SIR

A Sibling Relationship

"But it was probably just a stupid nightmare. I gotta go to school now, so I'll come back later.

Esther Martinson, 2005."

I close my journal and put it under my pillow.

I hope Ashley never finds this.

I climb down the ladder and try to wake up Ash for school.

"Ash, wake up."

Her voice is muffled in her pillow, but I know she doesn't wanna go.

"Ash, you little bitch. Wake up."

She turns around and opens her blue eyes.

"Fine, but I'll go alone."

What? "Ashley, your a 9 year old girl. Your not walking alone, shitface."

"I want. To go alone."

"You are not, you shitting doofus."

Ashley rolls out of bed. She has a disapproving look on her face.

"Fine, nipplehead."

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It's an extra cold day, so we have to wear jackets over our uniforms.

My sister and I have one thing in common, and only one thing.

We are both band geeks.

I'm wearing a grey "The Ladybugs" jacket, while Ashley's wearing a black "Your Alchemic Intimacy" one.

I grab some cookies and lunch money from the kitchen counter, then step out into the outside.

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"OK, so, what we have to do is walk over to the bus stop where the bus to school would be there. Whatever you do, DO NOT MISS THE BUS. You got that?"

I feel like mom.

"Gotcha."

"It's really foggy here, but I know this neighbourhood by heart, so all we have to do is cross the street and then go straight, then turn right. Simple, nah?"

"Gotcha."

"And hold my hand until we get to the bus."

"Gotcha, Esther."

"IT'S ES-- Oh, you got it right this time, good job!"

"Yeah yeah. Can we go now?"

"Yup."