Behind The Eyes

Chapter 1

"Nicole!" My mom screamed from downstairs. It was the first time she has called my name, yet she sounds like she has called me down to wash the dishes for the fifth time, and I still haven't come out of my room.

Sunday mornings are the worst at my house. Imagine ten people all running around to eat breakfast, get laundry out of the dryer, look for shoes and get out the door by 8:45 AM to go to church. You may think having 7 siblings sounds awesome...more people to play with and fewer chores...you are dead wrong.

The only things you get for having 7 siblings is the right to own more than one minivan or just one giant white van that you get to go everywhere in, more chores, share a room with all of your little sisters and get never ending "compliments" because you have the same color of eyes as your WHOLE family. They are dark brown...what is so cool about that? Exciting I know...

As I got up to go help my family not be late again, I thought of something my mom had said to me a couple days ago. This is what she said, and the only reason I remember it is because all I could think of the whole time is my best friend Katie and how sometimes she acts this way.

And I quote..."Most girls your age honey, have problems and insecurities with self worth and feeling pretty." I believed her, but when she also said that "you can always talk about those feelings" I knew she was doing it just so I would share my feelings and she could feel more motherly.

I walked to my mirror to look at myself and see if I did the things girls with those insecurities do. It is always easy to tell who does these things and why. For example, dress up, wear shorter skirts, wear lots of make up and talk loudly or overreact, just to get attention from everyone. (especially the guys)

I looked closer. I didn't see any of those things in myself. I am me.

I am 16, but everyone thinks I'm 18 because I'm so mature, confident and simple. I have long, boring brown hair that I have up in a side bun today and I am wearing a simple blue and white striped knee-length dress with pockets.

"I am wearing this out of pure comfort, because I like to wear this dress and I feel like me in it. No one decides how I see myself." I thought aloud to myself and then thought 'wow! I could be a motivational speaker!'

"NICOLE!" My mother screamed yet again, this time with a hint of pleading in her voice.

I decided I would to go and help with whatever the little monsters thought they couldn't do themselves.

I walked away smiling to go downstairs and hope that everyone, at least, has shoes on.