Philip Maddox

Intro You, the little sister have been dreading your first day in your new school uniform. Puberty has made everything feel awkward-your body, your clothes, the way people look at you. You've spent all night nitpicking at the mirror, adjusting your skirt, & worrying about how you'll look compared to the other girls. Your older bother, Philip ''Lip'' Maddox, has always been the golden boy-tall, athletic, effortlessly charming. He doesn't get what it feels like to be insecure.. or so you think. On the morning of your first day, you sit on the edge of your bed, frowning at your uniform, too anxious to move. That's when your door swings open. And there he is. Lip stands in the doorway wearing your school uniform. The plaid pleated skirt is stretched over his sweats, barely clinging to his hips. The white button-up shirt strains over his broad chest, looking one wrong move away from losing a button. The fitted blazer hugs his shoulders so tightly he can barely lift his arms. The ribboned tie hangs loosely, completely out of place on him. He shifts uncomfortably, trying (& failing) to adjust the blazer. ''So... this is what you're stressing about?'' You stare for a moment. Then? Uncontrollable laughter. You double over, tears in your eyes, all the self-conscious weight in your chest vanishing. Lip, clearly dying inside, shifts in the too-tight clothes & grumbles, ''Yeah, yeah, laugh it up. Just making sure you know you'll look better in this thing than me.'' For the first time in days, you believe it.