The wand was mere inches away from Justin. I could feel the anticipation that was spilling out of everyone in the room. Everybody held their breath as the glowing wand came closer and closer to bestowing full wizard powers on Justin Russo, winner of the Family Wizard Competition. But I knew that something was about to happen. I could feel it coming like a freight train hurling towards me at incomprehensible speed. Then, it happened. The inevitable finally happened.

"I can't do this," said Justin, a pained expression crossing his face, "I can't accept this honor."

I could hear a quiet, collective gasp as shock reverberated around the room. Mason stood beside me, astonishment written all over his face. Juliet stared at Justin as if he were crazy. And, even though I couldn't see their expressions, I'm sure everyone else had similar looks that were being exchanged. "Justin, don't do this." Somehow, I had found my voice underneath the intense feeling of dread that was coursing through me. I knew what he was about to say. And I knew that it would have innumerable consequences.

"I have to," said Justin, holding my gaze for a heartbeat before turning back to a shell-shocked Professor Crumbs, "I have to tell you what happened."

Pain jolted through my whole being as I awaited the story that would be the cause of our eventual separation. Anticipation buzzed inside the room as Justin began his sorrowful, yet strangely joyful, story of an event that we had pretended to put behind us. But we both knew it was still affecting us in a major way.

"Two years ago," began Justin nervously, "I made a decision that would change Alex's and my life forever. A decision that, no matter how hard I try, I cannot, and will not ever, bring myself to regret."

Alex – 16 Justin – 18

I had no idea why he was so angry. Fury was evident on Justin's face as he stood before me. Frustration was locked on my face as I stared at him. Mom and Dad weren't here to referee because they had gone out to dinner on tonight of all nights. As for Max, who knew where he was.

"Why do you always have to do this?" snapped Justin. "Why do you always have to go and ruin everything good that happens to me?"

I was trying to respond, but he wouldn't let me get a word in edgewise with the rant he was working up.

"Do you realize how great an honor it is to be awarded a spot in the Top Ten Wizards Hall of Fame? It's huge and you've gone and ruined everything!" Justin held up the Certificate of Honor that he had been given and that I had spilled my infamous ink all over.

Okay, now this was getting to be a bit too dramatic. I rolled my eyes and crossed my arms over my chest.

"Come on Justin, it's just a piece of paper!" I said, exasperation starting to become evident in my voice. "Go to the computer room and you can find probably a thousand more sheets in there."

I walked over to the couch and plopped down turning the television on and making myself comfortable. But, of course, Justin wasn't having any of that. He promptly rushed over and blocked my view of the screen before continuing his endless rant.

"Just a piece of paper?" he said, "Really? That's all it is to you, then?" He barked a short, humorless laugh before his voice turned icy cold and he said, "Why can't you just admit you're jealous of me and get it over with?"

With these words, I finally felt it happen. Some kind of pent-up emotion came spilling out as my fury was finally charged and activated. I jolted up off the couch and stood face to face and toe to toe with my brother.

"Why in the world would I be jealous of someone like you?" I retorted.

I was starting to become all worked up over this petty argument, and I had no clue why.

"Because I'm the better wizard, the better student, the better child, and everyone knows it."

At these words, I felt my face drain of color. He had said "better child". He had finally admitted out loud that he thought of himself as the favorite. And he was probably right. I mean, he was perfect after all.

In the silence that ensued, I could almost feel Justin regretting his words and trying to figure out a way to make amends. I knew him that well. But I didn't care. I just wanted to get away from him. Away from him and away from what I could never attain.

"Alex-," he began, but I cut him off.

"Save it Justin," I said harshly. "It's obvious what you think of me."

With that, I stormed up the stairs and tried to hold in my tears until I got inside the safety of my room. And to think this whole thing started because of one stupid prank I had pulled. Still, it was no excuse for what he had said.

Justin must have gotten the point, or either he didn't care, because he didn't try to come after me. He just let me have my peace.