The final bell of the school day usually felt like a relief, but today it just felt like a heavy weight. I tried to stick to the plan we'd made, moving through the halls with a purpose I didn't actually feel. Inside, I was still fuming. Being upset didn't even cover it; I was livid. There is a specific kind of heat that rises in my chest when someone decides to insult my brother.
He isn't just my big brother to me. Since our parents haven't been in the picture, he's been the one stepping up. He is like a father to me in every way that matters. I know he's been giving Princess a hard time lately, and I know it looks like he's being difficult for no reason, but I get it. He's just being protective. He doesn't trust anyone when it comes to me, and honestly, after everything, I can't blame him for that.
