What It Takes

The Other Side

Janie

I laid quietly in the California King bed, dreaming of jumping in the cool Pacific Ocean, with the waves rolling gently over my head. I jumped out of the water and laid in the hot sand, letting the sun bake my already tanned skin. I was staring across the blue water and the dolphins riding the surf when I was awaken by a motion rather then a sound.

I opened one eye reluctantly, only to catch a glimpse of Steven's backside entering the bathroom. Fucking christ. What time was it? I rolled over and looked at the clock. 5 AM on the dot. What the hell was he doing up so early? Was he really that excited to be getting back in the studio? 

I groaned and rolled back over, attempting to initiate the sleeping process all over again. Man, I'd love to be laying in that hot sand again...

I heard the shower turn on, and a loud clatter. 

So much for going back to sleep today.

I opened my eyes and resorted to staring at the ceiling. Today was a big day, I guess. Steven was going to start a new album and Jade was starting her first day of school. What I was going to do today is a mystery. Maybe I'll visit Steven in the studio and bring him lunch, but then again I don't want to bother him on his first day in.

Maybe he would let me get another paralegal job here in Vancouver. I could keep busy with that, and make a little money doing it. I vow to ask him when he gets out of the shower.

I flipped on the TV and started making a mental note of all the chores that had to be done today. Cleaning the kitchen counters and floor, scrubbing the toilets and bathtub, vacuuming the living room floor. 

Lots to do today. Add making dinner and dropping Jade off to that, and I had a full day planned. Maybe I'd have time for a nap or a mani-pedi. 

I decided to start the day off on a good note. 

I trudged downstairs sleepily in my silk robe. I began cooking breakfast- something quick. I pulled out a carton of eggs, bacon, and sausage. I fried them all up quickly and made Steven a big plate.

Before I knew it, the smell drug my little sleepy head out of bed.

"Morning baby" I said to her as she walked aimlessly down the steps.

"Morning" she answered.

"Are you excited for your first day of school?" I asked her, frying up some more eggs.

"I guess" she gave me a little grin and dunked her sausage link in maple syrup.

"Did you sleep okay, or did your dad wake you up?" I took a bite of a piece of bacon.

"I slept fine, I just smelled this food." she giggled. "Why is dad up already?"

"Today's his first day in the studio. I guess he's excited to go." I shrugged my shoulders and rolled my eyes. "You know how he gets."

"What did you pack me for lunch?" she asked, pouring herself a glass of orange juice.

"Ham and Cheese sandwich, strawberries, and some chips. Sound good?" I clarified.

"Yeah, sounds good." she confirmed.

I heard the sound of someone moving around upstairs, and I knew Steven had to be done his shower. I reached over and hit 'brew' on the coffee pot. Immediately, fresh coffee started trickling down, little by little.

It would only be a few minutes before he came down. I reached over and grabbed Jade's plate. I put it in the sink and started scrubbing. Doing dishes was the worst chore ever, but it had to be done.