It is still dark outside, when I wake up. I turn onto my back and notice a dark shadow hanging in the top corner of my room. Opening and closing my eyelids rapidly, clearing the sleep from my eyes, I squint my eyes and look up at the corner again. The shadow is still there.
I reach my hand toward my bedside lamp, not moving my eyes away from the dark gloom. I click the light on and the shadow disappears. I sigh with relief. Probably just the dark in the room playing tricks on my eyes or the tension and stress from my parents getting a divorce is making me see things.
I slide out of bed and tiptoe to the bathroom. I take a quick, hot shower, washing my hair as well and I wonder if I will be able to dry it as dead straight as Angie did.
When I am back in my room, I pull on a pair of black jeans and a black sweater, with a sharp v-neck. I sit down in front of my dressing table and then I start the process of drying and styling my hair. It takes me forever and when I finally give up, I realize that hairdressers must have a magic wand or wrist. My hair is as straight as I will ever get it. I will have to invest in a decent hair-straightener.
I clasp my new necklace around my neck and when I look back at myself in the mirror, I finger the cross softly. The symbol of the Celtic cross dates back to pagan times. Thousands and thousands of years before the establishment of Christian churches. It is a cosmic symbol, a tree of life, connecting heaven and earth. The vertical arm symbolizes spirituality while the horizontal arm signifies the earthly dimension. The cross is often placed within a circle, which represents the sun and eternity. Together they symbolize the earth and the revolution of the four seasons. The Celtic cross is often used for luck and as protection against many forms of natural magic. I need luck right now.
Looking back at the clock next to my bed, it broadcasts that the hour is nine. If I did not leave soon, I will never make it to the mall before ten o'clock.
At the front door, I unhook my new black coat from the coat hanger. It feels warm and luxurious. It was an extravagant purchase, but in my opinion well deserved.
My mom calls from her room, "Heather?"
I call back, "Yeah?"
" Are you not staying for when your dad gets here?"