Frost Once Again - Scene One

Burgess, 1798- Fall

Waking up doesn't always leave you feeling rejuvenated, but to my surprise I found this one quite at ease. I lay in bed and have a last minute stretch before fully getting up. My bed was so soft and cozy and the blanket that laid atop of myself was nice and heavy; Perfect for keeping me warm during the chilly nights. I'd never leave it if I had the choice, but today wasn't a day to settle in. I had a lot of priorities to take care of. Along with house work was homework, and along with that was reality.

I first glided to the bathroom. Although I was light on my feet, my heels had a uniformed *patter* whenever they'd conflict with the cold stone canvice of my house. As soon as I entered the bathroom, my eyes caught sight of a freshly filled tub of water. My mother must have filled it earlier this morning while I was sound asleep. She had always been up before me. I'm thankful to have her around. I like how she's independent and strong. She inspires me. Sometimes I'd picture myself following in her footsteps, but then again, I remember, I'm nothing like her.

I withdrew my tooth-bristle from its holder in order to brush my teeth. Once I was done, I walked toward the tin tub which was a few feet away. Shedding my nightwear to the floor, I carefully climbed into the tub, trying not to spill any water. It was cool and refreshing. I'd like for it to be a bit warmer, but I'm already use to bathing without heat.

Taking the sponge and soap, I lathered my body and rinsed my hair with the toxic soapy water. It took me awhile but I was clean at last. I reached for a white towel that was folded atop a nearby shelf. I draped the towel over my head and began drying my hair first. The towel absorbed the water that drenched my (h/c) locks, and then the rest of my body. I again carefully stepped over the perimeter of the tub, which left me surrounded in a small puddle of water. Dropping the towel onto the ground, I used my foot as a guide to osmose the remaining liquid. Being nude, the chilly atmosphere lingering in my home hit my damp body, making me shiver just a tad. I quickly unplugged the tub to let it drain, then ran out of the bathroom and back into my bedroom to cover up into something warm, before goose-bumps had time to protrude from my skin.

Being dry enough, I went to dress myself. I made sure to bundle up, due to the slight drop in temperature change as the seasons of the year went on. Winter was just around the corner. Glancing up in front of me, I saw my reflection. I watched as the being in the mirror smiled back with satisfaction. My hand reached for a bottle on my dresser that contained perfume and I sprayed a bit of it on me before departing my bedroom. The sweet scent followed me downstairs and into my kitchen, where I spotted my mum heating up a pot of oats for breakfast.

"Morning mother." I smiled. She looked back at me and pre-cautiously continued to stir the oats.

"Good morning sweetheart." She replied in a chip'perish tone. "Glad to see you're up early. I figured you'd be waking a bit later than usual, considering you were out all night."

I smiled mildly thinking about the remembrance of yesterday. "Sorry, I was just entangled in an adventure." I stated which was true. "Jack and I spotted a good looking rabbit, it was worth trying to catch."

My mum hesitated before speaking. "Well, chasing rabbits can be dangerous. Especially that late at night. Who knows what could have happened to the both of you? You could have reached something bigger than its bunny hole. A bear per-say? " I could tell in her voice that she was disappointed.

I reached for a chair under the breakfast table and I took a seat. "I know. You're right, I'm sorry." I responded wearily. Although out of honesty I wasn't.

My mum removed the iron pot of oats front its kettle with some mitts to forfend her hands from being cooked. She quickly hustled over to the table and placed the piping hot pot down. Settled underneath the pot was a cloth, which was used to prevent the wood from burning.

"Get out some bowls" She demanded. I obeyed.

After breakfast my mum handed me a small piece of paper that in-scripted a short list of groceries.

-1 lb. chicken

-Head of lettuce

-2 large onions

-1 lb. rice

-Wooden spoon

"Wooden spoon?" I questioned. "But don't we already have plenty?"

"My best one broke, I need another." She glared at me "Make sure you pick out a good one. Most of the ones they make now snap like twigs." she motioned her hands as if she were pretending to snap a stick in half. I etched a smile.

"Alright, you got it." I gave her a thumbs up. Mum glanced at her watch and stood from the table. She shoved a hand in her pocket. I could tell by the rustling and clinging that she was gathering money. She pulled out a small handful of shillings and handed it to me.

"Here's to purchase the items. I have to head out to work and open the shop. Be home by the time I'm back. Oh and do you mind cleaning up? I'm running a tad late."

I nodded. "Will do"

Mum kissed me on my head. "Stay safe (y/n)" She softly told me and headed toward the door. She snatched her scarf off the old coat hanger along with her purse that was nestled on the floor.

"Bye." I softly spoke. She was out the door.