bloom

Ballad of a Thorn and Rose

THE NEXT DAY

5:30am. Macy's residence.

A maid pulls open the drapes in Macy's room, letting the rising sun's rays in to wake her up.

"Good morning ma'am," the maid said, "your dress is picked out and your bath is set. Do be down in time for breakfast." The maid concluded before bowing and leaving the room.

Macy scoffs at the dress, but as always, does as she is told.

6:00am. Alison's apartment.

"Ally, wake up before I leave!" her dad, Louis, exclaimed.

Alison throttles down the stairs with Catherine by her side.

"Bye dad" , she leans in for kiss but is quickly rejected.

"Your breath reeks sweetie. Lets just settle for a hug." Louis chuckles before giving her a peck on her forehead.

"There's pancakes in the kitchen and money under the toaster. Have fun at school !" He said, before leaving.

Alison finishes readying for school just a second short of her other dad, David, arriving home.

"Hi sweetie" he pecks her on the forehead. "Want me to give you ride?"

She smiles.

"Welcome home. Its alright, you're probably tired, plus it's early, I can walk it". She replied.

"Gurl get in car. Since we got time we can hit up a breakfast café before dropping you off."

7am. Shinko's house.

"Beep-beep-beep...beep-beep-beep...beep-beep-beep" the rusty alarm clock woke Shinko from his dreams.

He strips butt naked before heading to the back for a bath.

A few minutes later, with nothing but an apron and mittens he prepares an exquisite breakfast dish, mac and cheese. Still with nothing but an apron and mittens, he walks over to Ms. Rafaela's house to help her tidy up. The two drink coffee and watch an episode of that Asian drama Ms. Rafaela likes so much before Shinko bids her farewell and returns back home to prepare for school.

Just as he's about ready to leave, he remembers; "I just cant wait to taste her cooking again!" The words Alison said the day before.

Determined to recreate his mother's delicious treats he heads over to Ms. Rafaela once again.

Meanwhile at school.

Macy's luxury ride came to a halt at the school gates. She stepped out, looking radiant as usual and with the right sized shirt this time, her hair pulled into a braid at the back of her with a few short strands left out, complimenting either side of her face and her bangs curled inward at the ends.

"Beep-beep"

She turns around to see Alison and David in a grey, soccer mom SUV, piles of cat food visible through the back seat window.

Alison steps out, bringing the sound of David's hip hop playlist with her. In one hand she clings to her book bag while the cup of a caramel based latte sat clutched in the other. Her uncombed hair aggressively dancing in the wind, obstructing her line of view as she bops her head trying to avoid it.

"Good morning Mr. Ross" Macy said barely loud enough for David to hear from the distance between them.

Thankfully he was able to read her lips and returned the greeting with a warm smile before wishing both girls a good day and driving off with Catherine.