Brianna opened her eyes at three p.m. Five more hours, she thought. I can't believe I'm going to meet Adam Payne tonight!
She went downstairs and made a cup of coffee. Hearing voices and laughter out front, she peeked through the kitchen window. Squinting through a stream of bright sunlight, she saw Mandy and their mother seated on the white wicker couch. Coffee in hand, she opened the front door, stepped onto the porch, and sat on the wooden rocking chair adjacent to the couch.
"Hello!" Mandy's lips curved when she saw her sister. "I hear you had a handsome date last night. How did it go?"
"Absolutely phenomenal,” Brianna gushed.
"I'm so glad you had a good time. He seemed like a nice boy," Sabrina said. "You're a lucky girl that I fell asleep early last night and slept through the night. I have a feeling that you were out past your curfew."
"Well, maybe a little," Brianna admitted. "But it won't happen again." She turned to face her twin. "How was your night?"
"Great! I went to Josh Goodwin's party with Logan. His parties are so much fun. Everyone was so nice. You've got to come next time. What are you up to tonight? I'm going to the fair with Kerri. Do you want to come?"
"Wow. I'd love to, and thanks for asking me, but I'm going to the Red Rapture concert tonight."
"Oh, that's sweet! Maybe you'll see Emily there."
For dinner, Sabrina prepared corned beef, cabbage, and potatoes. For the first time in years, the McKinney family ate together. After enjoying a delicious meal and pleasant conversation, Mandy offered to drive her sister to the train station. Since the concert was in New York City, Brianna had offered to meet Jared at the venue.
"Thanks for the ride," Brianna said as they entered the parking lot of Montmorrow's train station.
"You're welcome. Hey, Bri, I miss spending time with you. I'd like to hang out more, if you want to."
"Yes, I'd like that a lot."
Brianna was the first to outstretch her arms. But once she did, Mandy dove in. The twins squeezed each other for several long moments. When they separated, Brianna could see tears welling up in Mandy’s eyes.
"Oh, stop! You're going to make me cry!" Brianna said.
"Okay, get out of here, then! Have fun!" Mandy said.
"Bye, sis. I love you!" Brianna stepped out of the car and ran to catch her train.
"I love you too!"