An annoying buzz clawed its way into my mind, demanding attention. I traveled through the black behind my eyelids, trapped somewhere between sluggish and lightspeed. It was like that felling you get when an elevator comes to a stop, though I knew it was my consciousness taking hold. I wasn’t ready to be awake. But I couldn’t stay asleep. I swatted the top of the alarm clock beside my bed, hoping it felt every ounce of pain I could inflict.
Sighing heavily, I threw the blanket off the top of me and sat up, twisting to put my feet on the carpeted floor. This was my first night in the new room, the first of many I was sure. A yawn escaped my mouth, and I stood to cross the room. I could see light peeking around the wooden blinds that covered my single window, though I couldn’t tell if it was from the rising sun or that poorly placed street lamp that prompted me to install them in the first place.
“Reaching the door, I flipped the switch and instinctively shielded myself from the brightness. It was too damn early to do anything, much less go to school. In fact, this was the last thing I wanted to do.
A ding echoed from my closet, reminding me of the bell hidden inside. Someone was on the stairs. A few moments later I heard mom’s voice echo through the wall.
“Kids, wake up and get ready for school!”
I stood there, stuck in a trance while my eyes adjusted. Finally, when I caught myself going back to sleep where I stood, I broke my stagnancy and grabbed the clothes mom had insisted I set out last night. They were nothing special. Just a pair of blue jeans, and an Iron Man tee shirt that had the glowing port on the chest. I had a feeling mom would question my choice of clothes, but they met her requirements. Nothing ratty, nothing stained, and nothing obscene, I recalled her saying. In fact, the jeans were one of my better pair.
Quickly slipping into the clothes, I pulled my boots on, feeling my heel click into place. They were probably the most worn out part of my attire. Even my underwear was fairly new. Though my boots still had plenty of life left in them. Besides, how many people could say they had anti-slip boots due to magic rather than design? Though I had to admit they did more than just keep me on my feet.
Slipping my folding knife into the pocket of my jeans, I made my way out the door. Alexis and June were still in their rooms when I passed. The glare Alexis gave me brought a smile to my face. I knew she wanted to say something, but she held back. It was just the same. I didn’t feel like arguing with her this morning.
Downstairs, mom had made breakfast for us. There were three paper plates resting on the countertop. I could still see the steam rolling off the eggs. Accompanying them were two slices of bacon, and a piece of buttered toast.
I’m a sorcerer. I’ve experimented with many different types of magic. I’ve been successful with most, though I find much of it needlessly complicated. With all of that, I’m at a loss to the witchcraft my mother relies on. How anyone can wake up, take a shower, get dressed, make breakfast, and ensure everyone gets where they need to be on time is a complete mystery to me. Though one thing was certain. This day was going to suck. Mom was just making it suck less.