**Araya's POV**
Brrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr. It's 6 AM.
The blaring sound of the alarm jolted me awake, pulling me from the warmth of sleep into the crispness of a new morning. I am Araya Stewart, and I will be 19 years old in three months. With skin as fair as freshly fallen snow, I have a delicate, porcelain-like complexion that seems to glow in the morning light. My long, wavy hair cascades down my back, shimmering like spun gold, framing my heart-shaped face. My pure hazel eyes, flecked with hints of green and gold, are often described as captivating, reflecting both warmth and depth. I stand at an average height, my figure athletic yet feminine, with curves that speak of strength and grace.
It was time for my regular morning routine—my workout, the one thing I couldn't do without. I reached for my phone and earbuds, glancing over at Ashley, my tossing queen. She lay sprawled across the bed, her pale skin contrasting beautifully with the dark sheets. Ashley was undeniably cute and pretty, with huge, wide golden eyes that sparkled even in her sleep, giving her an innocent and enchanting look. Her ginger hair was a wild halo around her head, tousled and messy, adding to her charm. "Gonna go now, Ash, sweetheart," I whispered, careful not to disturb her too much.
In response, she turned over, her face now fully towards me, still caught in the haze of sleep. I couldn't help but chuckle at the sight. Strands of hair were tousled all over her face, and I noticed she was even munching on a few strands without realizing it. Gently, I brushed the hair away from her face, tucking it behind her ear, and pulled the strands from her mouth. "Goodbye, Joliana Ashley Stewarts; see you soon," I said, my voice warm with affection.
With my headphones securely in place, I clicked on my workout playlist, the familiar beat of Beyoncé's "Heaven" pulsing through my ears. As I stepped out through the back door, the cold winter air of Bainbridge Town, New York, hit me like a refreshing wave. I inhaled deeply, the crispness filling my lungs and invigorating my spirit.
As I began to run, the rhythm of my feet hitting the pavement synced with the beat of the music, and I felt a surge of energy coursing through me. But as the lyrics washed over me, a wave of nostalgia hit, and my heart ached with memories of the past. The song reminded me of our parents—of the day we lost them two years ago.
**Flashbacks**