The Mystery Call (Part I)

Cell phone buzzed.

Phew, saved by the phone, I thought to myself. Good thing my husband, Jacob, could not hear my thoughts. It was a much-needed distraction. I eyed him and pointed at my writing desk where my iPhone lay face down. "I have to get that. Could be important."

He stared at me open-mouthed like he couldn't believe I would wave aside our discussion just like that for a mere phone call.

"Are you serious right now?" He asked, arching a brow.

I shrugged. "It could be an emergency," I moved around him to reach my phone. He sighed. A glance at the screen revealed a number I was not familiar with. I hurriedly pressed the red button, perching it between my ear and shoulder while I kneaded his shoulder, my way of calming him. Jacob raised and dropped his hand in resignation and walked out of our bedroom.

"Hello?" I took a deep breath, happy my husband had left the room. I did not enjoy arguing with him about my work. He suggested we fly out to the Maldives for a week's vacation. I couldn't believe my ears.

True, I'd been spending more time with my students as a new and one of the youngest college professors in my university. I needed to make my mark on them. Many questioned why the college board would award a professorship to me when there were other qualified college lecturers.

"Hello?" I repeated and frowned. There was silence and….breathing sounds on the other end. I listened intently, quite sure my ears were not deceiving me.

I pulled my phone from my ear to glance at the screen. An envelope emoji wiggled and blinked brighter at me. I hung up the call and tapped the emoji.

Prof, Is it okay if I stop by your office later today? The second chapter of my dissertation is ready and I'd appreciate your critique.
— Henry

I furrowed my brows and read the text again. It was from Henry Adelaja, a hardworking scholarship student from Nigeria, who always impressed me. I replied saying I hoped to see his work later in the evening.

I glanced at myself in the mirror and touched up my lips with some gloss. I picked up my cup of coffee from the bedside table when my phone buzzed in my other hand. I caught my breath, surprised by the vibration. I tapped the green button to answer the call.

"Hello?"

Again there was no response. Utter silence on the other end was shattered seconds later by clear heavy breathing sounds. The hairs on my hand and neck stood erect as my skin bubbled with goosebumps.

"Is this a joke? Hello?" I raised my voice an octave, hoping to communicate my anger to whoever was on the other end.

Same breathing sounds followed by, "SSHHSHH….HAAAA".

My heart raced. I glanced at my screen and punched the end call button. I let the phone drop on the bed. Just then, Jacob strolled into our bedroom, took one look at me and rushed to my side.

He cupped my face, a scowl on his own.
"Talk to me. What is it?"

I opened and shut my mouth twice before I could explain what just happened.

Who would play such a prank on me?

TO BE CONTINUED….

^{Also posted on my blog}