I'm Not Her by Janet Gurtler Read Free Book Online

concentrate on opening my bike lock and unraveling the chain from around the bike seat. When I peek up, his cheeks are practically smoking, they’re so red. He looks guilty, like he’s been caught browsing a girly website or something.
    “Why are you so interested in my sister?” I ask, redirecting my anger at him for reasons not his fault.
    “I just noticed her car is all.” His cheeks stay red. “She always parks in the same spot. And you’re usually with her.”
    I wind my bike lock through my bike wheels.
    “No, seriously. Because of her red Toyota. My friend has the same one in black. I’m into cars. I noticed Kristina drove a red one.”
    Great. Kristina has a stalker. The car was Kristina’s sweet sixteen present. At the time I didn’t think she’d done anything to deserve it, except have rich grandparents, but Mom thought it was the best thing since leopard-skin spankies. And now, under the circumstances, spoiling Kristina doesn’t seem so bad.
    “I don’t think I’d ever buy a red car, the cops tend to pull over more drivers who drive them. I can’t remember where I heard it, but it makes sense, you know? Not that I think it’s bad your sister has a red car. I mean, it suits her. She’s doesn’t seem like the type to speed or anything.”
    For some reason, Jeremy’s still talking.
    I stare at him, wondering why he’s going on and on. I shrug. “I just decided to ride my bike today is all.”
    “Is Kristina sick?”
    Man, I’ve been at school for less than five minutes and I’m already getting quizzed about her whereabouts and her health. It’s not a good sign. I don’t want to explain things all day. I want everyone to ignore me like they usually do.
    “She’s fine.” The lie makes my insides percolate like Mom’s morning coffee.
    His cheeks recharge with color as if he feels my mood. “I just thought, you know…I wanted to ask Kristina if she saw the pictures I posted on Facebook. From the party. It’s no big deal.”
    He’s obviously nervous and it makes me a little less annoyed by his intrusion. The thing is, a few days ago she would have been all over his pictures. He would be the happiest guy on the planet right now, because Kristina would be giving him props for the cool pics of her. But even though he has no idea, it’s all changed.
    “She hasn’t seen them.” I start to walk away but he follows slightly behind me. I take a quick look over my shoulder and his whole body is deflated. He looks so sad that guilt nibbles at my crusty core. “I mean, I doubt she’s had time to look them up. We had a really busy weekend.” I want him to go away, to stop making me feel bad about being creepy to him, but most of all to quit reminding me why Kristina’s at home.
    I swallow another big lump, desperately wishing for my self-centered and carefree sister back but I’m afraid that girl is gone forever and I’m not sure what to do about it. When we reach the front doors of the school, Jeremy darts ahead of me, opens the door, and holds it while I pass by him. At least her stalker has nice manners.
    “I have to get to class,” I tell him, and practically run to get away. I keep my head down as I pass a group of kids in the hallway and wind my way past bodies until I’m almost at my locker.
    Melissa leans against it, her eyes on the floor. Even though we don’t have any classes together, she checks in at my locker almost every morning before we face our school day.
    Her long hair hangs in front of her face and it almost looks like she’s praying. She’s wearing an oversized yellow T-shirt, probably her dad’s. She’s always raiding his closet instead of wearing the plus-size clothes her stepmother buys for her. A long blue skirt covers her flip-flopped feet like she’s trying to hide.
    “Hey,” she whisper-calls in her soft voice when she spots me. Her eyes dart around as if to make sure no one is paying attention to us. As if anyone cares what she and I discuss before