I am in middle school, and there is a new boy in town. He looks like me, but is nothing like me, I think. I am dismayed when people immediately pair us together. Like with like.

I develop a distinct dislike of this new boy, mostly based on the assumption that we are meant for each other solely because we are both Chinese, partly because he appears immature to my disdainful 13 year old eyes.

We are both older now, and there is an uneasy truce, but I look back on this with multiple emotions careening through me, wild. I am sad for the ignorance--when there is a new white boy in town, I am never connected to him. I am angry for allowing others to influence my emotions. I am frustrated with wanting to be different. I don't know what to feel, and I am glad those years are over.

He is still a bit of an asshole, though.