The Hidden Path

Winter's Frost

It was a frozen Monday morning. Kara could see that clearly from her window as an icicle fell from the roof, passing her window. She sat on the sill, staring at the sun as it started to pear above the snowy mountains that stood across the horizon. Kara loved the tall hills and mountains that appeared outside their home. There was no streets or cars to cloud the view. They were lucky, too, given the fact that the house  sat on the border of Pennsylvania and New York.

Kara heard the grunting of her sleeping sister and looked back in horror that she had woken her, yet again. Mia would for sure have a grumpy attitude given the fact it was the end of winter break, Kara didn't need to wake her up any earlier to hear her complaints. 

Once Mia settled back into a motionless position, Kara felt the sigh escape her lips. She glanced once more at the sunrise and then careful stood. As her feet seamlessly danced across the floor, making sure to miss every hollow wood panel, she grabbed her shower towels and clothes before slipped out the door.

As she slid down the stairs, her eyes looked around the living room, enjoying the light that was starting to fill the room. Kara was an early riser and enjoyed every quality that came with it. 

She continued down to the basement, closing the door tightly behind her. She slide into the bathroom and turned on her playlist. It was filled with classics and rising tracks. 

"Morning." Kara said as she brushed past her mother in the kitchen after making her way up from the basement.

"Morning." Her mother, Collene Chambers, cheerful spoke back before placing a quick kiss on her temple. Kara started pouring the cereal as her mother spoke again.

Her mother had a way of always sounding enthusiastic and cheerful. Most of the time, Kara hated it, but there was days she would only make it through the day because of her mother's joy. 

"Did you catch your father?" Her mother asked as she slipped past her, grabbing the toast that had just popped out.

"No, I decided to watch the sunrise this morning." She said staring down at her cereal. Kara and her father were personality wise quiet similar. They both were early risers. They ran together on the weekends  and were the quietest ones in the family. She loved her mother, but there was a certain connection that her and father shared that no one could break or even compare to. "I'll see him tomorrow morning." Kara smiled at her mother before exiting the kitchen and sitting at the table.

"Hey, Kara!" Kara's younger sister, Simmea, said passing her as she walked into the kitchen. Kara smiled and watched as her mother and sister prepared their own version of breakfast.

Kara lifted her spoon as she scrolled through her phone. She had a few messages but nothing was pressing. She slipped it into her back pocket as her sister and mother joined her at the table.

"Simmea, you ready for the rest of eighth grade?" Their mother asked her younger sister. Kara glanced between the two of them as she began observing the conversation. Kara's little sister, Simmea, smiled widely before starting her long response. Simmea was the biggest chatter box in their family, and Kara knew she got it from their mother.

"I don't know. It's so strange. I feel like so much is going to change." Simmea then looked over at Kara, making eye contact. "What do you think, Kara. Does a lot change?"

"Depends." Kara shrugged before filling my mouth with more cheerios. Simmea looked away from her and started talking again.

"That's true. Mary and you both went to Blue Ridge. Then, you met Jace and Laurie within the first couple of days." She continued speak after a long sigh. "But Paige and Peyton may not be going to Blue Ridge with me." Simmea dropped her head in disappointment.

"Kara got very lucky." Their mother said causing Kara to look up from her cereal. Kara returned her mother's bright smile with a shy smirk before resting her eyes back on her cereal.

"I hope I get lucky." Simmea muttered under her breath before stuffing the toast in her mouth. Kara watched her sister before speaking.

"You have time." Kara assured her. Simmea looked up at her sister and tried to show her a smile. "You're playing lacrosse. You'll have your team if you don't make friend right away." Kara said trying to cheer her up. 

Kara felt a buzz in her pocket. Once Simmea turned back to her mother to start another conversation, Kara grabbed the phone out of her pocket and tuned out from her family. It was a text from her best friend, Laurie Mitchell. He was a year older than Kara meaning he could drive already being seventeen now, and that meant Kara didn't have to drive to school with her grumpy older sister, Mia.

Kara stood just as Mia entered the room, and their gazes met. Kara instantly saw Mia's attitude shown on her face, and she was glad that Laurie was driving her to school today.

"Where you going?" Mia asked loudly as Kara placed her empty bowl and spoon into the sink. Kara turned her sight towards her sister before answering.

"Laurie is driving me today." Kara told as she opened the fridge and picked up her lunch. Mia grunted, obviously not prepared for the early morning that school ensured.

Kara exited the kitchen quickly as Mia brushed past her. She walked towards their front door, but turned as she heard someone speak from behind her.

"Have a good day." Kara's mother whispered beside her as Kara stuffed her last book inside her bag. Her mother keep the lunch bag in her hands watching as Kara swung the bag over her shoulder.

"You too." Kara said before kissing her mother on the cheek and grabbing the bag out of her hands. Kara showed her mother a genuine smile. She walked out the door and immediately saw Laurie's dark blue sedan in the street, blocking her driveway. 

"You ready to go back to Hell?" Laurie asked as she opened the door to his car and slide into the passenger set. Kara laughed at his humor and looked over at him.

"Just drive." Kara demanded letting a few giggles out in the process. Laurie put the car in drive, turned up the music louder before speaking to her again.

"Good morning to you, too." Her yelled loudly trying to make sure she could hear him clearly.