Emma's Editorials: More Changes

Wow.  What a day.  I guess I shouldn't be surprised.  I mean, Mama's gotten kind of notorious for this type of thing.  I just really didn't see it coming. 

But I guess I'm getting ahead of myself.  I suppose you all would like to know what on earth I'm talking about! :)

It all started earlier this afternoon when Mama called me, Charlie, and Piper over to the bed to talk.  I should have known right then that something was up, but as usual, I was completely naive and clueless.  Once we'd all gotten settled, Mama took a deep breath, like she was getting ready to dive into a pool or something.  That's when I started worrying.

"I have something to tell you girls," she began. 

Charlie and I exchanged a glance.  We were about to hear some sort of life-changing news...we were sure of it. 

"I've been doing some research..."

Uh oh, here it comes!  I thought, remembering another conversation like this.  I saw from Charlie's face that she was remembering it too...the day that she found out she was my sister instead of Katie's.

"...and, well, it turns out that you girls may have another sister."

A wave of relief washed over me.  Another sister?  No problem!  That was good news, great news even!  I could totally handle that. 

I should have known that more was coming.

"While I was looking into that, I found out that Piper...um...may not actually be your sister."

I felt like someone had punched me in the stomach.  What?!?  Not our sister?  I glanced over at Piper.  Her face was still as serene as usual, but it had gone very pale, even for a doll.  Charlie's mouth was twisting into all sorts of strange expressions, as though she was trying very hard not to cry, or yell, or both.

Mama seemed agitated by our shock.  "I may be wrong, though!  I need to look into things further."  She could tell we weren't comforted in the least.  "And if she's not your sister, then she's definitely Ruthie's sister."

"Ruthie?  Our cousin Ruthie, who lives with Grandmama?" Charlie asked.  Her voice sounded shaky.

Mama nodded.  "So either way, whatever I discover, she's still family."

I felt like I could breathe again.  It wasn't as bad as it could have been.  I thought of Ruthie.  Come to think of it, she and Piper could definitely pass for sisters.  I just wish Mama could get her facts straight before we all got established in a different dynamic!

Mama looked worried.  We were all so quiet.  "I'm sorry, I know it's a big shock.  I almost waited to say anything until I knew for sure.  But then I thought it might be easier to know of the possibility before you got any closer.  I hope you understand."

"Well, cousins can be just like sisters, so I figure nothing has changed, no matter what!" Charlie burst out, almost fiercely.  She put her arm around Piper protectively.  Piper threw her a grateful glance.

"I feel the same," I agreed, looking proudly at my little sisters.  

Mama smiled.  "I figured you'd feel that way.  And just to help with any concerns you might have, Piper will still live here with us, even if she's your cousin.  She's welcome to visit Ruthie anytime, of course, but this will be her home."

That was a definite relief.  It could have been a lot worse.  At least she was still a part of our family.  "So...when will you know more?" I asked.

"Soon, I hope," Mama answered.  "I'm still working out the details.  As soon as I know more, I'll let you know."

"And what about this new sister?" Charlie asked.  "What can you tell us about her?"

"I'd rather not say anything until I know more.  Like I said, when I have more information, you three will be the first to know.  In the meantime, just enjoy being together and try not to worry."  She gave us a gentle smile.  "Like you said, nothing's really changed."

We all sat in silence for a while.  What else could we say?

"Listen, I've got to get going.  You know you can come to me if you have any more questions, right?"

We all nodded.  Mama gave us hugs, whispering "Please don't worry!" and left the room.  Once again, we sat silently together.

"Wow," Charlie finally said, more to herself than anyone else.

"This is crazy!" I agreed.  "I'm sure Piper's our sister.  And even if you're not," I continued, looking over at Piper, "you'll still be a sister to me."

"I feel the same way," Charlie said firmly.

"Thank you," Piper said quietly.  "I'm sorry, I don't really know what to say.  It's so much to take in."

"Well, if it makes you feel any better," Charlie said, "I went through the same thing shortly after I got here.  Only in my case, I was moved to a completely different family."

Piper looked at her curiously.  "Really?"

Charlie nodded.  "Before I was Emma's sister, Mama thought I was Katie's sister."

Piper looked incredulous.

"It's true!" I chimed in.  "So at least you're not being moved to a different family group."

She smiled lightly.  "Thanks girls.  What would I ever do without sisters...or cousins...like you?"

"You wouldn't survive!" I said dramatically. 

We all broke into giggles.  We were so loud that Mama's other dolls glanced over at us curiously.

"Well, I guess we should go break the news to the others," I said reluctantly. 

"Aw man, this means that Maggie's going to be grumpy and ranting all night!" Charlie groaned. 

"Hey, at least you don't have to share a shelf with her," I pointed out.  "You should pity poor Rachel."

"Yeah, but it's not like the shelves are soundproof or anything.  She's right below us."

"Let's just get this over with," I said. 

And with that, we made our way over to the others to share the news.

I'll keep you guys posted on what Mama finds out.  I don't even know what else to type...my doll brain feels like it's spinning in circles!  Talk to you all later.