The Brightest Stars

Kristen

The next morning we all wake up with excitement running through our veins. Skyler is the first one up, as usual. I'm the last one up...as usual. I can hear Mom making breakfast downstairs and I get dressed quickly with the delicious smell of coffee and pancakes.

When I'm all done, I quickly go to Skyler's room. Last night she spent almost an hour picking out her outfit. I guess I understand her struggle. Nearly all her life she had to wear the same uniform for school. I can't imagine myself going through that torture. Remembering her nerves, I give her a big smile when I enter her room.

"Ready?!"

She looks at me from packing her backpack. She takes off her round glasses like I recommended. I had told her last night that she looks more natural because those glasses make her look like a grandma. I quickly regretted saying that out loud when Mom gave me a look.

Today she looks beautiful. Honestly, if Skyler weren't as quiet as always, she could become a cheerleader on the spot. 

She lets her hair down and waves fall at the end of her hair. The top of her hair is straight and the light brown color of it shines under the sunlight that enters from her window. With this, I can see how her light brown hair almost looks hazelnut in the sun. I'm surprised at this discovery. She rarely has her hair down.

She smiles nervously and nods. I go over and give her a tight hug. I don't remember giving her a tight hug like this one before. Only on the day, Dad died and at the funeral.

I can hear AJ walk into the room. We pull away and look at AJ. He looks perfect today, too. Even if he just wears a casual outfit. His thick hair is like always in a Leonardo DiCaprio style. I bug him about his version of the Titanic story.

He smiles when he sees Skyler and says, "Woah. You look.....way too beautiful for your first day of school, Sky."

I look at her outfit also and smile when I see that she has taken my advice once again. Her tight jeans carry small rips on her hips and knees. I'm almost jealous of her red sweater over her black tank top. "See? You have to listen to me more often." I let myself laugh at my own comment. 

Skyler chuckles and shakes her head. "Whatever."

"Okay. Let's go! We have to go by Belle's house, too." I can't wait to see Belle's face when she sees the new Sky. A feeling of pride lightly fills my heart as I watch my sister walk out of her room with a bright smile.

In the kitchen, mom looks at us and smiles widely. Even though she still has her pajamas on and no makeup, she still looks pretty. I admire my mom just as I admire Belle. That strength they carry behind their soft and tender looks. Sometimes I feel almost doubtful of Mom's strength. I wonder if she was forced to have that strength now that she is a single mother and works all day for us.

Mom puts three plates on the table and quickly looks at the three of us; studying us from head to toes. She nods and says, "You all look wonderful." She hugs the three of us all at once. When she gets to Skyler, she looks at her with that shine of pride in her brown eyes.

I look down from those shining eyes and try to push away that odd feeling I sometimes get when I'm with Sky. I hear how she kisses Sky on the cheek lightly. "You look so beautiful, sweetie. But let me guess. That outfit says Kristen all over it." I look up to see Mom smirking at me. 

That odd feeling immediately disappears and a smirk forms on my lips. "Oh you know it, Mom. Someone had to step in and help the poor child. AJ can't help. He seems to wear the same clothes every day."

I look over at AJ as he rolls his eyes. Mom chuckles at this and claps her hands with excitement. "Okay. Now sit down and eat quickly. You're gonna be late for your first day of school," Mom says as we quickly sit down at the table. I'm too excited to eat now.