finished. Come out to the pool as soon as you get
back," she said.
"I will."
"Don't let Mother buy those horribly long
skirts, the ones that go all the way down to your
ankles. Everyone's wearing shorter skirts these days," she advised, but I couldn't imagine telling Daphne what or what not to buy me. I was grateful for
anything. I nodded, but Gisselle saw my hesitation. "Don't worry about it," Gisselle said. "If you
don't get things that are in style, let you borrow
something for your first day at school."
"That's very nice," our father said. "Thanks for
being so understanding, honey."
"You're welcome, Daddy," she said, and kissed
him on the cheek. He beamed and then rubbed his
hands together.
"I have a set of twins!" he cried. "Both grown
and beautiful. What man could be luckier!" I hoped he was right. Gisselle excused herself
to go up and get dressed and I walked out to the front
of the house with my father to wait for Daphne. "I'm sure you and Gisselle will get along
marvelously," he said, "but there's bound to be a few
hills and valleys in any relationship, especially an
instant sister relationship. If you have any real
problems, come see me. Don't bother Daphne about
it," he said. "She's been a wonderful mother for
Gisselle, despite the unusual circumstances, and I'm
sure she will be wonderful for you, too; but I feel I
should bear most of the responsibilities. I'm sure you understand. You seem very mature, more mature than
Gisselle," he added,
What a strange predicament, I thought. Daphne
wanted me to come to her and he wanted me to come
to him, and each appeared to have good reason.