A buzzing filled my ears, giving me the usual shock that it always did this early in the morning. I pulled on my hoody as I stood up, heading to the window and downing the glass of water on the ledge that'd been there since last night in an attempt to revive myself from the dreams I'd been having moments before.
The view out across the harbour was always beautiful, especially this time of the day when the sky was pink and the small market stalls were just going up, like the world was just waking up. Saturday was always particularly busy with all the kids coming down from a long week off school, but not for dome kids like me.
I pulled on my battered, old pair of pumps that lay beside the door, taking the cup and heading down the three flights of steps into our small kitchen. Despite it being five o'clock in the morning, my mama and the girls were up, packing people's washing into bags ready to deliver it all in the next few hours that followed.
My sister Martha scowled at me as I filled my drink up at the sink. Even though she was only one year younger than me, she seemed to think she ruled the world. A few years ago, after I'd been moved up to advanced training, she tried to fight me. She never touched me again after.
"I'll see you later, mama," I smiled, kissing her on the cheek and heading out of the door, ruffling Marcella's hair on the way out.
"Don't be late!" She said in her usual croaky voice, making me grin after her.
I began to run, dodging various people, receiving shouts of abuse as I did, making me s. I stopped after half a mile or so when I reached the harbour, waving to Peter-one-everything, before running down the length of the harbour, diving into the dark blue, welcoming water at the end, letting the warmth run over my clothes.mile in amusement.
I swam out a bit, before doing a spin, turning myself the other way, dipping my head back under to bring my hair out of my face. I made a mental to note to get Bree to plait it, but she'd probably just refuse and tell me to get it cut.
As I brought my head up, I knew she'd be there, waiting like she always was. Her auburn hair glowing in the sun, looking radiant. I grinned, her arms folded, perched on the edge of the pier, smiling like an idiot.
"Denzel," she said simply, her saying my name making me smile more than I thought was humanly possible.
"Annie," I repeated, diving back under and swimming towards her, pulling myself up next to her, making sure to splash as much water on her in the process, before giving her a wet hug, soaking her torso.
"Thanks a bunch!" She grinned, not looking the least bit put out.
