WHAT ARE FRIENDS FOR?

KIRA

Alana’s arrival was the best thing that could have happened to me in this entire ordeal. Now I had to fill her in on everything that was happening. And there was a lot.

The ride home was a quiet one. From time to time, Alana was giving me her worried look.

But I knew once I walked through the door I had to change this sad face. I didn’t want my mother to know the real reason for my condition.

“I hope you can have another guest for Christmas dinner,” Alana said with a wide smile.

My brother’s face suddenly brightened.

“You know we will.” Mother said and gave her a warm hug.

I looked over at my brother who was still looking at me with an odd look in his eye. The smile on his face was gone, replaced by a look of confusion. It was the look that told me he didn’t understand.

I didn’t know what to say, and I just shrugged.

“Come on, darlings, let’s sit around the table. I guess Alana’s tired. Would you like some hot chocolate?” Mom continued the series of questions.

“That’s a w