Hard Rock and Heartache

Hell Fire

     By some miracle, I woke up that next morning to the sound of my buzzing alarm. And as if that wasn't impressive enough, I put my clock on my dresser rather than my side table, so when it screamed at six, I was forced to get up in order to turn it off. Stumbling into the hall afterward, I breezed past Dustin's room, his door cracked open, and when I peered inside, he was still sleeping soundlessly, a book laid open on his chest.

      "Goob..." I whispered, pulling the door to again before walking to the bathroom, heading inside, and beginning my routine to get ready for school.

     After an hour, I was ready. My dark hair hung to the middle of my back in loose, messy, still slightly damp waves, just its natural state after letting it air dry. My makeup was simple, as usual. A soft foundation to get rid of redness, blush to soften the features, a tinge of redness to my lips to make them pop, and a bit of mascara to make sure I didn't look like the undead. I decided on a comfortable outfit that consisted of loose, holy jeans, white sneakers, and a grey plaid shirt that was a size too big and tucked into my jeans. Rarely would I be caught dead in anything frilly, like dresses or skirts? Bright, bold colors always made me cringe and forget about anything floral. Did my Mother detest my fashion choice? Yes. Did she argue with me about it? Absolutely.

     Before I descended the stairs, I paused by Dustin's bedroom door again, noticing he was now awake, I reveled at the fact that I never really had to worry about him being responsible.

      So, I made my way into the living room first, glancing over my mother who doted over her kitten, feeding it tuna from a can as I walked to the couch and gathered a small pile of dirty clothes.

     "Did you make a grocery list?" I asked her, tossing the clothes into a basket near one of the armchairs.

      "Oh... yes. It's hanging on the fridge," She assured me, never taking her eye off of Mittens as she cooed and awed over him.

      Approaching the fridge, I opened it first and removed the jug of milk, sighing at the out-of-date expiration on the side. "Great..." I mumbled to myself as Dustin walked into the kitchen.

       His eyes glazed over the carton, raising a brow as if to ask a question and I merely nodded, tossing the rancid milk into the trash. "We can stop somewhere on our way," I told him quietly, closing the fridge door before taking the list off and shoving it into my pocket.

Grabbing our backpacks, Dustin and I both moved to leave the kitchen, though I paused, reaching into the cabinet to grab a glass that I filled with water from the sink.

       Making my way into the living room, I stopped beside Mom, setting down the glass on the coffee table. "See you later, okay?" I told her. Dustin in the distance yelling out, "Love you, Mom!!!" I just stood there, staring at her until she finally looked up from Mittens, her face blank until she gave a soft smile, reaching out to pat my hand.

      "Have a great day," She responded simply as she inhaled a deep breath and exhaled harshly. "Love you Dusty!" She yelled out to her son before standing, "I have so much to do today!" She said in a chipper tone, venturing into the kitchen.

My gaze followed, but then I heard Dustin yell out something unexpected from the front door. "Harrington!"

     "Henderson!" Echoed in response and my brows furrowed. I tossed my bag over my shoulder and made my way out of the front door, closing it behind me when I noticed Steve and Robin parked out on the street. Dustin had already walked out and climbed into the backseat.

      "Look at you," Robin said as I approached, leaning down to smile at me through the window as I approached the car.

     "You're ready on time. I don't think I've ever been prouder. How about you Steve?"