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I held up a picture to Laura from when we were kids. She was wearing a bright pink sequin top with high-waisted shorts. When Laura saw the picture, she snatched it from me and placed it face-down on the carpet.
“Ugh, what was I thinking back then?” she said with a laugh. “Why didn't you tell me that looked so bad at the time?”
“It didn't lookthatbad.”
She eyed me suspiciously.
I giggled. “Okay, it was a bit of a fashion crime, but it still looked cute on you. I loved how stylish you were. You didn't care what anyone thought.”
“I care a little bit now.”
“But you rock what you wear. I've always loved that about you.”
“I mean, I get it from the coolest sister ever.”
I shrugged and grinned as I reached for another set of photos. There were a dozen or so stacks of pictures hanging around a plastic bin. I shuffled through them and awed at some, handing them over to Laura.
“I can't believe I ever cut my hair that short,” I commented. “And who told me to straight-iron it? I love my curls now.”
“Your curls are amazing. I wish I had gotten them.”
“We could always curl your hair whenever you want.”
She smiled. “I'd like that. We should have a girl's night with Jen like we used to back then!”
“That rhymed.”
“You know me. I'm the poet of the family.”
I cackled. “You're ridiculous, Laura.”
“Wow, is that really Levon?” She held up a picture. “He looks so young!”
“Wealllook so young. This must have been right after our graduation ceremony.”
I studied the picture in my hands. I was wearing a tight purple dress that stopped just above my knees. Levon wore his usual suit and tie with a purple rose sitting in his breast pocket. I lovingly stroked the image.
“He looked so handsome that day. I'm so glad I didn't trash these pictures.”
Laura reached for another pile. “Why were you going to trash them?”
“Well, just the ones of Levon and me. I was sure that I needed to get rid of them. But I never got around to it. I'm glad I didn't.”
“I hope I find love like you and Levon have someday.”
I set down the photos I was holding and scooted next to my sister. I wrapped her in a warm hug. “I'm positive one day that you will. It's not easy, but it's worth it.”
“It's hard to meet guys these days.”
“I know, honey.” I pulled away and rubbed her shoulder. “You never know when it will happen. With Levon, I had no idea I would end up back with him.”
“I'm just not sure where to even look.”
I chuckled. “It usually comes along when you aren't looking.”
“But what if I want to look? Bars aren't helpful. And the guys at my job are so immature.”
“You'll get there someday. Just don't worry about it too much right now.”