Chapter 2

“Happy Friday to all, and I hope you are staying cool during this hot Eastern Pennsylvania summer day! This is Johnny May with another edition of Pioneer Football Live. We had a great conversation yesterday about expectations for this season, but I want to start today with breaking news that has just come to us at WRXT. The School Board and the Pioneer Football Boosters have officially voted to have a new scoreboard added this year in honor of Coach Weston and his contributions to the Pioneer program. The vote was contested by a few within the district, as it will pull funds from other after-school activities. But after a vote last night, it passed 9 to 1. In other news, the school has announced that tickets are still available for the first game next week against Neversink High…”

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“Dad! Turn off that dumb station!” Hailey yelled.

I feel stupid.

The pink skater skirt looked great with her white halter top. Yet, as she rocked back and forth, she could hardly recognize the girl staring back from the mirror.

This is not me.

She adjusted the skirt again as she tried to make herself feel more comfortable.

At least I can wear sneakers.

“I think you look great.” The voice startled Hailey, who twirled toward it.

“Melissa!” she shrieked, trying to cover herself up. “I am so sorry! I should have asked to borrow this, but I…”

A small smirk brightened Melissa’s face as she walked into the room.

She smiled.

“You don’t have to ask, Hails.”

Melissa picked up the comb by the sink and began to stroke it through her hair.

Just like when we were young.

Hailey’s eyes remained on the mirror as she admired just how beautiful her sister was. Even now, in an old tee shirt and shorts, she looked like she could step onto a runway.

She had shorter, light brown hair, notably different from Hailey’s longer and darker brunette. However, as Hailey continued to gaze at them together, she could see why so many thought they were twins.

“You look beautiful, and it fits you perfectly.” The two posed beside each other for a few moments as Melissa finished with her hair. Her sister turned and brought them face to face. “You look like Mom.”

No way!

The words made Hailey’s heart jump, and she wrapped her arms tightly around the girl, now almost a grown woman, she had grown up with.

“I feel stupid!” Hailey chuckled as she pulled at the skirt again, trying toget it down past her knees.

“Stop it!” Melissa said, laughing. “I told you, it fits perfectly!”

The two fell into silence, their eyes having a conversation of their own.

This was the first time in the weeks since they had moved into this house that Hailey’s sister had been upstairs. Normally, she spent the night on the couch with the TV on low. While this particular moment had calmed Hailey’s typically swirling stomach, she could not help but notice the pain in her sister’s caring brown eyes.

I am so sorry, Melissa.

She once more wished she could find the right words to help. She wanted so much for the light to return that, in the past, had shown so bright. She wanted to see the carefree older sister, the cheerleading captain, that she had always looked up to.

“Wow,” said her father, breaking the sisters’ gaze. His hand was propped against the bathroom door. “What are you getting all dressed up for tonight?”

Stop it, Daddy.

Melissa rolled her eyes and pushed him out.