Ascension

Chapter Two

I blindly slung my hand down on the nightstand as my nerve-wracking alarm went off. My hand slapped the wooden surface a few times, desperately searching for my phone. When I found it, the annoying contraption shut up. I let my arm fall back onto my duvet and I lay in silence.

Eventually, my eyes fluttered open to my ceiling filled with cascading colors, shining from the beautiful sun. The windows were slightly opened, allowing some fresh air and a cool morning breeze to fly in. I groan. My college classes were based primarily in the afternoon, but now that I'm a certified businesswoman, I had to act the part.

I won't feel half as bad when the shop, which I'd had my eyes on for so long, is finally signed over to me. I could picture everything now, how I wanted it to be. I've had early morning meetings regarding the opening of my business over the past few weeks, so I had to make a desperate change in my sleeping schedule.

Thankfully, the last one was just a few hours before my graduation yesterday. I can't explain how liberating it was walking across the stage, grabbing my diploma, and shaking the Dean's hand. After that, I met up with Emma and Chance at the Masquerade.

Pulling an all-nighter like last night was definitely not an option anymore.

I slung the white duvet over my head and shifted underneath the covers until I found a more comfortable spot. A few more minutes wasn't going to hurt me.

"Lady Daniella?"

I stand corrected.

My forehead wrinkled and I bit the inside of my cheek as another faint knock came upon my door. "Yes?" I finally answered, pushing the duvet back down and gaping at the ceiling. I heard the double doors push open; I rolled my head to the side to see who was servicing me this morning.

"Good morning, Lady Daniella. Chance has informed me that because of your new business, you should start to be serviced around this time." Mrs. Alessandra is one of the nicest women who work here at my home.

"Has he now? He's so great." I rolled my eyes and dropped my head back down on the pillow.

She hummed. "Is that an issue?"

"No, no. He's right." I said quickly. "You did nothing wrong."

"Phenomenal. This morning we are serving blueberry pancakes, eggs – with ketchup as you like – and french toast. What would you like to drink? The french press?"

"Please. Would you mind putting two aspirin next to my food as well?" I asked.

She smiled. "Of course. Would you like me to set aside an outfit for you, as well?"

"No, thank you. I have that handled." I turned to her again. "I know my father has you ask and, I really appreciate it, but you really don't have to do all those things for me, you know?"

"I know. You tell me every time. But I owe that much to Mr. Alverez. I at least have to offer for the one day you might say yes." She explained as she tucked a pale blonde strand behind her ear. She had a bob cut, much like mine, I knew how difficult it could be to keep hair out of your face.

But she was amazing as usual. That's why she's been around since I was just a small child. She has helped me through so many things, and has been a mother-like figure to me in some ways. She started when she was only sixteen here, she's only now barely in her forties.

"Is there anything else?" She asked, and I shook my head. She retraced her steps back out of my room and started to gently close my doors.

"Wait! Mrs. Alessandra!" I called out and she quickly walked back in, giving me a questioning look. I leaned up, letting my duvet fall off my body. "Thank you." I smiled at her, knowing she more than well deserved the world.