"Sorta. I'm dating his best friend," she andwered, grinning at the mention of her significant other. "Riley?" I blurted out, a sudden feeling of disappointment washing over me. It would make sense. Lauren is super pretty and outgoing. Plus, she dressed like an H&M model while being shaped like a Victoria Secret model. Seriously, this girl was tall, and confident enough to wear heels without feeling like a skyscraper. "What? Ew, no. Riley's like my brother. I'm with Jayden, Drew's other best friend," she clarified. "Oh," I said, nonchalantly. "I'll introduce you to him tomorrow at lunch, if you want. You can totally sit with me!" she offered, but I wasn't jumping to take it. "I don't know...I kinda want to stay as far away from Drew as possible." "Oh, I don't eat at Drew's table. I mean, I do sometimes, but mostly I sit with my girlfriends." Well, as long as he wasn't there, I didn't see why sitting with her would be a problem. But, I still didn't want to give her a solid answer. I may want to go back to that diner and get another burger to make up for the one I didn't get to finish today. Stupid Drew. "Maybe," I told her with a small smile. "But, I've got to get home." "Oh, of course! I'll see you tomorrow!" she beamed, waving at me as I got in my car. On the way home, I stopped by a convenience store. It was probably a block or two away from my gated neighborhood. Inside, I walked to the fridge section, and pulled out a Pepsi. On my way to the counter, I passed the chips section. Like a slave to my unhealthy eating habits, I pick up a bag of "Flamin' Hot" cheetos. When I got to the register, I saw a middle-aged Indian man walk over. "$4.29," he said after ringing up my items. I handed him a $10 bill, and waited as he counted out my change. "You new? I've never seen you before," he noted, looking up at me. "Yeah. Just moved in about a week ago," I said, grabbing my bag of snacks. "Well, welcome to the neighborhood!" he said with a big smile, his bushy mustache hanging over his upper lip. "Thanks." I headed towards the door when I noticed a wall covered in posters and neighborhood flyers. How CONVENIENT! I laugh in my mind at the pun I just thought of. Convenient...Convenience store? Get it? Oh, whatever. "Um, do you mind if I add this to your wall?" I asked as I walk back to the counter, pulling out one of my babysitting flyers. He looked at the wall I was pointing at, and then back at me. "Not at all. I'll hang it up for you," he offered, taking the flyer from me. "Thanks!" I called out as I walked out the door. When I got home, Paully was already there, playing video games on the couch. I decided to go out on a limb and speak to him. New house equals fresh start. Right? "So, ugh, how was your first day?" I asked awkwardly as I walked around the couch toward him. He kept his eyes on the tv, focused on whatever he was playing. I reasoned with myself that he may not have heard me. I knew how guys could be with their video games. I could be that way too when I played, so I dared to ask him again. "Paully! How was your first day?!" I asked, raising my voice over the sounds of the game. This time, he glanced over at me, but quickly returned his attention to the game. Unfortunately for him, I'd already gotten into two confrontations today, so I was only a nerve away from another; and him ignoring me took care of the last one standing. I marched over to the tv, and unplugged the game console. "What the heck?! What is your problem?!" he yelled, standing to his feet. "Oh, now you can speak to me?!" I said, standing my ground. Paully wasn't exactly the most intimidating person. He's a 5'7" italian loner; just today I had stood up to scarier people. "Seriously?! You're throwing some kind of tantrum because I didn't say hi to you?! Grow up, Natalie!" he shouted as he crossed his arms, looking like he just told me off. My mouth hung open for a few seconds from shock at his last statement. I mean, he just insinuated that I was some spoiled girl who blew up because she didn't get her way. Well, since life decided today was the day I started telling people how I really felt, I didn't see why I should stop there. "Did Tracy drop you on your head as an infant?! Or were you just born stupid?!" He started to interrupt me, but I didn't let him. "No! You've managed to keep your mouth shut for three years when it came to me, so you sure as heck can shut it now!" I screamed, and he stopped talking. "I am sick and tired of all the bullcrap I have to deal with from you and your mother! You know, I was excited when my dad told me he'd met someone. I thought that maybe I'd finally have a mother, but no; I get Tracy as a step-mom. She probably doesn't even know my middle name! And you! You treat me just like she does; like I'm some kind of ornament in the room, not worth your time. Well, guess what! I'm a person; a person who's been isolated and ignored by you for the past three years, and I'm sick of it! This is why I'm going to do everything I can to move back to New Jersey and away from you and your selfish mother, who had no problem ripping me away from my home and friends! So congratulations, I guess. You'll no longer have to see the step-sister you hate so much!" I knew I caught him off guard with my sudden boldness, but it felt good to release all my built up resentment. However, I didn't stick around to get his response. Instead, I ran upstairs to my room, locking the door on the way in. Cooling off on my bed, I checked my phone and saw that I got a text from someone I wasn't expecting.