"In some ways, siblings, and especially sisters, are more influential in your childhood than your parents."

-Deborah Tannen

A million things run through my head as Liam drove us across the neighborhood the next morning. When I realized that I did, in fact, want to make Lily a part of my life it was hard to say no to his invitation.

Liam is the reason I'm even in this car and not just because it's his wedding invitation we are hand delivering. Our relationship has made me realize that if Lily has the chance to have something even similar to what Liam and I have it's my duty as an older sister to allow her the chance.

"I feel like I'm going to vomit," I state, picking at my cuticles and bouncing my leg as I stare out the window.

Liam laughs, turning the steering wheel as he navigates us onto the street our destination resides on.

"Clearly." He states his voice reflecting his humor.

The car comes to a rolling stop in front of Harbor's home just as a realization hits me. The last time I ever saw Christopher was here on the front lawn, the night we fought. Regret and uncertainty swarm me, my eyes glued to the spot he stood while I yelled at him. I had been so focused, so excited, to open a connection with Lily I had managed to forget for a moment he's gone.

"You gonna be okay?" Liam asks from next to me, his door still closed and the engine still running.

We could leave, just put the car in drive and pretend we never came. But could I live with myself if we did? The real question is would Liam leave without inviting them? Not likely... Taking in a deep breath I nod and open the car door as I exhale.

"It's now or never," I respond exiting the car.

Liam follows suit and together we make our way to the front door. Mentally I block out the memories, not wanting to give them any more attention than I already have. On the other side of the door is my little sister and possibly the beginning of a wonderful relationship.

Just focus Kindra...

I let Liam ring the doorbell, to nervous to do it myself. Besides, it is his wedding this visit is about, I'm just the not so innocent bystander. I could tell at the funeral that he had spent some time around Lily already. The way the little girl clung to him as he held her while Harbor spoke at the funeral spoke volumes. If anyone was going to be able to talk me up to a four-year-old it would be Liam.

The door swings open and there stands Harbor along with a nice breeze of awkwardness. We stand there for several moments before Liam steps forward and gives her a tight hug.

"See, I told you she would come." He smiled stepping away and giving me a little nudge with his elbow.

I ignore his jab as Harbor and I stare at each other. I feel like I should say something but I'm at a loss for words. I'm so far past being angry about her stealing my father away from me. I'm past holding onto the resentment and the denial. I'm just so incredibly tired of it all.

Just as I began to open my mouth the most unexpected thing happens. Harbor embraces me.

A moment of shock sweeps through me before I hesitantly wrap my own arms around her. Squeezing my eyes close I fight the tingling of fresh tears I feel behind my eyes, not wanting to make a spectacle of myself already. For a good minute, Harbor holds me and in these moments I finally realize that this was what a mother's hug truly felt like.

She finally steps back, offering a warm smile. "You ready to meet her?" She asks.

I nod whipping the mist from my eyes. "Absolutely."

Harbor opens the door wide, allowing us entrance into her home. Glancing around I am a little grateful that the belongings are all packed into boxes and then I'm deeply saddened.

"Are you moving?" I find myself asking even though the answer is obvious.

Harbour lets out a small sigh. "It wasn't an easy decision but it's what's best for us." She says quietly.

The idea doesn't seem at all outlandish but it still stings. Is it my fault she thinks they can't stay? Am I the reason she's leaving with my little sister? I want a relationship with her, would I now be denied that?

"I'm sure she's going to talk a mile a minute once she sees you. She does that when she's excited." Harbor comments with a chuckle, bringing me back into the now as we cross through the living room and into the kitchen.

The comment brings me a small smile but it's more sad then happy now. The need to know the little girl I'm about to meet is overwhelming. Moving away means that it will be harder to build the relationship I've already concocted in my head with her.

We pause at the sliding glass door that leads out onto the back deck and yard. There on the back deck under a trellis of grape vines spins a brown haired girl giggling in delight as bubbles fly in all directions. She's absolutely memorizing and far cuter than i ever was at that age.

A hand touches my forearm causing my attention to shift from the small child to her mother standing in front of me.

"Kindra, I need you to know you're always more than welcome wherever we are." Harbor says softly, giving my arm a squeeze.

I nod, unsure what to say. Guess I'm not doing a great job at masking my thoughts once again. Harbor offers me a reassuring smile before sliding open the glass door.

Any thoughts I may be having come to a halt as a chime like voice fills my ears. Her little body collides with my own as she peers up at me through her thick lashes.

"You did it momma! You really did it!" She exclaims clutching onto me.

I look up at Harbor in slight panic but all she does is smile, her eyes misting over. She reaches up as she clears her throat and wipes her eyes.

"I told her I would try my hardest to get her a sister before we moved." She explains sheepishly.

I nod, not sure how to respond. Thankfully I don't have to since Lily does exactly what Harbor said she would do. Talk.