Innocent Jeopardy

Chapter 1- The awaited call of hope

Chapter 1 - The awaited call of hope

Emma's POV

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I must have slept for more than twelve hours because when I woke up next, the sun was streaming through the curtains and I could hear birds chirping outside. I checked the clock and it was six am. I tried to get up, but my whole body was aching like crazy. I think it was due to the fact that I had slept on the couch in a cramped position. I finally managed to get up and reach my bathroom. I took one look at myself in the mirror and let out a gasp; there were dark, puffy bags underneath my eyes, my hair was all over my face in odd angles, tangled at the ends and my eyes were bloodshot red.

I sprinkled water over my face and shivered when the cold water came in contact with my face. I quickly brushed my teeth because my breath smelt like dog poo (even though I had never smelt dog poo, but you get the point ,right?.) Then I hopped into the tub for a relaxing hot bath. You have plenty of time to start looking for a job, kiddo, I managed to convince myself, so without further pondering, I soaped myself up and closed my eyes. For the first time in four days, I felt relaxed and worry less. And even though I knew that this was just going to last for a while, why not savor the moment?

When I finally finished bathing, I got out of the tub; not wanting to, but I had to. I then changed into a yellow sundress that my grandma had gifted me on my birthday, and combed my tangled, brown hair into a sweet little ponytail. I tried to hide my dark circles using foundation, but my efforts ended in vain. They were still visible, although less visible than they were in the morning. I also put some mascara and dabbed some strawberry lip gloss on my lips, trying to make my face look less tired. I checked my reflection one last time in the mirror and then headed out of my room and into the kitchen. I ate a bowl of coco pops for breakfast, my favourite! I realized that I was starving as soon as the taste of chocolate touched my tongue and I gobbled it all up in record time, shoveling as much as I could into my mouth. Just as I was licking the last of the chocolate milk off my spoon, my cell phone rang. I looked at the caller ID and saw my friend, Kylie's name. I picked it up and spoke into the speaker, trying as much as possible not to make my voice sound strained. "Hi Kylie," I said, hoping that I sounded enthusiastic. "What's new?"

"What's new?" Kylie asked in anger. "You haven't showed up to any of the university lectures, you've been dodging my calls and now you're asking me what's new? Emma, I want to know the truth. Where have you been these past few days?"

I sighed in frustration. This was so typical of Kylie, wanting to know evey bit of my life and what I did when I wasn't with her. I sighed again, before replying in a resigned tone.

"We recently found out that granny has breast cancer... her life is in a critical stage and I have been in the hospital sitting next to her for the past two days," I replied, already knowing what her reply was going to be. Sometimes I felt so annoyed with her, poking and prying into my life, but she was my best friend, and even though she could be a little annoying sometimes, I loved her a million red M and M's. She had always been supportive and was beside me in the worst of times. I owed her the truth. I shook off the annoyance and irritation that was piling on me and was just about to say something, when her shocked voice interrupted me.

"Oh my gosh, Emma," she gasped. "I'm so sorry. Is she going to be okay? Why didn't you tell me about this the minute you found out?"

"'Cause I didn't want to get you involved in all this. You dont have to worry, the doctors say that under proper care and medical assistance, she can survive for a further 8 months." I could feel my voice crack as I spoke and on impulse, I closed my eyes to hold back the tears that were threatening to fall. I took in a deep breath and tried to calm myself.