Sister Act

Stacy pulled her scarf tighter wound her neck and hurried into the P*lace. The cold only served to remind her what was coming up all too soon: her birthday.  Actually, it had seemed like her birthday for the past month. Before Christmas break, friends that were leaving town for the holidays wished her a happy early birthday, and when school resumed, her teachers were sure to say it, too. She’d been receiving cards and presents from distant relatives all week, but it was the absence of one relative in particular that secretly worried her. She was entirely aware of the other Kids scrutinizing her every chance they got, especially Richie.

Boy, that would have really annoyed Renee! she laughed to herself, although it was hard to laugh with her throat suddenly tightening. Well, she’d managed to get through almost an entire day without thinking of her big sister. This time of year, though, it seemed unnatural.

It was later than she’d realized; everyone else was already set up to rehearse. “Hey, there she is!” hollered Flip, their latest guy behind the counter. But Flip actually pulled double duty; he not only manned the P*lace, he also owned it. Add to that the fact that be wasn’t much older than the Kids were, and you had one very unusual ice cream experience on your hands. He was cool, though. Just don’t let him start singing.

“Sorry I’m late.” Stacy apologized.

“Up all night watching the ball drop, huh?” Flip joked.

“I fell asleep.” Robin said glumly.

“Did anyone make any New Year’s resolutions?” Kenny asked of them all.

“Get better grades.” answered Devyn.

“Keep my room clean.” Richie added.

“Make a fortune with my sneaker biz!” said Flip.

“Another one?” Robin asked.

“Why not?” he laughed.

“How about you, Stacy?” asked Devyn.

“Why bother?” Stacy said indifferently. “Its not like anyone ever keeps them, anyway.”

Richie eyed Stacy quizzically and said, “We should, uh, probably start rehearsing now.” This distant, pessimistic attitude he’d seen in Stacy lately was so unlike the girl he’d come to know. The only time she’d been this down, to his knowledge, was this same time last year. That led him to believe he had her figured out. After rehearsal was over, he called her on it.

The music had actually done her some good; she seemed to have forgotten what was on her mind earlier. “Hey, Stacy!” Richie called to her.

“What?” she called back.

“Happy Birthday.”

Her whole body language changed. Shoulders slumped, she began unnecessarily fussing with the tables and chairs. “My birthday’s not until tomorrow, Richie. You know that.”

“Yeah, well, I figured you could use some cheering up.” said Richie.

“I’m fine.” Stacy insisted.

“Yeah, Stacy, you have been acting kinda mopey lately.” said Kenny.

“Are you one of those people who doesn’t like birthdays?” asked Robin.

They had effectively backed her into a corner, and her only way out was to bluff “Of course not! I’m just tired. It’s been a long year, and I’m glad it’s over.”

“All right, you win this time,” Devyn said, “but we’re gonna find out what’s bothering you.” “Haven’t you learned by now not to butt in?” Stacy asked her.

“Yeah, Dev, lay off her. She’ll tell us when she’s ready.” Richie said confidently.

“Well, I’m glad the pressure’s off!” said Stacy. “If I leave, will you follow me?”

“No.” they said.

“Good.” she sighed. She walked off, shaking her head.

Once it was safe, Flip and the Kids surrounded Richie. “You know something we don’t, don’t you?” said Flip.

“That’s a first!” Kenny said to Devyn behind Richie’s back.

“It’s just a theory,” Richie explained, glaring at Kenny, “but yeah.”

“But we’re still gonna go ahead with the party we planned for tomorrow, right?” asked Robin.

“Hey, a birthday’s a birthday, no matter what.” Flip stated. “Even if the guest of honor doesn’t show up.”

Nothing is sadder than a birthday party where no one’s partying If Stacy liked her presents, she certainly wasn’t letting on, and the party games went over like a lead balloon. You’d hardly know there was a party if not for the streamers in the storeroom. It was time to put this get-together out of its misery.

“Okay, I’ve partied. Can I go home now?” grumbled Stacy.

Knowing full well that it could be the last thing he’d ever do, Flip brought out Stacy’s birthday cake. “It’s almost over.” he reassured her. “Just this one last thing.” Before anyone even had a chance to sing ”Happy Birthday”, Stacy quickly blew out the candles.

“So, what did you wish for?” wondered Robin.

‘This party to end, probably.” said Kenny, and everybody laughed.

Someone knocked, and Richie hurried to answer the door before anyone else could. He kept it closed to everyone else, and then shut it abruptly. “Actually, there’s still one more game we have to play.”

“No there isn’t, Richie.” Devyn reminded him.

“Yes, there is, Devyn.” he insisted. “It’s, uh...Blindman’s Bluff, and Stacy, you re it.”

