Taming The Player

4

ERICA FREDRICK POV

As I slowly opened my eyes, the harsh sunlight streaming through the window made me wince. I should have closed the curtains before going to bed. I groaned and pulled the sheet over my head, savoring the warmth and comfort of my bed.

The sound of the door opening and footsteps approaching didn't deter me from my quest for a few more minutes of sleep. It was too early for me to be bothered.

"Wake up, Erica!" my mom's voice pierced through my tranquility.

I mumbled under my breath and ignored her, trying to drift off to sleep again. But she was relentless. The sheet was yanked away, leaving me exposed and grumpy.

"Erica Hailey Fredrick, get up now!"

I huffed and rubbed my sleepy eyes, my annoyance evident in my voice. "What's the urgency, Mom?" I asked, trying to sound more awake than I felt.

"We have a lot to accomplish today," she replied, her tone firm but gentle.

I pouted, "Can't I just sleep for another hour?"

She shook her head, "No, you can rest later. We need to get moving."

I sighed, resigned to my fate. "Fine, I'll be downstairs in a bit."

"Make it five minutes," she countered.

I reluctantly agreed, "Okay, Mom."

With that, she left my room, closing the door behind her. I slowly got out of bed, stretched, and walked over to the window to close the blinds. I tied my hair into a bun and splashed some water on my face to wake myself up. Then, I headed downstairs to find my mom already in the kitchen, sitting on the counter.

"Finally, you brought your lazy ass here," Mom said with a playful smirk.

"Language, woman," I teased.

She chuckled and shook her head in amusement. She got off the counter, and I smiled at her. We spent the next few hours arranging our stuff, and the living room felt like home now with our pictures there. I had my room decorated, and with great difficulty, decided to put my clothes in the wardrobe.

"I am heading to the supermarket; we need groceries," Mom said, as we were both sat on the couch.

"I can go instead," I offered.

She shook her head, "I will do it, just go take a shower or go back to bed."

I stood up, "No need for that, Mom; I can do it."

"Are you sure, dear?" She asked, uncertain.

I gave her a reassuring smile, "Yes, Mom, just write down what you want while I go take a shower."

"Alright, dear. Thank you," she said.

I nodded and made my way upstairs, got to my room, and headed straight to my bathroom. Half an hour later, I was dressed in a ripped skinny jeans and a cute printed sweater which Katherine bought for me. I paired it with boots and pulled my hair into a high ponytail, and afterwards applied quick makeup.

"Are you sure about this, honey?" Mom asked when I got to the kitchen.

"Yes, Mom," I replied.

She sighed, "How do you plan on getting there? You don't know your way around here."

I chuckled, "And neither do you."

"Fine," she said, and with that, she handed me the list and her card.

I walked out of the house and inhaled deeply before walking. The air here seems different from Australia; I know it may sound weird, but it doesn't seem the same for me. Luckily for me, I found a taxi easily and got in.