Paul came by everyday. We were spending so much time together.

"You aren't sick of me yet?" I smiled teasingly- secretly worried that he was going to take off and never look back.

"Nope-never" he said pulling me closer to him. "Have you talked to your sister yet? Loretta I know you've been doing all these extra things for her that she doesn't see- but you actually need to speak to her. Come on we are going to find her now" he said after I shook my head. He gently pushed me through the house. She was sitting on the coach with Jake. I hardly knew him because of our rift-, which I thought was a shame. Jake and Paul made eye contact and quickly left the room. Surprised my sister turned to look at me. I shrugged. Dinners had been awkward for two weeks- we sat across from each other but never made eye contact.

"Loretta" I looked at her. "I'm sorry- I was so reckless and you got injured because of me. I just needed to get all my feelings out and I put us in danger"

"I'm not mad at you"

"Then why haven't you talked to me?" she looked stunned.

"The reason you haven't talked to me- I don't know what to say" I looked at her like it was obvious. Clearly she was mature enough to deal with this on her own. "So let's just put this whole thing behind us. We got into a car accident- it happens. We should just count our blessings" She nodded at me.

"So you and Paul huh?" I laughed her awkward beginning of a conversation.

"Yeah- you and Jake?"

"Yup"

"You are so irritating" I gently poked her face. "How are the injuries?"

"They've been better. Having Grandma help you shower is not the highlight of your life" I stifled a giggle. She looked expectantly at me. "I am not helping you- I already do your laundry and your chores"

"Fine" she sighed. "When are we getting a new car?"

"About that- grandpa and I already picked one out"

"Without me?"

"I have a secret but I can't tell you"

"What is it?"

"Grandpa got us two cars- he said 'I know I thought it would teach you girls to be unselfish if you shared, but frankly since the accident I'd like it if you didn't always drive together. Plus Loretta, I think you need your freedom'"

"SHUT UP!"

"I am serious now be quiet" she laughed at her loudness. We sat and chatted for a while. Finally the boys came back in and things went back to a comfortable state.

"Well we gotta get ready to go to dinner- it is Saturday after all" We skipped last Saturday in light of recent events. I rose to get into the car. Paul and Jake were talking quietly in the corner.

"If you tell her- I have to tell Thea" Jake hissed "And I am not ready for that"

"I told her the fifth Saturday- that's today. Jake she can keep a secret."

"Fine- whatever it's your funeral" he pushed him out of the way.

"Paul? Is everything alright?" I said as he walked briskly towards me.

"Fine, Loretta, come on" apparently realizing the harshness of his tone, he caressed my cheek. "I'll explain after dinner okay?"

"Okay" we walked in silence to the car and listened to the radio on the ride. Dinner was another quiet affair with minimal talking. Paul appeared to be off in his own little world. I watched his inner struggle on his face the whole time. I had a sinking feeling and my nervousness must of showed too.