All's Fair in Love and Blackmail

by Gracie Ruth Mitchell

It means I collect editions of Pride and Prejudice. It means Elizabeth Bennet is my patronus. It means that when I start dating, I’m going to have Darcy-level high standards.

Something about the look takes her usual cuteness and adds a bit of heat. Lots of men might be attracted to the sight she presents this evening. Not me, obviously. But other men.

Here’s the thing about having sisters: there is a part of you that will always be a teenager. Because when you’re with your sisters or talking to them, they’ll always be teenagers too. That’s when the bonds of sisterhood solidify. Your youth, your childhood, your teenage years.

“Love is when you don’t try to change each other, but you both end up changing anyway, because that’s what you inspire in each other. They accept you for exactly who you are, but that acceptance makes you want to be better, and you change. You become better.”

It’s just—he’s so easy to be around. In a hectic, crazy world, he’s restful. When I’m with him, I can laugh or sit in silence or cry, and he never seems to judge me. He teases good-naturedly, but he never makes fun. He’s totally accepting, no matter what version of me he gets.

But remember this: If you’ve made him your choice while he’s only made you an option, you can probably find someone better suited to you.

I think I’d like to go through the ups and downs with her. Rough waters and still waters and rain and sun.