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As for her sister, Elena knew that the distance between thehtly jealous of Emily’s connection to them A connection that had cemented her firmly on the periphery, unable to enjoy or understand their thinking or their way of life

She was hurt bypeople to act the way you thought they should was never going to get you anything but disappointment Her parents expected her to be like Emily, but that would never happen

She in turn, expected her parents to support her unconditionally, whether or not they agreed with her, and she knew that would never happen either They would always try to ht she should be The difference noas that Elena knew better

“Ely, “I don’t knohat to say I’uess the truth is that we just… misunderstand each other I’uess I always feel left out, and so up onto help I’m sorry if I’ve made you feel like I hate you I truly, truly don’t”

Emily seemed to take all of that in for a moment

“I… we have been overly critical,” Emily said finally, “of your choices”

Elena s that”

“Will you be there fora small cere

mony at home July twelfth”

“Of course I’ll be there, Emily,” Elena promised “I wouldn’t miss it”

“Maybe… we could have lunch in the city sometime Just you and me?”

“Sounds great,” Elena agreed pleasantly

After Elena hung up, she walked back to the kitchen where her sandaiting for her Neal had added pickles Her pregnancy cravings had been especially stereotypical

“Your sister?” Neal asked casually

Elena nodded