“Aren’t we a little old for that game?” Stacy said.

“C’mon, just one round.” He rolled up Flip’s discarded apron to use as a blindfold.

“You know, I have always hated this game for some reason.” said Stacy as Richie tied the blindfold over her eyes.

“Now you gotta spin her around!” she heard Flip say.

“Oh, yeah, that’s why!”

Someone grabbed her shoulders and started turning her. “1...2...3...” they all counted.

“I hate this game, I really hate this game...” she muttered as she started getting dizzy.

“Now, scatter!” Richie yelled, but instead, he grabbed everyone and pulled them off to one side, hushing them.

Stacy, meanwhile, was negotiating her way around the table, complaining all the way. “The least you could do is stay close so we can get this over with!” she berated the group. Finally, she found someone’s arm. “All right, there! I won. Game over.” But it wasn’t at all who she’d expected, as she pulled off the blindfold to reveal...

“RENEE! Oh, my GOSH! I can’t believe it! Where have you been? Oh, my gosh...”

“I know, I’m sorry, I’m so sorry! I’ve been trying to get a flight for weeks, except they’re all booked for the holidays, and...”

“...and I’ve been calling you, and calling you, and you’re never there. I was beginning to think you’d forgot about me..."

“.. oh, Stacy, I’d never forget your birthday! That’s why I tried so hard to get back because I had to see you and oh, you’re so grown up! Look at you!”

Whoa, now I’m getting dizzy here!” laughed Kenny.

Oh I almost forgot!” giggled Stacy. “This is Renee.”

Yeah, we got that.” said Devyn.

“I thought you were in England.” Robin said.

“Yeah, how did you get here? We all thought you weren’t coming. Do Mom and Dad know?” Stacy asked her sister.

“Well, believe it or not – and I still don’t! – this was all Richie’s doing.” Renee explained, glancing over her shoulder at Richie.

“You did this?” Stacy said, stunned.

“Yeah, I noticed last year you seemed depressed until Renee called you.” Richie said.

“So, here I am.” said Renee. “Express delivery, direct from London. Oh, I missed you!” she exclaimed, giving Stacy an extra squeeze.

“Well, then, what did you bring me?” Stacy held out her hand expectantly.

“Greetings from all your relatives abroad.” Renee said, smirking. Stacy made a face. “And a present, it’s out on the counter. You didn’t think I came all this way empty-handed, did you?”

“Hey, you missed my birthday!” piped up Richie.

Renee crossed her arms and looked down her nose at him. “Have you been staying out of trouble while I was gone?"

He thought for a minute. “No.”

“It’s nice to see some things haven’t changed”

For a while, it was great having Renee around again. They relived all the best moments of the past, and of course, there were plenty of new moments to tell Renee about. Renee also had some of her own about England and their extended family. Stacy was happy to see that the other kids had accepted Renee almost instantly. When she arrived at the P*lace for rehearsal the next day, she found them all laughing together.

“...so we end up dragging a grand piano halfway through the countryside!” Renee was telling them.

“Makes you glad we have electric keyboards!” said Devyn.

“Hey, I thought you said we were gonna come here together.” Stacy said.

“Oh, I’m sorry! It’s just been so long since I’ve been to a rehearsal, I was just so excited, I couldn’t wait!” Renee said sheepishly. “You don’t mind, do you?”

“I’m just surprised you remembered the way.”

“At least she’s allowed to cross the street!” Kenny blurted out, and the Kids started laughing.

“What are you talking about?” asked Stacy.

“Oh, I was just telling them a few things from when we were younger.” explained Renee.

“Stacy,” Robin spoke slowly, as if to a young child, “did you see those lights blinking? I think somebody made it into the Ghost Society!” Everyone busted out laughing again.

“They seem to remember some things more than others.” said Renee, looking ashamed.

“Aw, don’t make fun of her, you guys. Everyone does dumb things when they’re kids.” said Devyn.

Then she looked over her head and said, “Right, Tinkerbell?” Now everyone really cracked up. “Maybe I should go.” Renee said. Stacy didn’t look too happy with her.

“No! Stay!” Devyn and Robin said, grabbing Renee’s arms. “You promised you’d help us with our hair.”

The boys hadn’t quite abandoned the jokes yet. “Oh no, I think I’m breaking out in...hives!” cried Kenny.

“There must be some bunnies in the P*lace!” gasped Richie.

“We’ll get stung!”

“Maybe the magic ring can help us!”

“I think the leprechaun has it!”

By now, Stacy had just about had it. “Oh, what, you didn’t tell them his name?”

“Well, I didn’t exactly remember all the details. It has been a while.” said Renee.

“I seem to remember someone getting a bad mosquito bite that day!”

