Tie. Tie. Tie

Chapter 1

April 3, 2016

Every day is a new chapter, but every year is a new season. Season twelve, chapter one. I caption my picture and post it as I smile to myself, thinking, that's a pretty picture! I look into my floor mirror held up nine inches off the ground by two stands next to my dresser and think how much I grew. My birthday outfit fitted me just how I wanted it to.

I knew I wasn't pretty like some of my friends, but I wasn't ugly either. My skin didn't glow, but it wasn't pale. My eyes were a plain light brown colour but they looked pretty in the sun! Nor did I have any acne. My hair was defined as mid-back length. Which was longer than most of my friends, but I loved it. I wore a simple dark red shirt that was tucked into my black skirt. My skirt rested a bit above my knee, and my top showed off my shoulders.

I wanted to dress up just enough without going overboard, so I kept my jewelry to the bare minimum. A simple pair of gold-coloured earrings that I got for Christmas. My ankle boots were brown with a 3-inch heel.

My mom finally agreed to let me have a party with my friends. I can't push the limit and ask for my guy friends, but at least I'll get half of my friends over. Besides my friends, my mom, dad and older brother, Issac will be there.

Issac and I don't talk much, but we don't hate each other. He helps me with some homework, and I'll listen if he asks me to do something, but we don't talk about our days. He never compliments me nor do I try to get to know him. Sure, his favourite colour is black, he likes basketball, he only has two best friends, and he's always in his room or on his phone. But what's his favourite food? What is his future job? Does he have a girlfriend?

I wish that I was closer to him, but he is sixteen, and I am twelve. That's a four-year difference that means we have nothing in common. He used to call me Timmy when I was younger and I still call him Zeke. Even if we don't talk anymore. But today is my birthday, and nothing can stop me from having fun!

"Timberly!" my mom called out from the other side of my door along with a few knocks.

"Come in!" I answered. My door opened and my dad came in with a box, followed by my mom. "Is anyone here yet? There's still a few minutes left until the party starts."

"We just wanted to give our daughter her birthday gift early," my dad smiled. I looked down at the box in his hands. A thin rectangular box was held by both hands of my dad. "Here."

The box was placed into my hands as a small 'thank you' left my mouth.

"Why don't you open it?" my mom suggested. I nodded still looking at the box and lifted the softcover slowly. Inside, lay a thin gold necklace with my zodiac sign. Aries.

"It's beautiful! I love it!" I smiled at them. "Thank you."

"Do you need help putting it on?" my dad offered.

"Please?" I shyly smiled. My dad gave me his crooked grin and took the necklace out of the box. His big hands handled the thin piece of treasure with such delicacy, you couldn't imagine it without proof. He stood behind me in the mirror before I moved my hair to one side so he could easily access my neck.

The cold metal rested against my warm skin. I wasn't one of those who loved to wear so much jewelry. I hated how cold it felt when you first put it on. But this necklace was perfect. My sign rested exactly in the middle and it didn't bother me. I knew that pendant would be a part of my whole life.

"You look perfect, Timberly," my dad whispered. He turned me around and hugged me. I felt safe in his arms. I looked up to my dad ever since I was a kid. He makes me feel safe and warm. As I get older, he's the type of person I want my future husband to be. "You are a true Aries."