Reality (On Hold - For A While)

Nine- The Morning After

I was awoken to the sound of the front door closing. I shot up, staggering to my feet. It was once I was standing that my brain started to process exactly what had happened. I was snapped out of my thoughts when my bedroom door was opened and my father walked into my room.

"Good god, what happened down there?" He questioned, his eyebrow furrowing together.

"Sorry. I know, I should have cleaned it up. Katrina and Zac decided to come over and they bought food, so we watched some movies. I forgot, but I'll clean it now." I spoke quickly, rubbing my eyes and beginning to make my way downstairs.

"Don't worry about it. I'll have Dakota clean it up once she gets here in the morning. Just get to bed, you have school tomorrow." He said as he turned around, walking out of my room and shutting the door behind him. I let out a breath that I hadn't realised I was holding in, and checked the clock on my bedside table to find that it read 1:17am. After getting into bed, I found it impossible to sleep. I was tossing and turning all night, thinking of all the things that would happen once the truth came out. My thoughts automatically thinking of the worst. My friends would hate me for lying to them, everyone at school would think I was just an attention seeker who didn't like her life. I would become a disgrace.

As I turned around in my bed, for what felt like the millionth time, I could see that light was starting to enter my room through the edges of the window where the silk, black curtains met the pearl white walls. I pushed the blanket away from my body, swinging my legs off the bed and placing them on the cream toned tiles, the cold temperature causing me to immediately regret not wearing socks to bed. I hesitantly stood up, and began walking towards my windowsill. I gripped the curtains and pushed them aside, leaned against the window frame and taking in the view. The pine trees stood tall while their branches shook whenever there was a hush gust of wind. The moss green emphasised by the dark clouds which covered the sky. I watched as a flock of birds flew from one tree to another, navigating their way through the endless view of green. I tried to relax, my chest expanding and contracting with each deep breath I took. The sharp sound of thunder rung through my ears, followed closely by a vivid white flash of light which tore through the atmosphere. I shut the curtains, turning to find Dakota standing in my doorway.

"Good morning Ms D'Liest. Your father sent me to tell you that he is leaving in fifteen minutes, and he wishes to take you to school today." I slightly nodded my head, as she entered my room and started to pack away the washing.

"You don't have to do that, I can put my clothes away." She gave me a grateful smile

"There is breakfast waiting for you downstairs, pancakes drizzled in some honey." With that, she turned on her heels and exited my room. I made my way to the closet after putting everything in its spot, opening the doors and staring at the neatly folded stacks of clothing. I threw on a pair of black leggings and a burgundy jumper with black combat boots, scrutinising myself in the mirror. The black leggings comfortably clinging to my skin, while the jumper exposed my protruding collar bones and slim neck. I washed my face in some cold water and brushed my teeth, trying to convince myself that last night wasn't real. I applied my concealer under my eyes, trying to hide the dark circles that had formed under my eyes. I smeared on my foundation and put on my eyeliner. I grabbed my bag, letting it hang loosely off my shoulder, picked up a leather jacket and made my way downstairs.

My father sat on the couch, his head turning as he heard my footsteps descend down the stairs. The kitchen was spotless, all of the food crumbs and wrappers which had been there last night were gone. Several golden pancakes surrounded by honey where sat on the kitchen bench, alongside a glass of fresh orange juice. I picked up the juice and took a small sip from the cup, immediately putting the cup down as I was reminded by a horrific taste that I had brushed my teeth. Walking to the fridge, I grabbed a cool bottle of water and put it into my book. I heard my father open the front door, signalling that he was headed to the car. I spun around to face Dakota, who had disposed of the orange juice and was rinsing the cup.

"You can do that later, for now, sit down and enjoy the pancakes." She was now facing me.

"Mr D'Liest would not approve of that."

"Don't worry about him. What he doesn't know, won't hurt him." I gave her a small grin, then turned and made my way out of the house.

I made my way to the car, putting my bag in the back seat before I opened the passenger door and entered the car. The warmth of the air stung my face as I closed the door and put my seat belt on. My dad put the keys into the ignition and, with a turn of a wrist, the car began to purr.

"So, do you have anything going on in school?" My father questioned, trying to fill the awkward silence.

"Not really. I have a maths test today, though." I quietly answered.

"Well, good luck. I hope you do well." He half-heartedly replied. Most conversations with my father are similar to that one. He'll pretend to care, and I'll reluctantly reply.

I put my headphones in my ears, and rested my head against the cold window. I let the beat of the music fill my brain, ensuring that all thoughts about Sasha were blocked out of my mind. The houses passed by as I watched people lock their doors and their cars, getting ready to head out to wherever they were going. I felt the car slowly braking, until it came to a complete halt outside of the school gates. The tall, white gates open as a mass of students made their way inside, each one gossiping to the group of friends that surrounded them.

I reluctantly removed my seatbelt and got out of the car, murmuring a quick goodbye to my father before shutting the door.