Bridges We Build

Aubrey’s mom died, and Abigal’s parents divorced. In middle school, these two girls were rivals. Until they were forced to get along for their parents.

Chapter 1: Collision of Worlds
When Abigal was seven, her parents announced they were getting divorced. Abigal asked, “What is a divorce?” Her parents responded, “A divorce is when two married people just don’t love each other anymore, sweetie.” Abigal screamed, “But how can that be????? You loved them once why can’t you just keep loving them?” Her parents responded, “Sadly honey, it just doesn’t work like that.”
Abigal felt a lump in her chest as she tried to hold back her tears. Bryce was too young to understand so he sat there, unfazed. Katie could slightly understand, but not as much as Abigal. Katie was also trying to hold back her tears.
Abigal was mad. And not only that, but as a big sister to two other kids, it was her responsibility to protect them. Bryce was three when they divorced, and Katie was five. Abigal felt it was her duty to protect Bryce and Katie, but her parents were making that difficult.
Now, drama unfolded when Abigal kept fighting with this girl Aubrey in middle school. Not even the teachers could stop Abigal and Aubrey from fighting.
Aubrey had her friends: Maddie, Bailee, and Molly. Abigal had her friends: Emma, Cecilia, Peyton, and Kylie. That also meant that Emma, Cecilia, Peyton, and Kylie stood by Abigal and hated Aubrey, Maddie, Bailee, and Molly.
Therefore, the two friend groups started fighting nonstop. Aubrey’s group thought they were popular and thought getting in trouble was cool. One day, Aubrey hit Abigal HARD while Aubrey’s friend group was dying of laughter. Aubrey got suspended and Aubrey’s dad was so mad at her.
Couple weeks later, Abigal’s mom announces that she has a boyfriend she wanted Abigal, Bryce, and Katie to meet. That night, they had Abigal’s mom’s boyfriend and his kids over. Then, he knocked on the door, “knock knock.” It was Aubrey’s dad.

Chapter 2: Battle and Bridges
The next day at school lunch, Abigal sat with Emma, Cecilia, Peyton, and Kylie. Abigal ate her sandwich she packed hesitantly.
    Her friends noticed something was off so they asked her what's wrong.
Abigal said, "It is just that Aubrey's dad and my mom wants me and Aubrey to get along, but it is just so hard! I still love my dad and it's like my mom wants me to forget I have a dad that is alive. I like Aubrey's dad, but it is just too hard!"
   Emma, Cecilia, Peyton, and Kylie looked at each other and was super sympathetic towards Abigal. Aubrey's family came over multiple times over the course of the next few weeks, and the phase of Aubrey and Abigal  being silent was over.
   They soon began arguing like crazy. Both parents tried talking to both the girls individually to get them to be nice, but it never worked. 
  Dinner that night was not with Aubrey's family. She barely ate her seafood as she thought about Christmas coming up. She remembered Christmas when she was five. It was Bryce's first Christmas.
  Abigal remembers her dad in his Santa hat from the 70s and Abigal's mom laughs as Abigal and Katie rush to open presents, fighting over who gets to open them first. Abigal smiled at that memory, then suddenly felt a lump in her throat as she remembers it will never be like that again.
   That night, Aubrey was right outside Abigal's room watching TV as Abigal laid on her bed journaling. She heard muffled sounds coming from the vent. She grabbed Aubrey by the arm and pulled her into her room. Abigal said, "Listen!"
   Aubrey and Abigal crouched down by the vent and listened. They heard Abigal's mom say, "I don't know what to do. Abigal has had such a rough time since the divorce and I just think it might be too much too soon especially because of Aubrey's and Abigal's past together."
Aubrey's dad said, "I agree, but I think we should hold on and just hope Aubrey and Abigal can work it out. I also know how hard it has been for Aubrey since her mom died."
  Aubrey said, "If they break up, my dad won't be happy ever again and it'll be all my fault!" Aubrey was choking back tears as she said, "We can't let that happen."
   It was the first day of Christmas break now and the parents wanted to make the kids bond, especially Abigal and Aubrey.
   They took them to the movies. The kids all got soda and snacks and then they sat down in the theatre. The parents made Aubrey and Abigal sit next to each other.     
   Then the opportunity came for Aubrey. About half way through the movie, Aubrey "accidentally" spilled her entire soda on Abigal. Abigal screamed, "Ugh Aubrey! What the heck??"
   Then, a bunch of strangers looked back and gave Aubrey the side eye.
Aubrey laughed and said, "Look everyone! Abigal peed her pants!"
Aubrey's dad gave Aubrey a warning glance. The strangers glared at Aubrey.
    The parents looked at each other then whispered something in each other's ears that Aubrey and Abigal couldn't hear. Then, both the parents nodded and took the kids home.
   Aubrey, Rachel and their dad went to their own home and so did Bryce, Katie, Abigal, and their mom. Both the parents gave the girls almost identical speeches separately. It went like this: "Aubrey/Abigal! You should not have thrown your soda on Abigal/reacted that way in public! You embarrassed the entire family! Give me your phone you are grounded until you learn to get along with your soon step-sister!"

