Fallen

Chapter 6 "Aloha"

There was a whooshing sound as the wind cut through the air, causing a consistent flicker. The rays bounced off of the curtains as I gazed out the window. A different kind of heat than Texas, I was thankful for air conditioning. Although the humidity was bearable, I relished being indoors. Still, it wasn't like we needed the fan on as well. Of course, this was my mother's approach to waking me up—Turn on all the electricity!

"Lydia! Your father is waiting for us downstairs—Get out of bed!" shouted Elizabeth.

"I'll be down!" I said still a little groggy, mustering up the fortitude as I continued, "Just go down already!"

What's the big deal?

"You know—you've been having a real attitude since we left Texas, what's your problem?" snapped Elizabeth.

You wouldn't understand.

"Nothing!" I shouted, pulling the covers over my head.

It was bad enough that I had to share a room with her, now she's totally rushing me. There was one thing that bothered me most, and that was the interruption of my morning ritual, which mother was doing.

"Five minutes—Lydia!" snapped Elizabeth. Her posture firm as she continued her scolding, "You're not going to sleep this vacation away. Your father worked too damn hard for this trip!"

"Got it!" I shouted, muffled by the pillow I was desperately trying to use to separate me from this woman.

Good luck with the five minutes, bitch!

I heard the door close after my mother's winded lecture—or whatever it was she was doing just a few seconds ago. As far as my attitude, yes—YES! I did have one before our trip. It's official—Tabitha and Jayden are a couple. And, it happened at that stupid party. I should've been there. Had I been there, I would've done anything and everything to thwart Tabitha's plans from sinking her claws into him—my blue eyed angel and his sultry six pack of lean perfection. But it's too late! So, I'm stuck in this stupid hotel, sleeping on a bed in proximity to my mother in the middle of some stupid island. Of all the places I needed to be at, Hawai'i is the furthest from my thoughts—Texas. That's where I needed to be at, damn it!

I could scream, but it didn't do much for me the last time I vented. Nope! I'm just going to make this stupid vacation miserable for everyone and take my sweet time this morning.

Sauntering out of bed, I cupped my right hand, exhaling remnants of air into my palm.

Gross!

My hair was disheveled with a severe case of bed head, gazing into the bathroom mirror. I squeezed a small blob onto my toothbrush. My fingers gripped the ivory knobs and twisted, turning around, a cold burst exploded as droplets cascaded from the shower head. I wasn't going to sacrifice my morning ritual for that woman. However, I would have to be a little bit more creative with time, though. After all, my mother was correct—father did work hard for this vacation. I could tone down the bitchiness. Besides, it's not the end of the world. Jayden is just a boy—A dreamy perfection, but still just a boy.

The zingy mint and suds-filled my mouth the more I scrubbed my teeth with vigor. Accompanied by a torrential downpour, massaging my skin, I squeezed a blob of liquid body soap onto my fluffy, pink scrubber. After a brief scrub, I added two-quarters of my favorite honey and coconut cream shampoo and conditioner, rubbing with vigor through my blonde locks. As I allowed the suds to sit, I spit the minty flavor from my mouth.

Mmmmmm fresh!

I was going downstairs feeling like a new woman, As for the attitude, I suppose I could tone it down a notch. After all, I always wanted to visit Hawai'i—now, I'm here! It was time for me to give paradise a chance and leave Texas back in—Texas.