Renee looked puzzled. “Hey, I never...” She got really quiet as it dawned on her.

Stacy wasn’t finished. She turned to the boys. “You think that’s funny? You ain’t heard nothing yet!”

“Stace, don’t.” Renee sighed.

“Oh, come on, you must have a million of them! What about the time I tried to wear high heels and fell in that box? No, wait, I’ve got a better one...”

“Stacy, I wasn’t trying to set you up! Honestly! You weren’t here for the entire conversation.”

“I can’t believe I was worried about you getting along with my friends.” Stacy said angrily.

“Me, neither. Your sister’s cool.” said Kenny.

“I wish I had a big sister.” Robin said.

“Me too!” said Devyn.

“Want mine?” Stacy snapped. She went to leave, but Renee got up and cut her off.

“You’re jealous, aren’t you?” she asked her.

“No, no, no, I’m fine, just fine!” Stacy mocked.

“Ouch.” Renee said softly. “I guess I had that coming. I’m sorry. I won’t be in your way much longer.”

“Wait a minute. What do you mean?” Richie asked her.

“I’m going back to England at the end of the week.”

“You mean you’re not gonna stay?” asked Stacy.

“Stacy, be honest. You don’t want me here anymore than I want to be here right now.”

“But this is your home!”

“Well, you know what they say, ‘You can never go home again’.”

“That’s so sad.” sympathized Robin.

All this time, Renee’s hand had been in her pocket, and she’d been fumbling with something. When she got up from the table, it fell to the floor. “Hey, you dropped this.” Kenny said, picking up a small pendant.

Renee reached for it, but Stacy grabbed it first. “You still have this?” she asked incredulously.

“Every time I put it on a chain, it just falls off, so I just carry it around.” said Renee.

“It almost looks like the one you have, Stacy.” said Devyn.

Now it was Renee’s turn to look surprised. “You actually wear that little charm?”

“Sometimes.” Stacy admitted.

“We’ve already heard that story.” Robin told Renee. “She used to drive us crazy with, ‘Renee said this’ and ‘Renee said that’.”

“I guess this is all my fault for making you sound so good!” said Stacy.

“Well, I’m just as guilty as you are. I talked about you so much, people would run the other way when they saw me coming!” Renee confessed.

“Well, then, why do you want to go back?” asked Stacy.

“I like it there.” Renee said plainly. “Plus, there’s all these family members I never knew existed. They wanna meet you too, you know.”

“You want me to go to England with you?” The pendant fell out of Stacy's open hand and onto the table.

“I know it’s a lot to ask right now.” said Renee. “But look at it this way. You could tell embarrassing stories about me!”

“I am going to get you back for that!” threatened Stacy. “But I can’t just up and leave.”

“Mom and Dad are fine with it, and so is the school.” Renee assured her. “The only thing left,” she sighed, “is Kids Incorporated.” She knew from experience that the decision Stacy had to make was going to be the hardest she’d ever face.

“So...you show up here out of the blue, embarrass me in front of my friends, and then put me on the spot.” Stacy summed up

“Well, when you put it that way...”

“Why did you even come back here, anyway?”

“Oh, I don’t know!” Renee snapped. “I probably should have stayed where I was. It was nice being known as someone other than ‘Stacy’s sister’ for a change. But for some stupid reason, I thought maybe you’d want to be together for our birthdays.” She leaned against the wall, looking up at the ceiling as if the words she wanted were there. “My own baby brother doesn’t even recognize me. I went to pick him up, and he screamed! I’m sleeping on the living room couch. Oh, and I did get a little lost on the way here.” Her eyes began to water. “But I did end up by the school just in time to find out that three of my favorite teachers have retired. It’s like the whole town has just forgotten that I existed!” She really started to cry as she said, “And the one person who I thought would be really happy to see me...

“I was! I am!” Stacy corrected herself “I didn’t know you were coming back! No one knew you were coming back! Renee...”

“No, you’re right.” Renee sobbed. “This isn’t my life anymore, it’s yours. I shouldn’t have tried to worm my way back into it. We’ve just grown apart, that’s all.” She picked up the pendant, stared at it, and put it back in her pocket. “Happy Birthday.” she said to no one in particular.

Richie watched the two distraught sisters mope around opposite ends of the P*lace and contemplated whether he’d done the right thing. He refused to believe his idea hadn’t been a good one. In all the years he’d been here, the one thing he never could understand was Renee and Stacy’s relationship. The other kids weren’t any help because they didn’t understand it, either. Even The Kid, who’d known them both longer than anyone, had just shrugged and said it was better left alone. But the one thing Richie did know was that he certainly couldn’t leave things like this.

