Two peas in a pod

-¡Nonsense!- Sarah exclaimed. She encountered herself in a disturbance of her afternoon reading session. One could say she was in great spirits doing what she enjoyed the most. That was until certain someone made an appearance. 

-Pleeeeeeease, my dear sweet and marvellous sister. You will not know if you like it until you try it-. Sarah was visibly irritated at her sister. -Remember what mama said: “Avoiding things is not going to make you accomplish anything.” Clementine quoted as she imitated their mother's mannerisms. 

-I would rather sit here all day in this parlour than follow you around and getting dirt in my garments- Sarah stated. She was sure in not letting Clementine convince her to take part in whatever occurrence she had in mind. 

This was not uncommon scenario for the two sisters. Sarah, the oldest, is the quiet of the family. She is described by her acquaintances as a modest and graceful young woman, very much like her mother. The highlight of her day is the daily reading session in the afternoon which provides her with reasonable entertainment. Her favourite author is Jane Austen. Lately she has been reading Sense and Sensibility. She likes to analise the context of the era, the personalities of the characters and the situations they face. That does not mean she does not appreciate the diversity of writers out there. Charlotte Brontë is another one she loves.

Clementine was very quite the opposite. Cheerful and talkative. She always ran throughout the family's garden like a bird spreading its wings while flying in the sky. The little chuckaboo -the nickname used by her sister Sarah- was more fond of outdoor activities.

Collecting and classifying stones was the one that recently reached the top of the list. Not lady-like by Victorian standards, that is sure. Most of the young girls of her age are starting to learn how to sew, knit, cook, and be a respectable lady of society. Something she knew she would never be. She could not fit into the Victorian model for women. She was free and strong willed. Also she had been spending the last five days making an effort in convincing Sarah to participate in her new pastime. 

-At least I have fun instead of standing here like a statue. I think you are slightly becoming part of the ornaments in this room-. Little Clementine exclaimed with sarcasm. She tried to make fun of her sister at which Sarah replied with a look of irritation. 

-Very funny sister- The look in her face showed otherwise. -You are so clever-. 

-Let me settle this for good-. Little clementine was not going to give up until getting what she wanted. -I just explain to you what I do during my exploration and then you decide if you feel like joining me-. 

-I am all ears, sister-. Sarah knew she had to listen to her If she wanted to be l alone. 

 -First of all-. Little Clementine positioned herself in front of Sarah like she was on stage about to perform a play. -I review what I have in order to know what I’m going to search for-. She walked back and forth across the imaginary stage. -Next thing is that I select my supplies: a bag, a magnifying glass and my diary. 

-What is the diary for?- 

-To keep track of what I have, silly-. Clementine could not understand why her sister did not get what she was saying. 

-And?- 

-And then I immerse myself into a incredible adventure- little Clementine jumped in the air with joy. Sarah was not amused by this episode. 

-I am still waiting...-

-Be patient Sarah, here comes the interesting part-. She said as she rubbed her hands. Her big smile from ear to ear looked like it was going to come out of her face. -When I get into the garden, I make sure to look closely at the ground-. She emulated what she said. -There, I search for a stone.

I believe they choose me instead of me picking them. I always found the most interesting things and in the precise moment-. It is so fun to not know what I am going to encounter.

-That is lovely, chuckaboo-. For the very first time, Sarah smiled at her and showed real interest. 

-Thank you, sister-. Little clementine gave her a smile back. She was happy to know that Sarah started to be more involved. -Wait till I to tell you more about-. 

-Be my guest- 

-Now that I have my treasure, I compare it with the drawings in my diary-. She emulated the act of opening a book. -I observe its little details and follow the main characteristics, whether is sedimentary, igneous or metamorphic. If it matches I take that one. 

-Is that everything?

I expected to know more-.  This was rare in Sarah. One never imagined she would want to engage in further conversation with her sister. 

-Look at you-. Clementine was very proud of her achievement. 

-I suppose I had to let myself loose a little-. Sarah laughed at her own comment.

-I am very impressed-. Little Clementine asserted and proceeded to continue. -Well, I told you that I pick the one it matches with the description. I make a drawing of it in my diary and add a little note about its texture, color and size. My favourites are the sedimentary type. They have funny colours-. Clementine giggled.

-Sometimes I find stones that I think I have never seen before. In that case, I check the geology book papa has in his shelf and fill up mine. I really like doing this Sarah. I have so much fun and the best thing is that I learn too. 

-Delightful. I think I am going to give a try too . It would be good for me to at least go out and see something different-. Sarah said. She was shocked at herself. Never thought she would do anything like that. Although it was out of her comfort zone, she was happy about it.

-Do you see that sister? 

-What, Clementine?  

-You are going to finally try new things-. 

-Yes, chuckaboo-.

-We are going to be two peas in a pod!