Another day, Another dawn

Another Dawn, Another Day.

A morning mist hung over Sterling Avenue, its' dampness shrouding the sandy brown slated roofs and what branches the now naked trees had left. An early morning breeze blows empty crisp packets along the residential areas' tarmac pavement. Most of the residents still deep in slumber, as yet unaware of the awful weather that would greet them on this already depressing Monday morning. The wind had got heavier and its' temperature had decreased since the chiming of the clock tower to signal another new day. The chill seemed to be determined in making sure the residents would live to regret it if they forgot their trio of scarf, hat and gloves. If they did forget they would surely feel the airs' coldest breath deep within their bones long after they had settled in their final destination.
There was no mistaking that winter was well and truly here and it had no intention of tip-toeing into view with a soft and friendly hello. It had stamped in wearing size 100 Doc Martins and it was going to be an arrival everyone wished had never happened.

The double glazed windows of No. 8 were misty and damp since attracting the morning dew. Possibly sensing what awaited her outside Chrissie Charlton fidgeted and enveloped herself in her 13 tog quilt and without even opening her eyes her slender fingers pulled it tighter over her head. A handful of shiny auburn ringlets escaping at the top.

BEEP-BEEP BEEP-BEEP

"Oh God. Not yet. Her morning moans were absorbed by her baby pink pillow.

She holds it and tries to push her pillow over her ears with what little energy her pathetic excuse for sleep permitted her. An amount so useless a flea would struggle to be lively, never mind an over-worked mother of twins who was in dire need of a holiday. Outside the sanctuary of her she was far too honest and a fully paid up member of the 'life sucks' movement. Fully aware of her reality she had long ago accepted her break was not likely to happen, at least in the foreseeable future. But like so many people she didn't see any harm in keeping her fingers crossed and wishing. 'Just in case' she regularly reminded herself.

BEEP-BEEP BEEP-BEEP

"Please. Just shut up! her morning voice to no one but her and the beeping alarm clock.

Realising that trying to block out the alarms increasing volume was fighting a battle she was adamant she would lose. Chrissie let out a long sigh of resignation as she accepted her fate and admitted she could no longer hide under the covers. It was time to leave the comfort and warmth of her King Size Bed; it had been her only extravagance when they moved into the house.

Still trying to extract herself from bed she had the familiar daily sound of her bedroom door opening. The hinges in desperate need of oil served as a built in doorbell. No one could creep up on her and she couldn't help but think she loved it like that.

"Mummy. Called her 8 year old son Nathan. His childlike voice fighting to be heard over the din of the alarm clock.

"Mummy. Your alarm is ringing. Isn't it time for you to get up?

Chrissie couldn't help but smile at her baby boys' innocence, dreading the day he lost it. She couldn't help but be amused at the way he had already managed to make her feel like a naughty school. Something told her that wasn't supposed to be happening just yet, was it?
Watching the pair of them stood there in the doorway her heart swelled with pride at how privileged she was. Nikki, only just 4 stood looking up at her little brother as if she was waiting for him to take the lead so she could follow. As she did most mornings Chrissie thanked whoever it was 'up there' who had blessed her with her two little angels. Whoever it was would get a big hug and kiss when/if Chrissie ever got to meet them. She knew all parents said the same ' was it in the manual? ' but her two really were the most amazing children. There was never even a full second when she forgot how lucky she was.

Realising she couldn't hide from the world anymore Chrissie cleared her throat. Stretching out an arm she summoned energy from somewhere and flicked the off switch. It was an act she had perfected over time without ever having to look at the damned noisy thing. Old habits die hard and all that.
Using Nate and Nikki as her motivation she sat up in bed and swan her legs over the end in one ' surprisingly ' graceful movement. Slouching forward she runs her fingers through her hair to tie it back out of her way. Feeling that it didn't need washing perked her up as that meant one less thing on her Monday morning to-do list.
Twisting her neck she tries to release the tightness in her muscles and feeling some release she pulls the kids towards her. They all come together for their morning ritual group hug. Kissing each of their foreheads she finds some strength in her heart and pulls then tighter to her.

"I love you two so much. Please promise me you'll never forget that.

As always ' in unison - Nate and Nikki proclaimed rather loudly for so early in the morning

"We'll never ever forget mummy coz we love you so much too.

Lifting them onto the bed and with a hand each she tickles them, each one of them giggling like a human hyena.
Chrissie grinned at the precious time she had with her babies and was so grateful as she remembered that this was a tie that could never truly be broken.