Becoming Goddess

CHAPTER 2

Chapter 2

I woke up an hour before school started to the annoying blaring's coming from my radio. I reluctantly got out of bed. Knowing I was going to hang out with Ashlynn after school today - and not wanting to give my dad any reason at all to say no - I decide to use my 'daily training' and go for a run before school. My parents have always been really strict about having some sort of exercise every day - PE was a 'chubs paradise' my dad would say - I really didn't mind most days because one - it came so naturally to me - and two - it's not like I had anything else better to do with my time.

I step outside into the crisp, cool morning air breathing deep and filling my lungs. I usually did my work outs after school or late night, never really being able to appreciate the sunrise and the fresh morning air. I stretch a couple times, bending down and touching my toes, reaching up towards the sky, and doing a couple of forward lunges, but not knowing how much time I had left - having forgotten my watch - I took off at an amazing rate. I glided down the street passing house after house, passing many marines on their way to their jobs - their duty I thought. One day I'll be leaving for work heading off to do my duty. Quickly brushing off that thought I focus on the run, and my surroundings. I close in on a mile in what seems like no time at all and head back to the house.

I ran in the house quickly, hoping I wasn't late and hopped in the shower, hoping that nice warm water will help wake me up. The shower really helped relax my muscles and soothe my skin - which was what I really needed. Once out of the shower I picked out some clothes - a plain grey shirt and some blue jeans- I don't put on make-up because well, I never have worn it- and let my hair air dry. Weather in Jacksonville was nice and warm. Probably shorts weather, but jeans weren't so bad. I didn't do anything to my hair because I really didn't need to. My soft brown hair was naturally straight and silky so I let it fall behind my back, nice and loose.

After I'm showered and dressed I head straight downstairs. I'm unusually tall for kids my age so I took the steps two at a time with ease. The smell of crisp turkey bacon, hot pancakes and maple syrup scents fill the air around me. Once I turn the corner and am in the kitchen I see why. My dad is cooking. It was rare to see him cooking but when he did, man was it good. The last time my dad had cooked it was dinner - and it was because he knew my mother was coming over and wanted to impress.

I wonder what the special occasion is? I thought almost excitedly. It would've been nice for some happiness around here.

I walk over to the table set down my backpack and grab a piece of bacon and inhale it.

" .. Mm ... you should do this more often" I told him adoringly.

"Maybe" he responded "you know how my job is sweetie."

"Yeah I know" I said softly as I put some pancakes on my plate. I start to pour syrup on top when I turn to ask "so what's the special occasion?" I say hiding any excitement I might have.

When the words left my mouth, it looked as if my dad's face had gotten whiter. After what seemed like minutes he turned around grabbed orange juice from the fridge and said "'no occasion, can't I do something nice for my wonderful daughter?"

Okay, this is weird I thought. My dad had never used the words wonderful and daughter next to each other like that. Sure my dad loved me and has been there for me, but nothing at all like that. I decide to brush it off and continue to eat my pancakes.

"Orange juice?" he offered me as he's already pouring the second glass.

"Sure" I answered, suddenly thirsty,

Once he's done pouring the juice he hands me my glass and turns around to place the orange juice back in the fridge. He returns and drinks his whole glass of orange juice in one breath