Quarter To + Celebrating Time

Quarter To

It was a quarter to and I wasn’t going to make it. I could only hope the consequences of my inaction would not be as devastating as Martin had said they would be. He was talking about something totally different. He had to, because he could not have known what this day would bring being that he died two years ago. But I couldn’t deny how eerily fitting his warning was for this day:

Perry, the next time this happens, pay attention. I was here to get you today, but I’m telling you, the next time it’ll be all on you. You have to pay attention to the time. If you’re late when this happens again, all the work we’ve done will have been for nothing.

Of course I thought Martin was being dramatic, like he could be when he had to wait on people. Only, again I had forgotten to set the alarm when I knew I should have, given what time I'd gotten in. Martin had told me to be careful. He had been so clear. I was so stupid to not listen to him. Luckily, he would never know the turmoil I’ll cause.

Oh, I had to stop talking like that, like it was already too late. It didn’t have to be. It was a quarter to and I still had time.

I jumped out of bed and rushed to use the restroom, cursing myself for needing to waste that amount of time. The attire from last night was in the bathroom, although I didn’t remember taking it off. I quickly threw it on after rinsing my hands with the No Touch, and ran to the front room for my shoes. My equipment was by the door where it should have been. At least I had everything ready.

Only seven minutes had past since waking up by the time I left my room into the storming darkness. It wasn’t nighttime. Despite the darkness, it was nearly four in the afternoon, and I had less than nine minutes to get ready before I ruined everything.

I silently entered through the rear and knew it wasn’t too late. Feeling my way in the darkness, the winds just began to die down by the time I reached the other end. I walked through the opening and my heart pounded against my chest, feeling near to explode. The lights came on and shined directly on me, reflecting the illuminants of my wardrobe. 

I called out in a commanding voice, “Come all ye shepherds, ye children of earth, Come ye, bring greetings to yon heavenly birth.” The applause was deafening as I continued with my lines.

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It’s time for VikLit’s Celebrate the Small Things, an every Friday blog hop. This week I’m celebrating:

1. Yay! My author interview aired on the local cable TV show on Tuesday and last Saturday. It wasn’t the best, and the editing was pretty bad, but it aired and it was great.
2. My book signing is tomorrow! Am I prepared? Am I nervous? No and Yes. J
3. This has been a good week in regard to the A to Z Challenge. Not as stressful as last week. I guess getting sick over the weekend forced me to have some down time and revitalized me.
4. The flash fiction piece above. What do you think about it? Was it a surprise to you?
5. It’s Friday!!!!!!!!!!:)!!!!!!!!!

Check out this other A to Z Challenge blog:
Daily Journey