Page 83 of Broken Secrets
“That’s the thing. I’m ready to leave most of this behind. My friends here don’t really understand why I’d want to build a relationship with my half sister anyway. They think it’s weird that I’m so invested in getting to know you.”
The casual way she says “half sister” makes me smile. We’ve moved past the awkwardness of defining our relationship and into simply being sisters, with all the complexity that entails.
“Mom and Robert are totally on board with you staying here,” I tell her. “Mom’s already talking about converting the guest room into a proper bedroom if you decide to make the move permanent.”
“Really? She wouldn’t mind having another teenager in the house?”
“She’s excited about it, I think she’s become a bit more laid back about Jeremy too actually. I think she likes the idea of being able to mother someone who actually needs guidance instead of me, who argues with everything she suggests.”
Emma laughs. “I promise to be appropriately grateful for mothering.”
“Don’t promise that. Part of being a teenager is arguing with parental guidance. It’s basically required.”
After we hang up, I lie in bed thinking about how different life will be in two months if Emma actually makes the move. She’ll be here every day, not just during phone calls. We’ll eat breakfast together, complain about homework, fight over bathroom time. Normal sister things that feel both exciting and slightly overwhelming.
My phone buzzes with a text from Derek:“Early practice tomorrow. Want me to pick you up so you don’t have to drive when you’re half asleep?”
Me: “Yes please. You’re the best boyfriend ever.”
Derek: “I know. See you at 6:30.”
Maya and I claim our usual table while Derek gets stuck in the sandwich line behind what appears to be the entire junior class.
“So I’ve been thinking,” Maya says, unwrapping her turkey and avocado sandwich with the precision of someone who’s perfected the art of cafeteria eating. “We should plan another trip to Catalina. Not for school, just for fun.”
“Sounds fun, when are you thinking?”
“Spring break, maybe? We could rent one of those Airbnbs near Avalon, spend a few days just hanging out on the beach, snorkeling without having to take notes about marine ecosystems.”
The Catalina trip in October was amazing, but it was also structured and educational. The thought of going back just to enjoy the island sounds perfect.
“That sounds incredible. Derek sure wouldn’t mind it.”
“He talks about that kelp forest dive like it was a religious experience. Of course he’d want to go back.”
Derek appears at our table with his lunch tray, looking slightly frazzled from the sandwich line ordeal. “What are we talking about?”
“Catalina trip for spring break,” I tell him. “Just for fun this time, not for marine biology credit.”
His face lights up immediately. “I’m in. When do we leave?”
“We haven’t planned anything yet,” Maya laughs. “But I’ll take that enthusiasm as a yes vote.”
“Definitely a yes vote. We could rent snorkel gear and explore more of the kelp forest, maybe try some of the hiking trails we didn’t have time for during the school trip.”
“And eat at actual restaurants instead of cafeteria food,” Maya adds. “I saw some amazing places in Avalon when we were there.”
“Plus Emma might be living here by then,” I say. “She could come with us.”
“That would be perfect. She can see more of California, and we can all hang out without the pressure of family visits.”
“Speaking of Emma,” Maya says, “you guys get along okay?
“Really well, actually. She also may stay with us when she moves here.”
“That’s good.”
Derek steals one of my apple slices, a habit he’s developed over the past few weeks. “How are you feeling about it? Excited? Nervous?”
