She shrugs. “If you say so.”
“You’ll get through your middle school years,” I promise. “It might seem like you won’t, but you will. And then you’ll be in high school—”
“Which will be worse.”
“Not necessarily. I had a pretty tough time in the beginning of ninth grade. But now these are some of the best years of my life.”
“Do you think I’ll meet fun and kind girls in high school like you did?” Her eyes shine with hope. “Maybe Olivia will move back to Boston and we’ll be in the same high school.”
“Anything is possible. I can’t promise what will happen, but the most important thing is for you to stay true to yourself.Because you, Robin Mitchell, are one amazing kid. If the kids at your school don’t realize that, it’s their loss.”
“You sound like Mom.”
“I do? Darn.”
She giggles. “But thanks. It’s good advice, even if it’s useless. It’s a dog-eat-dog world in middle school.”
“I would say you’re exaggerating, but you’re actually right. Just be a good person and be kind to those around you. Maybe someone will see that special spark in you and they’ll want to be your friend. Or maybe you’ll catch the eye of a cute boy.”
Her eyes get huge as her face turns as red as a tomato. “A guy? Yeah, right.”
“Why not? You’re so amazing, Robin. And you’re really pretty. You inherited that beautiful dark hair that refused to look at me once.”
Robin chuckles. “Yeah, it took one look at you and said, ‘No thank you.’ But I always thought you look so pretty as a blonde.”
“Thanks, sis.” I move closer to the screen again. “You’re good, Robbie? Did our talk help a little?”
“I don’t know if what you said will help with school, but I feel much better that we talked.”
“I’m glad to hear it. You know you can call me whenever you want. You don’t have to only text.”
“Really? I won’t be an annoying, pesky little sister?”
“Of course not. It’s my job as the older sister to help you. I know there are things you’d rather not talk to Mom or Dad about.”
“Yeah, that’s true.” She smiles. “Thanks, Raven. You’re the best big sister in the world.”
“And you’re the best little sister in the world. If the kids still bother you, tell me, okay? I don’t want you to bottle up all your feelings. I tend to do that, too. But the best thing is to talk about them with someone you trust or are close to.”
She nods. “I will. Mom, Dad, and I are going to watch a movie in an hour. I should get ready.”
“Nice. Well, have fun. And good luck with everything.”
“You, too. Bye.”
I hang up and sigh. My sister is at such a difficult age. I don’t know why some kids are so cruel, but I guess everyone goes through it. I wish I were there to help her. I definitely would tell those girls off. No one messes with my sister.
But Robin is strong, much more than she thinks. And definitely much more than me. I know she’ll be okay.
Chapter Thirteen
Raven
Kylen and I agree to meet after school. Actually, I told him we should meet after his band practice. He already canceled a practice last week and I’d hate to take him away from another one.
I’m super curious what his band sounds like, so I make my way to the music room. Thankfully, the door is open and I can hear the music down the hall. They sound like a pop band, and I recognize the song they’re playing. It’s a popular pop song with a very upbeat track. I like how they’re making it their own but are still staying true to the original music. They actually sound really good.
I wonder if they’re famous online. Digging my phone out of my pocket, I search their names and the word “band.” A YouTube channel pops up. Their band is called Next Level Dudes and they have a few videos uploaded. I walk off to the side and play one of their songs, which is also a cover of a popular song. Hmm, it doesn’t look like they play original music. All the songs they’re uploaded are covers. It doesn’t matter—they sound amazing either way.
