From Mystery to Romance

An Emily Chapter: Reunited

"I am what?" South slapped her hands down on the table.

"South's a twin?" Her brother, Mark, said.

"Yes," Andrella said.

South turned to her mother, "Why didn't you tell me?"

She sighed, "Your mother and father weren't married. They were only in college when they had you. So they put you in adoption with your sister." 

"You shouldn't give her a sugar-coated story. Her mom is probably going to spoil it when you come to California." Xander said.

"What do you mean? Are we going to California?" Mark asked. He was full of questions like his sister.

Even Andrella was confused, "What do you mean 'When you go to California'?" 

"You guys are going. I already bought the tickets." Xander pulled out five tickets.

I held them, "When did you get these?"

Xander smirked, "When we were still in New York, I booked for more than two tickets. I got them when I told you I was going to the bathroom a few days ago. Remember?"

South walked up to us, "I need to see my sister."

"She needs you, too," I say, "That's why you're going to come with us."

South eyed her mother as if she was taking permission to go.

"The tickets are for the plane today," Xander said.

Andrella sighed, "Go pack your bags. I'll call your school and tell them you'll be out for a bit."

"Yes!" Mark ran upstairs.

South ran up, too. So did Andrella.

Soon, all of North's family was in California.

_________________

We got off the plane. Once we did I took off my steaming hot jacket, "Home sweet home!"

Everyone else took off their jackets but it didn't seem to help Andrella, South, or Mark.

They were all wearing sweaters because they didn't have any t-shirts.

"It's so hot!" Mark complained, "How do you survive?"

"The same way you survive freezing cold weather in Alaska," Xander exclaimed.

We stopped at the nearest clothing store so the three of them can get some real clothes. South also got a little necklace for North as well. 

Xander dropped them off at a hotel as we both went back home.

"We're home!" Xander said.

"Xander! Emily!" North ran up to us with Apple following. The whole family actually came running up to us and gave us hugs and kisses. Even Mr. Gerkins was there.

"Where were you guys?" North snapped.

"Um..." I said.

"We were on a trip...with some college friends." Xander lied.

North gave us the 'Your lying" look, "You two don't have friends."

"Yes, we do! They moved so we don't see them that much! That's why went on a trip." I lied.

North shrugged.

"How's your leg?" Xander changed the subject.

North shrugged again, "Fine. Apple's been keeping me company while I'm limping around."

"That's good," I said before Xander pulled me to the side.

"I just got a text from Andrella. She says they'll be here soon. So will Lyla." Xander explained.

"That's great!" I smiled.

"Listen, I need to do something real quick. I'll be back." Xander said.

"Where are you going?" I asked.

"Don't worry, I'll be back." Xander made his way to the door.

I eyed my mom, my dad, and Mr. Gerkins. They all knew what was coming next.

An hour passed. South was still not here. Xander still wasn't here, either.

I waited anxiously.

"Are you waiting for something?" North asked me.

"Huh?" I asked, "Oh. No, I'm just...chilling."

North shrugged, "If that's what you say."

Finally, the doorbell rang.

"North, why don't you get the door?" I ask.

"Are you crazy?" Julia told me, "Do you even know who can be out there?"

The thing is, I do know who's out there. North just needed to find out.

"I think North will be fine if she opens the door," Mom assured Julia. 

North went to the door, "Why is it such a big deal for me to-"

She flung open the door.

And there, she saw her.

North's twin sister.

They both didn't know what to say to each other. 

A tear rolled down their cheeks.

"Your...North?" South asked.

"Yes," North said in the calmest voice, "What's your name?"

"South," she replied.

Even though the two were in tears, this may have been the happiest moment of their lives.

They hugged each other for minutes. But maybe they felt like the hug was for a few seconds.

Then, Xander came. With an unexpected guest. That person cried too.

I smiled at Xander.

He smiled back.

Judith told me that we both had a meaning in life. 

I always thought that everyone was pulling that meaning away from me.

But North pulled Xander and me closer to that meaning

North was our meaning in life.