The Sinner's Heart (SIN CITY Series: Book #1)

Echoes of the Night

ALEXANDRINA'S POV

I woke up to the warm rays of sunlight peeking through the blinds, signaling a relaxing day off from the Café and the club. Stretching my arms, I yawned and swung my legs over the side of the bed, feeling the softness of the carpet beneath my feet.

"Finally!" I muffled in-between yawns. "A day for myself. Jeez, I work too hard these days."

As I got up to head to the bathroom, my stomach growled, reminding me it was time for breakfast. I switched lanes and headed downstairs. 

I shuffled into the kitchen, the aroma of freshly brewed coffee greeting me like an old friend. I hummed in delight.

The kitchen was cozy, with cream-colored walls adorned with vintage utensils and a wooden table in the center.

I cracked the eggs into a bowl and whisked them together with a fork, adding a sprinkle of salt and pepper. The sizzle of bacon in the pan filled the air as I poured the egg mixture into a skillet. Scrambled eggs and crispy bacon - my go-to breakfast.

One could never go wrong with that combo. Besides, it was easy to make. 

As I ate, I thought about my father's lunch. He worked long hours at the factory as a carpenter, and I liked to make sure he had a satisfying meal to take with him. I made his favorite - a turkey and avocado sandwich, carrot sticks, and a thermos of black coffee. I packed it all into his worn lunchbox, feeling a sense of warmth.

"Dad, your lunch is ready!" I called out, and he emerged from his room, his hair disheveled from sleep.

I pouted at his appearance. I pitied him. My poor dad. All I wanted was to make him happy for as long as I could. 

"Thanks, sweetie," he said, giving me a peck on the cheek. "I owe you one."

"Oh, come on, dad! You don't owe me anything." I smiled and waved goodbye as he headed out the door.

With the morning routine done, I headed to the bathroom to shower and change. The warm water washed away the remnants of sleep, and I felt invigorated.

I slipped into a comfortable outfit - a faded band t-shirt, distressed denim shorts, and a pair of flip-flops.

As I towel-dried my hair, I grabbed my backpack and unzipped it, revealing the surprise inside. My eyes widened as I pulled out the wad of cash Vic had given me, plus the generous tip from the mystery man at the club last night. Thousands of dollars! I couldn't believe it.

"Bloody hell!" I yelled, before covering my mouth with my palm.

I let out a whoop of excitement, doing a little victory dance around my room. "Yes! Oh my god, yes!" I exclaimed, feeling like I was walking on air.

I grabbed my phone and started searching for affordable housing in my area. Maybe, just maybe, I could find a place to call our own. I loved the house we were in, but we needed more space. And if my dad asked where I got the money from, well I guess I was going to cross the bridge when we got there, right?

The thrill of possibility coursed through my veins as I scrolled through listings, my heart racing with excitement.

After hours of scrolling through housing listings, I set my phone aside and picked up my canvas, eager to lose myself in the world of colors.

My current piece, "Echoes in the Night," is a reflection of my own struggles - a dark, stormy sky with flashes of lightning illuminating the shadows. The painting was a mix of chaos and hope, a representation of my inner turmoil.