Chapter 3

• The sun was setting when Emma walked into the park and quietly sat under a tree, trying to comprehend what the doctor said earlier.
• The park still had quite a number of people around.
• There were teenagers hanging out, some were making out. There were mothers chatting while their kids played around with their dogs, some were on the swing and slide.
• The sight brought back memories to Emma, who had her own happy family barely a day ago.
• Flashback
• “Emma you better come down here and help me make dinner, you know your dad would be home soon and we have to get everything ready before he arrives. So, you better stop whatever it is you’re doing and get down here!” Emma’s mom yelled from the kitchen, while trying to get some orange juice out of the fridge.
• “Sorry babe, I got to go cos mom has been yelling for me to go help her out. We’ll talk later about your love life, okay? Bye.”
• Emma hung up and started her way down the stairs. She walked into the kitchen to the sight of her mom moving from one end of the kitchen to the other.
• She was surprised to see the much work her mom had already done.
• “Seriously! Emma we do this every Friday, you should know that.”
• “Sorry mom, I was on the phone with Sarah. She’s having some issues with Carl, she sounded desperate. I couldn’t just hang up on her, it’ll look like I abandoned her.” Emma said pouting.
• “Really?! How is she doing?” Emma’s mom asked as she got the cupcakes from the oven and handed them to Emma, who placed them on the table.
• “She feels terrible, but she’ll come around.”
• “If you say so. Can you please help me set the table?”
• “Okay mom. Wow! These spaghetti Bolognese looks tasty. Can’t wait to have some.”
• Emma was taking the chicken salad to the table when Raymond ran past her, almost causing the salad to slip from her hand.
• “Ray! Watch where you’re going!” She yelled.
• Just as Emma dropped the cupcakes on the table, the front door opened to reveal her dad who just got back from work.
• Raymond ran to go give him a hug.
• “How’s my champ doing?” his dad greeted, as he hugged him and ruffled his hair.
• “Fine dad. I’m so excited, it’s finally summer break. We’ll get to go on that trip to California, like you promised.”
• “Raymond, can we have dinner first, then we can talk about that later.” Mrs. Russell said, walking up to her husband to give him a welcome kiss.
• “Hi Dad.” Emma greeted her dad.
• “Hey sweetie. How was your day at work?”
• “It was a little hectic, but fine.”
• “Okay boys, go wash your hands so we can have dinner, cos I’m sure I’m not the only one who’s starving.” Mrs. Russell said.
• They all sat at the table to have dinner, which they always do every Friday. It was a family ritual for the Russell’s, since they hardly get to eat together other nights because of work.
• Emma looked so much like her mom, very beautiful with black long hair, dark brown eyes and pink plum lips. While Raymond looked a lot like his dad, with his brown hair and blue eyes.
• Emma is a twenty two year old lady, who just graduated from college, presently working at a fancy restaurant.
• She’s five feet five inches tall, has a nice figure, and is currently single.
• Raymond is twelve years old in eight grade, he plays football and is a bit too tall for his age.
• Mrs. Russell is a teacher at their high school, who teaches history to students in grade ten and eleven. While Mr. Russell works as a realtor.
• “About the trip…” Mrs. Russell began.
• “Honey, have you been granted the leave of absence you requested for?” she asked her husband.
• “Yes love, I have. All that’s left now, is to book the flight tickets and pack our bags.”
• “Whoa, it seems you guys are forgetting I work and I’m not as privileged as you all who gets summer breaks or granted leaves cos I just got this job. I’m not ready to lose it, at least not before I get a better job. So, count me out on this trip. Maybe next time.” Emma explained.
• “That’s too bad. You’ll be missing out on all the fun.” Raymond mocked, sticking out his tongue.
• “Stop that Raymond!.. That’s sad honey, but it’s understandable since your job will be on the line. We wanted to do this as a family. Don’t worry, we’ll make something out for you. But know this, you most certainly won’t miss the next trip we’ll be taking.”
• “I hope so mom. I hope so.”
• End Of Flashback
• That was the last dinner Emma had with her family.
• She had been deep in thought, that she didn’t realize it was already dark. She stood up, dusted her pants and started to head home.
• Emma got to her home, which was a simple three bedroom bungalow. She walked into the living room and sat on the couch, feeling so alone.
• At that moment, she made up her mind to not just sit down and keep crying over the death of her parents and the current state of her brother.
• She was going to do everything possible to raise the $400,000 required for her brother’s surgery.
• She headed for her bedroom, took a shower and laid in bed.
• “Oh God, where do I start from?”