Red ✔

Good News and Bad News

Tuesday. This is the day I officially become an eighth grader. This is the day I go into the oldest grade in the school. This is the day I can start fresh and show off my new style.

This day is today.

I punch my alarm clock, which is sitting on the nightstand I got for Christmas two years ago. I quickly make my bed and fluff my Hello Kitty pillows. I brush my teeth with extra toothpaste to make my teeth extra sparkly. You can't go to the first day of school with plaque on your teeth! I grab the comb on the side of my sink as I stare at the mirror reflection of my wild hair. My hair is never flat when I wake up. It's as if it is alive.

My hair is one of a kind. It is red-like literally bright RED. As in as red as a fire truck or as red as an apple. Yeah, people will dye their hair this colour, but mine is natural. The colour is not going to go away unless I dye over it, which is not going to happen anytime soon. I don't know any relatives who have my natural red hair, except for my great grandmother, but hers was more reddish-orange. Mine is the second of "the kind." I feel like a completely different species when it comes to hair. My hair will always stand out wherever I go.

When people first see me, my hair is the first thing they look at. The first impression I give is always based off of my hair. Some will stare at me with disapproval, thinking I am a delinquent. I can't prove it's natural unless I have my doctor with me. Dr. Samuels knew me ever since I was an egg inside my Mom's belly. She saw the development of my great grandma's genes into mine. My mom had the slightest bit of red wisps on her head, but it is not very noticeable. When I came out, my hair was as red as can be. She says with my mother and father's genes joined with my great grandma's the orange and black hair turned mine into red. "The genetics bonded with you so strongly you turned out to have your great grandma's hair," she stated. However, mine has highlights of black on the edges, so I am not a total tomato.

Ironically, just like it says in my name, Scarlet, red is my favourite colour. Almost everything I own is some shade of red. I love how it stands out, not as bright as yellow, but not as dull as blue. I love wearing red, it represents me. With my hair, it clashes, but I don't care, that's my type of fashion. My bedroom is covered with red. My curtains are ruby red, my desk is ginger red, and my lamp is blood red. My closet is so red, it seems like it's on fire. However, most of my belongings are scarlet red. I guess I like the fact that most of my possessions have my name in it. It makes me feel unique; it's who I am.

I have my back-to-school outfit all set: my white jean short-shorts, my cute red graphic t-shirt, my silver bangle bracelets, and red metal loop earrings. I check myself out in the dresser mirror, which I got for Christmas, as well, and I look hot. Oh, I forgot. I smear a bit of red glittery lip-gloss on my dull, pink lips.

My first impression outfit ready. Check.

I dash downstairs and gobble down my glass of milk and my cream cheese bagel. The sides of my mouth have bagel crumbs. I lick my lips clean.

Eat breakfast. Check.

"How do I look?" I ask my brother, Alex (short for Alexander).

"Okay, I guess," he says with his mouth full of bagel and cream cheese. I beam. My brother is strict when it comes to looks. He thinks every girl he sees is weird-looking. I guess our school does not have many potential girlfriends for my hard-headed brother. So, as long as I don't look hideous, I'm all good.

I walk into the den and gather my necessary school supplies: binders, pencil cases (containing pens, pencils, pencil crayons, etc.), a novel (for independent reading), liquid glue, and, lastly, my favourite pink lip balm for shiny lips. You never know when you might need it.