When In Cuba H.S.

Prologue

I didn't feel it but I heard it. My phone buzzing in my back pocket. I had quite a bit extra back there so I didn't usually feel it.  I had quite a bit extra everywhere to be honest.

From Aiden: Did you get my email???

To Aiden: Nope

I hadn't checked, although I probably had gotten it. My response was short as it often was and left room for a follow up to continue the much needed interaction. It was sad that I had begun doing this so habitually, and to my own sister nonetheless; purposefully forming my words in such a way that the person is forced to extend the conversation.

From Aiden: Have you checked?

To Aiden: Nope

From Aiden: ...could you??? Kinda important

It didn't take long to spot her email. She was the only one that had emailed me that wasn't trying to get me to spend money I didn't have. I think I subconsciously entered my email into those little sign up boxes just so my phone would buzz when I was in groups and everyone else had someone waiting to hear back from them. 

The email was forwarded from her university adviser:

Hi Aiden,

I finally got word that your proposal has been accepted and that there are donors willing to fund your research project! Let me know when you are available and we can get together to discuss where to go from here. 

So excited for you,

Janice Smith

I felt genuinely happy for her. I had these small up swings in my mood sometimes. I seldom got excited for things anymore but this was worth me crawling out of the dark hole in my chest and expressing joy for my sister.

To Aiden: Whatttttttttt??????? Congratssss 

To Aiden: When are you gonna tell Mom?

From Aiden: Thank you! I am so excited and there is so much to plan now lol

From Aiden: Not sure yet, but it is gonna be kind of a surprise so don't mention it yet. She will have to go back home to get herself situated before we all leave too

Mom was what we had always called my grandmother. It is what everyone called her really.  She was going to be shocked when we told her. She hadn't been back since she left in the 50's and seeing as she was quickly approaching ninety who knew when we would get another chance. Aiden deliberately made Mom a part of her research proposal so that she would be included in the funding to go along. 

To Aiden: Got it! Have you told mommy and papi yet?

To Aiden: Wait, who is we all???

I hadn't noticed it initially but her choice of words seemed odd for just her and Mom. The thought that I may be included in the phrase "we all" made my breath hitch. My heart began beating a bit faster. I could feel sweat starting to bead on my hairline.

From Aiden: Yeah, they saw the email without me texting them lol

From Aiden: 🤔🤷🏽‍♀️

To Aiden: Aiden. 

From Aiden: I may have been able to secure a little extra funding... surprise?

I felt happy, I think. I had hoped for this. But the feeling in my chest was more akin to right before a drop on a rollercoaster, which I hated, or when a plane takes off. There was a slight queasy feeling in the pit of my stomach and I felt as if my heart had fallen three stories. The accompanying drop of pee that leaked out with my spike in adrenaline was also a great sign of excitement.

"Frick, " I dropped my phone and it slid off the edge of my bed, "I'm going to Cuba." 

So This is the end of Chapter One!!! Ik it is a little on the short side but I just wanted to post something. If anyone reads this then leave a comment and let me know if you like it so far lol if not then... idk But if so, any thoughts, predictions, or questions?

Thanks for reading,

McKenzie xx