Running With Scissors

Chapter Five

Wow. I never knew my ceiling had so many cracks.

I’ve never been one of those people to gaze at the stars-What’s the point? Instead, I ceiling-gaze. Only once in awhile, though, mainly when something’s happened. Which isn’t that often. When you’re practically invisible to the majority of humans on the planet, it’s not hard to slip around unnoticed. I get mediocre grades-Nothing noticeable in any way. I stay quiet, to, in classes, and rarely speak aloud. I’m invisible, and that’s the way I like it.

I’m worried, though, because for once, my methods aren’t working. I’ve employed the same exact tactics on Gavin that I’ve used on nearly everyone else, and yet he’s doing the exact opposite of what was expected-He’s actually paying attention to me, and it’s weird. I’m not used to people so much as looking at me, not to mention standing up for me, if I try and push them away as fiercely as I have him.

I don’t know if I like this new development-Him thinking I’m worth standing up for and defending. Though I may stay quiet and pretty lifeless during classes, I don’t come without baggage. A troublemaker, many of the teachers claim-I exist only to prey on the lives of others. Apparently.

Someone knocked on my door. Judging from the sound of it-Loud, fierce-It was my older sister, a college student who’s hours at home were as unpredictable as her own personality. She was the bright, fire-filled person I longed to be once upon a time, but gave up on becoming years back.

I slumped slowly over to the door, opening it to see the familiar blonde, clutching a Starbucks coffee cup with her light grey sweatshirt draped over her arm. Upon seeing me, she immediately smothered me in a hug, engulfing me in the overpowering smell of vanilla, sugar, and other girly smells. I was once again reminded of the height difference between us-She towered over me by at least six inches. My entire family’s pretty tall, and Simon’s no exception. “Angel!” She cried happily, stepping back so she could ruffle my hair, which was left unprotected by my lack of beanie.

I squawked, leaping away and out of her reach. “Don’t do that.” I muttered furiously under my breath, though we both knew it would never happen. “So, how was your day?” We also know that that’s not the question she wanted to ask, but I went along with it anyway. “It went-” She cut me off, as is usual.

“I heard about the fight-Dad called me, said you wouldn’t open up.” I snorted. “So he sent my handler instead?” She smacked me in the face with her sweatshirt. “I am not your handler.” I smirked, despite the stinging in my left cheek. “So you admit that you came because he called.” She huffed, throwing her hands in the air, which made her coffee swish around in her cup. “I’m worried about you, kid. You used to be such a bright, happy, snotty little kid, and now you’re some muttering, slouching douchebag wearing less color than a zebra. So, yes, I came.”

I huffed as well, crossing my arms. “I’m fine. There’s nothing wrong with me.” She imitated my stance, cocking an eyebrow. “Never said there was.”

Simon and I, unfortunately, are similar in many ways. Although our appearances are very different, we share many qualities, including our occasional awkwardness, hatred of speaking in front of crowds, and, of course...Our stubbornness. Neither one will back down, which makes it very difficult to have a normal conversation.

However, for once, Simon was backing down. Her severe expression softened, and she leaned over, hugging me again, though lighter, and a bit more awkward, since my arms were still crossed. “Try not to shove everyone away, okay? And please, try to stay out of trouble more often. It gets old, having to drive down here every time something happens in your loser-ish life.”

I chuckled. “Simon, you live in an apartment fifteen minutes away.” She waved my words away, grinning. “So? I’ve got places to be, kiddo, so I’ll see you later-Try not to kill anyone tomorrow, okay? Lay low, don’t get in trouble. I remember Principal Gagnon from when I was at the high school-Whether you’re involved or not, she’ll take any and all chances to land you in detention, suspended, and even expelled if you’re different in any way she doesn’t like.”