I woke up early the next morning- 6:00 am- I didn't roll out of bed but rather stood and stretched. My chest felt unusually light despite the past few days, there I felt...encouraged. It's a strange thing to feel encouraged, the sudden boost of motivation wasn't wasted as I ripped my phone off its charger and ran downstairs into the kitchen. I texted Alex.

V: hey! Wanna come over I'm feeling really motivated and I'm about to make some breakfast and clean.

V: you'll be helping though ;9

I continued to go through everything in my fridge and pantry. I have plenty to make pancakes, scrambled eggs, bacon, and coffee. I haven't made myself a breakfast like this since I started fighting which was in college. My phone buzzed against the counter, I bounded over to it and quickly opened the recent message I
received.

Alex: Why in the world are you up at this UNGODLY hour? 

V: I don't know I just feel, really really good??? 

V: Please come spend time with me I can't eat all of this bacon alone...

Alex: OML fine, I'm coming I'll be there in 10.

Alex: this bacon better be worth it >:9

I chuckled softly at her response and started cooking the bacon in a pan. It sizzles loudly, the fatty oil popping out of the pan every once and awhile.

While making it I thought about Alex. I hadn't had a friend besides Jim or uhm, yeah since I was in middle school. Picking fights every day makes you pretty intimidating and unlikable, I definitely wasn't the first choice on anyone's friend list. Alex was kind and funny and went through a lot, I honestly see us being good friends.

I heard my phone buzz again, I shook my head and focused on the bacon for now.

When the bacon was done I opened the message. It confused me to say the least, but I didn't let it bother me. I put the phone face down on the counter and put the bacon on a paper towel covered plate to cool it down.

Then I heard a knock.

I ran to the front door and whipped it open. I gave Alex a huge hug and invited her inside.

"Jeez you have a lot of energy, that's good though, just not for early mornings." Alex joked.

I laughed and brought her to the kitchen, "Wanna make the coffee?" I asked cracking an egg into the pan.

She nodded and started brewing it. I noticed the bruise on her cheek and felt overwhelmingly guilty, I had done that to her.

She caught me staring and immediately walked over to me, she placed her hand on my shoulder and pointed at the deep purple bruise on her cheek.

"I totally get it, I understand why you did it I was being pushy, chill. I'm not mad. Alright?" She said gently.

I nodded, "Yeah, ok."

She gave my shoulder a pat before pulling two mugs down from the rack above the coffee machine.

I pulled my attention back to the eggs and quickly moved them into a bowl so I could get started on the pancakes.

I started pouring batter into the pan when Alwx started humming a song softly while she waited for the coffee to finish brewing. For once I felt normal again.