My Enemy and I

Chapter 4

I woke up with an unfamiliar lightness in my chest. Today was Friday, a sweet whisper of freedom after a long, emotionally draining week. It was enough to propel me out of bed, a spring in my step, and straight into the shower. The warm water cascaded over me, washing away the last lingering threads of the nightmare. After, I meticulously straightened my hair, watching my reflection, a rare smile playing on my lips. I looked... good.

I grabbed my bag, already feeling the weekend pulling me forward, and headed downstairs. The moment I hit the last step, the rich, comforting scent of bacon, syrup, and coffee hit me, warm and inviting. My stomach rumbled. I walked into the kitchen, my eyes still half-closed from sleep, expecting the usual empty quiet. Instead, I saw her: my mom, standing at the stove, cooking. I rubbed my eyes, hard, convinced I was still dreaming, but the scent persisted, and her form remained solid. She was actually here, at 6:00 AM, making breakfast. A strange mix of relief and unease settled over me.

I slid onto a chair at the kitchen table, just watching her, trying to process this unusual domestic scene. Then, Tj ambled down the stairs, rubbing sleep from his eyes, and his mouth dropped open, mirroring my own bewildered expression.

"Umm. Okay, either I'm dreaming, or Mom, you're actually up at six in the morning," he mumbled, his voice thick with disbelief.

She laughed, a genuine, warm sound that felt almost foreign in the house. "Yes, sweetie, I'm actually up at six in the morning. Are you guys hungry?"

I shook my head, already feeling a strange knot in my stomach. "No, thanks, I'll just grab an apple." The words felt forced, a familiar shield clicking into place. She glanced at me, a flicker of concern in her eyes, but she just nodded, not pressing.

"How about you, Trey?" she asked, turning to Tj.

"Yeah, I'm starving!" he declared, already pulling out a chair.

"Pig," I chuckled, a small, genuine laugh escaping me. I pushed away from the table, grabbed an apple from the counter, and walked over to my mom. "Bye, Mom," I said, leaning in to kiss her cheek. The gesture felt strangely tender, almost fragile.

"Bye, sweetie," she replied, her smile soft.

I walked out to my car, the morning air crisp and cool. The early sunlight filtered through the trees as I started the engine, pulling out of the driveway. My first stop was Ebonie's house, just a few blocks up the street. I honked the horn once, a short, friendly beep, and she emerged almost immediately, adjusting her backpack, her smile bright.

"Hello, you look cute today," I greeted her as she slid into the passenger seat.

She grinned, a genuine warmth in her eyes. "Thank you! And you look pretty in your dress."

I smiled, a real, unburdened smile, and pulled away from the curb. Our next stop was Nikki's house. I didn't even have to honk. Nikki burst out of her front door like the house was on fire, scrambling into the back seat, breathless.

"Whoa, Nikki, where's the fire?" I asked, raising an eyebrow.

"Sorry, I just really needed to get out of that crazy house," she gasped, still catching her breath.

"More Tina drama?" I questioned, already knowing the answer. She nodded vigorously, a cloud momentarily passing over her face.

I resumed driving, making our way to Jenni's house. I honked, and she appeared, her usual calm demeanor a welcome presence. With everyone finally in the car, I turned up the radio. The familiar beat of "Glamorous" by Fergie filled the car, and I found myself singing along, belting out the lyrics, a rare sense of abandon flowing through me. When the song ended, the girls clapped, and I laughed, a full, joyful sound. "Thank you, thank you!" I bowed playfully.