Ruby (Landry 1)

finished. Come out to the pool as soon as you get

back," she said.

"I will."

"Don't let Mother buy those horribly long

skirts, the ones that go all the way down to your

ankles. Everyone's wearing shorter skirts these days," she advised, but I couldn't imagine telling Daphne what or what not to buy me. I was grateful for

anything. I nodded, but Gisselle saw my hesitation. "Don't worry about it," Gisselle said. "If you

don't get things that are in style, let you borrow

something for your first day at school."

"That's very nice," our father said. "Thanks for

being so understanding, honey."

"You're welcome, Daddy," she said, and kissed

him on the cheek. He beamed and then rubbed his

hands together.

"I have a set of twins!" he cried. "Both grown

and beautiful. What man could be luckier!" I hoped he was right. Gisselle excused herself

to go up and get dressed and I walked out to the front

of the house with my father to wait for Daphne. "I'm sure you and Gisselle will get along

marvelously," he said, "but there's bound to be a few

hills and valleys in any relationship, especially an

instant sister relationship. If you have any real

problems, come see me. Don't bother Daphne about

it," he said. "She's been a wonderful mother for

Gisselle, despite the unusual circumstances, and I'm

sure she will be wonderful for you, too; but I feel I

should bear most of the responsibilities. I'm sure you understand. You seem very mature, more mature than

Gisselle," he added,

What a strange predicament, I thought. Daphne

wanted me to come to her and he wanted me to come

to him, and each appeared to have good reason.