From her second story window, Arlene could see all of Main Street. There wasn't much, just a small grocery store, pharmacy, bank, gas station and a pizzeria, whose neon lights made the sluggish town seem lively. It was so quiet here. Arlene missed that the most. Resting against the window frame, she closed her eyes and took a deep breath.

Opening them, she spotted her little sisters' blue Honda coming down the street. Arlene rolled her eyes, taking a long sigh. She could just imagine what Ellie would have to say after years of hearing Arlene swear she would never move back home.

She leaned down, grabbing a box and ripping off the duct tape to uncover dishes wrapped in newspaper. The knock at the door was irritating and unwanted. She meandered around boxes scattered over her living room floor until she reached the front door and opened it.

Ellie was leaning impatiently against the wall. "Well, don't rush to answer the door, or anything," Ellie complained, squeezing past Arlene.

"What are you doing here,?" she cried, shutting the door and locking it.

"You lock your door!" Ellie laughed, "You're not in Philadelphia anymore, Dorothy. The Wicked Witch of the West doesn't travel to small town USA."

"Oh, how could I have forgotten, you're an expert on living on your own. Miss, I'm only 19 and still live with mommy and daddy," Arlene replied. She grabbed another box and slashed it open.

"Very funny, Arlene. Dare I remind you that you're the one who moved from a glorious city, with big flashing lights and constant partying, to a small, nothing-to-do farm town, but gather at the gas station in town and ride skateboard."

Arlene stopped her searching through dishtowels and looked up, "you don't still do that, do you?"

Ellie giggled, "No."

"For your information, there weren't constant parties. But when there were, the cover charge was too high for the amount of breathing room I got. And most of the big flashing lights your talking about, are from ambulances and police cars."

"And you somehow thought moving to our little town of 3,000 people would be more adventurous for you?" Ellie mocked.

"Well ... yes." Arlene defended. "Besides, it's not adventure I'm looking for, it's comfort."

Ellie stared condescendingly.

"Ellie, don't give me that look." Before she could answer, Arlene changed the subject. "So how's school? Are you keeping up with your work?"

"Yes." Ellie answered snobbishly. "Well, I may not have a 4.0 GPA like my older sister did, but I'm doing just fine."

"Stop it Ellie..."

"No, you stop it, Arlene. That's all I get from Mom and Dad. I don't need it from you too." She mumbled. "They're constantly on my back as if waiting for me to fail ... I wish they trusted me as much as they trust you."

Arlene stepped closer to her, "Ellie, it's not that they trust either one of us more than the other. I mean, didn't they send you over here to check up on me?"

Ellie looked up at her, unable to respond.

"See, I told you." Arlene exclaimed.

"I did want to see you too, you know." Ellie's voice dropped. "It was no fun when you weren't around. I'm glad you moved back."

Stunned by the revelation, Arlene smiled. "Me too." With a sudden burst of energy, she grabbed a pile of dishes and brought them into the kitchen.

Ellie called out, "By the way, Mom sent over a helping of meatloaf for you."

Arlene stopped in her tracks, confused since Ellie didn't have anything with her. "Where is it?"

"Oh, I threw it out in the dumpster along side of your apartment building."

"You did what!" There was a knock at the door. Ellie rushed passed Arlene who stood too furious to say anything.

Ellie called over her shoulder, "Arlene, it was worse than usual tonight. Trust me!" She opened the door to a pizza delivery boy. Arlene motionlessly watched Ellie exchange money for a medium box of delivery pizza. Ellie shut the door and turned to face Arlene.

Arlene's stunned features softened. "Ellie, you never cease to amaze me. How could life ever be boring around you?"

Pleased with her sister's reaction, Ellie opened the box, presenting the steaming concoction of grease, cheese and tomato sauce. "Whala."

"I cannot believe you bought me dinner ... I'm impressed." Arlene reached in, pulling a slice from the pie.

"Actually," Ellie explained, placing the box down and grabbing a slice for herself. "I should be thanking you. Mom and dad gave me a twenty to give to you ... so it's not so impressive."

After throwing a handful of dishtowels at Ellie, Arlene couldn't help but laugh at the impulsive actions of her sister.