The sunlight was already streaming through the curtains when I stirred in bed. I groaned and pulled the blanket tighter around me, refusing to accept the day had begun.
Freya! Its already 12 P.M., get up! Youre so late!my grandmothers voice called out from the hallway, firm as always but with that familiar hint of affection.
Mmmfive more minutes,I mumbled sleepily, barely loud enough for her to hear.
She walked into my room, her hands on her hips, the usual scolding expression on her face. Its not healthy to sleep in this late, Freya. But you never listen to me.
I peeked one eye open and saw her standing there, looking like shed already finished a full days work while I was still tangled in dreams. Finally, I sighed and dragged myself out of bed.
Okay, okay. Im awake,I grumbled, rubbing my eyes as she shook her head and turned to go back.
Since the beginning, its always been like thisme and my grandparents. Ive been living with them since I was around two or three years old. My momwell, she doesnt live with us. She believed Id be safer and better cared for with her parentsand honestly, she wasnt wrong.
My grandmother and grandfather have raised me with so much love and attention, I never really felt like anything was missing. Theyve always been enough. My mom still visits sometimes, but she has a new family nowher husband and a daughter. Ive met them a few times. Theyre nice. But they feel like a different chapter, one I dont quite belong in.
At home, its just usme, my grandmother, and my grandfather. My uncle, Moms brother, also technically lives here, but hes almost never home thanks to his office work and late hours. So the house feels quiet most of the timepeaceful, warm, and just a little bit sleepy.
After freshening up, I wandered into the kitchen to look for something to eat. The smell of something toasty greeted me as I stepped in. My grandmother was by the stove, flipping slices of bread on the pan, humming a soft tune.
Good morningshe said, glancing at me over her shoulder with a smirk.
More like good afternoon,I joked.
Youre wasting your youth sleeping like this,she scolded, placing two crisp toasts on my plate. How will you ever get anything done?
I grinned. Maybe Im just conserving my energy for greatness.
She shook her head, amused. Tell me, when are you planning to finish your school projects?
Soon!I replied a little too quickly.
With Luna, right?she asked knowingly.
Yeah,I nodded as I took a bite of the toast.
My whole family knows Luna. Shes been my best friend for years, and its no secret were practically inseparable. Whether it's school work, sneaking out for ice cream, or binge-watching the worst-rated rom-coms we can findshes my person.
I picked up my phone and sent her a quick message:
Me: Heyyy!!!
Almost instantly, she replied.
Luna: Hiyaaaaaa!
Me: Lets start the project work tomorrow. We need to finish it soon or else our teacher will literally kill us.
Luna: Yeah babe, done. Im ready.
Me: Yupp!!
Luna: Lets meet soon.
Me: Yeahh
I smiled to myself and placed the phone back on the table, my heart feeling a little lighter already.