Chapter 1 - June 2003

“Wow, Alexi.” Annelyse stepped into her sister’s bedroom and joined her by the mound of clothes on the bed. “This room’s a mess, do you need any help?” Despite her reservations, she would be happy for Alexi.

“At least I have a reason for my room looking this way.” Alexi gave her a teasing grin.

“Hey, if I were you, I’d be nice to the one offering some help!” Annelyse squeezed Alexi’s arm, then tried to make herself comfortable on the bed. The room was bright with its yellow colored walls highlighting the sun’s rays. The decadent aroma of cilantro, chives and garlic had made its way throughout the house, while downstairs their mother was cooking up some soup before they all hopped into the car. Mami had said she didn’t want her little girls to go hungry during the ceremony.

“I’m nice,” she said a little too quickly. “Let’s not forget that I didn’t pick out nasty pink puffy bridesmaid dresses.”

“Yea, ‘cuz if you had, I wouldn’t be here. And we both know that.” Impatience lifted Annelyse from the bed and onto the floor, and she began to fuss with Alexi’s suitcase.

“Yeah, right! You love me. You would have worn the ugly thing and complained the whole time.”

“Hmm, I guess that sounds a little bit more like me.” She began to tap on the suitcase with a rhythmic beat, while simultaneously gazing at her beloved sister. “So, are you ready for this?”

“Just think, Sis, after tonight, I’ll no longer be a child. I’ll be a woman.” Alexi huffed out a giddy sigh. “I’ll be with the same guy forever. He’s going to be my first and my last.”

Annelyse nodded, swallowing back a retort. Alexi didn’t mean to