Cecilia works, Rachel parties

After discussing the issue for a long time Cecilia, the more responsible of the sisters, decided that she'd go to work while Rachel went to the party. They couldn't afford to lose their one steady source of income on a gamble that might not pan out.

"I wish you were going," Rachel said miserably as Cecilia prepared for work.

Smiling a little sadly her sister shrugged. "If one of us can make it big from this it'd be you. You're more adventurous, enthusiastic, and, well, you're a year younger. It seems sort of silly, but we need every advantage we can get."

Rachel gulped, feeling worse as the sense of responsibility grew heavier on her slender shoulders. "I won't let you down. Between me and Katrina we'll find a way!"

Cecilia's brow pinched at the mention of Katrina. Rachel's friend made her nervous; the girl had a jaded, self-serving air about her. She opened her mouth to indirectly warn her gullible sister, only to be interrupted by the very person she'd be speaking against.

"****! You'll never guess what I found in the mall today... Oh, hi Ceci," the smaller girl said considerably less enthusiasm.

Cecilia nodded coolly, checking her purse one last time as she hid her annoyance at the pet names Katrina employed. She was Cecilia, never Ceci!

"Well, I guess I'd better be going now," she said reluctantly, giving Rachel a hug and a kiss on the cheek. "Knock 'em dead. Just.... be careful."

Rachel hugged and kissed her back, blithely bypassing the words of advice as she eyed Katrina's shopping bags avidly.

Cecilia went through the door, casting one last worried look behind her as she left. "Everything will be okay," she told herself quietly.