I stayed perfectly still, and Mother helped lift my long hair so Brother could hook the necklace around my neck. I felt a weird tingle go through me and giggled.
"This thing tickles," I spoke through laughter.
"I guess the magic likes you," Mother replied.
Gabriel got to his feet and picked me up, walking us over to the standing mirror near the front door. I stared at my reflection, admiring the necklace, before glancing up at Brother in the mirror.
His short hair was styled nicely for school, and his gold eyes twinkled with happiness.
He wore his school uniform, which was a navy blue with gold trim and a gold tie. He went to a school called Brighten Magic Academy.
It was the same place where Mommy worked as a professor and magic counselor.
"You like it, Brother?" I asked him.
He nodded. "I love it. Especially when my baby sister is wearing it so proudly."
"I'll protect it and make sure no evil monsters take it from me," I declared solemnly.
This was Brother's possession, and I would protect it at all cost.
"I'm sure you'll do an amazing job, Princess Jewel. Now, it’s time for me to go to school. I'll see you tonight. We’ll eat cake."
"Strawberry cheesecake!" I agreed gleefully.
He laughed, leaning in to rub his nose against mine. "Of course. Be a good girl for Mom and make sure Alice doesn't steal any shiny jewels from the neighbor."
I giggled, squirming in his hold, wanting to be set down.
He lowered me to the ground, and I ran to Mom who was approaching us.
"Alice has a mind of her own. WEEE!" I sang, circling around Mommy who shook her head in dismay.
"She's gonna let Alice take twice as many jewels now," Mother chided.
"Alice acts like a raven more than an owl," Gabriel commented.
"HOOT!"
I stopped in my tracks when I saw my little owl familiar fly into the room.
She landed on my shoulder, and I squealed.
"Alice says ‘happy birthday,’ Brother!" I cheered.
"Thank you, Alice." Brother spoke soothingly to my familiar. "Hoot!" she replied, fluttering her white feathers.
Mother clapped her hands. "You're going to be really late if you don't leave now, Gabriel. I may teach there, but I'm not covering for you," she grumbled, and Gabriel gave her a pout.
"Mom! It's my birthday. Be nice."
"I'll be at the school for a meeting at lunch. Meet me after, alright?" she asked.
"Will do, Mom. I'm off. See ya, Jewel and Alice. Love you all.”
Gabriel smirked, standing from where he was putting on his shoes, and waved goodbye.
"LOVE YOU!" I declared loudly.