But middle school was totally different. The more I tried to blend in, the more I stood out. It’s like I was some kind of free entertainment that people couldn’t help but stare at. Free freak show! See the Limpy Chick in her natural habitat! Mock her hair! Judge her clothes! Remember her crazy brother?

So is it a surprise that I was locked in a bathroom stall, crying? (I’m telling you, middle school is all glamour.) I blew my nose on a strip of toilet paper and took a shaky breath.

I wondered if I could just stay in this stall forever. With wireless Internet access, I might never have to face the world again.

I’m Being Followed

ARE YOU OKAY?”

Rhonda was standing in front of the row of sinks with a roll of toilet paper in her hand when I finally got the will to leave the bathroom stall. What a surprise.

I heaved a sigh, which came out as a hiccup. I couldn’t decide whether I was happy to see her or annoyed that she’d followed me into the bathroom. Both, I guess.

“I’m fine, thanks.” I took the roll of toilet paper and tore off a half dozen squares. My nose was really runny.

I checked myself out in the mirror as I splashed water on my face and patted it dry with a scratchy brown paper towel. I looked pretty hideous. Green hair, red and splotchy face… I looked like something out of a Muppets movie.

Rhonda patted me on the back as I headed toward the door. I appreciated the silent support. Unfortunately, the silence ended the minute we stepped into the hallway.

“I REALLY LOVE YOUR HAIR! WHAT MADE YOU DECIDE TO DYE IT GREEN?”

I snorted. “It was my brother’s idea.” It was funny how people—except the Princesses—seemed to like the green hair. Maybe Rafe wasn’t so crazy after all.

“ARE YOU GOING TO KEEP IT GREEN?” Rhonda asked. “YOU REALLY SHOULD! IT’S AWESOME FOR A ROCK STAR! OR MAYBE YOU’LL TRY A FEW DIFFERENT COLORS? DO YOU THINK YOU MIGHT GO FOR PURPLE?”

It was kind of amazing how quickly Rhonda could think of new questions. She didn’t even need answers.

“IT’S SO GREAT THAT YOU AREN’T AFRAID TO HAVE GREEN HAIR,” Rhonda gushed. “YOU AND I ARE A LOT ALIKE—WE’RE NOT AFRAID TO BE DIFFERENT, RIGHT, GEORGIA?”

Rhonda was talking at an even higher volume than usual, and a few people stared as we made our way down the hall. “I’m not trying to be different,” I snapped.

“YOU’RE JUST BEING YOURSELF!” Rhonda crowed. “WE ARE WHO WE ARE!”

“Rhonda! We’re not alike, okay?” I snarled in a tone I usually save for Rafe. “So can you please just stop following me around?”

Rhonda froze up. Her eyes filled with tears.