{Chapter 2}

= Flashback =

    The smell of bacon fills my nostrils as my mother shouts for me, "Talia! Time to wake up!"

    "Ugh... Okay," I croak back at her; my eyes and mouth still crusty from a long nights sleep.

    She gently smiles at me and walks out of the room. Her light brown hair pulled into a messy bun, and her little body clothed in loose pajamas.

    I slowly reel myself out of bed, groggily, and place my bare feet on the sleek hardwood floors. Cold rushes up to meet my toes and takes no time to meet the rest of my body. Goose-bumps appear on my skin in seconds.

    My painted toes- done by Opal -wriggle themselves into pink fuzzy slippers. The woolly material rubbing their warm hands onto my shivering toes.

    I sigh and sit on the edge of my bed. Laziness creeping its way into my early morning. Its hands wrap a seal around my waist and shut my eyes. The comforting whispers engraving themselves into my mind, telling me to sleep. I wish I could stop their deceiving words, but all my body wants to do is listen, obeying their calming pleas.

    I rest my back on the bed, my eyes fluttering shut. My eyelashes acting like butterflies, gently flapping their wings back and forth.

    Listening to the sound of my mother's slippers pounding against the hard floor, I fall into a daze. The steady rhythm like a quiet drum, rocking me to sleep.

    Pound...pound.....pound.

    The soft patterns trail into my dreams, like background noise. Soothing, relaxing, easing, and calm.

    But a loud, sudden boom jerks my body, interrupting my dreaming. My eyes grow wide, surprise drawn on my face as I turn to the source of the sound, leading me to the door.

    My mom had left the door cracked, giving me the perfect view of my little sisters room across the hall. I see a beautiful little 7-year-old beaming at herself in the mirror. She smiles with an occasionally funny face, making herself crack up.

    I watch her fragile hands pick up a comb and crown from her giant toy chest- apparently the one she dropped- and place them on a chair. Her fingers coil around the comb's brass handle as she rakes it through her hair. A warm-hearted smile appearing on her face approvingly. Then she lifts the lovely crown- a birthday present from me- to her head, placing it on top carefully. Another smile soon unraveling from her lips and she giggles in happiness. A smile and laugh that are truly contagious.

    She has so much joy and curiosity for her age. She wonders and has questions, just like me, about the little things. The other day she asked a silly one: "Why is the snow white, Mommy? Why can't it be yellow?"

    Mom and me really got a good laugh out of that.

    Ever since she learned colors, she was attracted to yellow. The sun became her best friend and sunsets were her crony.

    She just makes me laugh everyday. And her heart is so sweet, that she'd make your eyes roll back in your head, in love, if you ever ate her up. She's pure and kind.

    Movements smudge the spot I was staring at in la-la land. Like a hand waved in my face, I come back to the world.

    My mom steps into the scene, hiding my sister from view. She sets her tiny frame against the door and peers down at my little sister.

    "Reese, sweetie. You need to get dressed and ready. Today is a big day for your sissy. She is doing her last performance of The Nutcracker and you need to be extra sweet to her, okay?"

    "Okie dokie, mommy! I even got Tay a present," I hear the enthusiasm in her voice as she squeals.

    "Oh, that's so sweet. What is it?"

    "Its a surprise," Reese giggles, "I can't tell."

    "Well, then give it to her after her performance so it stays a surprise," mom says as she leans down to Reese's level and gives her a soft kiss on the cheek. Reese replies with a tiny kiss back. Mom bops up and looks down at her daughter, admiration probably drowning in her hazel eyes. She turns in my direction and I jerk back into bed, pretending I didn't hear. The large pillow hugs my head as I listen to her bare feet pad downstairs to the kitchen.

    I sit criss-cross-applesauce on my bed and look straight ahead, my eyes meeting the floor to ceiling windows. My gaze is immediately drawn to the wintery wonderland laying before me. Lovely snowflakes fluttering to the ground, their small unique bodies dancing in the crisp cool air. The trees standing tall and firm as white paint drips onto their arms. People swarming the streets with their hats and scarfs snuggled onto their bodies for warmth. Coffee & hot drinks held in their gloved hands, occasionally being tipped up to slide down their throats. And at the park across the street I see kids throw sphere-shaped snowballs towards each other, giggling in delight. The world looks wonderfully alive today.

    My eyes slowly travel away from the beautiful view to the left and right to see Ballet posters fighting for wall space. I watch the ballerinas hold perfect positions for minutes, their eyes looking at me with desperate blank stares.

    I look away from their hard looks and stop on my giant dresser. Books, books, books, and more books cluttering the surface. Just with one little stand for necklaces and other jewelry.

    "Talia! Are you coming?" I hear my mom shout. I had been sitting in my room for almost 10 minutes, just with the company of my plush bed.

    "Yes! Just a minute!" I yell back.

