It was a relief that Second Sis had returned from her basketball tournament. Breakfast in the morning had been awkward with only Annie and Big Sis in the house. Finding out that Marie had issues about being alone with her was troubling, especially since Annie still could not remember anything connected.
Could it have something to do with her previously demanding attitude?
It had only been one day, since Father had returned later that day and thus, spared them breakfast alone the rest of the week. However, that one particular Tuesday had been uncomfortable with Annie and Big Sis doing their utmost to avoid being alone together in the same room. Annie had woken up early to shower. By the time she was done, Big Sis had breakfast and her lunch box ready. There had only been the most perfunctory of conversation during the meal.
Then Big Sis claimed the bathroom while Annie did the dishes. When she was done, the younger sister waited for Marie to finish. Previously, she would be in the bathroom brushing her teeth while her older sister was in the shower stall. Now, Annie avoided that so Big Sis would not feel uneasy.
After brushing her teeth and checking her bags, she got into Big Sis' car for the quietest of rides. The radio was off. The engine seemed to be silent. And there even seemed to be a no-honking policy in traffic that morning.
With Second Sis' return, Annie would not have to worry about a repeat of that Tuesday morning.
There was a knock on her room door just before Carrie burst in. "Hey, Annie!"
Annie put down the dumbbell she was exercising with. It had gotten a little easier for her to pump that weight after weeks of practice. "Yes, Sis?"
"My birthday is coming," Second Sis announced excitedly, "You know my birthday?"
Annie thought for a moment, then glanced at the calendar on her desk. "Next Monday, right?" she said evenly. How could she have forgotten about it!?
"Yes, next Monday." Second Sis walked over to where Annie stood and rested her hands on the little girl's shoulders. "I'm going out to celebrate this Saturday with friends. You're coming along."
"How long will we be out?"
"The whole day." Carrie squeezed Annie's shoulders gently. "You, me, a few basketball friends. We're celebrating my birthday, oh, and coming in third in basketball."
"Congratulations," said Annie, "But the whole day-" She cut off her protest when the grip on her shoulders suddenly grew tight.
"Come on, Annie," persuaded Carrie with her sweetest voice, a sharp contrast to her grip on her sister's shoulders, "It's all I'm asking for my birthday."
Annie took an uncomfortable breath. "Okay."
"Yay!" Carrie hugged Annie and rubbed cheeks with her, "We're going to have so much fun!"
After a while, when it felt like Carrie was never going release her, Annie spoke up, "Erm, Sis, can I get back to my exercise now?"
"Okay." Carrie finally let go. She patted her little sister's head before heading to the door. "Looking forward to Saturday," she said over her shoulder.
***
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