New Additions(Part 2 of New Traditions)

Authors note- This is part two of ‘New Traditions'

Ainslee Flora Dior was born on a lovely spring day. Immediately after she had taken her first breath her golden brown eyes slightly opened. I was in awe as I saw my little sister taking in everything around her. She locked eyes with me and it stayed that way until Kendra cuddled her gently in her arms. 

“What a beauty,” My father remarked looking at his youngest daughter. “Why, she reminds me of Bella as a little baby.” 

Kendra smiled weakly at him as she stroked her baby softly. 

I rolled my eyes at him as I continued to glance over at the new addition of the family. 

“Her name is Ainslee.” Kendra announced as she kissed Ainslee on her forehead. “Ainslee Flora has been born.” 

I knew instantly that she was going to be the talk of the neighborhood. She would have all the attention she never asked for, I’ll just be someone in the way…

*************

“Aww, isn't she the sweetest.” Kendra cooed looking at her little angel. “Who’s a good girl, you are.” 

Kendra sounded like she was talking to a dog, not a baby, I thought.

“Kendra, can you make me a sandwich.” I asked, my tummy rumbling in unison to my statement as if agreeing with me.

“I’m sorry Bells, I need to change Ain’s diaper, you're a big girl now, you should be able to fend for yourself.” She giggled as she tickled Ainslee.

I groaned, I hated to cook anything, even if it only involves putting things together. 

This wasn’t the first time I had to ‘fend for myself’ as Kendra puts it. Ever since Ain was born two months ago she had taken over the house. Kendra, my dad, the neighbors and even my friends all want to see the ‘adorable little angel.’ What about me? 

Aren't I an ‘adorable little angel’ too?

I knew Kendra was trying hard to make me not miss my mother. But mom, she was irreplaceable. I just wished I had mom with me still, she would have taken care of me no matter what.

*************

“Issi, Issi.” My little sister called out to me while I had been studying for a test. 

“What?” My annoying, pesky, attention grabber little sister was three now. 

“Gimme.” She demanded, her eyes were narrowed to the crayon on my desk. I sighed as I handed the crayon to her.

She scurried away, thank goodness.

“Gimme.” I heard her say from the living room. “Want cholate.” Her english was terrible, I had to admit myself. Kendra of course would give her chocolate even if it’s before dinner. I wished I had ‘cholate’ too but I knew Kendra would tell me no chocolate before dinner. I decided to try anyway, maybe I’ll get lucky if I maybe try in Ain’s way.

“Gimme cholate too.” I mimicked my sister the hardest I could. Kendra had her hands on her hips as she chuckled a bit but she put the chocolate away in spite of my amazing Ain’s voiceover.

“Bella, don’t act like a baby.” Was all I got in return.

“How come she gets it?” I asked, still mimicking Ain’s baby gibberish voice. “It’s not fair.” I stomped my foot down, I’ve seen Ain do this a few times and she had always won an argument. I hope I can too.

“Bella, what’s gotten into you, don’t act childish...you're almost twelve, act like a role model for your sister.” She ordered me sternly this time. I still looked upset at Kendra for scolding me and not Ainslee.

“Kids.” Kendra said, shaking her head. “I’m disappointed in you, please be more mature.” She pleaded.

“Why.” I crossed my arms.

“Because you're older.”

“Why?”

“I don’t know, ask God.” Her voice raised a little but she quieted down as she saw Ain was watching.

“Why.” I knew playing the ‘why’ game drives adults nuts but if Ain did it then Kendra would think it was adorable so why can’t I?

“Isabella Grace Dior,” Kendra commanded, using my full name. “What is wrong with you?”

I looked down, unable to make eye contact with her. She still had on the ‘I’m disappointed in you’ look. I gulped as I tried to explain to her.

“I want to be a baby, I want attention.” I finally spoke out what I had been keeping inside. 

“Were you jealous of all the attention Ain has gotten since she had been born?” Kendra finally asked, her eyebrows up realizing my feelings of being left out for the first time. “I thought you were happy to be an older sister?”

“I am but...I was a bit jealous” I admitted.

“Aww Bella. I love you and I always will, but Ain’s little, I know I wasn't here when you were a baby but I am here now, you will always be my little girl even if you aren't a baby...I promise.” She smiled at me hoping I would understand her dilemma. 

“I’m sorry...for behaving… ‘childish’.” I quoted her. “I just felt like no one payed attention to me anymore.” 

“It’s ok, I get how you feel, I felt left out when I was your age too...you have it easy, I had three younger siblings and I felt alone all the time but my mother explained to me that I should be an example to my younger siblings, of course I did take care of them after my mother died but...you get my point” She explained her point of view as her voice cracked as she talked about her mother.

“I’ll be a big girl from now on.” I didn’t want to upset Kendra anymore.

“Don’t be too big, I don’t want to lose my little pumpkin to leave me so soon.” She remarked as we hugged it out. “Just be yourself and everything will be fine.”

“I’ll try...but no promises.”

“Issi?” Ain asked for me. Kendra looked at me. I walked to my sister and picked her up. 

“I promise to be a good older sister.” I told her. “I love you Ainslee.”

“Lov yo Issi.” She copied me.

I smiled at her bad pronunciation...but I didn’t care. Everything will be just perfect.