The sun filtered through the windows and I rolled over hoping to just spend more time beneath the blankets smelling familiar scents that carried memories of aftershave and lotion. Wherever I ended up, I wondered if it were possible to replicate a smell. It should be. Maybe that's what I'd do in my lifetime. Make a library of smells that took you home or to times you never wanted to part from.

The phone rang in the hallway and Buster leapt from the bed excited that something was about to get us just a few steps closer to the door or the kitchen. I bolted behind him, my pulse matching his tail hoping it wasn't bad news about the baby, or Kyle's dad trying to capture a meeting.

It was Agnes, already full of more energy than I'd have by the end of lunch. Morning people always surprised me with their sun driven energy. And they drove my mother crazy. She liked to 'dip her toes into the day'. Slowly wading into tasks and appointments usually blaming me for our late arrivals. She was the opposite of my father. He looked ready for bed just when she was gearing up for her favorite time of the day, evening. Maybe it was because that's when he got home, or maybe she was just that kind of person.

"I'm checking on your status. You don't have Facebook so I had to call in real life and see if it would still say single or in a relationship!"

I laughed loudly causing Buster to circle my feet thumping his tail against the table.

"Very much still single. Although if there is a box for potential, I'd check that."

"Tell me all about it over breakfast. I can pick you up."

If I were a betting woman I'd say a breakfast date had nothing to do with my relationship status. But I was just as eager to hear what she had to say as she was to get me talking.

"I can be ready in an hour. Is that good?"

"Sure, sure. Finish up there. I'll see you then."

Before I could make sure she knew Kyle wasn't anywhere in the area and definitely hadn't stayed the night, the line went dead. Agnes is a quick talker but even more skilled at cutting off the conversation when she feels it ends. No lingering awkward silences for her.

Buster was fed and put out and I had a quick cup of coffee before changing into some comfortable clothes. Agnes may have planned the breakfast, but I was squeezing a driving lesson out of it. No time like today to get myself ready for being alone. No, not alone. I'd be raising my sister. Doctor appointments, shots, diaper runs, I'd need to be skilled at driving for both our sakes.

Buster lay on the mat at the front door looking like I was about to give him to the home for wayward dogs. Being home bound most of my life, I hadn't really left him for any long periods before. Now two of his humans were gone, and the constant companion was on the move. The poor dog didn't know what was going on. I snatched his work vest and clipped the leash. His posture immediately changed from droopy sad dog to proud protector. Even his tail stood erect and business like. I scratched his ears as the blare of a horn pierced the morning quiet.

"That's our taxi. Let's go bud."

Sitting at the back corner table of the diner waiting for our super saver early bird specials, Agnes gave me the stern 'start talking' look.

Purposefully I took my time sipping hot tea and letting her squirm.

"Well" she finally spurted. "Spill it, was it everything you hoped?"

"It was, and then some".

I went through the entire date reliving the moments watching her face soften and her eyes get large. When I got to the dance she actually used a napkin to blot her eye.

"Sounds like he's quite a catch. You taking him with you?"

I froze. Scenarios flew through my mind. Was it possible she knew what was going on and if so, why hadn't she warned me? Would she expect to be invited? As fantastic as it would be to have someone around who loved me, and knew babies, I couldn't imagine her uprooted and starting over.

Eventually I knew I'd have to tell her anyway. I was planning on a lovely letter delivered via Val, but this was almost better. I'd get to say how much it meant to me to have her there for me after the accident. And how much I hoped I'd be back, raising a baby and having a family.

" I haven't decided. Probably not though. To be honest, he deserves a life. And his family makes things.....a little complicated."

Agnes nodded as the waitress brought out plates. She salted her eggs and hash browns before even tasting them and picked up her fork.

"Have you seen her?" She asked.

"No. Did dad tell you?" I whispered despite the fact that we were the only occupied table in the section.

"He-- alluded. But told me what I needed to know in case things went badly. And gave me papers for your mother, just in case things didn't work out. Now I suppose they'll go to you. Can't say I'm happy about any of this. Even leaving my beliefs in playing God out of it, my brother made a heap of trouble with his decisions. And I was really hoping it wouldn't take away your chance at having a normal life. Seems almost criminal."

I was surprised at her anger. I was so preoccupied with how it affected me I didn't think of its effect on Agnes.

"Who can say it wasn't the whole reason I'm here. And a sister is a much better gift than a few years of growing up healthy Agnes. She's part of us."

I added the us, which made her eyebrows curl upward. Hopefully it would add some perspective. This was her family too.
I didn't really want to imagine how people would react to a clone in religious circles. I imagined pitchforks and torches lined up on the doorstep. I struggled to find anything positive to say but she beat me to it.

"Doesn't matter much now. It's done and she's family. I get that. But you best be careful. Those folks aren't playing around Cassie, they mean business. If you're taking this on, be smart, and safe."

She handed me the envelope. My fathers writing swirled across the front. My hand trembled as I took it and placed it in my purse. Finally, I'd know his plan. Or at the very least, his wishes.

Agnes chewed slowly, her shoulders slumped from the one experience I knew as well as anyone, sadness.

"You want to do something for me? Teach me to drive."

Finally her shoulders straightened and a mischievous grin took over. She lifted her hand in the air.

"Check!"

####################
I don't blame Agnes for being a little bitter. I am surprised she didn't say anything to Cassie. Maybe she was hoping the whole thing would just be over with a single traffic accident. But I'm with Cassie. Some things are worth taking risks for.

Coming up: driving, gal talk, and Cassie's dad has his say.