Family Ties

Chapter Four


"Why not, Angel?" Aaron asked stirring his cereal.

"Simple. I don't want to."

"Why not?"

Nick entered rubbing the sleep from his eyes. "What are you two so pissed about?"

"Angel won't be an extra in my video."

"I don't want to be an extra in HIS video."

Nick sat down. "Why not? It would give you a chance to spend more time together." "So?"

The blonde rolled his eyes. "God, what is with you and Leslie lately?"

"Us? Excuse me! We can't help it if you got success before we did. Or the fact that you really just wanted to spend time with Aaron and BJ, and left obilgated to bring us!"

"Angel, calm down!"

Tears flooded her cheeks. "It isn't fair! Why do people just care about us because we're related to you?!" She ran up the stairs unable to make eye contact with either of her brothers. "Leslie!" She gasped. "Leslie!"

Leslie sat up in bed. "Angel, what on earth? What's wrong?"

"I dunno....I just can't stop crying."

"Angel, have you ever well, you know...."

"What?"

"Just go the bathroom."

"WHAT?"

"Just go, call it woman's intuision, trust me on this." Angel cocked an eyebrow entering the tiny restroom. "If you say so."

Leslie stood slowly making her way to her purse.

"AHHHH! LESLIE, NICK, AARON ANYONE!"

Leslie sighed. "Angel, breathe! Now, just calm down."

Angel opened the door panting. "I...I was ble--"

"Bleeding?"

"Uh-huh."

Leslie placed a small wrapped package in her hand. "You know what to do."

"I do?"

"Angel, hello! You got your period- remember Mom talking about this?"

"No, but I remember the fourth grade lecture- remove covering, press firmly to the center of your panties....etc....."

"You got it," the fourteen-year-old laughed. "Let me know if you want some Tylenol for the cramping that will follow."

Nick and Aaron burst through the door. "What happened?!"

Angel rolled her eyes. "Why doesn't anything happen to boys!"

Nick and Aaron exchanged looks of confusion. "Say what?"

Leslie slipped on her robe. "You will never understand guys, so, don't even bother trying!"

"Okay," Aaron sighed. "Nick and I are getting ready to go sledding. You two coming?"

"Absolutely not!" Angel spat.

"No, thank you," the elder sister replied.

Aaron crossed his arms. "Good grief, Angel, how long are you going to act like this?"

"Five to seven days!"

Nick grabbed his brother by the shoulders. "Come on, buddy, this is our sign to get out of here."

"Wait!" Leslie called extending her palm."I need money for supplies."

Nick sighed not waitng to supply the cash.

"Well, if you would prefer to walk to the small store down the road and get it yourself go-"

He pressed the twenty into her hand. "Keep the change!"

Chapter Five