It was after eleven when I got home from Pennys. . I felt a little off after our talk. I was happy that she wanted to reach out to Abby. I was feeling uneasy about the fact that she felt like Abby didn't want her around. I had noticed that Abby was acting a little odd around Penny, but I figured it was just because she didn't know her well yet. It had always been her and I. We were the one person each other could depend on. Until she left.

I closed my eyes and laid my head against the seat of my car. I didn't want to think about that. She was back, and she was getting help. I felt confident that things with Penny and Abby would get better. They had to. I loved my sister, and I loved Penny. My head shot up from the seat and I jerked back forgetting that I still had my seatbelt on. Did I just say I loved her? Did I love her? I'd never said those words to a woman or about a woman.

It was late, and I didn't want to delve too far into my emotions. I unbuckled my seatbelt and hopped out of the car. I saw lights on inside the house so I knew Abby was either up or fell asleep with the lights on. I tried to be quiet as I entered the house just in case. I sat my gym bag by the door not feeling like unloading it.

In the living room, I saw Abby lying on the couch sleeping with the T.V. illuminating her face. She looked so much like the little girl that used to climb into my bed when she was scared after our parents died. I couldn't understand how things got so bad with her. She knew that I would always be there if she needed me, but I guessed I wasn't enough. I wasn't enough to take her mind off of losing our parents. She ran to drugs and the streets. Logically I knew that wasn't my fault, but I felt partly responsible.

I kneeled down beside the couch and slightly nudge her shoulder. She didn't stir at first so I nudged her a little more and said her name softly. Her eyes opened into small slits before closing again. She rubbed her eyes with the back of her hands and opened them fully.

"Hey," she said. Her voice raspy from sleep.

"Hey, why don't you head on to bed?"

"I was trying to wait up for you, but I guess I must’ve fallen asleep."

"You didn't have to wait up for me Abs. I went to see Penelope after work."

She didn't say anything so I pressed on.

"How was your day?"

She sat up pulling her knees into her chest.

"It was good. I went to my group session. After that Uncle Dwight took me to for pizza. He offered me to stay with him, but I wanted to come home."

"I'm glad you at least got to spend some time with him. I try to go over there a few times a week, but I know he gets lonely."

We sat and watched the T.V. for a few minutes. I wasn't paying much attention to what was on. It was one of those housewives shows. The women were arguing about something. I stared at the screen, but my mind was on Penny.

"Abs, when I went to Penelope's house tonight she wanted me to talk to you about something."

She didn't bother looking from the screen to reply.

"Huh, what?"

"She wanted to have lunch with you one day."

This managed to get her attention away from the T.V.

"Why?" Her tone was apprehensive.

"She wants to get to know you better. She thought going to lunch together would give you guys a chance to talk."

"Are you going to be there?"

"No, it'd be just you girls. Like a girl's day."

"Why can't you come too?"

"I'm not a girl in case you hadn't noticed. Also, I think it would be good for you and Pen to spend some time together one-on-one."

I debated on whether to elaborate further. I didn't want to create an issue out of nothing, but I did want my sister to know that she could be more open to Penny.

"Abs, you've been coming off a bit standoffish with Penny. I assume it has something to do with you not knowing her well. I think this would be good for you two. This will give you another person in your corner while you are recovering. I'm sure it would be nice to have someone that may want to watch these trashy T.V. shows you like with." I gestured to the T.V.

Abby crossed her arms over her chest.

"I don't need anyone beside you and Uncle Dwight. It's not like you guys are married or even living together. I don't see a need to bond with her. I can act more cordial when she is around if you want, I guess. I didn't realize I was doing anything wrong."

I ran my hand through my hair and it drug it down my face. It was late, and I didn't feel like arguing with my sister at the moment.

"I'm not saying you did anything wrong. I just want you to get along with my girlfriend. No, we don't live together and we aren't married, but this is the first woman I've been serious about in years. I don't see her going anywhere anytime soon. It would make my life easier if you got along."

Abby rolled her eyes toward the ceiling.

"Fine, I'll have lunch with her."

I reached across the couch and crushed her in a bear hug.

Abby squealed. "Reed, let me go you goof."

I released her, but not before I gave her a noogie like I did when we were kids.

"Thank you, sis. This means a lot to me."

"Yeah, yeah.

We said our goodnights, and I went up to my room. I took off my shirt and shorts leaving me in my boxer briefs. I’d taken a shower before I left work leaving me just needing to brush my teeth before I slide under the covers. I pulled my phone out and typed a text to Penny.

Me: Hey love, I talked to Abby, and she's in for lunch. I want to buy lunch for you two so let me know when you plan on going. I hope you have sweet dreams. I know I'll be having dreams filled with you.