Virtuous

Chapter 2

Like always, I am out of bed by 6:50 a.m. I take a quick glance out of my window at our beautiful city. Virtus has always had the most gorgeous sunrises. The glow of the August sun begins to peak over the apartment building across the street, illuminating my room with a warm, orange glow. To me, these mornings are like a blanket of comfort, a reminder of how grateful I am for this life and this city.

I am sure not to observe too long - I can't miss breakfast at 7:15. I turn away from my window and walk toward my closet and begin shifting through the endless collection of fabric I have acquired over the years. Something about this day feels different, but in the best way possible, so I choose my favorite gray pleated skirt that my mom got me for the first day of school last year. I bought a navy skirt for the first day this year, but for some reason this first day requires my gray skirt again, just like last year. Even though it is only August, the city is already beginning to get chilly, especially in the mornings. The shadows from the buildings keep the street cool, no matter how warm it may be. Because of this, I pick out a black turtleneck sweater and a gray blazer to match my skirt. I am one for detail, so my outfits always match, even down to the smallest details, such as my socks; they always match my skirts, even though nobody ever sees this. It is comforting for me.

I put my hair into two braids as quickly as I can, it is already 7:10, I need to be in the kitchen for breakfast soon.

I step into the hallway that connects my room, the bathroom, and my mom's room. I have never known my father; he passed away tragically before I was born. I've never known the full details of his passing; it is too difficult for my mother to discuss. However, I have always been at peace knowing that this was the reason he was not in my life. It isn't the best circumstance, as it has been hard on my mom being a widowed mother for 18 years, but I would rather have this scenario than him be a deadbeat that treated my mom horribly and left her for someone else.

As usual, when I arrive in the kitchen, my mom is at the stove finishing breakfast, which always consists of french toast, two pieces of bacon, and scrambled eggs. She harps on the importance of a balanced diet, so she is always sure to include every food group possible. I will never complain about this.

"So, Gwen, are you ready for your last first day of high school?" she asks as she sets my plate on the table.

"Of course, you know I love school."

"I know you do, honey; this is just an important year for you. It can be scary knowing you're about to transition into the adult world." She sits down across from me with her plate and a glass of milk as I begin to eat.

"Why didn't you wear your new skirt? You wore that one last year."

"The sunrise told me to wear this one, mom, so I did. I always listen to the sun." I take a sip of my orange juice; I know she thinks my connection to the sun is odd - she always has. Sometimes I like to think of it as my father guiding me through life, painting the sky with beautiful colors to lead me down the most beautiful path. She doesn't know this though; she would never understand. We are too different.