Colors of Rain

Chapter 1: Perceptions of reality

Morning came faster than she had expected as she found herself drinking coffee by the kitchen counter staring outside the window. In a few moments, her father joined her pouring coffee into his mug.

"Well you're up early," he said taking a sip looking at his daughter.

"It's 8." The reply sent slight chills down Roger's spine reminding him of his late wife who would easily be irritated if she woke a little later than 6. Roger was never an early bird, he loved to stay a little bit longer in bed to 'inhale all the energy he could muster.' he said years ago when Josephine pointed out his habit of waking up late.

"Oh" was all he could reply averting his eyes from her irritated gaze. "Well someone's not an 8 person." he mumbled almost into a whisper but enough for Eliza to hear he was saying something.

"What was that?" she asked stopping the mug from making contact with her lips.

"Nothing! S-so when's school?"

Eyeing her father suspiciously she took a sip before answering, " Tomorrow, I think."

"Oh, I thought it was next week."

"No, I think it's tomorrow or maybe I'll just call Catherine to confirm." she replied setting down her floral mug on the countertop. Placing her index finger on her lips she thought for a few seconds before finally saying, "Yup I think I'll just call her." Walking towards the phone set in the living room she stopped midway and said, "Oh yeah, I'm going to the park and maybe the museum later, just going to do a couple of sketches, I guess." Her father only hummed in response as she continued walking towards the living room. Holding the phone with one hand she dialed Catherine's number.

Roger, on the other hand, went outside to pick up the daily newspaper and also to avoid eavesdropping on his daughter's conversation with her friend. He understands the very essence of privacy as he himself once said, "privacy is my middle name, and those who dare disrespect me shall suffer consequences beyond one's imagination." That consequence would only be a booming voice of anger while lecturing the person who invaded his privacy or worse an ice-cold stare. So cold that one time he caught one of his students looking through his journal, so much anger boiled inside of him that he could only look at the young woman. He had this deadly stare that the student stood frozen in place, afraid that the slightest movement could end her then and there. Turns out she had a crush on him and decided to snoop around his office which eventually got her called to the dean's office. The event dubbed Roger Blanchard the 'Ice King' as he also often kept things to himself not minding anybody's business. He was an Economics professor by the by, and used to be in the military but was honorably dismissed after earning an injury on his leg that made it hard for him to walk fast or run.

Everyone was afraid of getting into his bad side, so no one dared to contradict his decisions, except one. Josephine Gail Zamora. The love of his life. She had this morena complexion and was rather lean. Hailing from the Philippines, everyone adored her as she was very warm to be with. She eventually became a mother and friend to both students and faculty members. She's the only person that could speak her mind in front of Roger which eventually caused him to warm up a little. Though in different departments, as Josephine was an Arts History professor, fate would eventually find ways to make them meet. After a few unexpected meetings on and off-campus and debates in the faculty room, the Ice King eventually became no more. And so there goes their love story, Roger and Josephine got married and brought Eliza to the world. Roger's love for Josephine also made him get into crafting miniature houses and giving more interest in the arts.

When he went back inside Eliza was nowhere to be found assuming that she might be in her room getting ready. He took his sweet time and sat comfortably on the sofa flipping through the pages when Eliza came down with a satchel. "I'm off!" she shouted as she exited through the front door. "Take care!" Roger shouted back in reply.