The sea that calls

(chp. 3)

"Yeah maybe," I say, trying to force myself to smile. "I'm probably just imagining things."

Before my friends can say anything else, my phone goes off in my pocket. 

I answer the phone with a shocked expression, as I recognize my brother's voice.

He sounds anxious and out of breath, and I can hear the sound of people talking in the background.

"Aisha, we need you to come home," he says quickly. "It's an emergency. Can you please come as soon as you can?"

My heart slams against my chest, and I start to feel dizzy. What could be so urgent that it requires me to come home right away?

"Wait, what are you doing at Mamaw's house?" I ask, my voice sounding shaky and confused. "Are you visiting her?" The sound of people talking in the background makes it hard to hear what he's saying, and I'm not sure if he heard my question.

"Mamaw needed help moving some furniture, so I came to lend her a hand," my brother says, sounding out of breath. "Why, what's wrong?"

Suddenly, I freeze. Something about his tone of voice is making the hair on the back of my neck stand up. And now, he's asking questions instead of answering them.

"Aisha, do me a favor and come home as soon as you can, okay?" he says quickly. "I'll explain when you get here."

I'm still stunned by the way he answered my question, but I realize there's no time to worry about that right now.

"Yes, okay," I say quickly, trying not to panic. "I'll meet you at home. Love you."

I hang up the phone and hurry to tell Marisol and Kalea what's happening. When I tell them that my brother needs me home as soon as possible, they both seem concerned, but they try to remain calm.

"it's probably nothing, Aisha," Marisol tries to reassure me.

"Yeah, it's probably nothing," I say, trying to convince myself that everything is fine. I quickly say goodbye to Marisol and Kalea, and I start riding my bike back home.