Chapter 3: Behind the Walls

Later that day, Bryce and Rachel are playing sports outside. Aubrey went upstairs to watch TV, and Abigal was sitting in the backyard while the December air brushed her face and the trees were losing leaves.
While Bryce and Rachel played in the front yard, Abigal overheard Bryce and Rachel talking. Rachel said, "I really miss my mom but I know no matter how much I want her to... she won't come back," her voice was now trembling.
Once Abigal heard the beginning of this conversation, she crept behind the bushes so she could hear better.
"I don't even remember her, I was only one when she died. I think if our parents get married, it will be good for me to have a mother figure in my life, that is if Aubrey and Abigal learn to get along. If not, there is no way our parents can get married and that would break my dad's heart again."
Abigal now had a lump in her chest as she sees the cheerful little girl show her true emotions. Hearing Rachel talk about it puts Abigal more in Aubrey's perspective, not only that, but she began to feel bad for Aubrey and Rachel.
Later that night, the two parents decide the kids need something else to bond over. They decided to order pizza for dinner. The parents are talking on the couch after eating, Bryce and Rachel are playing dolls in the living room, and Rachel and Aubrey are still eating across from each other, staring into each other's souls.
Abigal noticed Aubrey had barely eaten anything and was still poking at her pizza. Abigal said, "Are you ok? You have barely eaten at all today."
Aubrey snapped, "Why do you care? If you have to know, I don't like eating in front of people."
Abigal responds, "It is ok, Bryce used to have that fear all the time." Aubrey opened her mouth like she was about to say something, but changed her mind. She just looked away instead.

Chapter 4: Bridges Under the Stars
Aubrey and Abigal started arguing again about who gets the last slice of pizza, while Bryce and Rachel go outside to play with the dog.
   A few minutes later, they hear Bryce scream, "Everyone come quick!" Aubrey and Abigal both knew that meant code red. They walk out and see Bryce and Rachel running down the street, chasing  Abigal's dog, Charlie!
  Aubrey looked at Abigal weirdly out of fear for Charlie.
Abigal snaps, "Do not just stand there! Help us catch him!"
Abigal and Aubrey began racing down the street competitively. They realized that they needed to work together to find him.
   Aubrey went down the street, and Abigal went up the street. This was perfect because it didn't require the girls to work together, but they still get what they needed to accomplish, done.
   Abigal found Charlie on the curb, and Abigal and Aubrey started crying tears of joy that Charlie was okay.
Meanwhile, Charlie just sat there blank staring them. He was so confused about what was going on.
   That night, Abigal got into a fight with her mom. Abigal's mom wanted Abigal to make an effort with Aubrey, but Abigal refused. Abigal walked outside to cool off, and she found Aubrey crying by the curb looking at the stars.
  Abigal plopped down next to her.
Abigal said, "What's wrong? Christmas is in five days! Lighten up!"
Aubrey said, "I have just been thinking about my mom."
Abigal was appalled of what she had just said to Aubrey and her stomach was now in knots.
  Abigal said, "I am sorry. Tell me a little about your mom."
Aubrey said while choking back tears, "For my third birthday she gave me a stuffed animal. I have slept with it every night since that Christmas. It was with me when I found out my mom died from a car accident."
Aubrey paused, then continued, "It just reminds me of her sometimes."
Abigal replied, "I am sorry. I didn't know."
  Aubrey then asked Abigal awkwardly, "What's it like for you? You know, with um divorced parents."
Abigal responded, "I remember when I first found out about the divorce. Emma, Cecilia, Peyton, Kylie, and I were about to go to Kylie's for a sleepover."
  Abigal paused, then continued, "I went outside of my parents room because I was going to ask where my pillow was."
Abigal was choking back tears, but she kept talking, "I overheard them arguing. My mom screamed at him, 'This is over!' My dad then locked himself in the bathroom. I walked in and asked my mom what was going on."
   Abigal continued chocking back tears then continued talking, "My mom then called a family meeting with Bryce, Katie, and I. They gave us a speech about how they will always love us but they don't love each other anymore. It really hurt."
Aubrey replied sympathetically, "I am really sorry, Abigal. That must've been really hard." Aubrey then took her arm and put it around Abigal. Abigal then put her head on Aubrey's shoulder.

