"How long's this exercise?" Second Sis asked.
"This Friday evening until Sunday noon," Big Sis answered.
"Hey, can Annie and me go?" Carrie suggested hopefully.
"Well..." Big Sis began as if searching for a reason against the suggestion.
"Actually, it's a great idea," Mother agreed.
"Wait, do I have to go?" Annie asked.
"Come on, you need a rest," said Second Sis, "You've been studying nonstop since the start of the semester. You need a break. It'll be a vacation in the city for you and me." She turned to Big Sis. "The hotel's in the city, right?"
Marie nodded. "Yes."
"You should go, Annie," Mother encouraged, "A little rest now and then helps you concentrate on your studies in the long run."
"Besides, we'll get to hang out together," Second Sis added.
"I guess it's possible to have Carrie and Annie come instead," Big Sis said.
Annie sighed. "Okay."
"Then it's settled," Mother decided, "Carrie and Annie will go to Marie's thing. Dad and I will go for our out-of-town parties, I mean, meetings... conference... whatever."
"Marie, I trust you'll keep an eye on your sisters," Father said.
"I will, Dad," Big Sis promised.
"And the two of you, listen to everything Marie says," Father told his other daughters.
"Yes, Father," Annie said.
"Da-ad," Carrie groaned, "you don't have to make it sound so serious. I'm old enough to look after myself. Well, maybe not Annie."
Annie narrowed her eyes at the implication of her immaturity. Her mood darkened and a storm cloud gathered over her. She definitely did not like people thinking that she was too young to be trusted.
Mother laughed. "Actually, honey," she began, "the both of you are quite irresponsible girls."
Annie, irresponsible!? Her storm cloud grew thicker. Could it be that in the past she was such a person? It was likely, considering her weakness with her schoolwork. She knew she had not been studying as much as she should have.
"Dear," Father addressed Mother, "Lately, Annie has been studying hard." He nodded once at his youngest daughter. "I think she's starting to learn responsibility."
Then the sun shone brightly from the depths of Annie's heart when she heard the praise. She could not keep a smile from growing on her face. The storm cloud went over to Second Sis see if it could find company in her instead.
"What about me, Dad?" Carrie appealed.
"Sorry, honey," Mum gleefully preempted Father's reply, "You're too much like me! We're carefree, irresponsible people!" She was practically glowing with the title of Most Irresponsible Mother.
"That's not something to be proud of, Mum!" Carrie pointed out, "It's a wonder there isn't an accident at the power plant by now!"
"I think the lack of an accident speaks for itself," Mum gloated happily, "It means that I'm more responsible than you!"
That woman definitely deserved the title of Most Irresponsible Mother.
Second Sis had her expression set to 'seriously miffed'. And the storm cloud was becoming best buddies with her mood.
The dinner table conversation had become more interesting than the spaghetti sauce.
***
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