A Devious Exchange

Early Morning Shenanigans

Conscious thoughts began to drift into my dreaming mind in the early hours, my eyes compelled to open despite my desire to keep them closed. The room was still the same shadowed darkness as the night before, apart from the slight ivory streaks spilling under the fleece curtain separating the two rooms. I took a deep breath of the stale air to awaken my senses faster, the coolness sending a chill up my nose and down my chest.

I brushed the callused joint of my thumb against the soft quilt binding me down to a small bed slat, the wool ropes slightly frayed enough to scratch my skin throughout the night. I didn't mind, the sleep was all too tempting to lure my mind away from the thought of complaining. Reminding myself of the consequences of being late, my fingers pinched the quilt to remove its weight from my chest and legs, sending tingling sensations across my bare skin from the now cooler air.

Mom and Lila had already risen based on the neat spreads on their beds; they are likely out in the garden to ward off the rays of todays' summer heat. I rushed to sit up and swing my legs over the bed frame to stand. My body complained of the hurriedness from the sudden dizziness swaying my mind and vision, having to place a hand on the wall to ensure I don't topple over. Once settled, I smoothed the quilt out and reached for a fresh chemise, drawers, and stockings from the bureau, laying them neatly on the spread. We all shared the same chest of drawers, mom and I frequently wearing each other's garments while Lila's were still too small to mix.

I felt the heat of the morning breakfast before my eyes and nose had a chance to decipher the sustenance. Stumbling around the corner, my face warmed at the hot waves brushing my cheeks as mom stirred a pot of liquid oats. I leaned over her shoulder to kiss her cheek before snatching a basin of water she boiled earlier for me. She smiled slightly before busying herself with some dishware. I dashed back to the room to swiftly bathe the needed and womanly parts, harshly dragging the small rag across my pale skin til it turned red in my satisfaction.

After pulling on the clean chemise and up the drawers and stockings, I swiftly picked up the familiar black corset and navy skirt, tightening them the best I could just to support my quaint bust and cover the white drawer to my ankles for modesty. I messily buttoned the ivory blouse before rushing back into the kitchen where a bowl of my morning oats lay. Mom gave my hair and shirt a disapproving look as I settled into the table, smiling innocently at her scrunched face.

"I'll braid your hair before you head off; those dreadful locks look absolutely horrible," scooping another spoonful into her mouth.

I batted my eyes playfully, "Yes, oh so loving mother." Doing the same, the oats bland flavor settled on my tongue in a slimy texture, luckily still warm enough to make swallowing easier.

She rolled her eyes while glancing over at Lila who had a simple loose braid, reaching to her mid back neatly. She giggled at my remark while absentmindedly playing with her fingers on the table, obviously wanting to go outside to play with Jeffrina. Mom took notice, clearing her throat, "Go along. Don't you go running in the mud, if I see another dirt spot on your skirt, you'll be staying indoors to scrub all the laundry for a month."

Lila smiled and nodded her head respectfully before washing her bowl and spoon in the sink, quickly running out the back door without another word. Humming at her leave, I slouched down to tuck my foot in her chair leg and pull it into the table. Lila always forgot to push in her chair despite mom's repeated scoldings, I guess there were just some things that couldn't be learned. I shoveled in another bite while mom got up to clean her dish, then leaving me for a short period before returning with a comb.

I huffed at her stubborn nature, but I would never pass up a chance for someone else to do my hair. I was a weak woman when it came to loving gestures like combing hair and loving touches, only wanting to melt in my mom's hands as she pulled apart my black tangles with her fingers. Electrifying chills of pleasure flooded my scalp and spine at each pull and scrape of the comb's teeth. My eyes shut involuntarily to enjoy the small moment before today's tortures.