Chapter 5: Breaking the Ice
The girls friend groups continued to hate each other until December 22. On December 22, the parents locked the girls in a room until they talked it out.
For the first thirty minutes, Aubrey and Abigal sat across the room staring at each other. You could hear a pin drop.
Abigal then said, "Why do you have to be so rude sometimes?"
Aubrey responds, "Umm I didn't even say anything?"
Abigal said, "Not now, you idiot! You spread rumors about me, hit me, and get me and my friends in trouble. That is not enjoyable for me or my friend group."
Aubrey responded, "You haven't been perfect either."
Abigal said, "I didn't say I was?"
With that snarky comment, the girls sat in silence for minutes that turned into two hours.
Aubrey finally broke the silence by saying, "You don't understand what it's like to lose a mom!" That caught Abigal off guard.
Abigal replied, "You are right, I don't, but my family isn't perfect either."
Aubrey said, "It's just hard because I don't have anyone to talk to about... you know that stuff..." Abigal responded, "My mom will always be there for you if you want to talk about it."
Aubrey said, "I know she will be there for me but it is just not the same."
"I remember when I was four, my mom and dad took me to the zoo. My mom told me that if I ever needed someone to talk to... she would always be there. That was a promise she couldn't keep. This is part of the reason I have trust issues. Now I have to go to a grave to talk to my own mother!"
Abigal said, "I am sorry that sounds awful. I go through a lot too with divorced parents. I am always in the middle of fights between them and have to switch houses every week and it is just tough. Aubrey, I am sorry."
That shocked Aubrey. Aubrey said, "I am sorry too."
Abigal said, "Can we please have a fresh start?" Then Abigal held out her hand and said, "I am Abigal."
Aubrey responded, "I would like that." As she smiles at Abigal and says, "I am Aubrey" as she meets Abigal's hand in between the two girls. As soon as the parents heard this, they came into the room because they were obviously eavesdropping at the door, as most parents would in this situation.
Since Aubrey didn't have her phone, Bailee, Maddie, and Molly went and knocked on Abigal's door.
They said, "We hate you! Aubrey hates you too!" Abigal then called Aubrey down.
Aubrey came and said, "Bailee, Maddie, Molly, what're you doing here?"
They responded, "Aubrey! I am sorry you have to deal with this good for nothing piece of trash!" Aubrey said, "Don't call her that! We talked it out and are getting along now!"
Bailee, Maddie, and Molly looked shocked. They uttered, "But remember the previous fights?"
Aubrey said, "yes but we forgave each other and moved on! Let it go!"

Chapter 6: A Christmas to Remember
Three days later, was Christmas and Aubrey and Abigal were not together on Christmas. However, around 9:00 am, Aubrey, Rachel, and their dad showed up unexpectedly.
Abigal's mom ran to them and kissed Aubrey's dad on the cheek. Bryce ran to Rachel, Abigal ran to Aubrey to hug, and Katie just followed Bryce and Abigal and smiled. Sometimes, Katie felt left out because Bryce had Rachel and Abigal had Aubrey, but she didn't have anyone to hang out with.
Abigal's mom said, "Ahhh come in, come in! This was such a happy surprise!"
Aubrey's dad said, "Sorry for just showing up like this, but we got an eviction notice, mind if we stayed with you until we can get back up on our feet?"
Abigal's mom said, "Of course, stay as long as you need!"
Abigal and Aubrey shared a room, and so did Rachel and Bryce. Katie got her own room. In Katie's eyes, that was one perk of not having anyone her age to hang out with, she didn't have to share a room.
That Christmas, they all opened presents.
Bryce gave Rachel a shirt that said, "Merry Christmas to my nonbiological sister."
This made everyone laugh. Because Abigal's family wasn't expecting to have Aubrey's family over for Christmas, Aubrey and Rachel didn't get as many presents as the rest of them. Abigal felt bad, so she gave Aubrey a swimsuit she had wanted really badly.
Aubrey smiled slyly and said, "Abigal, are you sure?"
Abigal said, "Yes I am sure, you are my sister now."
Aubrey had been wanting to hear those words for so long. She hugged Abigal for five minutes.
Finally, Bryce said, "Could we maybe wrap this up? I am hungry and if I don't eat soon, I will get very hangry!"
Abigal and Aubrey wiped the tears from their faces and laughed. After that, they ate a delicious breakfast filled with yummy food, laughter, and happiness. For breakfast, they had cinnamon rolls and a casserole. Laughter and happiness filled the air for the family. They played games after breakfast and were just thankful to be together. Rachel mentioned the eviction notice. Aubrey got embarrassed and stormed upstairs. Abigal finds her sulking into a pillow. She said, "I promise not to tell anyone about the notice." Then they came downstairs again. Then, the unexpected happened.
Aubrey and Rachel's dad got down on one knee and said, "Tracey, I love you. Now that Aubrey and Abigal are friends and Bryce and Rachel are friends, will you marry me?"
Tracey said, "Of course! I love you too!"
The couple got married that summer and Tracey, Aaron (Aubrey and Rachel's dad), Aubrey, Bryce, Katie, Abigal, and Rachel all became one happy family and lived happily ever after... for many more holidays to come!

Author's Note

Is this cringey? Be honest lol