Spider in the deep

Chapter 3

I stood beneath the ultramarine sky, squinting up at the glittering yellow disk which had appeared in its full glory after many days of rains.I heard footsteps behind me and looked at my house for the final time in a while.My parents had taken the whole week of to help me pack and to make sure everything was ready for when I arrived in New York.My mum worked at the Museum of Science and Industry and despite her passing on her love of the subject to her kids, it never stuck with me.She immersed herself in the place and took us there every month or so to see the changes and the exhibitions.That part was interesting.The huge scientific lectures with words I can't pronounce...not so much.

My dad was always busy at this place designing things since he was an architect.It was the Industry of Oslo?Ontario?Ohio?I didn't care.Wherever it was,he got paid well and our lives weren't bad.We'd go abroad every year and he'd give us pocket money and al the things that normal dads try to do.Except for the fact that unless it was his holidays, we'd rarely see him since his days were long.

"Arwa,it's for the best and you know it."

"I know Musa but it doesn't make it any better.What if he finds..."

My phone buzzed and my parents stopped talking on the porch,probably realising I was pretty close.I opened my phone to a text from Aunt May.Aunt May?

'Hi Aazmi,how are you?It's been so long since I've seen you but don't worry you'll feel right at home.Your parents gave me your number so you'll have me to call just in case at the airport.Hope you have a safe flight and call me when you land.'

I smiled and began to type a reply when I was tackled by my little monster.

"Why you going there?Don't want you to go!"

I picked Yasmin up and hugged her tightly.Her face was blotchy with tears and the poor kid didn't understand why I had to leave.

"Allahafiz aapi*," Yunus said and I smiled at my brat of a brother.He was holding a small parcel which he handed to me.I quickly hugged him before he could squirm away and then looked for Fatima.She wasn't there.I sighed and moved to my backpack to put the gift away and then went to my parents.

My mother came and hugged me fiercely,her tears leaking and I waited a while before gently prying her off.She looked a mess with her scarf slipping down her head and her face pale from lack of sleep.

"I'm so sorry Aazmi,if there was any other way I would have done it.But it's for the best.It's all for you beta."

I nodded startled.This was the woman who had raised me.Sacrificed her health, time and so much more for me.She may be the one sending me away but I knew she loved me.

I moved towards the ford mini and sat in the passenger seat whilst my dad sat next to me.He reversed the car down the driveway and I suddenly glimpsed my older sister running to wards the car.I let the window down and she hugged me partly and passed me an envelope.

"It's a letter baba,if she misses me."

My dad nodded and she backed away waving.It was awfully heavy for a letter but I tucked it away in my purse.With a final glance at my family, we zoomed down the street towards the airport.

An hour later,I stood by the departure line to get my passport checked and then go to the waiting area.My dad had waited whilst we sent to bags down and got the ticket.

"Do you have everything Aazmi?Oh your sim card, here take it.I'll send you your allowance monthly inshallah to your bank account and don't lose your card."

He smiled and I hugged him.I'd miss my dad a lot.Even if he's usually away, the laughs he's given me, nobody else could.He passed me a galaxy chocolate bar and my eyes lit up.