The Black Swan | Reposted

Chapter 1 - Odette

I sat up and stretched, my back arching as I yawned in perfect sync. It was so quiet, which was shocking in this city. I was accustomed to the noise, the rumbling and growling of passing trucks, the late night howling from partygoers who were either drunk, high, or searching for that one amazing New York City party. I could sleep through it, I could ignore it all, it was almost like a modern day lullaby. You adapted to the sound, sometimes true silence was too much for me. Even in the early morning hours you would hear the night owls; you'd hear the moans and groans from hangovers, the sound of girls clicking heels as they carried them in hand by their little straps. You could almost feel and hear the past regret of last night's shenanigans. I never partook in this party scene. I never had a walk of shame, or had to smudge my eye liner from the night before and try to pass it as a smoky eye, I never woke up and not knew where I was, or have to stumble to find my underwear. It wasn't me.

It was a new day, I was exhausted, but I had a lot to accomplish. I took just a second, and had my feet planted on the floor. I gazed out the window, looking at this city, this new start. I loved mornings in all honestly. I liked that hazy feeling as you woke up, and you kind of struggled to adjust back to reality from that sleepy paralysis. I can feel how messy my hair is, all tangled up, my clothes are disheveled and I need to brush my teeth but I loved this feeling. It got even better once you thought about your day, and you realized how you had all these new chances, and new moments to have, memories to make. I think people would dread mornings unfairly, they didn't give them a chance. I didn't think that was fair. I suppose I romanticized it all, but I think someone out there had to.

I did not have rehearsals at the ballet today, I had to work. I got up and stretched again, and walked down my hall, spinning and twirling past photos of my mother and I together. I smiled, adoring her.

I went to my kitchen and ate a nice healthy breakfast of oatmeal, fruit, and orange juice. I was really hungry actually. Sometimes I woke so hazy that I could hardly stomach anything.
I loved my studio apartment, I thought as I walked through it. It was warm, simple, a bit big but not by too much. My mother was my landlord, so I got bit of a deal for it. It was full of photos of my mother and the many stages she took. It was cozy; it felt like you wanted to take a nap with the warm colors, the dim lighting and all the little trinkets I had collected over my twenty years of traveling. I wanted it to always be inviting, not that I had many visitors.

I got up and pulled on my black leo, then a pair of sheer tights over top. I pulled my hair back and grabbed my shoes and my thin jacket. It was fairly warm out this spring. I really enjoyed this weather; it was always the shortest season, which did disappoint me. I loved that crisp air, it was always so light and clean from the rain. The grounds were so brightly colored in green grass; the trees all looked so healthy, same with the flowers. It was as if nature was so happy to be back in action after a cold winter. I enjoyed that so much, I wish it lasted longer.

I walked out tossed my bag over my shoulder and started my walk. I needed to get to a busier street to hail a cab. I was walking, seeing the homeless man I typically saw every morning or so. I folded up my cash around the meal bar I always gave him.

"Have a good day sugar,"

"Oh you too," I smiled at him and kept walking. In the winter I gave him warm clothes, which was never a bother. I got him a blanket or two, sometimes when I had the free time I'd pack a little bag for him full of food and water. It was just something small, I hoped it helped.

I walked, my eyes scanning over this city. I loved how no matter where you were in New York, you almost felt connected at all times to it. It was this intense draw, because in this city... so many people existed. There was every type; you could meet the kindest people, rudest, the most moving people with the most unique stories. There was something for everyone, there was something for you to connect to, enjoy, and a place for you. This city... it made me feel like I could have it all in some odd way. Maybe it was the amazing buildings, the fashion, the lit up skyline. I had no idea, but it was a wonderful feeling.