I can’t believe I walk to school every day with him. Everybody always asks if we’re siblings, and I always smile and say yes. After all, being related to Adrian Kedrey is what most of the people in school know me for. Even the teachers see my name on the roll sheet and ask if I’m going to be just like my older siblings. Most of the time I just laugh.

When we walk to lunch, he never tries to talk to me, but that’s fine. I doubt we have much school related stuff in common. I mean, he’s the valedictorian, the first in his class, the star athlete. And me? I’m also first in my grade, but that could change any minute. I do play a sport, but it’s more competitive, so until next year, I won’t be with the top players.

Adrian is just so perfect. Everybody likes him, everybody looks up to him. Partly because he’s so tall, but also because he’s so talented. It seems like when it comes to school, Adrian can do no wrong. I, on the other hand, get yelled at if I have a ninety nine in history. I don’t understand it, but maybe it’s because he’s taking harder classes, so he gets more leeway.

One too many girls have come up to me and asked if they can get his number. I unvaryingly say no. If they want his number, they can ask him themselves. I don’t want to be giving out my older brother’s number at school to some random girl.

Everybody likes Adrian.

_ Everybody. _

_• • • _

If you read this with the idea that the narrator idolizes the brother, read it as if the person despises him.

And vice versa: if you interpreted this text as towards hatred of the brother, read it the other way.

It goes both ways,

Or neither.

Take your pick.