“Huh, oh that would be Penthea. She’s twenty-three and majoring in art, I don’t remember what area; I know she’s really good at oil paints and sketching. I think she plans to spend a few more years after her degree at the university.”
“Penthea…?” Ryan said skeptically. “Are you sure? That’s a strange name.”
“AND to top it all off! ALL of them have the strangest names I’ve ever come across! You know I tried going into a bar with them and all five of us were escorted out because the owner believed we were using fake ID’s and said that no one would really be named Elisha Snow. They pronounced my name wrong to saying ‘e-lesh-sha’. Like a girl’s name! “
Sarah and Ryan broke out into giggles. “I fail to see the humor in it.”
“Of course you wouldn’t but, ha-ha, it’s just so easy to picture and you probably protested embarrassed and then quickly backed down urging the others to do the same while they argued and demanded and sniped the bouncer?” Ryan gasped.
“Uh…yeah something like that…how’d you…?”
“Your easy understand Elisha and your soft and gentle and don’t want to cause trouble or conflict. You’ve always been like that, which is very generous on your part.” Sarah noted. It hurt to be so easily read when I couldn’t easily read her, sister or not.
“I don’t find that very complimenting.” I muttered.
“Of course you wouldn’t. You find it insulting and now you are going to dwell over the subject for the rest of Christmas vacation. But I’m sure your friends are drawn to you because of your soft hearted ways and sacrificing nature. We all have our own quirks that we adapt to others or leave be.” I shot a look at Sarah startled and confused.
“Repeat that again?” I demanded. Sarah looked at me and in a slow steady voice said, “We all have our own quirks, characteristics, etc, that we either adapt to fit our lives or leave be. We can never get rid of them because they make us who we are, individuals. Why? Is something wrong with that?”
“Uh no, no nothings wrong, just a little tired. I think I’m going to get some rest before dinner. Tell mom to wake me up when the family is over.” I made my way over to my bed, shoving Ryan off as I collapsed dramatically face first into my pillows. “A good excuse me or get the hell outta’ my way, would be nice!” Ryan yelled, recovering himself and walking to the door.
“Get the hell out of my room.” I replied.
“Right-o!” Ryan sung and with that closed the door to my room. I could hear Sarah’s calm voice chattering away right along Ryan’s loud enthusiastic voice and I felt my stomach churn. I was homesick.
I tried to fall asleep but just found myself tossing and turning in my bed. I heard Sarah’s quiet footsteps come up the stairs every hour and stop at my door. She would leave again and walk back down the stairs. I never bothered to call out to her and ask what she wanted and why she persisted to do it every hour. I knew she was checking up on her big brother, but why she had to do it so strangely was beyond my knowledge.
