The girls finished freshening up and headed downstairs, their stomachs rumbling with hunger. Mia, eager to help, offered to cook breakfast.
Chloe, sensing an opportunity, quickly took charge of the situation. "I'll handle the pancakes," she said, shooing Mia away from the stove. "After all, I'm the official cook of the band and we can't allow you to cook with that hand."
Mia pouted, mock-offended. "Fine," she huffed, crossing her arms. "But I still get to be in charge of the syrup. It's an important job, you know."
Luna and watched their friends with amusement, enjoying their playful banter.
"Wow, look at you two," Stella said, grinning. "The Food Network should give you your own show. 'Two Girls, One Stove.'"
Luna laughed, tears springing to her eyes. "Oh my gosh, I can see the tagline now," she said, taking on a cheesy announcer voice. "'Watch as Chloe and Mia heat things up in the kitchen.'"
The girls collapsed into giggles, their laughter filling the kitchen with warmth and joy.
*****
Sarah, pacing in her room, her phone gripped tightly in her hand, was deep in thought. She was struggling with how to approach her adoptive parents about the shopping trip and her need to bring the piano to the band practice.
As she pondered, she heard Lily's voice, singing a tune she recognized from one of her favorite cartoon songs. Suddenly, an idea clicked in her mind.
With a newfound determination, Sarah opened her door and gently ushered Lily inside. She sat her younger sister down and took a deep breath.
"Lily, I have something important to tell you," Sarah began. "You know how much I love music, right? Well, I've been practicing piano and I'm in a band with some friends from school."
Lily's eyes widened, her face lighting up with excitement. "Really? That's so cool!" she exclaimed, bouncing on her feet.
Sarah nodded, a small smile playing on her lips. "It is cool," she agreed. "But our parents don't know about it, and I'm scared to tell them. I don't want them to be mad or disappointed."
Lily put her hand on Sarah's shoulder, her face serious for a moment. "Well, you can't keep it a secret forever, right? What if you told them how important this is to you?" she suggested.
Sarah bit her lip, still uncertain. "But what if they don't understand? They might think it's just a silly hobby, or a waste of time. I don't want them to be mad or disappointed in me."
She is grateful to her adopted family for adopting her but she can't just let them decide her life.
Lily smiled, her eyes twinkling with mischief. "What if I help you?" she said.
Sarah's eyes lit up at Lily's offer. "That's a great idea," she said, her voice eager. "If you can distract Mom and Dad, I can sneak the piano into the car. I've already paid the driver, so he won't say anything."
Lily nodded, a devious grin spreading across her face. "Leave it to me," she said, striking a superhero pose. "I'll be your secret agent, Sarah. I'll distract them with my cuteness and cunning, but you have to take me with you."
Sarah laughed, suddenly feeling more confident.
Lily, dressed in her favorite pink dress, twirled around the house, humming a tune under her breath. Every so often, she'd stop to chat with her parents, asking them about their day or telling them about her latest drawing.
Sarah, meanwhile, slipped outside and carefully wheeled the piano toward the car. She opened the trunk and grunted with the effort as she tried to lift it inside.
Lily, noticing her parents growing curious, struck up a conversation about a TV show they all watched.
Sarah, sweat dripping from her forehead, finally managed to heave the piano into the trunk. She slammed the lid shut, a satisfied grin on her face.
As she closed the trunk, she heard Lily's voice from inside the house. "Hey Mom, Dad! Did you know there's a new episode of 'The Supercook' tonight?" she exclaimed, her eyes wide with excitement.
Sarah's parents, distracted by their daughter's enthusiasm, turned their attention to the TV guide, searching for the show's time slot.
Sarah breathed a sigh of relief as she slipped back into the house, unnoticed. Thank God the maids are not around .
Sarah, heart pounding, sauntered casually into the living room, a smile plastered on her face. "Hey Mom, Dad," she said, her tone light and breezy. "I'm heading out for shopping with my friends. We'll probably grab some lunch afterwards."
Her father, absorbed in the TV guide, glanced up and smiled. "Alright, sweetheart," he said, reaching into his pocket. "Here's my ATM card. Go have fun."
Sarah took the card, her hand shaking slightly. "Thanks, Dad," she said, trying to sound nonchalant.
Sarah waved goodbye to her parents, and as soon as she was out of earshot, she let out a whoop of triumph. "We did it!" she exclaimed, punching the air in celebration.
Lily grinned, mischief in her eyes. "Told you I was good at distraction," she said, her voice smug.
Sarah laughed, unable to contain her joy. "You sure are, little sis," she said, ruffling Lily's hair. "Now let's get this piano to band practice before Mom and Dad find out."
Sarah nodded to Lily and gave her a thumbs up, signaling that it was time to move. They both quietly slid into the car, the driver already at the wheel.
"Head to Luna's address," Sarah instructed, keeping her voice low. As the car pulled away from the curb, she reached for her phone and dialed Luna's number.
"Hey Luna, it's Sarah," she said, her eyes darting between the road and her surroundings. "We're on our way to band practice. What's going on over there?"
"Everything's good over here," Luna said, the sounds of chatter and laughter audible in the background. "Chloe's whipping up a storm in the kitchen, and Stella's directing traffic, as usual. Oh, and Mia's being her usual adorable self."
Sarah smiled, feeling a wave of relief wash over her. "That's great," she said. "We should be there in about twenty minutes, if traffic cooperates."
"Take your time," Luna said, her voice warm and reassuring. "We're in no rush. Just make sure you get here in one piece, okay?"
Meanwhile, Emma was at home, her mood sour as she walked past her father's girlfriend(Jenny). Jenny, dressed in a silky robe, was lounging on the couch, her eyes glued to the TV.
"Good morning, Emma," the Jenny said, her voice artificially sweet. "Are you heading out today?"
Emma rolled her eyes, her voice dripping with sarcasm. "Nope," she said. "Just going upstairs to escape the company." Jenny has always been a pain on her butt.
The woman scoffed, her tone turning sharp.
"That's no way to speak to an adult," the woman snapped, her eyes narrowing. "You need to respect your elders, Emma. Especially if they're going to be part of your family."
Emma scoffed, her hands balled into fists. "You're not part of my family," she hissed. "You're just some woman my dad met on a dating app."
The woman's face darkened, her expression thunderous.
Emma, sensing the mounting tension, turned on her heel and marched up the stairs, the sound of her footsteps echoing in the hallway.