Helenium

8. Luca

Icover my ears at the blaring high pitched screaming, which could onlybe coming from my alarm clock since Gran and I are the only ones inthe house. 'Damn it.' I roll over and turn it off before my earscan start bleeding. "That is the last time I leave her alone andanywhere near it." I toss my sheets off of me, before moving to situp and sitting on the side of the bed.

Thehardwood flooring is slightly cold. 'I'll have to turn the heaton soon.' I roll my shoulders back, releasing a loan groan as Iwork out the stiffness from my muscles. I heard into the bathroom,finish my business and have a quick hot shower to relax all mymuscles. With the water turned off and a towel wrapped around mywaist, I run my fingers along the stubble that's grown in the pastcouple of days. 'I'll leave it for a couple more days.' I brushmy teeth and towel dry my hair, before hanging up the towel to dry.

Iget dressed in my favorite pair of Levis, before heading downstairswhile pulling on a long sleeve black shirt. When my bare feet hit thebottom of the stairs, I instantly regret not putting on my socksfirst. "Why don't we have carpeting?"

Theheavy scent of coffee draws my attention towards the kitchen where afull pot is waiting for me. 'Whoever created automatic timers was agenius.' I pour myself a cup of coffee and fix it up with justenough cream, before taking a sip. I try not to cringe at the taste.'I should see if they sell coffee beans at Jewel's.'

Withmy cup in hand, I go looking for Gran, who by the looks of it nevermoved from where I left her last night on her favorite rocking chair.She's laying on her side in front of one of the books she wantedfrom the library, which is propped up in the corner of the chair.'She must have fallen asleep.'

Imove towards the chair just in time to catch the book before it fallsover. I pick it up and prop it open on my arm, before careful not tospill my coffee on it while reaching down for the bookmark that'stucked under one of Gran's teddy bear arms. My eyes gaze over asmall part of the book as I place the marker in between the pages,before closing the book.

Iplace the book on the coffee table with all the others we broughthome. I sip my coffee, not caring at this point about the lack oftaste as long as it keeps me awake. "Gran." I receive a grunt inacknowledgment. "It's morning." She moves slightly. "Did youwant to come with me or did you want to stay home today?"

Grangroans as she moves around until she's lying on her back. "Ithink I'll remain here today unless you think you'll need me."

"No,think I'll be alright. You get some rest, today Gran." I drape asmall blanket down on top of her, which I made for her shortly aftershe had possessed the toy. "I'll see you when I get home."

'Besafe." Gran's voice slowly becomes muffled as she rolls over andgoes back to sleep.

Idrink the last of my coffee, before putting the mug in the sink towash later when I get home. I slip my fall jacket on, grab my bagbefore I walk out. The drive to main street only takes me aroundtwenty minutes. I find a parking place in front of Jewel's Cafe,thankfully from what I can see it doesn't look too busy.

Iwalk inside and I'm happy to discover that I'm right, there areonly a few people here this early. I spot Wes and Chase sitting atone of the tables tucked in the far corner. Both of them are busytapping away on their phones, only stopping long enough to drinktheir coffee.

"Goodmorning."

Iturn to see Amber standing behind the counter with a bright smile onher face. For some reason, I feel a little disappointed that the eyecandy from yesterday isn't here. "Morning."

"Whatare you thinking this morning?" I'm sure I just saw a twinkle inher eye. "How about a cappuccino or a PSL?"

"I'mnot a cappuccino person." I shake my head in amusement. "I thinkI'll stick to my regular today Amber."