Together at last

First stop London

Annie Farrah. Martin called. Martin we called. Ready for this Hal? We crossed our fingers over our chest in an X like we usually do. Ready. She nodded her head. Good time to see if our plan works or this will have all been for nothing. We group hugged. And we told each other we missed each other.

And he had flowers for us. What have you done to your hair? He asked between the two of us. Farrah helped me cut it. Do you like it? Love it. It's the new you. He smiled back at us. You did a good job. And you got your ears pierced? He asked. Farrah helped me do it. Give me 5 girls. He put out his hands.

Time for the secret handshake. And it went perfectly.  

We drove through the streets as Hallie gawked at the sights. Welcome to London Hal. I whispered in her ear. When I get home I need to change outfits. I've been practically wearing this all summer as it is the camp uniform and I didn't really have time to change.

But the closer we got the more nervous she became. She's gonna love you I whispered again. She's your mom. Soon enough we pull up to the house. Here we are Annie home sweet home. The driver opened the door as Hallie picked up her bag. I walked in front of her and went to the side window that would lead up to my bedroom. I'll meet you inside I'm gonna go change I don't wanna ruin any surprises or whatever they have planned for the welcome home.

Where are you going? That open window leads up to my bedroom I don't want to go inside still dressed like I just came from camp. You go in. Take all the time you need. I watched as she looked up at the house in aw and then started climbing. She starred up at the house as she walked up the stairs. I quickly get into my room and pick an outfit (outfit 1) Downstairs Hallie reached for the doorknob and then she entered the house.

The place looked empty but amazing. I came down in time before anyone else I was surprised they hadn't done anything to welcome her home. And then we stepped into the living room. Where the welcome home banner was. In big giant glitter it read welcome home Annie and Farrah on it. Welcome home Hal. I started before we heard a man cough.

We went into the office where our grandfather was. Grandfather? The man holding the newspaper put it down. He had a pipe and glasses. We're home. Are those my little girls? He greeted us. Hallie was so happy. Those tall gangly things? Yep it's us it's me. Annie said. I didn't want to take this away from Hallie this was her first time. They do this for me every time I get back from camp.

After all they never knew when I was gonna be where or when I was bringing Jason with me. Then he came to give us a group hug. Did you have a good time sweet pea? He asked her. Since I'd been there year after year. Uh huh my big sister was my camp counselor. We made up secret handshakes and learned French and met Jason her boyfriend. She taught us some pranks and taught us how to fence and we played poker went swimming I made a bunch of new friends.

What are you doing? He asked her. Just smelling. She said while I tried not to laugh. Smelling? He asked her. I'm just making a memory. She told him. She said that when she was all grown up she wanted to always remember that her grandfather smelled like peppermint and pipe tabacco. Good to have you girls back. Annie Farrah? We heard another voice call us. I knew that voice anywhere. We went back into the living room. A woman in a beautiful white dress came down the fancy staircase.

Mother! Hallie exclaimed. Your back she smiled at us. She could not get to us faster. I watched as Hallie ran to our mother to be hugged by her the first time in her life. I was so happy that I had happy tears in my eyes as I quickly wiped them away. They both couldn't believe it was each other. As Hallie cried too. If I cried now our whole plan would fall apart before it even began. But this was so heart whelming and mom didn't even realize it wasn't Annie so it was bitter sweet. But to me and Hallie it was just sweet. She couldn't believe she cut her hair and got her ears pierced. She asked who did it. My sister did I asked her to.