Planet Middle School

Names
Joylin was my mother’s idea. She says she swelled with joy the moment she knew I lay curled up inside her. While she waited for my arrival, she dreamed in pink, imagined frilly dresses and sweet tea parties. Sorry, Mom. Jockette is what Caden calls me. He’s so lame. If he weren’t my brother, I’d strangle him. Just kidding. So what’s the big deal, anyway? So I’m not a girly girl. So what? Is there some law? I don’t think so.

Tom Boy
What does that
even mean? And where did it come from? And if there’s a Tom Boy, how come there’s no Jane Girl? I’m just sayin’.

Basics
I go to my closet grab a T-shirt and jeans. Which pair will I wear? Long jeans, cropped jeans, just so they are baggy jeans. Dad keeps asking Mom, “Where’s the girl you promised me?” Like he doesn’t love our games of one on one. Please.

Sitting Pretty
Mom bugs me about sitting with my legs wide open.
But I don’t get what she’s so worried about. I’m covered up in blue jeans. It’s not like anyone can see anything. I’ve told her this a million times. For some reason, she just keeps shaking her head.

Signature
My friend Keelee teases me for always being dressed
head to toe
in navy.
I just roll my eyes and tell her
it’s my signature color. She’s just jealous she doesn’t have one.