A Lifetime to Learn

"What's it like?" I asked Helen curiously, leaning my head against one of her pillows and allowing my legs to reach the end of her queen sized bed. She let out a deep sigh and smiled to herself before answering me.

"It's like nothing I've ever felt before." She whispered, her voice sounding full of bliss and happiness as she spoke, "It's like when I'm with him, everything is right in the world, you know?" She asked, turning her head to me and allowing her black hair to fall over her face. 

"Look who you're talking to." I laughed nervously, propping myself up more and taking a deep breath. "I wouldn't know what love felt like if it smacked me in the face and ran me over with a truck. I'm practically an idiot." I groaned, cursing my social awkwardness. 

Ever since we were little kids, Helen was the daughter that mom and dad always wanted. She took to the dance class we were enrolled in quickly, and made at least five friends on the first day. I on the other hand, hated dance with a passion. Thankfully, my dad noticed it quickly and pulled me out of the classes. Of course, when we got into high school, guys flocked towards Helen. Her long black hair and bright blue eyes practically shouted 'perfect girlfriend' to every single guy with a pulse.

Calum was the exact same. He grew up extremely well, and his blonde hair and blue eyes made every girl weak at the knees. He was also the star track runner, so that added to his 'sex appeal.' And then there was me. Carmen Dorlan. My bland brown hair and boring green eyes are nothing special, but at least I got the brains of the family.

Helen and Calum both got good grades, and did make honour roll, but I was the true academic hero. In high school though, that doesn't matter. I'm just 'Calum's sister.' 'Helen's sister.' or 'That girl who did my homework that one time.' I'm almost positive no one is aware of my actual name. 

"Trust me. You'll know it when you get it." Helen smiled, her head finding my shoulder as she pulled me into a hug. "Any guy would be lucky to have you Car." She whispered. I wish I could believe you. I thought to myself as I sent her a fake smile. No guy even noticed me let alone would be 'lucky to have me.' 

We sat in comfortable silence for a few minutes before Helen's pink door shot open and revealed my favourite person in the entire world. "Having twin talk time without me?" He winked, opening his arms in anticipation. Helen and I looked at each other, and quickly responded. After a couple of seconds of fighting to get off of the bed first, I made it into his arms and was the first one engulfed in one of Uncle Brent's "World Famous Hugs." 

"I missed you." I whispered into his neck, scuffing his hair as I pulled away and allowed Helen to have her turn. "Why were you gone so long?" I questioned, trying to look stern as I folded my arms over my chest like Dad did a lot when he was angry at one of us. 

"I'm sorry Princess." He smiled, "You know I try and get back here whenever I can." He smirked, pulling out two bags from behind his back. Helen and I both cheered as we reached for the bags, but I couldn't help and frown when I saw the contents.

"A receipt?" I groaned, trying to make sense of what it said without any luck. "Did you eat our gift on the flight back?" I chuckled, throwing the thin piece of paper at him and letting it float down to the ground.

Two years ago on our fifteenth birthday, Uncle Brent announced that he was moving over seas to England to pursue his dream of becoming an architect. Of course we supported him, but it still sucked not being able to see him every day like we usually did. "You'd think after all of that time away you would at least give us something useful." Helen groaned, dropping her bag to the floor as well; a look of disappointment written across her face.

"You clearly still suck at reading receipts." He winked, grabbing both of our hands and dragging us down the stairs. "You'd think your dad would have taught you how to by now." He spoke, emphasizing the dad as we passed my dad who was talking to Calum in the kitchen.