A Different Atmosphere 

~Andrea~

It's been a while since the surgeon went to the ER. We have been waiting to get any information about how the surgery is going but all to no avail. I kept pacing back and forth, my sweaty palms on my chin wondering what was happening in there.

“Andrea -” Lisa called with a tired voice. “Do you think mom is fine? The doctors have been in there since morning and it's afternoon now.” I noticed the little glimmer of hope in her eyes. Not wanting to shatter that, I rushed to her and held her hands.

“Listen baby, we have to stay positive. Have it in mind that she is fine and I assure you, that will happen.” I forced out a smile, trying to cover my own fear.

“I hope so, Andrea.” She sighed and took her hands away from mine.

I could tell they were worried and I had to be there for them. After Laurel's question earlier, she kept quiet the whole time mom was taken into the Emergency room.

Maybe I should talk to her. Who knows, she might listen to me or probably speak more calmly.

“Ahem..” I cleared my throat and faced Laurel who was looking into space.

“Are you okay?” I know my wuestion was stupid but you wouldn't blame me. Laurel is like a hot volcanic mountain ready to erupt a hot lava.

She only looked at me silently and turned away, completely ignoring me. I sighed and wanted to give up but it wasn't just in my dictionary.

“Laurel? You know you can talk to me right? I am your sister. ”I tried the sister code to see if I could crack into her icy nature but it didn't work yet again.

“I am not in the mood to talk to you Andrea. Leave me alone please. ” She was calm once again and that was a good one. If I could push her, she might speak to me.

“You have and will always be my baby Laurel. I know you are hurting, but if you want, you can talk to me.” My biggest mistake was forcing words out of her mouth. Her next words were enough to put me in my place.

“This is your problem Andrea! You just don't know how and when to mind your business. Leave me alone means LET ME BE !” She screamed, drawing the attention of patients and nurses in the hospital.

I was so embarrassed I wish the ground will open up and swallow me.

"I'm sorry." The words left my mouth in a silent mumble, taking precautions to stay clear of another outburst

I relaxed in the chair and shut my eyes silently praying the doctor would come out to say something. At least, a word that will give us hopr.

I needed to clear my head. I have a lot to handle right now. My mom's surgery and this contract I've gotten myself into. I wanted nothing than to go into a wuiet space and let out my tears. That was all I needed.

With a sigh, I stood from the chair, trying to get a place that fit my earlier description but that was near impossible as the doctor came out that same time.

A normal person would have rushed to him but I didn't and it wasn't like I was not bothered by my mom's situation. I was just stressed out from all that was happening. Even at that, I still questioned the doctor.

“Doctor, is my mother okay? Did the surgery go well? Is something wrong?” I asked all in one breath and saw Lisa and Laurel rushed to the doctor too.

“To answer your question, your mother is fine and the surgery went well.” The doctor finally gave an answer.

“Oh.. God!! I was so scared. I couldn't imagine life without her. Can we see her now?” I said as tears ran down my face, my lips quivering with every word I said and a huge smile plastered on my face.

“You can see her tomorrow but for now, she is put under observation to see how she responds to the chemotherapy treatment. There will also be some side effects after the treatment. Do well to take care of her.”

“Thank you so much doctor. Thank you!" The doctor only smiled and left afterwards.

“We will have to go home now, girls. Mom is okay now and like you heard from the doctor, we can see her tomorrow.”

“You saved mom's life Andrea. Thank you so much. if you hadn't arranged the money earlier, then I don't know where mom would have been.” Lisa said as she hugged me tightly. This almost made me cry.

“Silly you. I am your elder sister and I have to take care of my family. I can't just watch us lose mom when I can get the money right?”I broke free from the hug and wiped the tears on her face.

“Don't think too much and don't thank me. I will always be here for you all.” She smiled and held my hand as we went out of the hospital with Laurel trailing behind us.

I wanted to hug her and comfort her as well, but she was so stubborn and kept her emotions guarded.

Flagging down a cab, we got into it as we headed home. Now one problem solved, one more to go. I looked outside the window as I felt the cool breeze on my skin. It was enough to calm me down.

*****************************

Few minutes after we got home, Laurel entered her room leaving Lisa and I downstairs. We sat down and began talking. It was as if time was running somewhere. It was almost time for supper and we didn't even have lunch.

“Oh..shoot. We have to eat something Lisa. It's almost time for supper and we didn't even have lunch.” I said as realization dawned on me.

“Well duh… we were so excited we forgot about food. By the way Andrea, do you think we should talk to Laurel?"' Lisa questioned with brows raised.

I turned to look at her when she asked, weighing my options. I finally came to a conclusion.

“Let's leave her for now. She must have been relieved now that mom is fine. We will call her out for dinner when the food is ready.”Both of us went to the kitchen to make something. We settled with noodles as it was the easiest and fastest to make.

After the food was set on the table, I decided to call Laurel myself while Lisa waited. You must be wondering how old they are for Laurel to speak that way to me? Well, I don't blame her. She just misses our father sometimes.

Laurel and Lisa will be turning eighteen next month and I will be turning twenty-two in the next two months. So yes, I am four years older than them. Standing at the door, I contemplated on whether to go back and ask Lisa to call her or to knock and call her myself. I chose the latter as I knocked.

Getting no response, I got into the room and saw Laurel face down on her bed, silent sobs escaping her lips.

I quickly rushed to her. Even though she does not like me, I am still her sister and love her regardless.

“Laurel, are you okay? Talk to me please.” I asked but deep within, I knew she was not going to answer. Her next action shocked me.

“I'm sorry for how I spoke to you earlier Andrea-” I watched her pause as she sat and crossed her legs on her bed.

“I was just scared something was going to happen to mom. I was scared she was going to leave us like dad. The thought scared me, I'm so sorry.”

“Cheer up baby. Mom is fine now and we will see her tomorrow. Now, let's go and eat something. I know mom will not be happy if she finds out I didn't feed you two when she was away.” Laurel hugged me tightly and broke away with a smile. She held my hand as we walked downstairs.

“You are finally here. I was thinking of starting before-” Lisa paused as she looked away from her phone and saw my hand entwined with Laurel's.

“Okay, I–I think I'm dreaming.” She rubbed her eyes as she looked and saw the same thing. Her mouth fell open. I could tell she was surprised. I was as well when Laurel held my hand.

“Stop overreacting Lisa.” I said with an eye Roll. “Sit and let's eat.” For the first time in years, the atmosphere was calm in our house. The three of us spoke and played until we retired to our beds. I was happy Laurel was coming around but I still had to meet Derrik tomorrow. I hope all goes well.