Metanoia

Chapter 1 - Queen Harper

 The sound of my alarm clock jolts me awake. I groan and rub my eyes, thinking about how I'd rather spend another five hours in this luscious cloud than get ready for the day. I need at least eight hours of uninterrupted sleep, and last night I slept for about five hours. My roommate Piper stumbled in at 4 AM after a long night of partying. Her laughter and lack of coordination woke me up from my peaceful slumber. I should be immune to her behavior and lifestyle at this point, but unfortunately, I am not. 

 I glance at the glowing red digits on my nightstand and sigh at the numbers. 6 AM already? Fighting the urge to hit the snooze button, I turn off the blaring alarm instead. I toss the covers off of myself and walk up to my bedroom window. The incandescent sunlight streaming through the glass warms my skin and for a moment life doesn't seem so dreadful. Central Park during Spring is my favorite view. It's the main reason I chose this two-bedroom apartment in the first place. The trees are fully bloomed, bright green and the sun reflects through the leaves making my heart full at the sight. ​

 I stretch, feeling the tension being released from my tired body. I drag myself away from the window and towards the bathroom. It's time to get ready for work, and though I wasn't the one who went out last night, I sure feel like I did. 

 Cleansing my body with my lavender soap and water, I feel more alive than I did a few moments ago. Showers are a powerful act that are often overlooked. 

I turn the water from warm to cold and let it run on my face. Not only does a cold shower wake me up, but it leaves my skin glowing naturally. 

I step out of the shower and onto my plush rug. I slip on my cotton robe and head to my closet. Picking out the right outfit in the morning is essential to a productive and happy day. I scan the handmade dresses, sweaters, and skirts, and decide to keep it casual today. I slide a cream-colored and lace dress off of its hanger and put it over my head. The color compliments my fair skin. My eyes catch sight of a tan block heel sandal and I slide them on and head back to the bathroom. I lightly fill in my arched brown eyebrows and add a formal wing on my top eyelid. Piper, my best friend helped me discover the brilliance that is winged eyeliner. For too long I applied black eyeliner on my lower lid and by the end of the day, I was pretty much a raccoon. 

 Finally, I apply chapstick to my plump lips and decide I'll omit foundation and show off my freckles today. ​ 

 I walk out of the bathroom and into the living room. Piper's long blonde hair is draped over the arm of the couch. She's still in her bodycon black dress and somehow her lipstick is barely smudged. I take off her black Louboutin's and stand them up against the couch. They're practically her children and if they're misplaced, she goes into panic mode. I take the blanket off of the back of the couch and cover her with it and then I slide a pillow underneath her head. She's a tincture of stale outside air, musk, Chanel Grand Extrait, and vodka. I feel pained imagining the massive hangover she'll endure upon waking up, so I set a water bottle and aspirin down on the coffee table next to her. If her chest wasn't rising and falling, I'd be convinced last night killed her. 

Alas, I walk to the kitchen and make a pot of coffee. I pour it in a plastic cup and put my bag on my shoulder. Before heading out, I grab a pen and write Piper a note: I made coffee and there are leftovers in the fridge. Take the aspirin and drink at least four bottles of water! I place the note on the coffee table and walk out. 

 Piper's a model. She attends events nearly every night. She's constantly traveling the world even if it's for two days at a time. She thinks it's weird I'd rather spend my time at museums or Central Park. I think it's weird she can party all the time and not feel exhausted but to each their own. 

 I jog down the subway stairs, swipe my MetroCard, and sip on my happiness in a cup while waiting for the train that will take me uptown. It's rare that I get a seat. This morning, I am in luck. I sit on the open seat next to the doors and watch the city fly by in a blur.