I walk down the aisle behind my solemn parents.
I feel tears sting my eyes.
We walk past the casket filled with flowers and little momentums.
Pa shakes hands with Pastor Kevin, the preacher, and thanks him for everything.
Surprisingly, my father is taking this all very well.
Even better than Melissa. 

I guess it brings back a lot of sad memories to her. Probably about her late husband.
I feel a hand on my shoulder, and turn to see Rori. Tears stain her cheeks and she pulls me into a tight hug.
She is my only sister now.
With a pang, I realize I love her.
This whole mourning period she has been there for me.
And for my whole family.

I've even noticed Tacoma warming up to her.
We walk out of the church.
Tacoma's truck and Pa's SUV sit there waiting for us.
I hear Tacoma clear his throat behind me then say, "Hey, umm, Rori?"
She turns.
"Yes?"
He shoves his hands into his pockets.
"Would you like to ride to the cemetery with me and Mica?" he asks hesitantly.
She stares at him and he goes on.

"I know I've been a big jerk in the past and I'm really sorry.
Ever since Rylee.... I just know I need to make up with you before I really regret it. You and Mica are my only sisters now. And siblings stick together, right?"
Rori looks like she is holding back sobs by the time he finishes.

"Right." she says taking a deep breath.
"And I know I've been a bit of a jerk myself. I'm really sorry. Forgive me?"
He nods. "I will if you will."
She gives a half-smile and he wraps his arm around her awkwardly.
I'm about to burst with pride at there make up.
If only Rylee was here to see it.
I hold back a sigh and climb into the waiting pickup.
Together as a family, we drive away.

                                 ***
After another day, we go back to school.
It's even harder without Rylee but I know I can do it. Paige still hasn't returned from the hospital. I guess she got burned pretty bad, but she will be fine. Minus a few nasty scars.
Miss Adelaide is really kind and is always there to help me when I need it.

My favorite part of the day is guitar lessons with her.
I met a new girl in music class today.
Her name is May.
Her black hair is super long and she has told me that her mother is Korean.
She is really nice and fun to be around.
She plays the violin and piano.

Rylee played piano and she always wanted to learn how to play the violin.
I know that if my twin was here now that she would really like May.
After school May and I go with Rori and Tacoma to the football game.
My two older siblings have just gotten closer and closer over the past week.
And the best part is that they still both spend time with me and I don't feel like a third wheel.

God has really helped us through this trial.
I praise his name for all he has done.

                               ***
"Miss Tau."
I jump to my feet.
"President Abraham Lincoln!" I announce.
My whole class laughs kindly and my math teacher looks at me quizzically.
I swallow, embarrassed, and sit back down.
I must have nodded off.

"Mr. Brown makes 567$ of gross profit, plus 13% of the money that he makes selling. If he sells 3,789$ of merchandise one week, how much will he bring home in all?"
My brain swims with numbers as I try to focus on the question.
Finally the answer pops.

"One thousand, fifty nine dollars and fifty seven cents."
My teacher raises an eyebrow then walks over to his desk and checks the answer.
I hold my breath.
"Correct, Mica."
A small sigh of relief escapes my lips.
I glance across the room and see May beaming at me.

I smile back shyly.
Today has been a good day.
Thank you Lord for today.
It has been a diamond among the dust.
Please allow Rori and Tacoma to also have a good day today.
I know I must praise you in the hard times and in the easy times.
When I'm on the mountain and when I'm in the valley.
I pray these things to you in
your sons name.
Amen.