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"You are, too, but I think you're still in shock about the whole situation," he said.
“I guess you’re right. I haven’t met Sophie, but I’m jealous of her because she took time with my dad that I wanted. I don’t expect a joyous blending of sisters, and I hope she doesn’t, either,” Maura said.
“The outcome might surprise you, and I hope that’s the case,” David said. “You may actually like this person who shares half your DNA.”
“You’re so optimistic, which is one of the many things I love about you. I’ll try and carry a nugget of that with me to St. Michaels.”
4
“You’re going to have to take the wheel, Hayley. I don’t have your energy, and I let you sleep through New York, so it’s time for me to snooze," Maura said. She wore no makeup, and her long, red hair was piled on top of her head.
Major loved the drive so far. He mostly stuck his head out the window with his tongue stuck out.
Her beauty routine had all but disappeared in recent years. She felt sorry for David, but he never complained.
“No problem. I still think we should have done a detour into New York City,” Hayley said as she continued driving south. “My year of living there between college and nursing school was the most fun I ever had. Making it my forever home would have been too much for me because the pace is next level. By forty, I would have been burned out and probably looking more like sixty.”
Maura had picked up Hayley and Major from the hospital after her shift, so they got an early start, although stopping for breakfast took some time. Maura decided against New York City, but Philly was a different story. They planned on lunch and then a stop at Independence Hall with a peek at the Liberty Bell across the street. As a lawyer, Maura thought it was a good idea to see where the US Constitution had been ratified.
“Where did Major stay when you were working all night?” Maura asked.
"He stayed behind the nurse's desk in the emergency department. He occasionally acted as a support dog for agitated patients or ones who simply love dogs,” Hayley answered.
Hayley turned on some upbeat pop music, which was quite a change from the mellow ballads Maura preferred.
“This music suits you,” Maura commented.
“Driver’s choice. You can put on the stuff that grabs at your heartstrings when you’re back behind the wheel. This music puts me in a good mood, but it seems like you aren’t in those much these days,” Hayley said.
Maura pursed her lips and shook her head. “I have reason to be stressed, and I said this to you the other day. It seems to me that I have a lot to be sad about, but you brush your problems under the rug. Did you ever really deal with Devon’s death? As far as I know, you took his name off the mailbox, and you were done with it.”
“Would you be happier if I melted into a puddle of tears?” Hayley asked as tears began to trickle down her cheeks. She pulled over.
Maura banged her head on the dashboard. “I’m being impossible and downright mean. If I were you, I’d dump me on the side of the road and hightail it out of here.”
“I can’t do that because this is your car; actually, I believe it’s registered in David’s name, and he’d kill me. You know what they say – you always hurt the one you love,” Hayley said.
Hayley and Maura looked at each other and burst out laughing.
“Did David put you up to saying that?” Maura asked.
"No, but I know he says corny things to you when a laugh might come in handy, although it is true. We’re like two different sides of the same coin. Mom and Dad were raised as individual sisters who happened to be born at the same time. We were referred to as the girls but never the twins, and I’m glad they did it that way. It would be boring to have a sister who was exactly like me. We’re different, and I’m glad I have you to keep me in check,” Hayley said.
“To be honest, I’m jealous of you. You’re the stronger twin, and I don’t know if I can handle all of this crap coming my way,” Maura said.
“I think you’re the stronger twin because you do handle it all. I know it’s not easy, but you manage it. I have an extra room. So why wasn't it even an option that Mom live with me? You made all the arrangements when Dad died because everyone looked to you as the stronger Allen twin to get things done,” Hayley said.
“I love you, Hayley, and I’m proud to be your twin. I think we need to try harder to be there for each other. I didn’t realize this at first, but the two of us needed this trip to untangle our messy relationship. Like marriage, a relationship between sisters needs maintenance. If Sophie is for real, she’s going to have to find a way to fit in.”
“It’ll be nearly impossible to build anything remotely like what we have. Let’s go to Philly and soak up a little culture. I love you, too, Maura, and I’m even going to let you choose the music.”
“Keep the pop music going. I’m in the mood for some upbeat tunes. If this car were a convertible, I’d be asking you to drop the top.”
* * *
They picked a bench by the Liberty Bell and ate pizza slices that they got from a nearby vendor. It was prime people-watching because there were tourists from all over and regular folks who were enjoying their lunch breaks.
“I’m surprised we didn’t hit this place on one of our many road trips. Dad loved the Finger Lakes, and we went skiing in Lake Placid,” Maura said. “My favorites were the camping trips, and I carried on that tradition with Reid and Will. We connect as a family sitting around the campfire with no electronics.”
