Purple Sharpie

Josh: Hey

I rolled out of my bed and lay for a moment on the floor. It was about five minutes before I actually considered getting up.

When I did, I basically sleepwalked to the bathroom and showered with my eyes closed. Remembering the day, I took a little longer trying to think of what to wear- how to introduce myself and who to.

I look like too punk rock for everything, but I act like I'm five.

When I was done showering, I decided that I would wear a blue Mayday Parade shirt and black jeans with a blue pocket watch that I had gotten for my birthday from my friends in Washington.

Then I tried to brush my abundant black hair into place, and my mouth twitched into a smile as I felt how soft it was.

"Sofie, are we going?" I called into the other room. My older sister replied after a beat. "A few more minutes please!"

I took the time to try and make myself presentable, subconsciously rehearsing conversations in the mirror.

"Hey, my name is Josh Jacobs and I just moved here from Washington." "Yeah, I'm pretty excited about being here." "Not really, it's wet and super boring there." "Yeah, but it's already freaking cold here. DEFINITELY not looking forward to winter."

Suddenly, Sofie knocked on the door. "Get in the car, loser."

I opened it and stepped out. "Coolio- let's go."

I was halfway to the stairs down to the kitchen before I noticed Sofie hadn't followed.

"What's up?" I asked, turning to her with my brows furrowed. Hers were the same, and a bystander could probably see the similarities between us as siblings.

She shook her head. "Just trying to think of a word."

I shrugged, stepping onto the stairs. "Okay."

We got to the car and Sofie got into the drivers seat.

About halfway to school, Sofie glanced at me and gasped. "I got it!"

I looked at her. "What?"

"GAYLINER!" She cried. It took a moment before I realized what she was talking about.

"Come ON!" I cried. "It's not- what- I just have long eyelashes!"

And immediately, Sofie was at me. "REALLY." She said. "LONG, GIRLY, AMAZINGLY DARK eyelashes." The sarcasm dripped from her voice and I tried to reply, but she cut me off. "Do tell me that this gift from God is not GAYLINER."

"It's no-" I started, but Sofie had stopped, pushing my door open and shoving me out. "Get out, Gayliner."

All of this was normal, and it was only the first day of school.