“Aha, I knew that would work!” I exclaimed, pointing a finger at her.

She was frozen for a second, then burst into laughter.

We were not in a healthy, communicative place, and we were dysfunctional AF, but we were going to move forward. I could already feel it. It was pretty messed up that we never really talked about everything we should, and no one seemed to fully understand the other’s side, but maybe we didn’t need it to be perfect for it to be good. I’d never known what “family” meant, because that word didn’t represent the same thing to me as it seemed to for others, but in that moment I finally understood that inexplicable underlying bond. That desire to move forward out of love, even when it wasn’t perfect. Even when there was still anger underneath. Anger that, I hoped, would fade in time.

TODAY

Drew CHAPTER 70 EPILOGUE

I can’t remember what life was like before Chloe. She’s been so momentous in my life that everything started over with her: the big bang. Oops. Pun not intended. Really.

After moving to Chicago, my days are now filled with laughter, love, and so many kisses I’m convinced the universe is trying to tell me sorry for what it put me through previously. When the weather cooperates, Chloe and I grab red-bean Popsicles and walk to the lake to watch the moon come up. Sometimes I bring my sketch pad. I miss Jason and Marshall, but I’m thrilled they’re officially living together without this third wheel. (And how cool is it that my old room is now an art studio for Jason?)

I’m slowly building a personal community of local artists as well as a small fan base through social media. I decided that pursuing more school wasn’t the right move for me at this time, and Chloe was wonderfully supportive and made it the small deal that it was.

As I chase my dream, I support myself by working for the corporate side of Rent for Your ’Rents. The newest offshoot, Our Two Cents on Your ’Rents, is thriving, most likely because it’s the brainchild of the most hardworking, passionate, and intelligent person I know. In addition to spearheading that, I’m also training new operatives. I tell them some rules are worth bending, especially ones that sort of rhyme (but only for the right kind of fish ball, of course).

Jordan and I are back on speaking terms, and before moving to the Midwest, I took a trip out to Berkeley to see him. It was a lot of him asking me about Chloe (and Rent for Your ’Rents), but we also had time to fill in the other blanks, reminisce, and joke about our parents in that way only siblings can. It had been so long I’d forgotten that was a thing.