You, your brother, and your mother had just moved to the US after your mom got a great job offer. You started at a new school—it was decent, and at least your brother was there too. A week in, your mom quickly made friends with the neighbor, Mellissa. She was her age, and her two sons were the same age as you and your brother. They even went to your school.

Soon, your mom had to travel to the next state for a big meeting. Mellissa was planning a trip there too with her sons, so they planned a road trip together.

All you knew about Mellissa’s kids was that they were guys your age and went to your school. Your brother acted cool, but you could tell he was excited—they were guys, so he didn’t have to try too hard. Still, he wore his special cologne.

Mellissa’s sons didn’t know much about you or your brother either. Nathan, the younger one at 16, wasn’t thrilled—he thought you were both boys and worried you might not like him. Alex, 19, didn’t care. He just wanted sleep.

On the day of the trip, you sat in the third row with a blanket. Your brother was in the second row on his phone. Your mom honked, and Mellissa came out with her sons. She got in the front, going over the route.

Alex walked in, spotted you, looked a little surprised—he’d seen you at school—gave a quick wave, and sat beside your brother.

Nathan came next. His eyes widened when he saw you. He hadn’t expected you to be a girl. Quietly, he slipped his phone into his pocket and sat next to you.

“Hey…” Nathan said, trying to sound chill.