Chapter 1: Midnight Arrivals and Sibling Shenanigans

Getting off the plane at midnight, my heart was pounding—half dread, half hope—like I was stepping into a place that could both comfort and terrify me at the same time. I thumbed out a message to my brother, nerves jangling:

[Hey, are you up? Can you pick me up at the airport?]

The arrivals hall at Hartsfield-Jackson was nearly deserted. The sticky vinyl seats pressed against my legs, and the faint smell of Auntie Anne’s pretzels drifted from a closed kiosk. The only sounds were the echo of suitcase wheels and the distant hum of cleaning machines. I sent the text, hoping Derek was still awake—he was usually a night owl, but tonight felt like a toss-up.

A voice message popped up almost instantly, Derek sounding unserious as ever:

[Who’s this little sister?]

[Send a pic, let me check!]

His voice, crackling through the phone, reminded me of those humid Georgia summers when we’d sneak ice cream before dinner. It was pure Southern playfulness, like he was back at our old kitchen table, teasing me with that crooked grin, the years falling away in a heartbeat.

I pressed my lips together, fighting a laugh, and FaceTimed him right away:

[Tomorrow I’m asking Mom and Dad how many sisters you actually want!]

The call connected. His end was pure late-night chaos: the room lit by a neon TV glow, the clink of glasses somewhere off-screen. Derek’s hair was sticking up in all directions, his lopsided grin somehow grounding me. In that moment, nostalgia hit hard—growing up with him meant being ready for a joke, no matter the hour.

His expression changed instantly, and he went full dramatic apology:

[My bad, please don’t tell Mom and Dad!]

[I’ll send my most charming and polite buddy to pick you up!]

He tried for a serious face, but the corners of his mouth twitched—classic Derek, never able to keep a straight face for long. I could practically hear Mom’s voice in my head: “Derek, don’t drag your sister into your messes!”

Later, Derek’s so-called polite buddy would give me such a hard time behind his back that I’d end up in tears—but that was still to come.