No Such Thing

A New Outlook

He woke up without the alarm clock. Cayden got no sleep that night. He didn’t know if it was because Jemma broke up with him or if it was that new girl. His mind flew a thousand miles a minute in every direction. And, he woke up in the same predicament. Sitting up, he headed for his bathroom. Maybe a shower would make him feel better. The house was old but for the most part all of it was updated. The counters and base around his tub were a black and brown marble. The walls were a delicate brown. The tub, shower, and toilet were a darker brown with the tile on the floor being a matted black. There was a large mirror behind the vanity and frosted glass surrounding the large walk in shower. Every bedroom had a bathroom similar with different colorings. He could honestly say, this was the nicest place they stayed since he could remember. Maybe since it’s theirs now they won’t have to move again? He shook that thought off knowing full well their father would go where he was sent. Disappointed at the thought he finished with his shower, got dressed and headed downstairs to the kitchen. No one was about just yet but the housekeeper and the cook. He could smell breakfast and coffee. Oh, COFFEE! He thought to himself, ‘That’s what I need.’ He made a straight line to the kitchen and grabbed a cup and filled it with the hot brew of life. Of course, he had to drown the taste out with cream and sugar but it was the caffeine he was after!

Cayden couldn’t help but smile as he sipped on his coffee. He watched the birds from the kitchen window start their day. It seems, for the first time since they moved here he could really appreciate the setting from the window. Beautiful rolling hills full of trees and flora. The yard was beautifully landscaped. His aunt obviously had a gardener. He was sure at her age she wouldn’t be able to keep up with such detail. The backyard was lined with different colored flowers and bushes. Several fruit trees and a river stone path snaked through the latticed wood and vines. Creepy, but wondrous. He was in his own world, where he seemed to stay a lot lately, when he noticed something sitting in the window cill. Looking back at him. He looked around the room, still no one around. He opened the French doors that lead out to the patio and checked the window from that side. “Good morning young sir!” Squeaked a small voice.

“And good morning to you.” Cayden answered. “Are you looking for my father?”

“Yes, thank you. Is he about?” The small man bowed low.

“I believe he is still upstairs. Give me a sec, and I’ll get him for you.” Cayden gave him a small wave and went to turn. “Oh, sorry. Who may I ask is calling?”

“Please do forgive my rudeness, my name is Fizzard McFadden.” He bowed again and dipped his tiny little hat. Cayden noticed his clothing appeared to be made from leaves and grass. And, it was so detailed. Small stitches. And was it? Yes, it was a little tailored suit. He giggled. “Thank you Mr. McFadden. Please give me one moment. Would you like to come in and sit in the parolo?” Cayden asked as he opened the door. “Oh wonderful manners young man. That would be much appreciated. Flitting around on these wings all day can be tiresome for an old man like me.” He said as he buzzed past Cayden through the door. Cayden showed him to the parlor and left him to head upstairs. He quickly drank what was left of his coffee and set it on the foyer table as he headed up to the second floor. Knocking on his parents door, he could hear his mother call “Come in!” He entered. “Dad around?” He asked, looking around. “In the shower. What is it dear?” His mother said. “A Mr McFadden is here to see dad.” Cayden told her.

“Oh mercy.” His mom stood and went to the bathroom. “Paul, Fizzy is here for you.”

“Oh, s**t. Ok, let him know I’ll be down in a second. That man is always too early!” His father answered. Cayden nodded his head and left the room. He grabbed his backpack from the banister and shot down the steps. He had to get going if he was going to make it.

“Feeling better?” His mom yelled after him. “A bit, yes. Thanks mom. See you tonight!” he answered

“Mr. McFadden. Dad will be down in a second. Thank you for waiting.” He smiled at him and headed out the door. He could hear Fizzy thank him as he left. Walking down the well constructed stone walkway to the road he could hear his family finally start to fill the house with noises and hurried tasks. As he hit the road and headed towards town he looked around. ‘It's a new day. Let's see if we can make it better.’ He said to himself and headed down the road.

It was just about 7am as he hit the hill just above Natasia’s driveway. He started to get a bit nervous. ‘Come on Cayden. You only just met her. Stop acting like a child!” He scolded himself. Then he saw her, coming down her driveway to the road. A smile hit his face without control. He met her at the end and she stepped in with his own pace. “Good morning.” she said with a smile. “Good morning to you.” He answered with his own grin. They walked quietly most of the way when Natasia finally broke the silence. “I’m glad you showed up. I was afraid I scared you away.”

“Oh no! I mean, I have to admit I was kind of nervous. You know, then I thought why? You know, because it is just a walk and we just met and it wasn’t even for a few minutes I mean, you know. We hardly said anything to one another while we walked and….” He realized he was rambling and quickly shut his mouth. “Sorry, I ramble when I’m nervous.” She giggled at him. “No need to be. Or, that’s what I keep telling myself too. I bit my brother's head off this morning because I was so nervous.” She said to him lowering her head shyly. They laughed together and seemed to calm a bit. They continued their small talk as they got closer to school. Seeing the building in the distance at the end of the road they were on they slowed. Cayden thought he didn’t want this morning to end. Natasia was thinking the same and slowed without thinking about her pace. “Well.” Cayden said in a low voice. “Looks like it’s almost time for school.”

“Yep.” She sighed. “Want to walk home this afternoon?” She spurted out and looked at him.

“Sure, same time as yesterday? But, um. Together?” He giggled. What a dork, he thought to himself, shaking his head. “Sure.” She answered and squeezed his hand. “See you then!” She smiled and walked up the steps. He stood there for a bit watching her enter the school. And for a bit afterwards absolutely dreading this day. ‘She would be the only reason this school might work.’ He muttered and walked up the steps.