twenty-one-year-old, Ivone (ee-von) Flowers, is a hard-working college senior with plans to not only graduate but move out from her parent's home as her journey of adulthood begins.
but one day, as she was walking to her next class, she spotted some...
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I HATED THAT DAMN CLOCK.
It was six in the morning, and unfortunately, I had to wake up and begin my day. I had work in two hours but wanted to unpack some of my room before heading to work.
Within the hour, I carefully unpacked the large boxes that took up space in my room. Fortunately, I hadn't dropped any fragile vases or old picture frames, unlike the first day we moved, and I made sure to pay special attention to my valuables. I didn't have much to begin with, but I had a few fake succulents, posters, and copious amounts of books that aided in brightening up my room.
I had placed a small turtle vase with some fake flowers on the windowsill in hopes of one day buying a bouquet of them to add some more life to the space. It sat perfectly in the crease of the window, instantly making me smile at its sight. After all, it was the one pot that I wanted and spent every penny I had to get it.
After making my bed, I said a quick prayer and began my normal morning routine.
Turning the handle of the shower head and allowing the for the water to heat up, I paused to look at myself in the mirror. I had a few new pimples pop up overnight, and my hair seemed to be ready for a redo. My short, cotton-like mane stood straight up from the way I slept last night and a giggle escaped my lips. I loved it, and I took great pride in wearing it out, but this was a funny sight.
Hopping in the shower, I used my scrub brush and cleaned my body, making sure to thoroughly wash myself. I had only recently started caring about my self-care routines as my therapist ever so graciously spoke of my disorganization when it came to my care.
Is she right? Yes.
Granted, I knew myself better than anyone out there, but that woman could read me like a book. I aspire to be that type of therapist one day.
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Don't get me wrong, I enjoy my job along with the freedom it gave me to do my homework, but walking nearly two miles in 30-degree weather made me want to quit. I worked as a legal assistant for a law frim in town, and it was easily the chillest job i've ever had, despite the walking.
Thankfully, I checked the forecast before heading out which prompted me to do things much differently this morning. Instead of wearing my afro out I had sectioned it into mini twits and threw on a curly headband wig and a black beanie that I had in one of my dresser drawers. It was the only way to keep me from freezing my ears off. I had on a pair of light wash wide-leg jeans, a simple white button-up dress shirt, and an insulated blue buffer jacket along with my newly bought gray new balances.
I got back from the post office not too long and I was still shivering despite being in the office for about 10 minutes. It was nearing the end of my shift and all I had left was to close down the office. My coworker, Robert, and I mindlessly chitchatted as we went about each floor restocking all of the supplies, cleaning the kitchens, and stamping some more mail.