Avi made his way up the ladder to the loft. He sits his backpack on the floor by his dresser and lays down on his mattress, looking at the ceiling.

"Aw man, what a day." he says with an exhausting sigh.

"That bad?" Esther asks from downstairs.

"Yep, the story of my life." He answers.

"Wanna talk about it?" His sister asks, her voice full of concern.

"Nothing to talk about really. Same ole, Same ole." Avi answers sounding down.

"You hungry?" Esther calls up to him.

"Not really, still pretty full from that sandwich. But I will take some chips and dip if we have any." He says still staring at the ceiling.

"Yep, you're in luck. Come on down so we can talk." Esther was so concerned about her brother. He had battled depression a couple of years ago and she was so afraid he would slip back into it.

Avi rolls his eyes and gets off of the mattress. He makes his way down the ladder and into the small kitchen. He sits down at the table where Esther had already set out the chips, a jar of salsa and some drinks.

"O.K.? What happen?" Esther asks pouring the salsa into two bowls.

"Same thing that happened yesterday, and the day before yesterday and the day before that. Should I go on?" Avi says, dipping a chip in the salsa. "News Flash, Sis. My life sucks." Popping the chip in his mouth.

"Avi, don't say that. You are the most talented person I know." She says rubbing him on the arm.

"Really? How many talented people do you know, Essy?" Avi smirks.

"O.K., don't be a smart-ass." Esther laughs.

"Being able to draw is not the problem. Learning to read, write and doing those math problems, that's my problem. Being bullied every day by those seniors at the high school, for being dumber than a box of rocks. THAT'S my problem. And there's absolutely nothing I can do about it. Monday will be a repeat of today." Avi says while playing with the tab of his drink can.

Esther chokes back her tears. She knows her brother's life is a living nightmare. She wished she had the power to just take all his hurt away, but she can't. She reaches up and brushes some of his hair behind his ear.

"I wish there was something I could do to make it better for you. Maybe Ben would let me leave the diner just long enough to pick you up from school." She suggests.

"Oh yeah, that would surely help." Avi chuckles. "That would just give them something else to make fun of me for. Let's add baby to the list with dog, stupid and retard. You could always let me quit."

Esther sighs, "Avi, you know we've already been through this. Mom and Pop wanted you to get an education."

"I know, I know." Avi says, frustration clearly showing. "But I can't do it, Esther. I've tried. God knows I've tried so hard. I know Mr. Foust is getting tired of wasting his time on me."

"Honey, he's not wasting his time. Look how much he's already taught you." Esther says.

"Yea, but it's come to an end. My brain won't accept any more." Avi says. "Besides, I think he's just trying to impress you."

"You're doing it again." Esther says smiling.

"Doing what again?" Avi asks innocently.

"Changing the subject." Esther says, rolling her eyes.

*******

Again, apologies for such short chapters. They'll eventually get longer, I promise.

If you like this book PLEASE VOTE!! And LEAVE your COMMENT!!!