Rats, Roses And Paper Bones

CHAPTER 25: Try again tomorrow.

"Come on, let's go!"

Victoria motioned for me to hurry with her hands.

"Just a minute!"

I was still struggling to buckle the straps on my sandals.

"Come on, we're going to be late!"

She grabbed my hands and tried to pull me along.

She seemed unusually excited, which wasn't surprising. She was finally going to hear from her dad today.

I was also going to make a phone call.

To my mother.

The house mistress allowed us to make phone calls once a week, and today was the day.

"Alright, alright. I'm done."

I raised both hands in surrender.

"Then let's go!"

She immediately grabbed my hand and dragged me towards the house mistress's quarters.

There was already a long line of students waiting for their turn.

At that point, I wished they actually allowed us to have phones in school.

Things would be so much easier.

Of course, things would also be much harder for the teachers.

If you know what I mean.

Still, it was a strangely beautiful sight.

It wasn't something you'd see on an ordinary day.

Dozens of girls stood in a long, winding queue, chatting and giggling while they waited several minutes just to speak to their parents.

Some were rehearsing what they were going to say when they finally got to the phone.

Others were scribbling down lists of things they wanted their parents to bring for the upcoming visiting day, which was only a week away.

And then there was Victoria and me.

One of us was desperately hoping to hear good news about her parent's health.

The other was simply hoping someone would pick up the phone.

The latter, unfortunately, was me.

"You've got five minutes. Maximum."

The house mistress handed me the phone.

"Yes, ma."

I quickly dialled the only number I had memorised by heart.

My mother's.

The phone rang.

Once.

Twice.

Three times.

Nothing.

I tried again.

This time, someone picked up.

My heart immediately lifted.

"Hello, Mum—"

"Hello, dear. Can you call me later? I'm quite busy right now."

Her voice sounded rushed.

She really was busy.

"Okay, but I won't take long—"

Beep.

The call ended.

She had hung up.

Just like that, my excitement disappeared.