Sloth (Seven Sins: 1)

Chapter 4: Morning

"Hey! Hey you! Get up!" I squinted up at Seth in annoyance as he peered down at me, "It's morning and I'm lonely!" He sat on my stomach. I let out a loud oof! and pulled the covers up over my head.

"Go away!" I grumbled, my voice muffled by the blankets.

"Oh come on!" Seth got off me and I let out a comical  sigh of relief, removing the covers from my face just in time to see him sticking his tongue out at me.

"I'm tired, and I want to sleep." I threw an decorative pillow at him and he dodged it easily.

"But I'm bored and lonely!" He walked over to the curtains concealing my balcony door, "And I'm hungry." He threw open the curtains and blinding light exploded in the room

"Seth! If your hungry, make your own food! And close the damn curtains!" I yelled.

"No, get up!" He glared at me, "Your wasting a beautiful day!" I threw another pillow at him and he yanked the warm, soft blankets off me.

"Seth!" I shrieked and yanked my bare leg's up to my chest as he realized I was only in a t-shirt and underwear. His face reddened.

"Sorry!" He dropped my blankets, rushed out of my room, and slammed the door.

I let out a frustrated groan and got out of bed. I put on my pajama pant's and opened my balcony door to begin my morning routine. Juliet rushed over to prance around my leg's then pounce up onto the railing as I breathed in the cool, morning air. I didn't really need to be woken up by the crisp, early winter breeze after Seth coming in, but I just didn't feel right unless my morning routine was done. I looked down at the busy street below- people were bustling in and out of the cafe across the street. Very few cars were on the road because most places in town were close enough  to walk to. I myself like to walk to work instead of drive. Did I mention I was a painter? Every painting in my home was done by your's truly. I have my studio set up in the top floor of the highest building in town. Nobody wanted the building because people thought it was haunted (my town is very superstitious) but of course, I didn't care. I own the entire building because the original owner just wanted to get rid of it and never have to worry about it again. Anyway, the building has heat, running water, electricity, eight stories to paint in, a mini fridge on each floor; I've got everything a blossoming artist needs.

I stared up at the clouds that were stained pink from the rising sun. Seth must have woken me up pretty early; the sun is usually high in the sky by the time I get up. It was quite lovely though, the sun rising, painting the sky with pinks and purples and oranges. I ran back into my room, grabbed my camera and snapped a few photos. You just never know when you'll need a reference for a commission. I often have people stopping by my studio to request a painting for their home or as a gift for someone (Christmas brings in a lot of commissioners). I usually charge depending on how detailed they wish the painting to be, what I'll be painting, and what supplies I'll have to use (I often take a couple days to think it over before I offer up a price). Many people complain and walk away when I give them the price because I charge fairly high, but they always come back after seeing my work around town, or after being told by their friend's or family of my work. I've never had an unsatisfied customer.

Juliet mewed at me and I looked at her, "What is it love? Do you want me to take a picture of you too cutie?" I snapped a couple of photos of Juliet. Maybe I could make a painting of her later.

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"Good morning!" I walked into my living room to find Seth holding up his hand and watching Ember twist around his finger's. He smiled at me,

"Want to hold Ember?" Ember stuck his pink, forked tongue out at me and wiggled it.

"I would love to, but I am starving!" I walked to the kitchen and began to make breakfast.

"Wait, where's Juliet?" Seth came to stand next to me, still holding Ember.

"I locked her in my room." Me and Seth agreed last night that not letting Juliet see Ember would be best for both of them. Juliet would probably try to eat Ember and even though he's not very big, Ember would probably strike at Juliet.

"Good," Seth walked away to put Ember back in his terrarium then came to help me in the kitchen.

 After making breakfast, we snuggled up together under a blanket and watched TV when the phone rang. Grumbling, I got up and answered,

"Hello?"

"Hi, is this Seth?" A man asked.

"No, why?"

"Well Seth's apartment is safe to go in now, the floor is stable enough to walk on and the fire has been put out entirely. You may go in now and try to salvage anything you can find. Most of the damage is in the living room and the living room windows. Just be careful in there."