    I hear her clank pots and pans around in the kitchen. The loud bangs echoing through our spacious penthouse and converging in my room.

    I drag my feet towards my attached bathroom with eyes squinting, sleep still fresh in my system. My hands reach towards my sink to turn on the faucet. Cold water rushes outwards toward my extended hand and I splash the chilly water onto my face. The cold drops shock my body as I wipe away the sleep sitting in my eyes.

    Grabbing my hairbrush, I gently stroke my dark brown hair. The natural curls draping down my back and resting on my shoulder blades, hiding my exposed back.

    I take a look in the mirror to see a girl staring back at me with fierce green eyes. They scream "come take a closer look" with their gold specks throughout. I take out my mascara from the drawer and start outlining my eyelashes, making them stand out even more.

    My fingers rise up to my hair and start weaving my signature pattern. The simple fishtail braid falling down my back as I study the masterpiece I put together in less than 3 minutes. A small smile erupts on my face as I approve.

    I dash out of the bathroom and into my walk-in closet. T-shirts, sweaters, dresses, button-ups, and ballet costumes scatter across both sides of the closet. I decide on a plain white tank-top with a teal blue sweater to go over it. Also pulling out yellow skinny jeans to tuck into my favorite vintage boots.

    The closet light switches off as I walk back into my room. My lips form a sideways smile as I pull my clothes onto my body. I jump up and down to fit into my skinny jeans and tug my white tank-top up and over my braided hair.

    My arms extend toward my ballet bag laying on the ground. My hand leading my fingers to the zipper, yanking open the pocket. My mind mentally rakes through everything collected in the bag, making sure I have everything: ballet shoes, tutu, torso, leggings, leg warmers, hair accessories, and a whole bunch more.

    Today is the last Rehearsal, and then the performance tonight. I have to be my best. A loud sigh escapes my lips, making air tumble out my nose. I guess I'm a little anxious.

    I escape the comfort of my room and stumble down the stairs. I meet Reese and my mom sitting at the kitchen counter, eggs and bacon piled high on their plates. Reese has on a bright pink tutu and a purple shirt with Garfield smirking on the front. What a stylish little girl.

    "I'm so excited for you, Tay! You're gonna' have a so much fun tonight!" Reese exclaims to me.

    "I hope so," I smile back, giving Reese a big squeeze. I lean over to mom for a small embrace, planting a kiss on her cheek. I grab a piece of crispy bacon  and say my goodbyes, rushing for the door.

    "Good luck, sweetie! Hurry," I hear my mom yell, "Opal is waiting at A Cup of Heaven."

    "Okay! See you later!"

    I pull out my maroon beanie and scarf, feeling warmth set-in on me. I tug my bag farther up on my arm, ready to talk to Opal.

    My hand reaches towards the brass knob, making cold shoot up my arm. I come face to face with the frigid air, its whistling wind coming too close too close too close. Brushing the winter's best friend along my skin. Caressing me in snow almost immediately when it falls. It dances from the sky onto my face, as confetti, and melts as soon as it tip-toes onto my cheeks.

    I close my vibrant green eyes and let the snow color-in the lines on my face. The cool flakes like ivory crayons, leaving white residue. I let it erase the mistakes, the stress of life, the nerves I keep deep down. And I just stand, feeling the cold exaggerate my nerves, tingle up my spine, and leave me exhaling chilly clouds of white.

    I open my eyes and walk down the concrete stairs, my boots leaving tracks. The icy air streaks my skin making hair stand up on the back of my neck. I shiver as fragile snowflakes dance in the cold breeze, whirling stray chestnut brown hairs around my face. I pull my thin braid under my jacket to keep it from flying around and step towards the light post, my fingers fumbling with my bag as I gaze at the streets. I look down at my pale blue bicycle and take in a deep breath; readying myself onto the not-so-plush seat and look behind me to see if anyone is there. It can get a little weird riding a bike in the winter; especially in New York City, but its easier to get around for me.

    I place my feet onto the pedals and push ahead. The wind fighting against my body as I race with the clouds. I pass by taxis and cars that are constantly honking, whirlwinds of noise blistering my ears, worse than the cold. And I look to the sides, blurry images flashing by. The challenge of speeding down the icy sidewalks is at its highest, but I can't help but go faster. The numbness exhilarating on my bare hands and face as I reach closer and closer to Opal.

    I abruptly stop when I see A Cup of Heaven in view. The quaint coffee shop Opal's family has owned for decades. On the café's normal hours it blares Christian music, serving hot and cold drinks. And what makes me even happier is that people from all over the city come expecting a yummy treat but get more than just that; they get their unknown hunger for The Lord satisfied. Opal's family has brought maybe thousands of people to Jesus. Showing them the love He can offer and the grace He provides. It just makes my heart swell.

