Other Sister by S.T. Underdahl

Author:S.T. Underdahl
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: adoption, teen, drama, flux
Publisher: Llewellyn Worldwide, LTD.
Published: 2007-03-01T00:00:00+00:00

Looking back, the next few minutes were a blur, and yet something I’ll probably remember for the rest of my life.

I set down my Diet Coke and came out of the kitchen, ready to meet my sister. She and Mom were still near the front door, which was standing open, giving me a view of Dad and Will outside, lifting suitcases from the back of the vehicle.

“Josey,” Mom said, her voice proud. “This is your sister, Audrey.”

Before I could say anything, Audrey was across the room and had her arms around me in a hug.

“You’re even prettier than in your pictures!” she smiled, two inches away from my face. Up this close, I could smell her light, flowery perfume, and see that her eyes weren’t really green after all; they were closer to my dad’s aquamarine color. She was smaller than I’d imagined too, close to Julian’s size, even though she was wearing a pair of platform sandals that would have definitely earned Britt’s approval.

Audrey’s dark hair was caught up in a neat ponytail, and she was casually dressed in shorts and a cotton blouse that looked freshly pressed, in spite of the long plane ride. She barely looks older than Jake, I thought.

“Hi,” I said, realizing that I hadn’t spoken yet. “It’s really good to finally meet you.”

Now see, that came out sounding fine, I thought with satisfaction, and made a mental note to tell Britt and Sarah.

“How was your trip?” I asked politely.

“It was fine,” Audrey responded. “But I get a little queasy on planes.”

“My dad . . . er, Dad could get you some Dramamine,” I advised, but she’d already turned her attention back to Mom.

“By the way, Anne, thanks so much for having our seats upgraded!” Audrey said. “Neither of us have ever traveled first class before, and riding in the front of the plane made me less nauseous, I think.”

“You’re welcome, honey,” smiled Mom. “I just wanted you guys to have a good trip. We’re so glad you both could come!”

She reached out to squeeze Audrey’s arm and they grinned at each other like best girlfriends. A sudden queasiness crept into my stomach that had nothing to do with flying.

Julian came in from behind them; he’d been talking to Dad and Will, who’d stayed outdoors so Dad could have a smoke. That was fine by me; one introduction at a time was all I could handle.

“H-hi,” Julian said shyly, and Mom spun around.

“Oh my goodness, Julian!” she laughed happily. “Look who’s here! Honey, I’d like you to meet Audrey.”

“Hi, Julian,” Audrey responded. She didn’t hug Julian, but rather reached out to touch his shoulder briefly. I wondered how she knew that he wouldn’t feel comfortable being hugged.

“Where’s Jake?” asked Mom, looking around. “I was hoping you’d all be here when we got home.”

“He’s down by the water,” Julian volunteered. “I’ll go find him.” He dashed across the room and out onto the patio, disappearing down the sloping descent to the beach.

“Well,” said Mom once again. “If David and Will ever bring the bags inside, you can get unpacked and relax a little.

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