~Gray Leaves and Tall Trees~

Chapter 1

I slowly woke up, stretching from the long, tiring day called yesterday. Then something hit me. 'It is my birthday!' I thought, as I quickly jumped out of bed and put on some clothes. Nothing too special, just a t-shirt with my favorite band, and some ripped jeans. I rushed upstairs, bouncing into the kitchen. "Mom? You there?"

My mother jumped out from behind me. "Happy Birthday sweetie!" She hugged me tightly and kissed my forehead. I smiled, but then my face shortly went straight. I always wanted a sibling. I had been a only child all my life. I had especially wanted a little sister. I always imagined my little sister hugging me, saying 'Happy Birthday Ana!' But then, my dad came and pounced on me gently onto the couch. I chuckled softly, slowly smiling again. I was actually quite love having an actual, loving family. 'Too bad I don't have any siblings though...' I thought. I hugged my dad tightly.

"Happy birthday hun!"

"Thank you Daddy."

"Mom is making your favorite breakfast for you...waffles with whipped cream and strawberries!"

"Yay!"

(Some time later....)

I finished my waffles, with not even one crumb on my plate. I got up, grabbed my backpack, put on my beanie, and walked out to my dad's car, sitting in the front seat. As he drove me to school, I kept thinking about how people would treat me now that I'm 14. And I couldn't wait to see my bestie, (or as I say, bae.) Kara Lee. She had been away due to her great-grandma dying. We were our own little "clique" of our own, doing everything together. We had been friends since I moved here to Oregon from Colorado, where I was only 6 at the time. As we arrived in the parking lot, I hugged my dad, said goodbye, and closed the door. As I went inside, there I saw someone. Who else would it be, but Kara Lee.