Incandescence

Chapter 19

I opened the front door and walked inside. Television was switched on and the voice drifted towards me as I neared. Mum and dad were watching the news, as was the daily routine at home. I breathed deeply, trying to shake off the shivering-like feeling that was over me since Anis had left. Pasting a smile on my face, I entered the lounge and greeted mom and dad. They turned around and looked at me, smiling.

"How was your day, Alisha?" Dad asked me but before I could reply my name coming from the television caught my attention. My attention went to the television as the newscaster was going through the story of my company, my profile and the news of my accident. From the corner of my eyes, I saw that mom and dad were looking at me with worry in their eyes. They thought that I would throw a tantrum because of this news. I would not because I had already heard this news in the morning.

"It will cool down in a few days, mom! Dad! Don't worry about it." I said and turned my attention away from the television to them.

"My day was hectic as usual, nothing new." I said.

"I noticed your car was outside. Did someone pick you up?" Dad questioned me. Did someone pick me up? Oh! Yes! Anis did.

"Yeah! A friend showed up unexpectedly, so I went to the office with him."

"I see." He looked in my eyes for a long time and then returned his attention to the television.

"Mom, I'm hungry! Is there something to eat in the fridge?" I asked as I stood up and made my way towards the kitchen.

"There are some sandwiches and soup I saved for you." Mom called out.

"Okay!" I said as I walked into the kitchen and opened the refrigerator. There were some cold chicken sandwiches and soup there, no doubt. I took out the sandwiches and a can of coke. I didn't want to have soup. Throwing some ice in a glass, I poured the Coke over it and then brought my dinner to the lounge to spend some time with my parents.

"Alisha?" Mom called me.

"Yeah mum."

"Do you have some time tomorrow after lunch? I wanted to go shopping with you."

"Ummm... wait let me check my schedule for tomorrow." I said and picked up my phone. Sarah had synced my phone with my daily schedule calendar so that I didn't miss out any of the important meetings or project deadlines.

"I can spare some time after three, mum. Where do you want to go for shopping?" I asked as I took a bite of my sandwich.

"We'll check out Centaurus and Safa Gold Mall for some clothes." She said as she gave me a secretive smile. I looked at her for the longest time and then returned my attention to my sandwich and the television. The news was full of the reports on the latest updates on the different political parties. Lies that's what was in the reports, lots of lies and political drama. I wasn't much of a political person and I never took interest in that.

"Alright. I'll come and pick you up as soon as I'm free tomorrow." I said and finished my sandwich.

"Of course."

"I'm going to take a shower now." I said as I stood up with my empty glass and plate. "Be back in a bit." I placed the empty utensils in the kitchen sink and then ascended the staircase and walked towards my room. A shower and a good book was what I needed now to relax before I got to the work that I had brought along with me. I opened the door of my room and turned on the lights but what happened next scared and surprised me at the same time. Maira jumped out of the darkness and hugged me tightly, grinning like a lunatic.

"Maira!" I exclaimed as I regained my balance. She drew back from me and grinned. "Why have you been hiding up here in the dark?" I asked as I stepped in the room and closed the door behind me.