DECEPTION AND DESIRES

“Mum, when is Daddy coming back?” " With his eyes wide open, Davis questioned his mother, ready to hear back from her. ‘He will be back today, I think,’ Mrs. Jacobs said reassuringly. ‘I already feel like I am missing him,’ Anastacia said, blushing. ‘Daddy’s girl,’ her mother said in a joking manner, rolling her eyes. The family went on having quality time with each other and as they sat and watched television, they continued to laugh and chat. Justin Jacobs, Anastacia’s father, is a thriving businessman and his absence was missed whenever he was out on business. Anastacia, an incredibly beautiful young woman with long black hair, a slender figure, and rather an impressive bust, was sitting easily on the couch, her quiet nature and traditional values reflective of her sheltered upbringing as an heiress. Her little brother Davis, full of energy and curiosity, bounced around the room, eager to share his thoughts and opinions with anyone who would listen. Beside them sat their mother, a kind and caring woman, who always had a reassuring word for her children. While watching the news Anastacia started to think about her father coming home. She yearned for him and looked forward to the moment he would return home from his trip, his warm smile and gentle eyes a comforting sight. What she failed to realize was that destiny had a different course in mind. At this moment, the voice of the TV news anchor changed to a serious one which made them pay attention. "Breaking news: according to information that has reached us, business billionaire Justin Jacobs' private jet crashed while attempting a safe landing. We are also made to understand that the three passengers which includes Mr. Jacobs all died. The room was quiet, the only thing that could be heard was the serious voice of the newscaster in the background. Anastacia sat glued on the television set with her eyes wide open in disbelief at the sad news being aired. Her mother spoke in disbelief and hopelessness, “What is happening here? My husband cannot die like this, what will I do now? ” Anastacia could feel the pain and grief her mother was going through and her heart went out to her. She attempted to be strong and to be that pillar that her mother needed at that particular time. “Mum, please do not cry, let us come together and check if it is Dad’s private jet,” she said in a very calm tone. But her mother’s tears did not cease to fall; her body convulsed with the intensity of her crying. ”What other information do you need? Can’t you see the plane number?” she asked, her voice trembling. Anastacia stared at the TV screen, her mind filled with thoughts and questions. She read the plane number, exactly the one her father’s private jet had on its tail. She felt a lump rising in her throat, her eyes welled up. But she suppressed them, she didn’t want to be weak in front of her mother and brother. “Davis, go to your room,” Anastacia said, though her tone was not angry but authoritative. Her little brother gazed at her with his big round eyes full of confusion and fear. But he did not protest, he just stood up and went to his room feeling that something was very wrong. Anastacia then moved back to her mother, her arms spread out to enfold her mother. Tears choked her as she replied, "Mum, we have to be strong, we have to survive this." But her mother was grieving, grieving in an almost feral way as if her sadness burned her from the inside. She cried and screamed and then fell into Anastacia’s arms. Anastacia hugged her close, crying as well now. Holding each other, the sound of the newscaster disappeared and the only thing that could be heard was the crying and the sorrow. It was as if the world was falling apart, all the things they held dear and close to their heart were being destroyed. But in that moment Anastacia realized that she had to be strong, she had to be the pillar that her family needed. She hugged her mother, tears streaming down her face, but she was strong, she would make it through this, and she would survive this loss. When the news of Justin Jacobs’ death went around, the residence of the Jacobs was flooded with condolence calls. Everyone from family and friends to distant relations called or visited to express their condolences. Mrs. Jacobs’ phone rang constantly as she received one painful call after the other due to her loss. Hello, Mrs. Jacobs, we are so sorry to hear of the passing away of your husband. Please do not lose hope. We will be coming in the evening, said Stella, a friend of Mrs. Jacobs. She was sympathetic in her tone, but her words did not bring any consolation to Mrs. Jacobs. The media houses in Los Angeles were quick to cover the story and before long, the news was the trending topic in the city. The TV stations and radio were filled with breaking news headlines while social media was awash with condolences. The mourning was immense, but it was not enough to comfort the Jacobs family. As the calls kept coming in, Anastacia stepped up to the plate, picking up the phone and replying to messages for her mother. She was barely able to control herself and was on the verge of a breakdown due to her loss. But she had to be strong for her mother and herself as well, she had to be strong. The house was soon filled with the sound of ringing phones, beeping messages, and the low hum of condolences. The sound was a symphony of grief, a constant and bitter reminder of the misfortune that had struck the Jacobs family. The sound of each call, each message was a painful reminder of the fact that her father was no longer alive and Anastacia’s heart was heavy. By evening, the Jacobs’ residence was a beehive of activity as more people arrived to support the couple. People came to the house, friends, and relatives to show their support and sympathy. The mood was sad and the people were sorrowful. Anastacia’s mother cried bitterly as she was unable to accept the death of her husband and her cries reverberated throughout the compound. Anastacia tried to console her mother to the best of her abilities but she understood that the journey was going to be a long one. Their loss was still a sensitive issue, and the pain was still very much present. But she promised herself that she would be strong, she would be the pillar of her mother and brother even in the worst of circumstances. Little did she know that the days that were waiting for her were even worse, even sadder, even more painful. But for now, she just hugged her mother tightly and cried for the father she had lost.