New Beginnings

The sound of a noisy alarm fills my room. It echoed throughout the empty halls of the house. I got up from my bed and pressed the alarm off. It was already 6am. 5 minutes more… That's all I could think of. I took a deep breath and jumped out of my bed. I fixed the sheets then headed to the bathroom.

I had a long dream. It was about the town I used to live at. It felt like yesterday, I couldn't believe that it had already been 10 years since then. I'm already 18 and in my last year in high school.

I washed my face and used the toilet. I finish up and walk towards the kitchen, the smell of bacon coming from it. I took a seat and to my surprise, I found freshly made bacon and eggs for breakfast. Next to the table was an envelope. I opened it to find some money, as well as a note that says

"I won't be home tonight, buy something for yourself. -Mom"

I had gotten used to my mother always working overtime. So I grabbed the money and put it in my pocket. I chomped on the remaining pieces of bacon then grabbed my navy blue bag containing all my papers and books. I left the house and walked to my school.

As I was walking towards Winston Academy, a familiar voice called out to me.

"Marcus wait for me!" shouted by a girl. It was Elaine. My best friend of 2 years. She was the co-captain of the Acting club.

"Did you do our homework last night?" asked Elaine. The scent of sweet flowers coming from her semi-wet hair; the sun rays reflecting on her raven black hair.

"I did. I'm not sure if I did it right though." I replied.

"I'm sure it's fine." she assured me. We started to walk together to school. Class was the same as usual, boring and lifeless. I usually just wrote random short stories in my notebook.

After classes were the times that I have to keep my focus. After class I headed to the fourth floor at the end of the hall. That location was where the Acting club met up. I don't act myself but I am the one in charge of the script.

After finishing club practice, I went to my part-time job as a waiter in a café named Hestia Café. I'm usually at the counter and serving customers all afternoon. I got this job quite unexpectedly, but that's a story for another day.

The café door opens and a girl comes inside. It was Elaine. She walks up to the counter and starts to look at the menu.

"I'd like one iced caramel mocha." said Elaine. I start making her order and she sits down at the table near the window. The café was close to the beach, so the sea breeze would always come inside. That table was her favorite spot.

The scent of caramel filled the entirety of the café. I walked up to Elaine's table and proceeded to give her the iced caramel mocha. She took a sip and gave a face full of satisfaction.

"You've gotten better at making coffee. Maybe I'll ask my dad to give you a raise." she teases, knowing fully well that I wanted a raise to increase my pocket money.

"Will you really do that for me?" I ask.

"Hmm I'll think about it. Just keep doing good then maybe I'll talk to my dad." I looked at her happily. I went back to the counter to serve the other customers.

Time had passed by quickly and it was already evening. Elaine was still sitting at her table, probably waiting for her dad to come. Just as I was preparing the store for closing time, a man wearing a blue polo shirt opened the door.

"Daddy!" Elaine shouted.

"Good work today Marcus." He looks at Elaine, "Let's go Elaine. Our car is waiting outside." Elaine nodded and started to walk towards the door. She glanced at me and winked before exiting.

"Be sure to lock up here." the boss ordered.

"Yes sir." I replied.

He exits the door and I start locking the backdoor and the front door. Another day had passed since I moved from that small town. The memories of a girl I played with still filled my heart.

I shook my head to get out of my thoughts. That town was no longer a part of who I am. I don't need to be sad because of it. That was what I was thinking.

This is my life now.

Those words echoed in my mind, I felt tears running through my cheek. I didn't want this life. I didn't get to decide how I wanted my life to be. Overwhelmed by sudden sadness, I dropped to my knees and started tearing up.

Whenever I'm alone with my thoughts, I tend to become like this. I pulled from my pocket the two dolls that were given to me 10 years ago. I held them tightly in my hand, fighting back my tears that came from suppressed sadness. These dolls had always been there for me. No matter the circumstance, they were always there.

I catch my breath and calm down. I felt nothing in that moment, the numbness of everything made me feel like I was floating in space. I take a deep breath and continue closing the store.

It was just like any other day. I always hope for something new to happen. For someone to come into my life and remove the sadness from my heart. I wanted someone to help me.

I opened the door to my house. I didn't even notice that I was already home. I turned on the light to see the empty rooms. No one was waiting for me like always. I headed to my room and placed the dolls on the bed.

The smell of coffee was still in my messy ebony hair. I turned the knob of the shower and went inside. I closed my eyes to feel the water hitting my bare body. Tears mixed in with the water while I became lost in thought.

I grabbed the towel and dried myself. I headed straight to bed and closed my eyes. I promised myself I would never forget her. I promised I would never forget Michelle.

Then why is her face blurry whenever I try to remember her?