Morning Rituals

Gordon

The first shades of pink and orange painted the sky with ribbons of happiness. Today was going to be a good day. Gordon sat up in bed and stared through his window. He reckoned that he would have enough time for an early morning swim. First he had to untangle himself from his blankets, which was a battle in itself. After he had conquered it, he gently set his yellow squid plushie beside his pillow. His brothers loved to tease him about it but he secretly adored its cute little eyes and he had been given it for his tenth birthday from Scott.

He walked past his closet mirror, which was plastered with photographs of his family, Into the Unknown with Buddie and Ellie posters and even a stunning photograph of a certain Lady. He flashed a monkeyish grin to himself and made his way to the door on the far side of his bedroom.

Gordon's bathroom was patterned with small blue tiles in various shades and looked like something out of a magazine. He strolled in and changed into his swimming trunks. Time enough later for a shower he thought. Standing in front of his mirror, Gordon tried to make something out of his bed-ridden hair. He ran his hair through it a few times and thought that it should suffice for the time being. He did have a bottle of gel which he had stolen from his older brother Virgil in his cabinet but he only used it occasionally. He never 'borrowed' hair gel from Scott though. He had learnt that lesson the hard way.

As he was about to walk out, a small holographic image appeared beside his bedside table.

"Morning, Gordon. You're up early" came John's voice.

"Have you ever seen me sleep in, Johnny boy?" Gordon replied casting one of his trademark smiles upon him.

"Don't call me that. I was just making conversation." John said in a taut voice.

"Awww. Are you getting all lonely up there?"

"No. I was just… making sure you're okay after you know… you being hurt and all that."

"Oh. Yeah, I'm alright. Thanks for looking out for me Johnny. I'll see you later."

And with that, Gordon raced downstairs, slowing down a little when he went past Alan's bedroom, and then immediately executed a perfect dive into Tracy Island's pool.

The water was ice-cold but Gordon couldn't have been happier.