Sentinel Darling

Chapter I

It was nothing new waking up to this faint clean but musk odor. I use to think that it was my automatic fragrance spray that I have around the house until I checked that it wasn't working, the worst being that there were no batteries in it. The smell was so energizing, so uplifting. Fresh laundry, shampoo, or soap with a rich, sexy, and sensual mix. Something ambrosial yet menacing. My nose lifted to the air inhaling deeply.

In the process of stepping out my room I grab the robe hanging on the door. It was my day off and I had lots to do. For one I had to clean which will be a complete pest. Then there's the full basket of dirty clothes, the groceries and along with cooking me something to eat. The only way in accomplishing all these task is to start at the crack of dawn. Well at least that's what I conceive the better approach.

Being that my house was one story the cleaning wouldn't be much. Out of my room to the left hallway was the bathroom, a dead end. The right lead out into the living room, pass that was the kitchen and then there's my, I guess you can call my work spot. I pulled the rope tighter around my body and tiptoed to reach my favorite tea mug. I never understood why I put it so high up but I guess it was because grams always had it that way back home and it became a habit.

Turning on the faucet, I rinse the mug and allowed the water to fill it. I took the tea pouch that was near the sink and ripped the packet open. Once I snatched the mug from the faucet I placed it in the microwave.

As I waited for the ding, I walked to the thermometer to turn up the heat and made sure it was at my satisfied temperature. When I looked at the house phone in the living room, I sighed smiling. Grams left a message and I hate that I never got to them on time. Since there was a 2 hour difference I always second guessed when to call. Clicking the flashing button I listened carefully.

You have one message.

Cordelia, Its grandma. I miss you too much. I wanted to know how's that permanent job you're searching for going and since you didn't' pick up..

I heard shuffling and then her sweet voice again.

It's about 9 and it must be quite late over there since this went straight to voicemail.

She sighed and continued.

Well I guess I'll talk to you when possible. Goodnight or goodmorning, which ever applies to you. Hope to hear you soon.

The call ended and I heard the monotone voice speak. I thought about calling her but it was 8 over here which meant it was 6 am in Arizona.

It was starting to heat up in the room. Once I was back in the kitchen I flickered my eyes too the beeping microwave. Taking out the steamed water and dropping the tea bag and sugar cube in, I stirred it in with a spoon.

The hot mug was against my lips as I breathed the steam. So warm. I walked around the house looking for the supplies to clean. The glass cleaner, broom, mop, etcetera.

I carefully sit down on the couch whilst closing my eyes. Allowing the steam to evaporate on my face. I listen to the wail of the wind and the ruffles of the tree branches scratching against each other. Then imagined leaves scraping the solid grounds and birds chirping.

I take the first sip and smile as the warm liquid passes my tongue, down my throat and dissolves in my stomach. I get up out my chair to walk to the front door. As I opened the door the sky was a smooth particular blue and the sun shining bright but the weather was still cold. It was mid April and spring just recently started. I stepped out on the porch and gazed my eyes over the other houses. Mine was a dead end, the woods was right behind my house. I chuckled at the irony, turning back inside.

Some days I just wanna run into them and take my paint and paintbrushes with me, letting nature do the rest. There was always something that held me back or was it someone? Myself?