Dust in the Empty Flames

Chapter 1

( Picture of Rosalia)

Hey! This is actually my first story, so please go easy on me! This was just an idea that was in my head for a while, and I finally decided to write it down which later turned to an entire bookXD So enjoy, and tell me what you think and don't forget to vote, comment, and share!!:D

I awoke to the wonderful sound of my alarm at 6:45 am as I could not, for the life of me, wake up at 6:30 without pressing the snooze button at least two times. Today I'd pressed it three time and that was when I'd finally managed to wake up and make my way to the kitchen. I'd never been much of a morning person, but someone had to make breakfast, and that someone was me.

I somehow managed to peel myself away from my warm bed and I made my way to the kitchen. I looked around for something to make when I remembered I'd promised to make chocolate chip pancakes for Madison. I got the batter and the chocolate chips and managed to make them by 7:05 when Madison came into the kitchen in her pink pajamas holding her teddy bear.

"Good morning, Rosalia," she said somewhat sleepily.

I gave her a small smile," Morning, Maddie."

I'd taken to calling her Maddie soon after Mom had died. I taken over a lot of the things Mom had done, and this was just another one.

She looked at the plate of food on the table, and her big hazel eyes widened," Are those-"

"Chocolate chip pancakes?" I asked teasing her.

She nodded her head hopefully.

I smirked playfully," Well if they were... I don't think I know anyone who would want to enjoy them...do you?"

"What do you mean?!" she exclaimed incredulously," I want to!"

I pretended to be surprised and mock gasped," What? And here I thought I would have to eat them myself-"

Then almost at the speed of light she rushed to the table and sat herself down knife and fork in hand ready to dig in.

I stared at her for a minute amused and then said," Or not."

After we'd finished breakfast I'd had to help Maddie get dressed and ready for school, and then I got myself ready for work, too.

I put on a pair of black jeans, brown loose knit sweater over a black tank top, and my black combat boots. I kept makeup to a minimum as I had only had a few minutes(on a good day) to get ready. I dabbed on some mascara to darken my eyelashes, and a bit of concealer and chapstick. I kept my hair down as it was just easier than having to deal with it this early in the morning. Looking at myself one last time I reached up and tugged on a random loose curl and sighed before going to get Maddie ready to leave.

................................................

We'd left around 7:30 and I'd dropped her off at around 7:45. This gave me fifteen minutes to get to my waitressing job before I was late.

I wasn't worried as I'd always somehow managed to get to work exactly a few minutes before I had to be there, much to the manager's displeasure.

I managed to walk in right when he was outside of his office grumpily pouring himself a cup of black coffee. And like most other days, Mr. Carson was not too happy about me for some unknown reason and said," Ms.Castilho, is it that hard to arrive to work a little earlier, or must you insist on doing this just to annoy me?"

I resisted the urge to roll my eyes and sighed tiredly, " I'm sorry, Mr. Carson, but I have to take my sister to school and then walk to work myself. I just barely make it on time, and personally I don't think you can berate me for making it on time considering my circumstances."