“Because it’s January?” I grin at the disdain on her face. “How was your day at school?”
“Okay, I guess. There isn’t much we can do when it’s freezing outside and end the day earlier than expected.”
“At least you get the rest of the day off school.” I shrug and put the car in drive. I have a feeling the traffic is going to be worse than normal. “Miles called and is worried we aren’t prepared for this storm.”
“That figures.” She puts her seatbelt on and turns the air vents to point directly at her. She probably wouldn’t be so cold if she’d wear something other than a hoodie. “We are prepared, right?”
“Yes. As much as we can be. It’s not like I can control what the weather does.” Though, it’d be really cool if I did. Like the character in the cartoons, I watched as a kid. I’d probably make it Fall weather all the time, though. Well, a normal fall season. Not like what we have in Texas.
“Good. I plan on cuddling up in my bed with Alice and reading.”
“After you do your chores, of course.”
She sighs, loudly. “Yes, after I do my chores.”
“Sounds like a plan. Maybe we can watch a movie tonight. If the weather prediction is so bad you have early dismissal, I doubt you’ll have school tomorrow.”
“That’s a good point. A movie night and sleeping in tomorrow. That is the dream life.”
It really is. We have to get home first, though.
Ice crackles as I pry the door open to let Alice outside to potty. She was in my face bright and early this morning. She’s not going to be happy when she steps one paw outside. Maybe I should get her some of those puppy shoes for when it’s cold like this. I bet she’d appreciate it.
She takes one step onto the porch and looks back at me before trying to come back inside. “Sorry, pup. You need to go potty first.”
When she realizes I’m not going to let her in after a few moments. She hurries to the yard to take care of business. The whole yard is bright white. It’s almost blinding.
The sleet started while we were watching the movie. I didn’t realize it turned into snow overnight. Large flakes are still falling to the ground. If this keeps up, they won’t have school for another day or two.
“Mom, close the door. It’s freezing in here.”
“I thought you were sleeping in.”
Alexandra wraps her comforter around her body. “I thought I was too. I guess I’m used to my school schedule now. This sucks.”
“At least you’re not in school.”
“Point taken.” She glances in the yard. “We’re totally building a tiny snowman after we eat breakfast. I didn’t think it snowed in Texas.”
“It doesn’t. At least, not often.” Alice rushes inside almost knocking Alexandra over. I close the door and turn to my daughter, doing my best to hold the giggle bubbling up. “Help me with breakfast? You’ll be warm.”
“Just so you know, I’m only doing the easy stuff.” She turns and heads straight to the kitchen. “You didn’t have to laugh.” The last words are muttered, but it’s loud enough for me to hear.
Now, I feel bad. Sort of. She definitely needs more sleep because she’s more in her emotions when she doesn’t have get her full eight hours.
“Go cuddle up under the covers.” I say as I enter the kitchen a few moments after her. “I’ll handle breakfast.”
“Thanks.” She doesn’t wait to see if I’ll change my mind and hightails it to her room. I don’t blame her. The adjustment has been fairly easy for her, but I can tell she misses her friends. Hopefully she’ll make new ones as the year progresses.
Right now, though, the most important thing I need to do is cook. It is cold in here, and it feels like the temperature is dropping. Which is wild since you’d think it would get warmer as the sun comes up.
Small taps can be heard hitting the windows as I turn on the oven to make biscuits. I guess the sun is going away and we’re getting more sleet. Maybe this storm is going to be bad as the weather folks said. I just hope nothing catastrophic happens before it’s done.
“Mom, my phone is dead.” Lexi calls from my bedroom door.
“Put it on the charger.”
“I already tried that, but it’s not working. The power is out.”
