Chapter 4 - La Pieta

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Dayna had always been an early riser

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Dayna had always been an early riser.

Even on the days when she wanted nothing more but to sleep in, engulfed in sumptuous Egyptian sheets, dreaming well into the afternoon, her body betrayed her. Even when she stumbled back into the house after sunrise, she could barely sleep past 10:30, and that was on her worst day.

It served her well in the days of being in Pure Gold; her bandmates never had to worry about being late for a flight or dreaded press junket, as they could rely on Dayna to be up ahead of schedule, bright-eyed and bushy-tailed, making her rounds to ensure the ladies were awake and ready to go.

Being Victoria's full-time personal assistant was a perfect fit for Dayna. She had been responsible for ensuring Victoria made it to the bus on time since childhood, and even in V's most disciplined days as the leader of their group, she still struggled with starting her day off right. While Victoria was the more outgoing and social one, able to charm her way into important rooms and opportunities, Dayna played a crucial role in making sure she didn't miss any important meetings. After years of being the designated 'responsible one' and finally being compensated for her efforts, Dayna took pride in waking up early, completing her morning routine, and workout before preparing Victoria's breakfast and coffee. By the time she greeted Victoria, she was already ready to tackle the day's tasks after taking care of her own needs.

This morning, as the first light of dawn crept through her window, Dayna stirred from her sleep. She stretched languidly, savoring the quiet stillness that the early morning offered. Slipping out of bed, she moved with practiced ease through her hygiene routine. The bathroom was her sanctuary—a place of peace and methodical ritual. She washed her face with cool water, the sensation invigorating her senses. Each step of her skincare regimen was deliberate, from the gentle exfoliation to the careful application of moisturizers. Her reflection in the mirror revealed a serene, composed woman ready to take on the day.

Dressing for her workout, Dayna chose her attire with the same precision—comfortable yet flattering running shorts, a fitted top, and her favorite sneakers. She tied her silk press back into a sleek ponytail, every motion smooth and efficient. The routine was a meditative process, grounding her for whatever the day might bring.

As she descended the stairs, the sound of bombastic horns grew louder, an unusual addition to the morning's symphony of quiet. She reached the bottom step and paused, taking in the sight before her. The kitchen, usually a pristine space awaiting her touch, was now a beautiful mess. Flour and cinnamon dusted the countertops, bowls, and utensils were scattered haphazardly, and amidst it all was Victoria, in a short pink silk robe and rollers, dancing lightly on her feet as she flipped pancakes with her back turned.

"If what you're looking for, is reeeeeeeal lovinnn!" she sang along with the Dramatics playing on the kitchen's sound system, adding a dramatic flourish of churchy vibrato to her rendition. "Then what you see! Is what you get!"

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