A New Beginning

Chapter 7

“Abrie!  Can you make me a sandwich?” Leah yelled from her bedroom.  I rolled my eyes, yet started putting out the bread and lunch meat.  It had been four days since Leah’s hospital trip, and already I was aggravated with having to be her slave.  However, all complaints aside, I did what she asked because she was going crazy just sitting in bed, and I felt so bad for her. 

         After making the sandwich, I added some potato chips to the plate and brought it to Leah.  She sat up in bed, bringing her small tray to her lap.  She looked miserable, her messy hair in the French braid that I had put it in the previous night, no makeup on her face, bags under her eyes.  She gave me a weak smile and thanked me. 

         “Do you want to watch a movie?” she asked.  No, I did not, since I have watched eight movies in the past four days, but I was not about to say no to her.  “Sure, what is it this time?”

         “How about How to Lose a Guy in Ten Days?”

         “Perfect, I love that one.”

         “Me too.  I was thinking that tonight we could paint our nails and do facials.  How fun would that be?”

         I looked away, feeling bad that I would have to turn her down.  I had already made plans for the night because I knew that Bobby would be home to spend time with Leah.  “I can’t Leah, I’m sorry.  I already made dinner plans with friends.”

         Leah looked down at her hands, her always glowing face now a sullen dull color.  “Oh, okay.  You have fun with your friends.”

         I grabbed a hold of her hand.  “How about we do nails and facials tomorrow when I am home?  It would be a nice way to relax before my shift at night.”

         My sister smiled and nodded.  “I’ll have to check my schedule, but I’m sure I can move some things around.”

         I giggled.  “Okay, you busy girl.” I said, and I put the movie in and plopped down on the bed next to Leah. 

         Tonight was the double not-date with Coop, Louis, and Kenna.  The boys had agreed to the outing, liking a casual night out with two friends.  Coop didn’t suspect a thing, like I had assumed, but I was hoping that after tonight he would realize how great Kenna is.  If that didn’t happen, I thought that I might mention something to Louis.  I know that Kenna told me not to tell anyone, but Louis is trustworthy and another step forward in the Kenna and Coop matchmaking process.

         At six o’clock, an hour before we were supposed to meet at a local diner, there was a knock on the door.  I opened it to find a restless Kenna, who barged in and started pacing.  Her hair was in its normal braids and she was wearing black basketball shorts and a pink v-neck. 

         “I have nothing to wear.  This is the only pink shirt I own.  I have no clue how to do my hair or makeup.  What was I thinking, Coop will never look at me as more than a friend!  This was a crazy idea.”

         I stopped her, putting my hands on her shoulders.  “Calm down Kenna, let me help you.” I said, even though I was definitely not the right person to do a makeover.  Then I thought of something brilliant.  “I know someone who can help you.” I said, and then led her to Leah’s room.

         Leah’s face lit up when I told her what needed to be done.  “Of course I can do your hair and makeup, Kenna!  Abrie, can you get my makeup bag, brush, and straightener?” I nodded, going to get the supplies out of the bathroom.  I heard Leah critiquing Kenna’s outfit.  I felt bad, hoping that Kenna wasn’t insulted, but Leah knew fashion well.  “First off, you don’t HAVE to wear something pink.  What you need is something flirty and flowy, like a dress or a skirt.”