Chapter 1, Part 1- Never Bow (Story)

I heard someone yell, I just didn't hear what they said. It didn't even matter, I wouldn't care. I turned over in my bed, trying to find a comfortable postion to fall back to sleep in. I turned to my side in full view o f the red glowing numbers of my alarm clock. 11:20 AM. Ugh, that early. I closed my eyes and tried to think of nothing but sleep. It didn't work.1

"Autumn Jane Thomas, get you're little behind down here in 30 minutes or I coming up!" Someone yelled again, only I know what they said and I know it was my Aunt Josie saying it. I groaned in response. All I wanted to do was sleep. "Today Please!"2

I rolled out of bed, falling on my back, and tried to figure out what to do first. I could go downstairs and great Josie, but then that would just waste time since I'll just see her again. So I headed to my bathroom and groomed myself until I was presentable. It didn't take me long, but now I only had 15 minutes to pick out an outfit and put it on. Oh, I wish I could freeze time right now. Josie is gonna be mad.3

My first pick (and my ususal) would have been a pair of black jeans, sneakers, and a nice and simple black shirt. Okay, I'm goth, bite me. But today I knew I couldn't get away with that outfit today. So I stood in front of my closet and debated on everything in there. Everything would either be too cold, too skimpy or too devil-worshipper (I'm going to church, that is a major no-no). Maybe I could use this as an excuse not to go.4

"Autumn?" Josie said outside of my door. I hated it when she used my first name. She does it to get my attention. It worked, apparently I've used my last 15 minutes deciding on what not to wear. "Are you nearly done?"5

I sighed, I really hated time limits, you just to let things happen. "No, not yet. And I don't think I will be. I have absolutely nothing acceptable to wear." I said. "I think I'll just sit this one out," I added quickly.6

I heard Josie laugh. "Nice try sweetie, but it's not gonna happen. Umm, let's see, why don't you just wear the present I gave you last night?" Hmm, I haven't thought of that. I walked over to my desk were I had put all the presents from last night. Josie's was on top.7

I heard Josie walk down the hall, my silence was my usual "yes" answer. I took the box and placed it on my bed. I had opened it last night, but I was really tired and hadn't really looked at it. But now I saw the beauty of it.8

It was a white dress. No, not a white dress. It was the white dress. The one I have always wanted since I first say it. It was the dress Marilyn Monroe wore when she stood on that air vent. It was also the dress my mom wore when she was my age. And now I had that dress, it was mine.9

After I put the dress on I slipped on a pair of white ballet slippers and a black silk jacket. I decided that for today only I'd let my brown hair down. It was getting long, it was nearly at my waist now. I looked in the mirror and smiled. I had to thank Josie for this. It was exactly what I needed.10

I grabbed my bag and put it over my shoulder. I left my room and headed downstairs to where Josie and my three little cousins waited with wide smiles. I felt the blood rush to my face, I turned my head. I hated when I blushed. I walked down the last few steps and joined them in the living room.11

Josie stood up and came to hug me. I hugged her back, my own way of thanking her. Josie has always known I prefer the silent expressions rather than use words. She bent down close to my ear and whispered, "your mother would love this. You look so much like her." I hugged her again, only tighter, in my response.12