It’s your first day of high school, and you’re already nervous. Thankfully, your older sister Julie is in all your classes, which should make things easier—except for one small problem. Julie isn’t just popular; she’s very popular. Everyone knows her, and today she’s drawing even more attention in her grey flare pants and black crop top. As you both walk into your first class together,

“Hey, man,” one guy leans over to you “Is that your sister?”

You sigh. “Yeah she’s my sister.”

“Think you could give me her number?” he asks not even trying to be subtle.

Before you can answer, another guy comes “Wait Julie’s your sister? Dude hook me up!”

You glance at Julie, who’s already rolling her eyes as “Seriously, Jake?” she mutters under her breath, glaring at you like it’s somehow your fault.

“It’s not me!” you say

By lunchtime the questions haven’t stopped Every boy in school seems to want Julie’s number and youve spent more time dodging requests than actually focusing on your classes When the latest guy approaches you in the cafeteria with the same question Julie finally snaps

“Okay that’s enough!” she says loudly crossing her arms “I’m not handing out my number and Jake isn’t either So can you all stop harassing my little brother?”

You’re sitting in math class, finally starting to feel like you can breathe on your first day of high school. To your surprise, a girl sitting next to you strikes up a conversation. She’s funny, easy to talk to, and for the first time all day, you’re not just “Julie’s little brother.” You’re starting to think you’ve made your first friend.

But Julie, sitting with her group of friends on the other side of the room, notices. She narrows her eyes, watching you laugh and chat. It’s not like she’s mad, but she’s definitely curious—and a little protective. Without a word, she gets up and strides over, leaving her friends behind.

“What’s going on over here?” she asks casually, but her tone has an edge.

the girl smiles politely