“First things first.” he said, rounding up the current band members. “Stacy, I’m sorry that I made fun of you.”

“Me, too.”

“Yeah, me, too.”

“Me, too.” the others added.

“I know.” Stacy sighed. “I can’t blame you for laughing at me. I did do some crazy things when I was a kid.”

“But that was only part of our conversation.” Richie continued. “Renee didn’t even want to talk about you at first.”

“Yeah, we’re the ones that bugged her for the dirt.” said Robin.

“Anyone could tell by the way she talked that she loves you.” Devyn said. It made Stacy feel two inches tall.

“Do you really want her to go back to England thinking you hate her?” asked Kenny.

“How would you like it if your past came back to haunt you?” Stacy said. “Some birthday present you gave me!”

While this was going on in the storeroom, Flip was out front trying to engage Renee in conversation. “So, England, huh?” he asked jovially. “Pip pip, cheerio, and all that rot, isn’t that how it goes?”

Without looking up from the counter, Renee traced the edge with a finger and said, “Flip, do you have any siblings?”

“Actually no, I’m an only child.” he answered. “Got a cousin who’s a forest ranger, we’re pretty close. And this creepy old aunt, on my father’s side. She...” He quit when he realized Renee didn’t want to hear anymore. “Now, look, I haven’t really known your sister for that long, and certainly not as long as you have, but she’s come a long way from that girl you left behind. I mean, you must have changed too, right? Going to another country, immersing yourself in another culture. You’re not the same girl who left.”

“He’s right, you know,” Stacy said from behind her, “We’ve both changed.” She opened her hand to reveal the charm Renee had given her. “We used to be inseparable,” she began, “and then you left, and it was like losing an arm. All of a sudden, I had to learn to live without you. And you know what? I did.”

Renee took the charm from Stacy’s hand and compared it to her own. “They’re not exactly alike, are they?”

“No,” said Stacy, “but they go great together.” She took back her charm. “And even if you break up the set, they still work great on their own.” Renee smiled and shook her head. “What?” asked Stacy.

“I’ve just been big-sistered – by my own little sister.” said Renee. Then they both looked at each other and laughed.

“You’re slipping!!” teased Stacy.

“Don’t tell anybody! I might have to turn in my ‘Official Big Sister’ badge!” laughed Renee.

The laughter attracted the rest of Kids Incorporated. “Did you two make up?” asked Robin. “Sure sounds like it!” Kenny said.

“Yeah, we’re okay.” Stacy told them.

“Are you going to England?” Devyn asked.

When Stacy didn’t answer right away, Renee jumped in. “I think it’s a little too soon to decide anything yet, you know, it was kinda last-minute.” To Stacy, she added, “If you don’t wanna go, it’s okay, I’ll understand.” She watched her for any sign of hesitation.

To her surprise, Stacy instead turned to her and said, “Are you kidding? I’m gonna make you earn that badge!”

“Badge? What badge? What are you talking about?” Richie asked.

Both girls shook their heads and shared a smile. “ft’s a sister thing.” Stacy told him. “You wouldn’t understand.” Leaving them bewildered, the two linked arms and went home together.

Stacy didn’t start school again like the rest of the Kids, so they knew she’d decided to leave after all. Therefore, they were surprised when she showed up for that afternoon’s rehearsal. She didn’t sing or anything, she just sort of gazed around. They followed her into the storeroom.

“How did they do it?” they heard her mutter to herself.

“How did who do what?” Kenny asked.

“Renee, Ryan...everyone who left the band.” she answered. “How could they just leave all this behind?”

“We didn’t, really.” Renee said, coming in. “Parts of us are still here.” She combed Stacy’s hair back with her fingers. “Yours will be the biggest part.”

“Yeah, we won’t let anyone forget you.” said Richie. “Either of you.” he amended to include Renee.

“It’s about that time, guys.” Flip called from around the door.

“Stacy, just one last number before you go?” Devyn pleaded.

“Do I get to choose?” asked Stacy.

“Sure!” they said.

“Great. ‘Cause there’s just one more thing I’ve gotta do before I go.”

The audience cheered as Kids Inc. stepped out onto the stage. “Thank you!” Stacy bellowed into the microphone, clearly in her element. “I just thought you should know, we have an old friend back in the P*lace. You guys remember my sister, Renee.” Renee shrunk in her seat, but waved anyway. “And since it’s her birthday...” Now Renee covered her face with her hands. “...before she takes me back to England with her, I’d like to dedicate this next song to her, because I forgot to get her a present!” Everyone laughed. “I love you so much.”

Renee mouthed back, “I love you, too.” and happily moved back out of the spotlight to let her sister shine. She’d get her back for that little stunt the moment they got off the plane.

The End