“I’m so glad to hear all of that.”
I told her all about what happened on our previous phone call, all too happy to tell her the man who kidnapped her is finally dead. He can’t ever hurt her, or anyone else, again.
“What else is going on?” she asks.
I catch her up on the latest news, starting with myself. “We just found out we’re having twins.”
Elena gasps. “Are you serious? Congratulations!”
“Thanks. We’re happy about it, but I didn’t expect that news. A while ago I did some research on twins. Apparently fraternal twins can run in families because it can be genetic, but identical twins is kind of a fluke. It’s random. I figured since twins don’t run in our family that I’d be in the clear. Surprise!”
She laughs, and it’s good to hear. “I’m not surprised. Everything in your life has been crazy. In fact, I’m surprised you’re not having triplets.”
“Hey, don’t jinx me or I’ll end up with triplets next.” We giggle. “Speaking of babies, Arianna’s coming along too. Our due dates are like a week apart.”
Finding out my cousin is also pregnant at the beginning of the year was a surprise. For the past several years, we’ve had very little talk of starting families, now all of a sudden it’s happening.
“Sweet. When I get home, know that I’m free for child care whenever either of you need a break. I’ll be the spinster auntie for all of them.”
“I’m sure you’ll marry one day.” I know she’s had a rough time, but someone will eventually sweep Elena off her feet.
“Nope. I’m extremely happy with my life, and after everything you and our cousins have been through there’s no way in hell I’m marrying anyone.”
“But we all ended up with our happily ever afters.”
She scoffs. “Sorry to break it to you, but those are reserved exclusively for fiction. There’s no such thing in real life, at least not for long.”
“Rain on my parade, why don’t you,” I tease her.
“Sorry. But let’s be real.” Her voice grows quiet. “Even though that evil man is gone, I’m still terrified of big guys. Maybe even of men in general. I just can’t.”
My heart goes out to her. “You know I’d never be weird about it if you preferred women.”
“I wish I did.” She groans. “My sex life is nonexistent because I’m afraid of men, but I’m sexually attracted to them. It’s terrible.”
“That is a predicament.”
“I guess that’s what adult toys are for,” she mumbles.
“Elena!”
“What? Too much information?”
“No.” I laugh. “Just unexpected coming from you. You’ve always been so sweet and innocent.”
“Well, I’m all grown up now.”
“I know. I can’t wait to see you, and have you be physically here and part of the family again.”
“One more week.”
“I know. But that feels like an eternity.”
“I need to finish packing up all my books. See you soon, then we’ll get everyone together for a proper catch up session.”
“It’s already planned.”
We say our goodbyes and hang up. I smile at nothing, alone with my thoughts and feelings. I’m thrilled to have my sister coming home. Finally, all of us girls will be reunited and building the rest of our lives together.
