Page 20 of Your Side of the Offense

She chuckles.

"But seriously, how are you? I already miss you so much, bro."

"Me too, dude. How are you feeling about going to high school?"

"Not looking forward to all the people who will be telling me I look like you all day," she admits.

It's something she's always struggled with in some places. Especially because our parents took us to the same schools, so we had the same teachers. She’s constantly fighting to step out of my shadow and prove she is her own person. Which is even harder because we look almost identical.

"I'm sorry for cursing you with my face."

"I guess I am cursed with 'tis curse of beauty and black excellence. Girl please," she says and I can hear her eye roll.

I laugh and she chuckles too, getting out of bed. Maybe being up too isn't a bad idea.

"Don't forget my reputation with the boys," I remind her.

"I guess I'm going to be punching a lot of people in the face then," she says frankly.

I laugh. "You crazy and don't do that. Dad gives really long 'I'm disappointed in you' speeches."

"I don't care. You are my sister plus you were dating the hottest guys I've ever seen in my life. I should wear that on a sash."

"B…" I sigh.

"No seriously. My sister bagged all four of the hottest guys here. Bow to me, peasants.'"

Tears are running down my face from the laughter. This child has a never-die spirit and I admire her for it. She got her sense of humor for sure from nana and when they are together, we never stop laughing. They have an on-going roasting battle. It's too hilarious to witness the jabs they throw at each other.

I exhale when I finally catch my breath. "How are you and everyone?"

"Mom dragged us to have waffles at your favorite place last night ‘cause she misses you. So yeah, the withdrawal symptoms are starting."

"Poor mom. I bet nana had her ass and was complaining all the way."

"You know the senior girl wasn't having any of it." She laughs. "Said she will buy mom a pacifier or put her back on her tit because she's being a baby. The roast session was worth the trip, to be honest."

I smile, but I'm a little sad I missed it. "I miss you guys so much."

"Have you seen them?" she asks after a small silence, and the air gets dense immediately.

I sigh. "I went to a party last night and they were there."

"Are they still hot?" she asks with a little too much of what sounds like enthusiasm.

"Blue, no."

"What? They are literally the most beautiful men I've ever seen."

"And they are liars just like the rest," I remind her.

"Don't be a sour puss, sis. And for the record, I am still on your side. You deserve better."

"Hm."

"Anyway, let me go, your mother is here giving me the devil's eye."

"Is that Su?" I hear my mother's voice in the background.

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