Anna's POV
I loved weekends but this particular weekend was different because I was happier than usual. At the same time I was feeling anxious because I would be seeing my step sister after so many hesitation.
She had replied my text message with a short text that says she would be glad to have me in the salon.
I had been contemplating changing my hairstyle and I finally made my mind up, I would make my hair a bit shorter and maybe change the color. My stomach turned out of excitement because changing my hairstyle meant patronizing my step sister for the first time since she launched her unisex salon.
My mom felt I was being too hard on her , locking her out of my life just like that . Well I had my reasons.
"I didn't bring you girls up just to become strangers" my mom had said with a hint of anger in her tone.
Nobody understood my plight and I was not making it easy for them to. They must have hated me so much or maybe not.
I didn't feel like driving so I called a taxi to drop me off at Leylah's salon. We pulled up in the parking lot of the big shopping complex and I couldn't help but notice the salon . It stood out amongst series of shops and stores. I almost bursted with pride , I wanted to scream at the top of my voice but I swallowed hard. I was not surprise that she expanded the salon , in fact I expected it.
I strolled in casually trying so hard not to display any form of uncertainty. I could not say for sure how she would react to me seeing .
My heart skipped a beat when the receptionist smiled broadly at me "good afternoon ma'm, you're welcome".
"Hello" I returned the smile politely "thank you".
"Madam Leylah is in her office" she pointed towards the office door. "She's expecting you."
I knocked on the office door softly and the door opened almost immediately. I froze not knowing what to do or say.
"Ley….lah…" i stuttered.
She smiled and pulled me in a tight embrace .
I melted in her arms , every feeling of guilt left at that moment and it felt like old times again.
"Look at you… you look good" she pulled me in her office and shut the door behind us.
I opened my mouth to talk but the words didn't come out . She didn't hate me after all, at least not yet.
She scrutinized me from head to toe , her expressions were hard to read and I just smiled.
"I've missed you" I found myself saying.
"Me too baby sister" she took my hands in hers and squeezed gently. "I am happy you came , means a lot to me."
"If you don't stop being so sweet I might cry" I muttered trying to sniff back tears.
She laughed out loudly. I realized how much I have missed hearing her laughter echo through the house. A laughter filled with life and joy.
"I cannot wait to see you in your bridesmaid dress" she grinned from ear to ear.
I looked up from the cup of coffee the receptionist served shortly after I arrived.
"Who is getting married?" I laughed.
"You didn't get the flowers I sent ? I attached a note to it" she opened her eyes in surprise.
"I got the flowers yeah" I nodded "but a note… I…." I covered my mouth with my palm. A wedding invite was what was in the note ? My sister's wedding invite.
I did not bother to open the note , I just kept it beside the flower on the table.
Will I ever be a good sister ?
"I am so sorry"
"You didn't read the note?" she sounded disappointed.
"I didn't do it intentionally, it totally skipped my mind" I sighed . "I had no idea you…."
"Yes he proposed and the wedding is in two months and I want you to be my bridesmaid" She blushed.
I got up and pulled her in a warm embrace "I am so sorry for being a bad sister"
She laughed so loud that i almost started to cry "stop being silly Anna, you are the best sister in the whole world and I love you so much".
"I'm so lucky to have you as my elder sister" I said as a matter of fact.
We stared at each other for a while not knowing what to do or say.
"I resigned" I broke the silence. "I'm starting up my brand"
"Oh my….." she gasped "finally! I am so proud of you baby"
"Thank you" I muttered under my breathe.
Looking back I figured the only person I talked to was my step sister and she never got tired of listening. She never got tired of encouraging me.
"When are you visiting?" She asked "I mean home"
I stared into space and she took my hands in hers.
"We miss having you around Anna, now that you resigned, you can stay for as long as you want… let's say a couple of weeks"
I looked at her not sure how to react "I miss you guys too . I miss the special family dinner but…." I paused.
She gave me a knowing look "Anna as long as I still live in that house , I would not allow anyone stress you out"
She was definitely talking about Theo.
I nodded slowly "I will come home then and spend a couple of weeks."
She smiled and it stretched to her eyes the way it always did whenever she's pleased
"we have so much catching up to do…. And most importantly the wedding plans."
I felt so happy and nervous at the same time , it was going to be my first time as a bridesmaid.
"Is Theo on the guest list?" I asked before I could stop the words from getting out.
"Yes he is" she sighed "mom insisted… he has been good to them."
Good to my parents but bad to me . If that is not crazy then I don't know what is.