Every possible hue of red, orange, and purple streaked the sky in huge blotches. Already I could see the outline of birds in the horizon chirping about already anticipating this new day. I shuddered a bit and pulled the blanket tighter across me trying to regain some of my fleeing body heat and to cling to yesterday. Not that it was an amazing day or anything, but it would be better than what this day holds. I envied the birds for their joy and excitement. Nothing could make me want this day. I sighed and got up to get ready for my daily run with my Father. I slipped off my pajamas and got into my usual running attire, black yoga pants, a plain white tee, and my field hockey sweatshirt. I laced up my shoes and went down stairs to the kitchen. The clanking of jars clued me into the fact my Father was already up and waiting for me.

"Good morning Daddy." He jumped and a couple more clanks of glass was heard. He faced me and I saw him with a pastry in one hand and a Propel bottle in the other. He doesn't really understand the concept of diets.

"Good morning Riley," he said in between bites of his danish. "Ready for our run?" I nodded as I grabbed a water bottle. Silently we walked out to the corner and stood their stretching for a few minutes. In a silent agreement we took off on our neighborhood jog. An hour and about 5 miles later we were walking the last block home.

"Do. You. Have. An outfit for. Tonight?" He said as he gasped for air. And like that, I was snapped back into why I would despise this day.

"Do I need a new outfit?" I couldn't help but notice the edge in my voice.

"Yes you do. It's not everyday that Vanessa comes into town and introduces us to her new fiancée. I'll give you the credit card before you leave for school. Go pick up something modest to wear and be back home before 6:00. We are meeting them at Tao around 6:30." I nodded.

Just like that I was pushed to the background. No longer was I on the road to becoming the daughter they were proud of. I was just someone who lived in their house that would never amount to their amazing first-born. Vanessa, my older sister, was perfect in every aspect of life. Then and now. She took advanced classes, internships, did charity work, was on the swimming team, was valedictorian, and got into the school of her dreams, UCLA. Now she got a job in town with a high-class firm and is engaged to someone she describes as male-version of herself. Lucky me. I gazed into the mirror and was looking for something in me that would make others proud. I wasn't beautiful, but I was pretty. I have life-less dark blonde hair, plain green eyes, a permanent tan from field hockey, and boring clothing choices. I always wear my signature outfit, a pencil skirt with a cardigan. I had straight A's, but those couldn't beat Vanessa's. I was an okay field hockey player, definitely not a champion swimmer. Nothing I could do could make even me proud. I sighed and grabbed my book bag.

I really need to reorganize my locker. I moved around my a.p. books to look for the novel we are reading in English. From down the hall I could hear loud nasally laughing and knew instantly it was my close friend Hannah. We've been friends since junior high when we discovered we both loved Harry Potter. Back then things were easier in our friendship. All we worried about was who had the 5th book or who ate the last slice of pizza. But as we grew up she drifted more towards boys and make-up while I stayed close to my familiar books and sports. But, somehow we still managed to be friends, even if her increasing social life hindered us.

"Hey Riley!" She leaned up against a locker as Nate, her boyfriend, slipped an arm around her tiny waist.

"Hi Hannah. Hi Nate." I gave them both a smile as I grabbed Their Eyes Were Watching God and my English notebook. "So Hannah are you free today after school? My Dad gave me the credit card to buy a new outfit and I could use your help." I closed my locker to reveal a sad expression on her face.

"I'm sorry. I kinda made plans to go out for fro yo with Nate." Her big blue eyes sympathized with me.

"It's okay." Now her eyes questioned me. "It's fine! I swear." I put on a fake smile and pushed the feeling of hurt to the back of my heart. "I'll choose something on my own." The bell rang and Nate gave her a peck on the cheek and went off to class. Hannah walked with me to class.

"Okay, but feel free to call me if you need help deciding between things. And choose an outfit that stands out."

"What?"

"Don't hate me Riley, but you choose boring outfits. Things that put you in the background." Ouch. "Choose something that will put at least a little bit of Vanessa's attention on to you. Go crazy!" She giggled and we sat down in our assigned seats.

Me go crazy? That's going to happen when the U.S. wins the World Cup.

It's kind of a slow start, but go easy on me. It's my first story in a LONG time. Hope you guys like it. -xoxo Danica :)