Elodie and Heloise by Cecilee Linke

scrubbed out the sink and her sister collected the dirty cups and plates on the counter into a large trash bag. The house was almost clean now. The dirt from people’s shoes had been swept up, couch cushions were rearranged, and the fridge was cleaned up. All that was left to do was to scrub the sink and counters and then run the dishwasher. 
    She thought back to earlier that day, or rather very late last night, when she and Robert danced while all their friends watched. She wasn’t even sure how long they’d been dancing for, just that it was a welcome reprieve to be in someone else’s company. He wasn’t much of a conversationalist, unlike his more outgoing brother, and when they did talk, they didn’t seem to have very much in common since Elodie wasn’t the least bit interested in sports or gaming. Instead, they spent their time together just swaying back and forth or grooving to the music when it was called for without saying much to each other. 
    Sometime around three AM, she saw his eyes start to droop in fatigue. It was then that he told her he wanted to get home, leaving Elodie with a goodbye wave before turning away toward the front door. She immediately turned back to her friends and became her usual extroverted self, not really pained that her dance partner had just left. After all, she wasn’t really interested in Robert as anything more than a possible friend, though it was nice to be in the company of someone who seemed to enjoy her company as well.  What she had enjoyed the most was seeing her friends and spending time with them, especially hearing more of the latest gossip in school and enjoying all the attention on her as she danced with her friends.
    “You seem pretty happy today.”
    Elodie looked over at her sister, grinned widely and threw her hair over her shoulder. “I got to see some great friends last night, so of course I am happy. So what’s with you and Kyle Cayce? I noticed you two talking last night. He’s new in town.”
    “Yes I know. He told me all about it and more. I’m surprised you even noticed me there at the party. You seemed more interested in all the attention everyone was giving you than on anything else.”
    “I notice things too, you know.”
    Heloise rolled her eyes and chuckled. “I’m quite frankly surprised he didn’t notice you. The boys usually go over to you instead, you know.” She then turned contemplative with the way her eyes sunk in again and a faraway look came over her face.
    Elodie made a dismissive sound with her lips. “No they don’t. Not all the time.”
    “Well sure they do. And why not? You’re bubbly and cute, and.... well..... I’m not. As you so lovingly remind me.” Heloise tied up the trash bag of empty soda bottles, plates, and cups, and leaned it against the wall next to the fridge. She leaned back against the counter with her arms crossed as if to emphasize her point.
    “Oh come on. You’re really pretty, Heloise! When have I ever told you otherwise?”
    “How about a few weeks ago when Quentin moved in and you said I was just jealous of you because all the boys like you instead? But of course you wouldn’t remember that, would you?”
    Elodie turned away from her sister and scoffed at the mention of that fight a few weeks ago. “Look who’s holding a grudge. Sheesh. I was only telling the truth. Let it go already.”
    “Says the person who holds grudges all the time.”
    “Wow, all right, are you looking to pick a fight or something? Because that’s what it sounds like. And quite frankly, I’m in too good of a mood to deal with your bullshit right now.” 
    “Whatever.”
    “I’ll have you know..... I was telling the truth just a few minutes ago about how you’re pretty. I really wish you would see that. You’re always so down on yourself.” Elodie looked down at the sink that she’d been scrubbing and saw how clean it was, so she set her sponge down and leaned against the counter facing her sister. She