Escaping Expectations

Chapter 5

I was walking so gently that it felt like I was floating when a young man with white hair as pure as snow looked towards me and almost whispered "Lily, take my hand." His slim fingers reaching towards me, I reached back. A feeling of warmth built around me, like the morning summer sun on my skin as we started lifting off the ground. My eyes teared up when an immense ecstatic feeling grew more and more, leaving me with an overwhelming sense of happiness. I couldn't help but return his smile as we elevated higher and higher, slowly approaching the sky. "You are doing amazing. Look how beautiful you are." I tried looking at myself but I had no body. Instead of flesh, I saw a bright golden light. I smiled. "Is this me?." I looked in astonishment at the beautiful blinding light that I was. The pale boy said "It will be one day."

Noises coming from the floor above woke me up. I rubbed my eyes and stared at what looked like a basement ceiling. I focused on the wooden beams for a while. It took me a few moments to remember where I was. Just a few seconds to remember that I was basically an orphan at this point. Just a minor instant before the cruel reality came rushing back to me. 'Fuck...' I then looked around and saw Bo passed out on another couch. I took some time to breathe and stretch before getting up. I didn't remember going to sleep or what time it was. I stretched one last time before making my way upstairs and greet the early birds.

"Dude I'm telling you! It was orange!" A male voice declared with assurance. "Bruh you're colour blind! It was red!" Another voice called out. "Enough with your nonsense, boys." Sona's voice said warmly. "Eat your eggs before they get cold. Oh! Good morning my dear!" Said the little woman when she noticed me. All eyes turned towards me and I could feel the blood rushing to my face. "H-hey.. Good morning." I spoke quietly and wasn't sure if it was loud enough for anyone to actually hear. "Take a seat honey, how do you like your eggs?" She questioned as she was already back to the stove to prep the breakfast. "Over easy please." I answered shyly as I walked to the remaining empty chair. The table was surrounded with teenage boys.

Max looked up at me but I pretended to hav a particular interest in the trees out the window. I could feel my stomach growling at the delicious smell of eggs and bacon. I realized nobody was talking anymore so I looked around only to realize they were all looking at me. "Hello?" I let out, indecisively. Unfortunately, this simple word opened the door to conversation.

"Hey we didn't get to talk much yesterday." Alec chimed in while getting a mouthful of food. "Yu liku hore-whee-ing?" I stared at him, unsure of what he was trying to say. I smiled uncomfortably and looked at Max for help. He threw a paper towel to his friend and called. "Dude finish your bite before speaking. And yeah she does like 4-wheeling." Alec nodded once as a satisfied approval. "Will you guys let the poor girl wake up?" Waved the pudgy woman as she arrived with a plate that looked like it was destined for royalty.

Two perfectly cooked eggs, four slices of sizzling bacon, two buttered toasts and a mountain of cheesy potatoes. I looked at the plate in disbelief. I knew I'd never be able to eat all of it even though I really wanted to. The delicious smell filled my nostrils as my mouth watered in anticipation. Only one thing was missing. Or so I thought! The second the thought went through my mind, Sona poured orange juice in my glass. "Down worry dear. If you can't eat all of it I'll understand. I gave you an extra large meal just to make sure you aren't too shy to ask for more if you're still hungry."

I could feel my cheeks burning in embarrassment. Of course she knew me well enough to know I'd never ask for seconds. "Thank you for the breakfast, ma'am."

She stood straight and looked deep into my eyes. "Do I look that old to you?" She joked and hit my arm gently with the light green dish towel she was holding. "Call me Sona, dear." She called as she was making her way back to the kitchen. "You're practically family."