DUSK TILL DAWN ▐ scott mccall

1st.

     LIFE WAS MUCH ALIKE THE THEMIS HOUSEHOLD.

      A two-story victorian household coated in a shade that perhaps in its golden age could be labeled white, however as of now laid somewhere nearer cream-ish in the color scheme, in the entrance, a set of wooden stairs leading up to grand double-doors.

      All and all, it was a pacific sight. Such minimalistic structure located in the outskirts of the Bordeaux, in a mostly vacant, green terrain with a pond which sat in the back of the property, visible from the front gates.

     However, it was all just for show. For once the hardwood doors were pushed open, yellow walls greeted the visitor — hardwood floors and aforementioned walls clogged with images from the five-member family.

    The living-room, an open area that met with the homey kitchen — place of constant bustle — was a space for deep-blue and bright-red couches.

     To be honest, if one was to glance through the agape doors, they'd realize how out of place the house actually was — a household everything but serene. More-so when they were to learn, the inside, was just the portrayal of the owners essence.

      However, backing up to the original point. Astrid Themis, the middle child of three, had been taught her home was just like life. Seemingly uniform and unexciting however what it beheld was both a mystery that later, once one was to step forward, would become a wonder. Words spoken by her father — that went, sort of, hand-in-hand with her mother's firm believe life was only as exciting as one made it out to be.

     As said, the Themis family, was much alike their home, too.

      Peculiar, to say the very least. With three extremely . . . exceptional children and a set of  wacky parents — whose marriage somehow worked even if they had the most different a outlooks in every single aspect regarding life.

     However it was functional amongst it all. The creaky wooden planks, the screaming matches between the sisters, the bee's hive which hung off the oak three nearby and the rebellious streaks the girls got into with mild frequency.

     Every individual was like a planet, colorful and littered with beauty alike darkness — some more than others. However they coexisted peacefully, and in part, Astrid thought it out to be because of family Sundays.

     A day strictly reserved for family time, plans were cancelled and, at an amusing time, even a boyfriend was dumped for them. And yeah, while at times it was bothersome to be compromised every sunday — sacrificing outings with friends and cramping homework on Saturdays and Friday's afternoons for it, the girls understood they wouldn't survive without them.

     That Sunday morning, though, the feeling wasn't in the air.

     The scent of bacon, eggs, toast and pancakes hadn't awoken the honey-haired girl. No soft breeze filtered through her ajar window nor did the glinting sun blind her momentarily. The sound of her mother's footsteps and clattering of pans and plates didn't fill the air but silence did.

    Astrid was certain if she was to be worried or not. With cautious, sock-clad steps, the tall girl descended the first few stairs that led to the first floor. Wary of the eerie feeling that settled upon her usually peppy home. Her lips remained pursed together tightly and her arched brows dropping to the center as if they were to meet.

    Gripping onto the staircase, she peeked from a safe and high enough distance onto the darkness of the living-room. Just to be graced with the sight of her parents in an embrace — a common sight in their, disgustingly in Astrid's opinion, touchy-feely relationship.

     At that, her high-alert posture relaxed, and the iron-rod that seemed to straighten her back faded as did the relived breath she exhaled. Speedily, the girl descended, quiet steps carrying her into the scene unnoticed.

     "Mornin'," Astrid said, propping herself into the hardwood island that laid in the middle of the kitchen, drawing her legs together so she sat in indian-position.

      At the sound of her sleep-cloaked voice, her parents gaze fell upon her — as they remained tangled in each other. Her father's face contorted into a smile, so did her mother's however the woman's rosy cheeks and water trails coating them told a whole different tale. The daughter's face resumed its previous confused state.

     "Morning, Astrid baby —" peeling away from her husband, the medium height woman directed herself to the fridge to retrieve the ingredients for breakfast, "— go wake up your sisters yeah? Breakfast will be ready soon so we can kick start this family Sunday."

     With the same confused expression, Astrid nodded, neglecting the fact her mother was nowhere near close to finishing breakfast and that the tears that dotted her olive skin didn't match the excitement she had used when referring to the family's day.

      As she climbed up the first few stairs, her mother's murmur caught her ear. "It's gonna be an eventful one."

      Then, Astrid Themis knew — she just knew the dreary morning was the first but certainly not last worrisome matter that would transcurre today.

     

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      Took me so f*cking long to actually post this and I'm not even proud with it. Help.

Hope you enjoy this!