family ties --* (sutton)

[CARLIE O'CALLAGHAN]

Like most of her decisions, Carlie wasn't sure if she had made the right choice in packing up her whole life to come to New York. For one, it was a definite culture shock. And then came Sutton. Carlie wished she was still close with her twin, but unfortunately, they had drifted apart. Now that she was here, Carlie had convinced herself to bridge whatever gap was between them...that meant she had to tell Sutton about Harrison. Carlie didn't want to tell anyone, actually. She thought it might be easier to tell her twin because they were family, but Carlie realized it was going to be even harder. She knew Sutton and knew this probably wouldn't go down well. 

Putting her books down on her desk, Carlie cast off her messenger bag and flopped into the desk chair. Unfortunately, college in America was just as hard as college in Ireland. All Carlie wanted to do at that moment was fall asleep, but she had to tidy up, and besides, her shirt would wrinkle! Rubbing under her eyes and being careful to avoid smudging eyeliner, Carlie forced herself up and began to straighten the dorm room up. As usual, clothes were scattered all overher bed, most of them clean. Carlie glanced at the laundry hamper: empty. Shrugging, she tossed everything in there. She'd get it later. Next, Carlie shoved all her papers and notebooks into one of the desk cabinets. There, that was reasonable. 

Sitting on the edge of her bed, Carlie thought of what to do. How would she great Sutton? A hug? A smile? A formal handshake? Geez, she was awful at deciding things. And then came the problem of how to tell Sutton about Harrison. It couldn't be avoided and Carlie had realized she had already waited long enough. At least she hadn't done it over the phone, right? Or via facebook. At least Carlie didn't have a middle school mentality. 

A knock sounded at the door and Carlie nearly leapt out of her skin. "Coming!" Carlie ran her shaking fingers through her hair and took a deep breath. Moment of truth. Plastering a smile on, Carlie swung open the door. "Sutton!" Her voice was a mixture of love and anxiousness; Sutton would be able to tell something was bothering her sister. Giving Sutton a tight hug, Carlie ushered her sister in.    

[/justify