Post-adoption

"Come, tell me what color you wanna use," said Lizzy.

Lita walked over to her sister's desk, where Lizzy was sitting, and looked at the variety of nail polish on display.

"Do you have pink?" asked the 7-year-old.

"Yeah, it's…. right here," said Lizzy as she located the bottle. "Do you want to use this soft pink or a stronger pink -like this one?"

Lita brought a finger to her face and put on a pensive face.

"Both!" she finally exclaimed.

Lizzy laughed. "Do you want me to use both?" she asked.

Lita nodded enthusiastically.

"Alright, do you want one on each hand or do you want me to mix them up?"

"Hmm… mix them up! Mix them up!" she exclaimed as she jumped up and down.

"Okay, sit on my bed then," said Lizzy.

The little girl complied. Lizzy brought over her chair and the two nail polish bottles.

"Extend your hand out like this," said Lizzy. "Good, now don't move."

Lita did as she was told and Lizzy got to work on her nails.

"How long does it last?" asked the younger sister.

"Hmm, about a week. It depends," said Lizzy as she painted every other nail.

"Will it last for tomorrow?" asked Lita.

"Sure, as long as mommy lets you keep it," Lizzy teased.

"She will!" exclaimed Lita.

"Did you ask her?"

Lita fell silent and gave her sister a guilty smile.

"Lita!"

"It's going to be a surprise! I think she's gonna like it," said the 7-year old.

"Alright, if you say so," said Lizzy as she worked on her nails.

"I can't wait to show Daisy," said Lita.

"Oh! That's right, they're coming over tomorrow! Are you excited?" asked Lizzy.

Lita nodded. "I think she's going to be jealous."

Lizzy let out a laugh. She grabbed the softer pink polish and got to work on the missing nails.

"Can we do different colors next time?" asked Lita.

"Sure, but make sure you ask mommy beforehand, okay? I don't wanna get in any trouble," said the big sister.

Lita giggled. "Okay. Ooh, can you paint Daisy's nails tomorrow? Then we can match!"

"If Aunt Kimmy lets her, sure. Alright, give me the other hand and don't move this one, okay?"

"I can't wait until Daisy's officially my cousin," said Lita as she gave her sister the other hand.

"Yeah," said Lizzy. "Me too."

"Will it be soon?"

"It will happen before you know it," said Lizzy.

"I hope she doesn't have as many issues as we did getting adopted," blurted Lita. "I love being adopted, I want Daisy to be as happy as I am."

Lizzy stopped mid-work and looked up at her sister, a pang on guilt settling on her stomach.

"You love being adopted?" she asked.

Lita nodded.

A knot formed at the back of Lizzy's throat. It was a few seconds before she could reply.

"I, uhm, I'm… I'm sorry it took us so long to get adopted," she admitted.

Lita looked up at her, her big loving eyes catching Lizzy's gaze.

"It's okay," said the little girl. "I forgive you. I know you were just making sure Ellie and Pete were the best mommy and daddy for us, right?"

Lizzy smiled. "Yes," she said, thinking of how she could not possibly love her sister any more than she did then. "Yes, I was."