Three days had passed. Anna was finally allowed home. We decided that she should stay at our house during the time she has. Our house was huge; it sat on top of a hill, just outside the city, looking over the valley. It had enough rooms to accomodate nine people. But I loved it; it smelt like my childhood. It was right next to a flower field, which was part of our property. The flower field was my most favourite place in the entire world, endless hills of yellow and white. It was where I went when I felt like screaming or frolicking; I just buried myself into the blanket of flowers. Sometimes I pick huge bunches and leave them to dry in the old treehouse.
The country-side was a part of me. When my mother and father were just young, they lived in a noisy city terrace somewhere far away. Back then, my father had a passion for nature just as big as my mother's. We had all been farmers at some point, I guess we all took turns. They were both consultants at the time, so they were the ones going to wherever their clients needed them to. When Anna was born, they moved at least six times a year and when they had got the news that I was coming, my parents had decided to find a house. First, they settled to try and find a house in the city but the cost was immense and the sizing of the houses were even poorer. They had almost given in when my mother had got a call that her Aunt had passed away and she had left a property for them just upon the fringe of the town. They were both hesitant at first, but when they had travelled to see the house, they instantly fell in love with its exterior, and even more so with its interior. The house was charming and almost looked like it belonged in a fairytale, with its enormous french doors and windows looking out onto the acres and acres of orchard and hills. Boston ivy completely covered two sides of the building. Parts of the house, like the kitchen, were renovated over the years but still were designed to fit in with the rest of the house's aesthetic.
The first seven or so years of my childhood I spent developing a relationship with nature. I thrived on the beauty around me and Anna learnt to as well. We never farmed animals, only citrus and wildflowers. My mother never believed in animal captivity.
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"Welcome back, angel," Jayden helped Anna out of the car. Anna literally looked like an angel. He had his one hand on her back and his other hand was full of bags. The baby must have had a growth spurt over three days because Anna's stomach has rounded significantly. Jayden helped her up the stairs.
"Tara!" She ran over to where I was standing and gave me the most big-sister hug I'd felt in a long time. Well, it was an Anna hug; I didn't want to let go.
I helped her into the living room and she found a comfortable spot to settle on the couch.
"How does it feel to be back home?'' Jayden brought over a cup of tea as well as the cake I had baked earlier. Anna, slowly and steadily, sat straight and picked the cup up with both of her hands.
"Better than the hospital," she took a sip of her tea and placed the mug back down onto the table. The conversation dragged on for a little longer.
"But what about your job, honey?" my dad asks. I couldn't help but notice the way he said that. It was almost bitter; like he hadn't noticed that she was dying and had a child inside of her. He had been extremely absent since Anna's diagnosis.
"Well, I haven't talked to Lorelei yet." Lorelei was Anna's manager. She was the lady responsible for all Anna's photo shoots and schedules, as well as keeping in contact with the agency. I hadn't given Anna's career much thought but I guess it didn't really impact her anymore.
Until tonight. My room was across from Anna and Jayden's room and I could hear Anna on the phone.
"Lorelei I'm sorry but I can't." Anna's voice stretched with fatigue.
"I don't need a raise; it doesn't matter if they love me. Look, I'm not going to be around for much longer. So please, I'm sorry..." her voice broke, and I'm sure it left Lorelei speechless. And it was just like that Anna's dream career was over. Over 10 years of hard work, dieting and photo shoots. It was heartbreaking to her, because she had been modelling for a long time now, and she loved doing it. Being on Magazine covers for as long as I could remember.
Breakfast the next day. Our entire family was sitting at the table on our deck. Mum had obviously been up a while as she had prepared a feast of fruit, toast, spreads and juice. Anna sat with the happiest expression on her face. She wore a silk kimono gown with her hair done up with a clasp.
"Guys, we have news!" Anna grabbed onto Jayden's hands. Excitement sprinkled itself throughout the air.
"Jay-Jay and I decided that we're going to hold the wedding at the beach in two weeks!" she was so excited that she almost jumped right out of her seat. Mum and I both smiled with extreme enthusiasm.
She had been grinning all morning, but never would I have thought that this would happen. My mum was red and teary eyed, I'd never seen them so happy. Silently happy.
"Of course, you will be my bridesmaid. It will only be a small, quick gathering, but it'll be more than enough for us" she squeezed both of my hands. Her engagement ring sparkled in the sunlight.
"I'm so happy for you Anna." And I meant it sincerely. I placed my forehead on hers.
She was going to get married! Honestly, I don't think I had ever been happier for her in my life. The recent gloom and uncertainty provided even more contrast to the proposal. I could picture it already, my sister in a wedding dress, walking down the aisle with the soft sand in between her toes. She would look gorgeous.
I watched Anna closely that day. It was a chance for me to take all of her happiness in. I listened as she called all of her friends to tell them the news. Each one having the most excited reaction. The buzzing air wouldn't stop but I loved it.
That night I thought of how much this would mean to Anna. So many memories to be made.