    I look through the clouded window to see Opal smiling at me in our usual spot. A paintbrush behind her ear and a cup of her favorite drink in hand as she waves for me. I hop off my bike and tie it to the light post, starting towards the lit-up sign flashing A CUP OF HEAVEN in bright yellow text.

    "You finally got here," she says, opening the locked door, "goodness you're a slow-poke in the morning."

    "Isn't everyone?" I say back, giving her a quick glad-to-see-you hug. She gives me a warm grin and a rolling of her electric blue eyes before reaching for a green cup precariously sitting at a table.

    "The usual, mam?"

    "Don't mind if I do," I say grasping the warm cup, feeling the heat radiate through to my cold hands. Opal's dad's famous hot-coco is the bomb. A cup of scorching hot, chocolate heaven piled high with wiped cream. Going all-out with the best dark chocolate slivers I've ever tasted. Gosh, I can never stop moaning when I pull it up to my lips. Its a little cup of heaven-  hence the name.

    "So, how's your dad?" Opal asks.

    "Good, I guess. He called the other night. He's coming home around 6. Just in time for The Nutcracker," I say squeezing my lips. I really missed him. He always made me laugh and cheered me up when mom couldn't. But he was always away on business trips. Flying to God-knows where and advertising in front of celebrities, giving children with hearing disabilities hearing aids. His business was booming more than ever, meaning less and less time for family.

    "That's awesome he's coming! I bet you miss him so much," she says reading my mind, "I see your face whenever you mention your dad. I just had to know how he was."

    "His business is growing fast and he's happy. I should be, too, I guess. But there's just less time for family."

    "I'm sorry."

    "Yeah. So how's your painting been? Last night you texted me about a new one," I smile, ready to change the subject.

    "Great! It's of a girl with black hair and red lipstick standing between an awesome snowy landscape!" she beams, evidently proud of her work, "I'll show it to you."

    She starts treading over to our spot with excitement.

    "Here it is!"

    I nearly fall over its that gorgeous. The trees are detailed to perfection and the person is elegant against the white background.

    "Opal!! It's amazing! I want this hanging in my room. Like. Now!"

    "Haha! Thanks, girl. I spent until 1 this morning painting! Andddd... I forgot to take a shower. So please don't look too closely," she smiles, "I'm a mess."

    "Sure, artsy hair and paint on your clothes isn't attractive," I wink.

    "I think so! You may think its funky spunky jazziness. But its artsy fartsy awfulness. With a large dose of fartsy, " she adds quickly. There she goes, making me laugh again. She comes up with these things on the go.

    "You're a nut, you know. You already know what I think," I say smiling.

     "Yep, you agree with me 100%, that I'm a fuzz-ball mess. Because I'm awesome like that," she says smirking.

     "Uh-huh."

     "Well, do you think the girl is good enough? Drawing people usually isn't my thing."

    "Oh, of course, girlie! She's amazing," I say, smiling widely. I lean in closer and look at the details Opal put into her painting. So amazing that- but my vision starts tumbling downward towards the checkered tiles and my once-seated body is lying on the cool floor in a heap. My balance lost and my focus disappeared.

    We both stare at each other, me gazing up and her down, trying not to giggle. But soon we explode, a loud burst of laughter erupting through the café. Smiles on our faces and tears in our eyes as the world passes by. The few pedestrians that walk past exchange awkward looks as they stare into the window. I sigh in happiness and climb up to the table, my lips craving a sip of the sweet liquid in my coco cup. And I'm already moaning- in love, once it grazes my tongue.

    A vibration from my pocket pulls me out of my hot-coco trance.

    "Its my dad!" I say, panicked.

    "Eeeekers! Read it!" Opal screeches in my ear.

    "K...."

    Hello, my dear Talia. I am extremely sorry to say that I won't be able to make it tonight. Work is tight and I have to stay a few extra days. I hope you can forgive me. Much love, Tyler Hunt.

    What? Just like that? What?? He's not coming? The words sink in. Going deep deep deep. My mind is roaring with pain and hope and doubt and confusion. And I can't help but hold my head as a headache conquers my mind. He had promised me. But he tore it in two. Broken.

     Opal is over my shoulder proof-reading the text message over and over, mumbling words like, "I'm so sorry" and "I will be there," with sorrow clinging to her throat. And I just sit there mesmerized. How can a morning filled with laughter and happiness end with disappointing news? The room fades in and out as I start to feel sick. I'm tumbling through minutes and hours and seconds and milliseconds and I feel like I've been hit by a brick wall.

    Everything grows dead.

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A/N Hey guys! I FINALLY finished chapter 2! I am so sorry for the super super super late update! My mind has been swamped in ideas for books; which is a good thing! But a bad thing when I'm trying to finish a Chapter in another story. Hope the next Chapters come much much sooner! :) Thank you to everyone that has been patiently waiting for the updates! <3

-kirsten :)