Sisters

I don't want a sister; I already have a brother that drives me nuts. I like my family just the way it was. 10 year old me, 5 year old Seth, my mom and my stepdad Charlie. My dad died soon after Seth was born. I feel bad for Seth since I got to know my dad and he never did.

But now Charlie's little girl, Bella is moving in with us. Something about her mother not being able to take care of her like she's supposed to. Maybe this is selfish but I don't want to share Charlie. He's been my dad for the last 3 years and I'm afraid he won't love me anymore with his real daughter here.

Seth is excited because she's 5 like him.

Dad just went to get her from the airport where she is flying in with her uncle or something. Mom baked cookies and yesterday they went and bought her all new stuff for her room. I'm jealous but every time I say anything they tell me Bella has had a hard life, she needs to feel welcomed. But she's NOT welcome!

"Lee what is hard about her life?" Seth asks me and I tell him I don't know. She probably just wants attention.

An hour later she comes in hiding behind Dad and I almost feel bad for pre-hating her. She's tiny first of all, she's the same age as Seth but she's much tinier. And she has bruises all on her arm and legs. Her hair is all matted up. She's almost cute under all the bad stuff.

"Bella this is Seth and Leah and Sue. Can you say hi?" She buries her head in his legs so he sighs and picks her up.

"Hi Bella, I'm Sue. We are very happy you are here. Are you hungry?" My mom asks her and she nods yes really quickly then buries her head again.

Then a man walks in, I guess it's her uncle.

"Uncle Mark I don't want to stay here. Take me home to my mommy. She's sorry, she told me. She didn't mean to hurt me. Please?" She begs him and he looks really sad as he picks her up.

"Bella, she did mean to hurt you and she would keep doing it. This is your father and I know you don't know him but that's only because mommy didn't tell him about you. He loves you and so does Sue OK baby girl? I will visit you whenever I can. I love you baby girl so much. But this is the best place for you." He tells her sadly.

Her mom didn't tell her dad about her? That's very mean. I don't like her mommy.

"Come on baby girl, let's get you some lunch. Then I have to go. I have to make sure mommy gets the help she needs." Her uncle tells her and we all go into the kitchen where my mom is pulling frozen pizzas out of the oven. Seth and I sit at the table and wait but Bella just looks around. So Seth gets up and grabs her hand and leads her to the table. She smiles a little and sits down. And dad and her uncle sit with us while my mom makes plates for everyone.

Bella eats quietly and quickly while everyone else talks and laughs and takes their time.

"Baby girl, this isn't like with mommy. You are allowed to talk and you don't always have to hurry." She nods her head yes but continues on the same.

I decide then I'm not going to hate her, she is my sister and I will love her.