Page 13 of Unbidden

She smiles softly. “No. I like you. You’re funny and kind, even though you act tough. You stood up to those girls, not because you wanted to cause a scene but because you refuse to play their games. Besides, I always wanted a sister. I think if you give us half a chance, you can be the sister I never had.”

I meet her eyes. She means every word. I almost feel bad for wanting to leave.

“I don’t want you to get too attached, Victoria. I’m still leaving in eight months, even if we become friends.”

“I know, but maybe after you leave, we can stay in touch. I can come visit. I know it’s basically been a day, but I don’t know. It’s nice having another girl around my age in the family.”

I rub my hand over my face. “We can be friends, but don’t get involved in my mess. I’ll clean it up. For you.”

“Thank you, S.”

“S?” I question.

“Well, if we’re going to be friends, we have to have nicknames. You can call me V, and I’ll call you S.” Her smile is blinding.

“All right, V. Is this heart-to-heart over? Can we go inside now?”

She laughs. “Mom is probably waiting for us. Let’s go tell her about the party Friday.”

I shake my head but follow her into the house.

As if on cue, Alice calls out as soon as we’re through the door. “Girls, is that you?”

“Yes, Mom.” Victoria gives me an “I told you so” look.

“I’m in the kitchen,” Alice calls back.

We enter the kitchen to find her pulling a tray of cookies out of the oven. She turns and grins at us.

“I thought you girls would enjoy an after-school snack.”

“Yes! Mom makes the best chocolate chip cookies.”

Victoria’s good mood is contagious. After handing me a cookie, she grabs her own and takes a large bite. I don’t bother hiding my smile at the pure joy on her face.

“Thank you, Mom,” she moans around cookie.

“Anytime, dear.” She beams at her daughter. It reminds me a lot of my relationship with my own mother.

“Yes, thank you, Alice. They’re delicious,” I say after I take a bite of my own cookie.

“You’re welcome, Sage.” She turns to the fridge and pulls out the milk before grabbing three glasses and pouring some into each one. She then hands us each a glass before grabbing the plate and taking it to the table in the corner, the same one we ate breakfast at.

"You do drink milk, right?" Alice asks.

"Yes."

"Oh good. I just realized I don't know if you have any allergies or a dairy intolerance or anything," she word vomits.

"As far as I know, no allergies and no intolerances."

"Great." Alice beams.

One thing is for sure, she’s trying.

“So, Sage, how was your first day?” she asks.

Victoria grins at me but says nothing.

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