Clarke Central High School junior Andrew Robinson (left) smiles for a photo with his brother, CCHS senior Alexander Robinson (right) outside their house on Aug. 25. Andrew believes his brother has had an extremely positive effect on his life and wants to thank Alex before he leaves to go to college. Photo by Mona Robinson
Variety staffer Andrew Robinson reflects on the positive relationship he shares with his brother, Alexander Robinson.
Alexander Robinson. Where should I even start?
I’ve annoyed the hell out of him for the majority of my existence. I’m loud, talkative and don’t give him the personal space he needs, yet he always forgives me without holding a grudge. I just don’t know how he does it.
He’s extremely mature for his age in regards to responsibility, yet he gets excited over childish things like Pokemon Cards, LEGOs and of course his obsession with Epic Rap Battles on Youtube.
He knows how to open up and have fun, yet at the same time is one of the most caring people I know. He accepts me for who I am, and I can’t even begin to explain how fortunate I am for that.
Our parents always taught us to prepare for the future. Alex and I were so captivated by the concept of freedom and adulthood, we would talk for hours about our dreams, wishing time would fly by so we could grow up and enter the real world.
Now that we actually are becoming adults, I wish we could go back to those simpler times.
Clarke Central High School senior Alexander Robinson (left) and CCHS junior Andrew Robinson (right) hug each other and smile in their grandmother’s backyard in Charlotte, North Carolina, in June of 2006. Alexander was 4-years-old at the time, and Andrew was 2-years-old. Photo by Mona Robinson
Alex has been by my side for my entire life, and now he’s a senior in high school. He’s going to move away in just one year.
No more staying up late and watching cartoons with him.
No more forcing my way into his room and jumping on his bed to talk about my day. It’s like my whole childhood is coming to an end, and a new chapter of my life is beginning.
I may not say it that much, but I truly love him. He’s been both my best friend and my inspiration to be a better version of myself.
I don’t know where I’d be without him, but I can say one thing for certain: We have a bond that no amount of distance can break.
