Elementals [Four Elements Personified]

Chapter 6~ Cheyda

                        Cheyda [Bretts]~ Chapter Six 

 I was lounging on the couch when the telephone rang. I waited as it rang twice, trying to gage whether Mom would pick it up or not. After the third ring I jumped up from the couch and rushed towards the end table to pick up the white handheld phone. I swallowed uneasily as I saw on caller ID that it was Dad.

“Hello?”

“Cheyda honey, is that you?” He asked with relief.

“Yes, it is.”

“Oh good, you’re just the girl I want to talk to.”

“About what?”  I shifted uncomfortably before choosing to sit back onto the safety of the couch.

“Listen, this’ll probably be hard on you, and I really am sorry. But I’m going through with it.”

“What?”

“The divorce, it’s going to happen. I don’t think we can really work things out this time.”

A pressurized headache began to form at the edge of my temples. I had known it was coming, but I didn’t expect to have it said so bluntly. “I see.” I sighed in reply.

“So listen. I called because I want to know if you already have your choice of stay picked out.”

I stifled a surprised gasp as Mom walked into the room and looked questioningly in my direction. “I…um…do you really want me to choose now?” I stuttered.

He hesitated before replying. “I guess not. But if you have a preference, go ahead and say now.”

I couldn’t believe that I was already at the choosing point between my parents. I was at least thankful he was not forcing me to pick at the moment; I knew that I wouldn’t be able to give him an answer any time soon. I didn’t even know if I really could make such a decision at any time at all. I would have to make a choice that would relieve one of my parents and break the heart of the other, how could I do that. The idea of it all broke my own heart. Knowing about the imminent split was one thing, but facing it was another. Having it thrust so suddenly onto my lap was almost too much.

“I can’t really say. I need to think about this, ok?”

“Alright, don’t feel pressured. You know I love you Cheyda.”

“I love you too.”

“Is your mom there?”

I looked to Mom again, who was repetitively mouthing ‘what is he saying’ in my direction, impatience began to seep out of her in a thin line.

 I rolled my eyes at her and turned back around.  “Yes.”

He sighed deeply. “I should probably get off then huh?”

I glanced to Mom again, who was now advancing in my direction. “Yes, I suppose that would be wise.”

“Alright Cheyda, I love you honey. I’ll talk to you real soon.”

“Bye Dad, talk to you later. Love you.” I managed to click the end button the moment Mom grabbed for the phone.

She glared at me, and slight annoyance came from her. But I could still sense the deep concern she held for me underneath it.

I shrugged. “I don’t think he wanted his ear talked off.” I said trying to be nonchalant. I knew that the more casual I kept about the situation, I knew the less both of them would worry about me.

Her emotions lightened up slightly and she bonked me on the head. “Next time you do that I’m grounding you.” She said with a conniving grin.

I laughed off my nervousness. “Sorry Mom, next time I’ll play your side, if you give me something in return.”