I looked from the large main room on the east side of the spacious, and slightly over grown, mountain cottage. I watched as the rays of light touched the tops of the pine trees, the rocks, and finally the stream beside the home.
I could see little rainbows in every morning dew drop, but instead of only seeing seven colors I saw eight. The last color was beautiful, it mingled perfectly with the others. Not just in the rainbow either, but everywhere! I was saddened by the fact that everyone else was unable to experience the color like I did. I couldn't describe it in words, but I tried desperately to.
"Maybe one day I'll think of a fitting word for the color!" I quietly exclaimed to myself as the drops evaporated.
I was the only one in the big blue room; an elegant white grand piano sat artfully against the winding staircase. The east wall, which was all glass, glimmered brightly in the breaking light. An entertainment center was placed by the south wall door. In front of that, a white couch and love seat. to the north there was a large opening to the kitchen.
I could hear fluttering upstairs, and whispers that weren't meant to be heard. Wandering into the kitchen as the tea pot started to sing. I poured a cup and placed a tea bag inside the steaming water. Absorbing the last few moments of peace and quiet, I leaned against the doorway between the two rooms. Rain and Emma sleepily descended the ivory stairs in their techno-colored pajamas.
Rain was pale and had short light brown hair that reflected the light. That paired with her large emerald eyes made her look like a porcelain doll. Long scars on her inner arms told a story of her past, but her newfound cheer showed she had all but forgotten the demons of times before. Her tall slender body moved gracefully as she stepped onto the dark wooden floor.
Emma had a larger frame but was gorgeous all the same. Her long black hair flowed down to her hips. Her almost golden eyes contrasted with her hair and almond color skin in a befitting way. She quickly pulled her hair into a bun on the top of her head once she reached ground level.
"Would you pour me a cup? Its so cold this morning." she complained as she gave me a big hug.
"I think it feels nice this morning." Rain smiled and sat on the couch.
"I'm with you Rain! Great hiking weather!" I walked back to the kitchen and poured tea for both girls. As I settled on the couch Emma flipped through the channels trying to find the news.
"Have you decided you can watch T.V. today?" Emma was always the first to question my wellbeing.
"No, it's still pretty irritating!" I put my head back against the cushion and stared up at the intricately designed ceiling. My oversensitive eyes made the television pixels stand out in a way that almost made me nauseous to watch. My body grew restless, I had to do something.
"Are either of you hungry?"
"Yeah, I'm starving. What's on the menu today? Crepes? maybe quiche or soufflés?" Rain let out a giggle.
"Nothing fancy today gals, were running low on supplies. How about French toast and strawberries?" walking toward the kitchen again, I thought of how my mother used to make me French toast. I could see her there in her red, white, and blue apron. I shook away the painful thought and approached the fridge. I looked at my reflection in the polished steel for a moment. Bright purple eyes stared back at me. They hadn't always been mine though. A small scar along my jaw drew my attention and I wondered if anyone else noticed it. It only reminded me of things lost.
I put my body on auto pilot and assembled breakfast. my mind wandered. When I had finished cooking, I snapped out of my daze and put my best face on.
"Foods ready!" I chimed over the TV.
"Smells great!" Emma cracked a huge smile.
They both rushed in and sat eagerly at the table as I poured milk. I would have thought they were held captive without food the way they devoured what was on their plates. I followed their lead and ate as well.
After breakfast I cleaned the mess I had made and rushed upstairs to get ready. We were running low on food and supplies, so I needed to make a trip to town. I passed the girls room and opened the door to mine. The sweet smell of apples and cinnamon invited me in. The head of a king-sized wrought iron bed was rested against the left wall. A plush bean bag, big enough for five, was on the right. My dark Japanese silk curtains concealed the ceiling high window and didn't let in much light. A small chandelier dangled low, glowing dimly in the large room. A sizeable red rug created a soft square in the middle of the room. Peace overcame me here, in this quiet place.
The made my way across the room and swung the closet door wide and hunted for the familiar scents of denim and cotton. Finding a teal, tight fitting sweater, and bleached jeans I slipped it on. I could hear Rain playing something that sounded like 'Strawberry Fields' on the white grand piano downstairs. I headed back down and saw Emma bobbing her head in tune, she started to sing the words, just as I interrupted.
"Do either of you want to go to the store with me" I didn't think they would, but I asked anyway.
"No, not really." Rain turned to Emma with a pleading look.
"I guess I'll stay too. I don't know what Rain would do in this enormous house all by herself." She playfully rolled her eyes and waved me goodbye.
My slick black Jeep waited for me in the garage. I opened the door and took a deep breath.
"Ahh nothing like new car smell." I climbed in and fastened my seat belt, turned the key and the engine rumbled to life. I took off down the serine mountain road and repeated the grocery list to myself, sure not to forget. Even though I was pretty sure forgetting anything was no longer an option. I sped down the road, following the twists and turns by muscle memory. Trees shot past and it felt as if I was the only person in the world. when the dense forest gave way to the town lights I slowed and looked at the clock. Even with my speed it had taken over 30 minutes to even get to the outskirts of town. the first building came into sight.
I slowed to a stop and stared at the road. Ahead of me were shattered remains of glass and bits of rubber. I drew in a deep breath and tried to push away the memories.
********
My mom Talked to me about what we needed to get for home, how much we needed to save for the maid, and casually threw in school and boys. The same response poured from my mouth every time she asked.
"School is great. Mostly, and no, I don't have a new lover." I smiled at her and turned back to the window to watch the buildings move by.
"I just want to know how my daughter is, is that so bad?" She glanced in my direction and grabbed my hand.
"No, it's not bad, but other questions would be nice too!" Still smiling I continued to focus outside noticing some bicyclists now, stopped with wide eyes, some pointing. I looked over.
"MOM watch out..." the truck smashed into the side of our car and i fell into the dark.
*********
The light changed to green and i gasped, forcing myself out of the trance. My dry eyes stung, begging for tears that wouldn't come.
YOU ARE READING
Chromation
General Fiction"What to call that eighth color?" She stared at the rainbow over head. She wondered if there were even more unseen colors in the radiant splay. Rowina saw more with her ornate purple eyes. She felt more against her olive skin, and could never...
