Misto was sitting by himself, thinking about what his life was like without Jemina. How life was like when kids would fun of him because he was different, when no one would talk to him, when his friends were books.

"Hey Freak, watch where you're going!" The kid yelled at him after pushing him to the ground.

"Come on, fight me Witch! Use your weirdo powers! Or are you too scardy-cat? Another kid would taunt him, while Misto just tried to not hurt him.

"How come you're so small? Are you a hobbit?" Girls would scorn when he tried to give them flowers.

He would hide in his room, crying, and ignore his father when he tried to come in. He wouldn't understand. His dad was respected, awesome. He wouldn't get bullying.

He was alone.

"Misto!"

Misto was shaken out of his thoughts. Jemina was calling for him from the top of the hill. She had two other girls with her. Misto walked up to his friend, and shyly smiled at the teenagers with her.

"Hey! This is Victoria, and she's Rumpleteazer. And you two, this is my adopted brother Misto."

Misto looked at Jemina, confused. "When did I get adopted?"

"When you became my friend! Anyways, these two girls loved your magic show." Jemina winked.

"Well, it was my pleasure to perform for you." Misto conjured up two bouquets, and presented them to the girls. They giggled happlily, then invited both of them to go grab some ice cream. "I couldn't say no. I'll catch up with you, I need to grab something quickly." The two girls ran off, leaving Jemina and Misto alone.

"So, are you buying my ice cream? I think I earned it."

Misto sighed. "Fine, but just this once. We wouldn't want to make a habit of it. You have to learn responsibility or something of the kind."

Jemina chuckled. "I'll only do it once a week. Come on!"

Misto stared after her, thinking about Jemina. She had grown since he had first seen her crying. She grew happier, and much more trusting. And Misto had started it. He now saw Jem as a sister instead of a friend. But while he ran after Jemina and her new friends, a thought went through his head.

What are friends, other then the family you get to choose?