The door closed softly behind me. Ever since middle school I have always closed doors quietly. Just as I had entered sixth grade mom and I had a row. I can't remember anymore what it was about, but I was mad. My anger caused me to act out aggressively. I had stormed out of the living room and slammed my bedroom door. Not hard, just enough to hear a banging sound and not enough to cause any damage. Only moments later mom had burst into my room. She shouted at me that my behavior was entirely inappropriate, and she was in shock. When I was born she had hoped I would be a special child, one who would never do that kind of shit. From then on I tried hard to avoid making much noise in the house.
Slowly I sank onto the bed. The mattress was comfortable, and the duvet felt fantastically plushy. I dug my phone out of my pocket. Switching on the screen I started up my messenger application. Scrolling through the past conversations I located the one labeled "dad." Selecting the thread I began typing a message.
Hey dad, mom says I'm having a housewarming party tomorrow at 18:00.
I shut off the screen and sprawled out on top of the covers. After a few seconds my phone buzzed. It was a message from dad.
Oh? Is that what you want to do?
I sighed and replied quickly
I guess so. Do you want to come?
Before I could turn off my phone again I received a reply.
Do you want me to come?
I didn't even need to think about my response.
Yes.
I waited. The seconds seemed to drag on while I waited for a response. Then my phone buzzed again.
Ok! I'll be there!
I smiled in relief. Mom was always easier to deal with when other people were around.
Tell Milly, Liana and Kade they can come too.
I locked my phone and rolled over onto my stomach, burying my face in the bed covering. My phone buzzed one final time. Tiredly I lifted my head up just enough to peek at my phone. I didn't even bother to unlock the device, I just read the message from the notification that popped up at the top of the screen.
Will do, see you tomorrow.
That settles that I guess. Now all that there was to be done was cleaning. What a daunting thought. Perhaps I should write a list so I don't forget anything. I got up and walked over to the night stand. Searching through the drawers, I found some spare paper and a pen. Uncapping the pen I began writing my list.
Dusting, vacuuming, cleaning the windows inside and out, remove the bloody rug from the entrance hall.
I stopped, this list was quickly becoming overwhelming. My mind flashed back to the chore lists mom would write me. Each list had to be done before she got home, every single day. Vehemently I snatched up the list I was writing and tore it up. I am a grown ass woman, I don't need some stupid list. Walking into the master bathroom I deposited the list remnants in the trash can next to the toilet.
Looking into the mirror I saw a haggard looking reflection. There were dark circles under my eyes and my face looked dull. I shifted my glasses to my brow and rubbed my eyes hard. Pressure began to build at the back of my eyeballs while bright white lights sparkled around my peripheral vision. Removing my fist I blinked until the pressure dissipated. I probably should brush my teeth. Glancing down at the sink I began to search for my toothbrush. Then I remembered all my stuff was still packed away at the side of the bed.
I paced back to the bedroom. Five large bags lay in disarray on the near side of the bed. I guess I should at least get my unpacking done before tomorrow. There will be too much to do, preventing me from attending to my luggage. I unzipped the largest bag and began to unpack. Slowly I sorted my clothes into the walk in closet, arranging them in an order I fancied. Then I searched through my electronics bag. Setting up my computer would have to wait, but at least I could listen to music from my phone while I organized.
Toiletries were stowed in the bathroom. Shoes placed next to the door so I could take them down to the entrance hall in the morning. Blankets were folded and placed on the shelf in the closet. The electronics bag was shoved into a corner awaiting tomorrow. Exhaustion finally took hold while I was shelving my sketchbooks and art supplies. I walked over to the night stand and checked my phone. The white letters read 0:34, it was already tomorrow.
Flopping down on my covers I tore off my jeans. Unhooking my bra under my shirt, I rid myself of the restraining clothing. I peeled off my socks and tossed them into the corner of the room. The effort to remove any more clothing seemed insurmountable, so I just crawled under the covers and tried to fall asleep. However, my mind continued to buzz, keeping me awake. I may have lain there for an hour before finally succumbing to sleep.