You.

Chap. 1

I'm a bit confused. How am I supposed to follow these... rules of the world?

I've tried and tried to fit in, I just always fail to succeed. My best friend, Harper says that it's normal. To feel you are different sometimes. My mother? Mommy doesn't know I feel this way. She's already sad enough.

My father is in the military, so we never really know when he's coming home.

I rub the little tattoo on my chest. 'KÅDĮMÄ.' It says in straight red writing.

How was I supposed to move forward when I was always pulled back? It's like each time I took one step forward, I was pull two steps back.

"Alexis, sweetie!" My mother called.

I open my door and stick my head out. We never really had to scream because our house was always so empty so the echos got the job done.

"Yes?"

"Are you going to school today? After all, it is your birthday." She calls from somewhere. Yes, today is my birthday and now I'm 18 years old.

"Yes, I'm going." I say.

"Your going to be late for school." She says, appearing at the bottom of the steps that we're a few feet in front of my bedroom door, where I currently was. "Would you like for me to drive you?"

"Oh, thank you but I want to drive myself today. All the snow has gone and it's a new year... you know what they say, new year, new me." I say, referring to my fear of driving in the snow.

"It's coming back though. It's only the beginning of February." She reminds me and I nod.
"One sec, please. I'm just going to get my necklace." I say and she gives a hesitant nod.

I could tell Mother hated my necklace. Not because it was ugly, besides it was pretty, but because I was found with it and she knows I didn't buy it. She knows Mom gave it to me.

I shut my door, going back inside and I grab the necklace off my jewelry stand. I put it on, and I grab a pair of socks, rushing out the door and down the stairs.

"Ready?" My mother says as she throws her jacket on.

"Yes." I answer. "How late are you going to be at work this night?" I ask.

"Ten.. why?" She asks, considering I never asked and she usually told me without me having to ask.

"Uh.. well Harper asked if I could go to this hang out. There won't be a lot of people." I say honestly.. at least that's what she told me. "And I'd be back before midnight."

"We'll see." She says and I frown. That usually meant a hesitant but hard no.

"Pretty please! You know I don't drink, besides I don't want to because I care for my health, even the smallest part. And mom never-"

"Don't." She held up her index finger. "Don't speak of that... thing."

"S-Sorry." I say quietly. Mother didn't handle the whole situation so easily because of numerous reasons. She grabs her keys and purse while I put in my jacket and book bag.

"How about this..  I let you go, but before midnight.. 11:30. If your not back, I will call the cops." She says. I knew she was serious. She literally called the cops to the school once because I wasn't home at the usual time I was...

I stayed back for ten minutes to ask my teacher some questions about the homework.

"Okay. I Promise." I say as we walk out the door and outside. "I'll be leaving at eight."

"That's kinda early.." She tilts her head. "I thought high school parties these days started at like... eleven.."

"Wait... that means you'd only give me thirty minutes..?" I scold her and she smiles nonchalantly.

"I guess... but whatever.. I got to get to work." She says hugging me and giving me a kiss on my forehead.

"I love you too, mother. Have a good day at work."

"Have a good day at school."

And we parted, going separate ways to our cars.

Before I get in my car, my phone rings. "Mommy?" I ask, answering it. I sat in the drivers seat.

"Oh, happy birthday." She says, sounding embarrassed.

"Thank you." I laugh. "See you at 11:30."

"See you." She hangs up.

I start my drive to school.

******

Wordcount: 737