Laura came to Happy Valley last weekend! Since I typically spend my weekends with Nick, and she’s a teenager with a busy social life, we’re not often able to devote an entire weekend to each other. So we took full advantage of this rare occasion!
On Friday night, we snacked on bruschetta and chatted while our pasta sauce simmered. She told me about her recent American History exam, and I showed her my latest photos. Later we baked peanut butter cup brownies and watched a chick flick.
Saturday was game day! It was an early game, and we arrived just in time to watch the Blue Band march into Beaver Stadium. I’ll admit that this was the first time in a long time that I’ve sat through an entire game–from kick-off to the ringing of the victory bell–and without a drop of beer in my system. It was quite enjoyable! The sun was hot and the team looked great (after the first quarter that is)! Both Laura and I managed to get burnt noses, and later that afternoon, we pealed off our Nittany Lion tattoos to reveal lovely circular tan lines on our right cheeks. It was a perfect football Saturday.
That night Laura wanted to “go out.” What do you do with a sixteen-year-old on a Saturday night in State College? She kiddingly (I think) suggested a frat party. I said “no way!” She’s too young, and I’m too old. So we pulled on cute sweaters and walked downtown to shop. We then ordered hot chocolate and went home to play Scrabble.
Laura mentioned to me at one point during the weekend that she wishes we were closer in age so that we could endure high school drama together and experience college together. But I disagree. I love that we’re ten years apart.
I love that she grew from a “baby doll” whose diapers I changed into this beautiful, smart, and compassionate young woman. I love when she asks me for help with her English assignments, and I love when she goes into her bedroom, closes the door, and carries on whispered conversations with me over the phone. I love that we can share shirts and shoes (though not pants). I love that she asks me for makeup advice (though I could probably use some advice of my own). We’re similar in so many ways, despite the fact that she looks much more like our brother (a fact that she refuses to admit).
There is certainly a unique bond between sisters, and ours continues to grow as we get older.
