“It’s so good to see you!” Gretta ran up and hugged her big sister the second she walked through the door. “I feel like you haven’t visited in ages.”
Julie smiled as she hugged her back. “I know, it’s been too long. I wish I could make it up to Portland more often.”
Gretta released her embrace and took a step back to look Julie over. “You look great! Your hair is so long and vibrant, and I love that outfit.”
Julie blushed. “Thanks sis. You’re looking good, too. I love your bangs.”
“You’re sweet,” said Gretta. “But I’ll never have your beautiful olive skin. The Bakersfield Sun has really treated you well. Portland is just too cloudy to get a tan like that.”
Julie held her arm up in the light and examined it. “Tan? Bakersfield sun? Um… right. Thanks. It looks like you redecorated. Can I have a tour of the house?”
And so Julie quickly changed the subject. Gretta had never been to Bakersfield, so she had no idea what the pollution did to your skin.
This post first appeared on Short Stories And Very Short Stories, please read the originial post: here
