Moving to a new town in the middle of the school year wasn't easy but it was for the best. I understand why we had to, but I still find myself getting frustrated with being the new guy. I had spent a major part of my school life being the new kid. Being isolated.

Some days I find myself spiralling when I'm reminded of the days I used to be picked on and laughed at.

I'm not doing a good job at making friends. A lot if th people I have interacted with seem more superficial than genuine. Plus with the way the school has been treating Blade, I'm nor sure I want to be friends with anyone. It's bizarre how the school seems to have ganged up on her

She's invisible yet everyone saw her. They saw her as an outsider. Someone who didn't belong.

Most of my life I had felt the same way.

I could see she tries to go unnoticed. She keeps her head down, doesn't look anyone in the eye, but that doesn't matter. Assholes will be assholes and make a point of treating her like shit.

I've seen it before.

School was never something I was good at. I'm not failing by any means, but I have to work overtime to keep my grades from slipping. I have never had a hard time making friends but in this town, not even being the funny guy puts me at an advantage.

I miss many things about my old life. My friends. The skate park, but I was happy to give it up, and I'd do it again and again if it meant helping Miriam.

She's my little sister, and I'd do anything to protect her.

"How many books could you possibly need?" I ask exasperatedly. Miriam needs yet another ride to the bookstore. This is the third time this week she has asked me to drive her there.

She rolls her eyes. "Weren't you going that direction anyway?"

"No. I wasn't." I am, but I always have to give Miriam a hard time. It's a must as her big brother.

She whines again, pouting at me pathetically. I sigh, giving her an unimpressed look. "I can't wait until you get your license."

Her face breaks into a grin. "Me too. Now let's go!" She tugs my arm and I let her drag me down to my car.

The truth is: I love driving Miriam around. I like that she needs me because most days, I feel like she grew up way too fast.

"Do you still talk to Blade?" Miriam asks me when we begin driving. She has her phone hooked up to the aux and I resist the urge to bop my head to the K-pop that is flowing through the speakers. I always tell her that she has crap music taste, but we both know I enjoy it. My playlists are still better though.

I shrug, not sure how to answer her. Blade has been giving me the cold shoulder. Colder than her usual cold shoulder.

"Well she works at the Cozy Corner bookstore if you were wondering."

I'm not wondering but I catch the mischievous glint in Miriram's eye.

Clearing my throat, I ask. "What book are you looking for?"

"The Poisonwood Bible. One of my online friends recommended it. She says it's a favorite of hers."

"Tell me about it after?"

She smiles. "Always big brother."