Julie sat at the table and ate quietly, still trying to wrap her head around the fact that she was now in a private school. She couldn't help but let out a sigh.
"How is school going, Julie, my dear?" Her mother asked, noticing that she had exhaled for a long time.
Julie said, "Fine," and then she pursed her lips and took another bite.
Her mother said, "Julie, my child, I'm sorry, but sending you to a private school is for your future."
She sounded both sorry and loving. "And besides, you promised your dad, right?" She brushed
Julie's hair softly.
Julie didn't say anything, and she sighed again as she chewed her food, trying to think of what to say.
"Mom, I really don't want to go there," she begged, her sweet, childlike voice coming back.
Her mother raised an eyebrow and teased her gently. "Go ahead, and your dad might come back to haunt you for breaking your promise." Did you want that?
"Come on, Mom... Julie said softly, "The new kids won't like someone like me."
Her mother sighed and kept her eyes on her. "You need to work hard to get into the top five in your class." Don't drop below sixth place, and stay there for a year. Then I'll send you back to a public school for your moving-up ceremony.
Julie stopped moving and stared at her mom.
Her mother smiled and even winked when she asked, "Deal?" "I believe in you."
"I don't want to!" Mommy, you're being so unfair! Can't I just be in the top ten? Julie said, "I'll never make it," and scratched her head in frustration.
"Nope." The best five in one year. All right? Her mother was adamant.
Julie sighed and looked at her older brother, who had been quietly listening.
"Brother?" she yelled.
Chris let out a sigh. "Talk about this with Mommy. I can't do anything.
Julie didn't answer.
"Why not just send me back to school?" I might be a problem for Christian! He's well-liked, and my being there could hurt his reputation. Oh no... She muttered, I'd feel so bad," and bit into her food as her anger came out.
Chris gave her a sharp look. Julie could tell right away that he was serious. Oh no. She thought,
He really hates it when people call him Christian. She made a peace sign and a nervous smile.
She said, "Just kidding!"
"Julie, please stop calling me Christian. I'm a year older than you, so please show me some respect." He said, "And if you mess up at St. Benedict, I won't call you my sister." His eyes were very serious.
Julie knew he meant what he said. She looked at the floor.
"When have you ever been a brother to me?" She whispered because she couldn't stop crying.
"I'll behave at school," she said quickly as she stood up and marched to her room. Tears flowed freely. She thought, "You never treated me like your sister."
After she calmed down, she got her school things together and went downstairs.
"Julie," her mom said as she hugged her.
Jesca gently told her, "Don't be like that. He's your brother."
"Sorry," Julie said softly.
"Have fun at school, kid," her mother said, kissing her on the cheek. "Your brother is waiting."
Julie nodded. Chris sat in the car and waited quietly. She moved her seat around and didn't say anything as they drove to school.
She walked to her classroom by herself at school because she didn't want to always be in her brother's shadow. She sat down quietly and waited for recess so she could see Kelly, the girl she had met on her first day.
She went to her favorite store during recess and bought a sandwich and a milk bar for herself and Kelly, who was in a different year and section.
Someone said, "Hey!" Julie looked back to see Paulene coming.
Julie sighed and got ready. "Why?" she asked.
"Are you trying out for the dance group, like your brother?" Paulene raised an eyebrow and asked,
Julie shook her head. "No, I don't want to dance."
Paulene looked shocked. "Why not?"
Julie said, "I don't know how, and it's not my thing." Paulene's friends' laughter could be heard faintly.
Someone asked, "Are you really his sister?"
Julie nodded her head. "Sadly, yes. But we like different things to do. You have to accept that not all siblings have the same skills.
Paulene raised her eyebrow even more.
"I've explained." Julie said firmly, "I'll leave if you don't have any more questions."
Paulene said, "Let's go," and walked away.
Julie shook her head and smiled to herself. Then she went to Kelly, who was reading a book and drinking a mango float. Julie sat quietly next to her friend and shared the sandwich and milk bar she had bought.
Kelly laughed softly, and Julie felt good about having at least one friend she could talk to.