“They’re not coming Amelia,” I say in a stern voice that I usually reserve for the boardroom, so that the message gets across clearly.
Amelia’s stills, then blinks repeatedly. “They’re not coming,” she says as a statement instead of a question.
“No, they’re not coming. The storm started sometime last night and started to pick up speed before dawn. I’ve been on the phone all morning with my assistant while he made sure that no drivers were sent out to pick up anyone. There’s now a state of emergency and only essential employees and emergency vehicles are allowed on the roads here in Massachusetts.
“Last night. The storm started last night?” she whispers. I’m not sure if she’s talking to me or herself at this point.
“Amelia, are you going to be okay? Do you need to lie down?”
Amelia’s phone starts ringing and I see Abby’s name flash on the screen. Amelia immediately dives for it and answers the call.
“Hello? Abby?!” she screeches as Abby’s face fills up the screen.
“Amelia, are you ok? This storm is pretty tame in the city, but definitely a lot worse where you are. Is there a way to get you back to the city safely? We’re sick to our stomachs here thinking about you being alone in that house! Do you have enough food? I’m going to call Evan and see if that fancy jet of his can fly you out. Do you know if he’s in the city or—”
“Hi Abby, I’m right here,” I say.
Abby’s mouth just about hits the ground when she sees me standing by Amelia. Vanessa must have heard my voice too because within seconds I see her running down the hall and yank the phone from Abby’s hands.
“You guys are stuck in that house TOGETHER?!” she says as her eyes bug out of her face. “Ay Dios mío se van a matar.” I’m pretty sure she just said we’re going to kill each other. I don’t think now is the time to catch her up on current events.
I speak for the both of us. “Yes, we’re stuck here. Together. We have enough food, and more importantly, enough alcohol for poor Amelia to put up with me for the weekend. We just need all of you guys to keep yourselves safe until this storm blows over.”
“Oh no. This is too good. Hold on a sec,” Vanessa says as her screen is paused. Within a few seconds she’s back, as well as a few other squares with familiar faces.
“Amelia! Oh my God are you okay?” says Lucy.
“Wait, Evan is also at the cabin with Amelia?” Priscilla says in an annoyed tone.
“Guys, get this. Amelia and Evan are snowed in at the cabin. TO-GE-THER!” Vanessa broadcasts.
Gasps and laughter erupt simultaneously.
“They’re gonna kill each other!” Xioana exclaims.
“Amelia please don’t end up on Dateline! Doesn’t matter how much you love Keith Morrison, killing Evan isn’t the way to go out!” Roselyn yells.
“Wait, what do you mean Evan’s alone with my sister?” Antonio snarls.
Oh shit.
“We got snowed in, man. Wasn’t exactly a part of the plan,” I say diplomatically.
“Amelia, are you sitting on a kitchen island? What the hell is going on over there?” Antonio is fuming. He may be my best friend, but he also knows I’m a man alone in a house with his sister. I wouldn’t trust me either right now.
Amelia finally speaks up. “Look guys, we’re fine. I dropped my coffee mug and got a tiny burn and cut after I heard the news that they’ve given the storm the nameAnna, like Mami.”
Facial expressions soften.
“And Antonio, I would appreciate it if you didn’t talk about me as if I’m not on the call. Last I checked I’m someone who’s perfectly capable of looking after myself. So if you can all give me a bit more credit and stop treating me like I’m some wilting fucking flower, that would be fantastic,” Amelia snaps.
Silence.
“Oh. And while we’re at it, Evan and I made nice last night. No need to keep Keith on speed dial.” She rolls her eyes.
A couple of eyebrows are raised, but no one decides to ask for any follow up details.
“Sorry Amelia. I’m your big brother, it’s my job to worry. This storm just came out of nowhere, so I’m just a bit out of sorts. Kinda makes me think it is Mom playing a sick joke on all of us. She always did love Thanksgiving.” Antonio’s tone softens significantly.
