The Fresh Start

** 6 - Balancing Acts **

It's Monday. A Monday hasn't been this exciting since... since... never, I guess. But this one was different.

I smiled as I brushed my hair and pulled out my clothes for the day. Jeans and a t-shirt. The most comfortable work clothes in the world.

The brush reminded me of last night's karaoke. Donna's giggles and Zoe's smile stuck in my mind. We'd sung silly songs, and Donna's voice was adorable.

I checked myself in the mirror. I noticed how lose my jeans hung. A reminder of the weight I'd lost – and the months I'd spent hiding under blankets, feeling sorry for myself. Anger flickered within me; how could I have let things get so bad? I thought about all the days I'd wasted, trapped in my own misery.

But that was behind me now. Today, I felt different. Stronger.

"I'm really doing this," I whispered, feeling a thrill of excitement about teaching Donna.

I headed to the kitchen, the morning sunlight streaming through the window highlighted the cluttered countertops. I began setting out cups for coffee and hot chocolate, the ceramic mugs clinking softly.

Zoe walked in, looking adorably dishevelled, her hair tangled from sleep. She blinked away the remnants of a restless night.

"Oh, Sabrina, you're up," she said, her voice husky.

"Yeah, making coffee," I replied, smiling.

I handed her a cup, and she took a sip, her eyes closing in appreciation. I noticed her gaze drifting to the counter, searching.

"I can't find my brush," Zoe said.

I recalled seeing it in the living room last night after our karaoke session. I popped into the lounge and retrieved it, handing it to her. She smiled, taking it from me.

"Remember," she said, as she began brushing her hair, "the housework is not your job. Just Donna's education, yes?"

I rolled my eyes good-naturedly. "Yes, mom."

Zoe's expression turned mock-serious. "Don't test me, Sabrina. I have backup lectures prepared.

I grinned, holding up my hands in mock surrender. "Okay, okay. I'll behave."

Zoe smiled, her eyes crinkling at the corners. "Good. Now, let's get through the day without any more reminders, deal?"

I nodded, feeling a sense of ease wash over me. Our banter had become a comforting ritual.

Zoe continued getting ready, I helped, instinctively anticipating her needs. I handed her a towel, then her blazer, our movements fluid. As she slipped it on, I adjusted her collar, ensuring it sat perfectly.

"Did you look at the schedule for the week?" Zoe asked, checking her watch.

"Yes, before I went to bed last night."

"Okay, so you know what she'll need to start work this week?"

"Yeah, I made a list, it's on the fridge."

"My credit card is in the drawer, call me if you have any trouble using it."

I nodded, scribbling a quick note on the fridge.

"I will, thank you."

"Also, any groceries you need can get charged to it as well."

"I remember," I smiled, "but chances are, Donna and I will still eat cereal like popcorn anyway."

Zoe chuckled, "What are you doing to my daughter?"

As Zoe finished getting ready, I handed her bag to her, our fingers touching briefly.

Zoe's gaze met mine, her expression softening. She reached out, gently brushing a strand of hair behind my ear.