The next day, we were already back in Stoneybrook. Dad was at the train station to bring us home. Meredith was pretty quiet. At home, I was with my father.

"How she made it out during the wake and the funeral?" asked Dad.

"She's been trying to be strong, but it's really tough for her," I replied.

"I bet," said Dad.

"She told her mother's friend she wanted to be adopted by us and she feels safe here," I said in a low voice.

"That's what we're thinking of doing," said Dad.

"Really?" I asked.

"Yes. We enjoy having her here," said Dad.

"Swell," I said. "Does she know?"

"Not yet," replied Dad. "We'll tell her when adoption papers are signed tomorrow."

"Wow, she'll be surprised," I said.

"I know," said Dad. "I wanted it to be a surprise for her. If you tell a soul, I'll duct tape your mouth."

"My lips are sealed," I promised while I was laughing. "Does anyone else know?"

"Just Dawn, Carlos, and Sharon," said Dad.

"I hope Dawn doesn't get jealous," I said.

"I already told her she needs to learn to adjust changes," said Dad.

"Good, I was concerned about that," I said.

That afternoon, at the BSC, Dawn and I decided not to mention the news about Meredith until the adoption papers are completed. I think she's starting to adjust about that.

"How did it go over the weekend with Meredith?" asked Kristy.

"It was very tough for Meredith. She tried to be strong. She held on my hand for the whole time," I said.

"At least you were there for her," said Stacey.

"I know," I agreed.

After the meeting, Meredith waited for me and said, "I got some news. For starters, I got something for you."

She showed me a shirt that said, My Sister Loves Me.

"What is this for?" I asked being puzzled.

"Your father and stepmother adopted me. They surprised me after the adoption papers got filled. The judge already filed it. I was so thrilled about that. Can't you believe you and I are sisters now?" asked Meredith.

"I can. This is going to be terrific," I smiled.

"Mom and Dad said I can get this shirt as a way to tell you," said Meredith.

At least I didn't spoil the secret.

"The best of all, we'd shared your room for life," said Meredith.

"I know we would," I agreed.

"I'm glad I have a family again. It feels like they're still alive," said Meredith.

"That's true. That's a good way to think about your family," I said.

"I think so, too," said Meredith with a grin. "Carlos is glad to be my brother now. He would be my first brother."

"Actually, Jeff would be your brother, too," I said since she met him before.

"Oh, yeah, I forgot," said Meredith as we giggled at that.

I also like it when a friend is a sibling. You wouldn't have to worry about an enemy as your stepsibling. That would be the worst thing in my life if that did happen to me- if I didn't have Dawn, that is. I do feel very lucky to have four siblings like my friends mentioned before!

"I think we should celebrate," I said.

"That's what we said," said Meredith.

"Good," I said.

Then, we went out to Friendly's for dinner. It made Meredith happy again and I'm glad about that.

The End