." Uncle James interrupted her.
Hearing his stressed voice she immediately asked, "Uncle is everything alright? Has mom and dad left? I thought they must've landed already!"
"No, Elon and Martha are still here with the kids. Sweetie I am very happy to hear about your admission but there is an emergency and you have to come here right now!"She heard him sniff a little.
Was he crying? There was a pause. The pit in her stomach grew deeper. Her eyes were burning. The worst scenerios played inside her head. Were her parents fine? Were Jasmine and Twain alright? Why have they not left? Why is she being called to Denver?
A voice broke her trail of thoughts. "Aira, don't panic OK! Just calm down. Pack your things and come to the airport fast! There will be private plane waiting, just board it and come I will be there to recieve you. You get it?"
She tried saying something, anything but nothing came out of her mouth. Her throat was dry. She picked up a glass of water and drank it in on go.
"Aira, sweetie are you there? Did you understand?", came a voice from her phone.
"Uncle James, are they okay?", she formed a sentence. There was a long pause till he answered, " Yes, they are fine just got into little accident."
Accident? ACCIDENT
But he also said that they are fine.
Her mind was just comprehending the word till Uncle James said again, "Just please come fast!"
She felt tears running down her face, her hands were shivering. They were in an accident? She spoke to them yesterday on phone. They looked so happy to return. They wanted to tell her something and so did she. She wanted to surprise them instead she was the one standing there shocked. How a phone call can change the events of her life? A few moments ago she was happy and nervous. She is still nervous but with the anticipation of the news that awaits her.
She came out of her stance and ran upstairs to her room, the cupcakes long forgotten. Her room was painted a shade of light blue with a queen sized bed in the middle, a study table at one corner and a closet at other. A big bookshelf was attached to the wall filled with books of all genres. She quickly packed whatever came in front of her. Changing clothes was the least thing in her mind. She hurried downstairs picking up her phone from the counter. Glancing at the cupcakes, a lone tear escaped her eyes. She locked the house, hailed a cab and left for the airport.