Soldier Styles

Chapter 1

I wake up the same way, every morning.

Usually the sound of the Red-Bellied Woodpeckers knocking on trees, will cause me to shift. I'll roll over and grasp my white sheets and shove my face into my white pillows,hoping for my tired body to continue resting.

After some time, I'll lay on my back and stare at my white walls and ceilings.

But today is different. The second my eyes are open, my body sits up. The bottom half of me still wrapped in blankets, as I take in the early world around me. Like most mornings I glare at my white walls

Most mornings my walls are pale

and empty

and plain

and lead me to feel no emotions, other than those that compel me to sleep more.

But today my walls read something different,

they are darker.

They show my uneasiness about today, and my disbelief, and are sure in hell not plain like most times.

I do not know how to feel exactly, and I've been pushing away the thought of today actually happening, for a long time.

I've been zoning out of conversations about it, ignoring the family meetings, and leaving the room when we receive those official phone calls.

But today was the day, and I tried desperately to wrap my head around it as I shuffled across my dark hardwood to the mirror.

I have only felt like this multiple times in my life. Like the first day of high school, or my grandmothers funeral at which I had to speak.

I usually was very sure of my feelings, and could council myself.

I knew myself as someone who thought away their own terrors and discomforts, and would face their fears.

"But you Aurora, do not wish to face this fear."

The little voice in my head reminded me, as I pulled my chocolate hair from the bun that had been restraining it.

I stand in front of the mirror and take in my 7 am look. Creamy, brown hair has crashed over my shoulders, and some down my back. My white t-shirt compliments my tanned skin.

I was never one to purposefully endure the heat of the sun for colour, but colour always found me.

Thats inaccurate.

"Colour has never found me."

I can prove that statement with just a 360 turn by feet.

My walls are white, my bed is white, my clothes are white, my house is white,

my life is white.

I slowly make my way back to the edge of my mattress, and take a seat. My hands massage my temples as I breath deeply, and listen to the wide variety of birds that are beginning to awaken now. Soon, not only do I hear the Red-Bellied Woodpeckers knocking on the woody trees outside, but I hear my mother knocking on my door.

" C'mon Aurora! I know you are awake."

My mother calls from outside my door, as I sigh and fall back into the comforter.

" Im gonna need you in the kitchen this morning. First impressions count. We have lots and lots to cook!"

And without a reply from me, I hear her slipper-covered feet waddle away down the hallway.