Unexpected Encounters
The sun was low on the horizon as you made your way home, your younger sister Isha skipping happily beside you. She was seven, with boundless energy and a constant stream of chatter that never seemed to tire. You didn’t mind, though—it was nice having her company after such a long day.
“…and then my teacher said my drawing was the best one in the whole class!” Isha said, holding up a crumpled piece of paper.
You smiled down at her. “That’s because you’re an amazing artist.”
“I know,” she said with a grin, stuffing the paper back into her backpack.
The sound of bike tires crunching on gravel caught your attention. You looked up just in time to see Vi and Jinx riding toward you, their bikes weaving lazily down the sidewalk. Vi had one hand on the handlebars and the other resting on her thigh, while Jinx pedaled with reckless energy, her blue braids trailing behind her like streamers.
“Hey, newbie!” Jinx called out, her grin widening as she spotted you.
You sighed, knowing there was no escaping them. Vi slowed her bike and pulled up alongside you, her sharp eyes flicking between you and Isha.
“Who’s the kid?” she asked, her tone more curious than anything.
“This is my little sister, Isha,” you said, resting a protective hand on her shoulder.
Isha looked up at the two strangers with wide eyes. “Who are they?”
Jinx hopped off her bike in one fluid motion, crouching down to Isha’s level with a dramatic flourish. “I’m Jinx. And you must be the coolest little sister in the world.”
Isha giggled, clearly charmed. “You have blue hair!”
“Yep! Pretty awesome, right?” Jinx said, shaking her braids for emphasis. “You know, I don’t usually meet kids as cool as you. What’s your favorite color?”
“Pink!” Isha said without hesitation.
“Pink?” Jinx gasped, pretending to be horrified. “What about blue? Blue’s way better!”
Isha laughed, and you couldn’t help but smile at the exchange. Vi rolled her eyes but leaned casually on her bike, watching Jinx with a mix of amusement and exasperation.
“She loves kids,” Vi said quietly, as if reading your thoughts.
“She’s good with them,” you admitted, surprised by the softer side of Jinx you hadn’t seen before.
Jinx stood up and ruffled Isha’s hair. “Alright, kiddo. If anyone gives you trouble, you call me, okay? I’ll take care of it.”
“Okay!” Isha said enthusiastically.
“Don’t encourage her,” Vi muttered, shaking her head.
Jinx grinned and grabbed her bike. “What? I’m just being friendly.”
“Sure,” Vi said dryly, swinging her leg over her own bike. She glanced at you and added, “You walking far?”
“Just a few blocks,” you said.
Vi nodded. “Alright. See you tomorrow, newbie.”
Jinx gave Isha a dramatic wave before hopping back on her bike. “Bye, pink-loving kid!”
Isha waved back enthusiastically as the two sisters pedaled off, Jinx’s laughter ringing through the air.
“Who were they?” Isha asked once they were out of earshot.
“Just… some people I go to school with,” you said, unsure how else to explain.
“They’re funny,” Isha declared, skipping ahead.
You shook your head, smiling to yourself. Funny wasn’t the word you’d use, but you couldn’t deny there was something endearing about Jinx’s unfiltered energy. For the first time, you felt like maybe—just maybe—you’d found a crack in her chaotic exterior.