let's light up the sky ☆

Chapter 5

I groaned at the sound of my obnoxious alarm. I'd felt the sun on my face for at least half an hour but I'd been having a good deep sleep that wasn't even bothered by the light. My dull pink quilt from Tatik's sister in Armenia, worn down after a few years of use, covered part of my face. The softness of it made waking up an even harder task. Maggie held down the other side as she flopped over on her back and snored away like she didn't have a care in the world.

I'd spent a full week staying up as late as I wanted and sleeping in until almost noon. I had to start getting used to a new sleep schedule for work. I snoozed it and tried to get away with a few more minutes before it rang again, until I heard Mom tip-toeing into my room.

"Nousha," she whispered, brushing some of my hair back.

"Thanks but I'm not interested," I mumbled jokingly.

"Would I grab your interest if I told you your dad brought you breakfast before he left?"

She was at least right about that. I lifted my head and planted both feet on the floor. "This is blackmail."

"But it works. I'll meet you downstairs." Mom stepped out of my room and let me get dressed in peace. I crawled out of bed, not before I reached over and gave Maggie a few head pats and kisses. She woke up and threw one of her front paws over my wrist, holding it down and refusing to let go.

"I know, bub, but I gotta leave. I'll play with you when I get home, okay?"

They told me not to worry about my uniform on my first day because I'd be getting it there. I settled on a regular pair of jeans and a black t-shirt, hoping the beach heat wouldn't be too overwhelming. My hair developed a massive knot while I slept. I thought going to bed with my hair 95 percent dried seemed like a good idea at the time. I pulled and ripped at it with my larger comb before I gave up and popped it into a quick ponytail to fix the problem for me. A simple face wash was all I needed to feel prepared for the day.

"Your breakfast is in the microwave," Mom pointed out as she saw me step off the stairs. "And your dad left you a note on the table." She accentuated her words with a grin, so I knew it would be a good one.

Have a great day, kiddo! You'll do great. Here's some food to start your day.

- Love ya, Dad

I smiled and hugged Mom like I had asked her to pass the message along for me later. "Did you know about this?"

"Know? I watched him write it. Now, go eat so you won't be late for work."

I started up the microwave for 15 seconds. I already knew it was a simple sausage and egg biscuit from the diner down the road, a regular for me, Dad, and Armen. He even left me two this time as a little treat. I grabbed the orange juice and the bottle of grape jelly while waiting for the timer to end.

Mom watched me peddle around the kitchen to prepare for my morning. "Excited for your first day?"

I shrugged. "I guess it'll be fine. It's not like it's something to worry about."

"I know, but a first job is always a big deal. When I got my first job in high school, I started after school one day in the middle of the week. Nothing hits better than a hot shower after 6 hours on your feet."

I scoffed. "Don't I know?" I always get my best sleep after recitals. It's a lot harder, though, to relax after competitions. My parents complain that I'm a sensitive perfectionist. I think there's nothing wrong with pouring my whole soul into something worth winning. If it means a night of awful sleep, then I'll just sleep it off the next day and try it all over again.