Picking up the big beast, she lowered it into the water. Once she covered the turkey, she placed it in the fridge, and stepped away.
“This is going to be so awesome.”
“Can I ask you a question?” Isabel asked.
“You can ask me anything.”
She licked her lips and washed her hands, trying to find the right words to say to her sister. “Was I good sister?”
“Of course.”
“Helping you, and working, and stuff. Was I a good person? Do you think I’d make a good mother?”
Sophie stood up and rounded the counter. Like Edward had done a couple of days ago, Sophie wrapped her arms around Isabel’s waist, and hugged her close. “I think you would make the most amazing mother, and I should know. You’re my sister, Isabel, and I love you. We both know you were more a mother to me, even when I was being a total asshole to you, and didn’t deserve any kindness.”
“Everyone deserves an act of kindness.”
“Nah, they don’t, Is. You know, there are not many people who would do what you did.”
“Sure there are.”
“No. I was always worried that you thought you were weak, or stupid or something. Especially when you quit your class. You worked so hard, every single day to help me. To make sure I had the grades to get a good scholarship. Is, I’m the one that owes you, honey. I’m the one that wouldn’t be training to be a therapist if it wasn’t for you.”
She froze up. “What do you mean?”
“I want to help people. I want to help young people who are in similar positions, who have the whole world on their shoulders, and no way of coming out.” Sophie kissed her temple. “I want to help the world the way you helped me.”
Isabel took several deep breaths and finally patted Sophie’s arm. “You’re getting all mushy on me.”
“Good, because I’m so happy. You’ve found Edward, and I’m doing awesome and acing all of my tests. Life is awesome.”
“You’ve said that twice. I’m worried, I guess.”
“That it’s all going to disappear?” Sophie asked.
“Yeah, I guess I am.”
Her younger sister shook her head. “It’s not going to go away. It’s only going to get better. We’re the ones that are in control of our own fate, sweetie. You told me that.”
“What?”
“In fifth grade, remember? I was being bullied because I lived in a trailer park, and you had to sow a patch onto my jeans. Well, you always told me that I could either let it get me down, or I could hold my chin up, and know that I may live in a trailer, but I was a damn good person, and no one could take that away from me. I’m in control of my own life. That’s what you told me, and that I better make the most of it.”
Tears filled her eyes once again. Isabel was always crying right now. “Wow, I sounded so knowing.”
Sophie burst out laughing. “Yeah, it was kind of freaky, but that is the way it is.”
“Oh dear, what did I interrupt?” Edward asked, entering the room.
“Nothing. We’re just having a little heart to heart,” Isabel said.
Sophie placed her arm across Isabel’s shoulders. “I told her that I think she is going to make a great mom. Don’t you think she will be?”
Isabel stared into his eyes, and waited.
“I have no doubts at all. You’re going to be an awesome mom, Isabel, and I know my kids are going to love you so much.”
“Your kids?”