The Dark Path (Part 1/2)

Alexis

10 years later...

[Archer's POV]

I woke up at precisely 6 o' clock everyday. I don't know how I do it, but I always do. Maybe it's the fact that my parents and grandparents have a knack for waking up early. I shook my head. That was silly. I've heard of features like eye colour and the ability to roll your tongue as an inheritable trait, but waking up at the same time everyday? How does a person inherit a HABIT?

I groaned as I got up from my bed. It was dark in my room. I liked the dark. There was something about it that 'rejuvenated' me. I took in the deep breath as tried to think about today's plan. Hmmm...let's see. For breakfast, I think I'll make myself some bangers and mash. Then, head to class and pass up last week's assignment to Mrs. Johnson.

I hope Miles remembered to finish his assignment. Miles has been my best friend for probably a decade. When my parents moved this part of the state, Miles and his parents welcomed us. Well, Miles' parents welcomed us. Miles, well...I wouldn't count touching everything and asking a billion questions was somewhat welcoming. Still, he was a great kid. If only he wasn't always putting the most important things at the last minute.

I got up from my bed and took a quick shower. After that, I had a good breakfast of bangers and mash. I hated the idea of my mom waking up so early to prepare for breakfast for my dad and I so lessened the load by making breakfast for myself. Looking at my watch, it was almost 7 o'clock.

I still had time to reach school and maybe do some last minute finishes on my photography assignment for the school magazine. As I got in my car, I switched on some Jimi Hendrix and drove to school in a good mood. Ahhh, I thought to myself. This semester is starting out good...

[Miles' POV]

Oh man, oh man, oh man. I woke up really late. Why do I always forget to set my alarm? It was already twenty minutes past 7 o'clock. I stumbled out of bed with a headache.

I turned on the shower. However, I forgot to check the warmth of the water. The water was freezing cold! I yelped. After some time, the water became warm so I washed myself quickly. I ran downstairs to eat breakfast. Hopefully, it wasn't cold. I was wrong. Mom made minestrone soup and it was very cold. I drank the soup as fast as I could.

"Miles, you're a grown man, now. If you were more responsible, you wouldn't have to rush like this. Nathan, say something to the boy," my mom said to my dad who was fixing his tie.

"He'll learn eventually, Kelly. I used to wake late too, remember?" my dad said without looking at my mom as he fixed his tie.

"Ugh. Like father, like son. Here, let me help you with that."

My mom helped my dad with his tie as I finished the soup and placed the empty bowl and spoon into the sink. I washed the bowl and spoon swiftly, luckily, without making too much of a mess.

I said goodbye to my parents and got in my car. Archer is probably at school by now. Why does always have to get so early in the morning?! It's amazing that we've been friends for a decade. Even though I was in rush, I drove safely, not wanting to get involved in a road accident. I arrived at school just a few minutes before the school bell would ring.

I placed my bag on my place that was next to Archer's place, who was already there, looking at some photos.

"Barely made it this time, man." he said.

"Whatever. I feel like crap. Had to stumble out of bed, had a not-so-awesome cold shower along with some cold soup." I said as I rubbed my temples.

"Didn't you get my text message? I reminded you to set your alarm."

"I did, I did. But, ahhh, I forget too fast. Say, what do you have there? Can I see those?" I said as I pointed at the photos Archer was holding.