"Good morning, girls!" the flight attendant said brightly, her voice full of energy as she walked down the aisle. We were the only passengers on the plane, and her cheery demeanor seemed tailored just for us.

"Welcome aboard this flight to Minneapolis, Minnesota, Canada. My name is Miss Graham, and I'll be your in-flight attendant. If you need anything, let me know. And please take a moment to watch this short safety video before we take off."

The screen in front of each seat lit up with the standard safety instructions. While the younger girls sat wide-eyed and attentive, Bloom and I exchanged amused glances. It was hard to stay focused on the video when our minds were filled with thoughts of going home.

The flight was uneventful. After watching "Sparkleberry Adventures: The Quest for the Rainbow Crown" for what must have been the umteenth time, most of us drifted off to sleep during the fifteen-hour journey. When we woke, the pilot announced we were preparing to land. I looked out the window and saw the familiar sight of the Mall of America in the distance.

When we stepped off the plane, I spotted Mom immediately. I ran to her, practically leaping into her arms.

"Mommy!" I squealed. "I missed you so much!"

Mom hugged me tightly, her warm smile reassuring me that everything was going to be okay. Nearby, Bloom was talking to her mother, Claire. But instead of joy, their conversation seemed serious. Bloom looked upset, tears pooling in her eyes.

"What's wrong?" I asked, walking over.

Bloom hesitated before glancing at her mother. Claire took a deep breath and smiled. "We have some big news," she began.

"What?" she asked.

Mom looked at her and smiled warmly. "Your mom and I have been spending a lot of time together while you were away. We realized... we care about each other, a lot. We've decided to get married."

I froze, my mind racing. Bloom and I exchanged a look, her cheeks turning pink. Our moms getting married meant we'd become stepsisters. But... we were girlfriends.

The ride home was a mix of excitement and awkward silence. The other girls were thrilled about the idea of having a stable home, but I couldn't stop thinking about what this meant for Bloom and me.

When we arrived, Jessica greeted us at the door, wide-eyed at the sight of so many children. "Where are they all going to sleep?" she asked.

"We've set up the basement," Mom said, leading us downstairs. The space was transformed into a cozy dormitory, with built-in bunk beds lining the walls and colorful blankets neatly folded at the foot of each bed. The other girls squealed with excitement, quickly claiming their spots.

Bloom and I hung back, watching the chaos. My heart felt heavy. I loved Bloom, but how could we stay together now that our moms were planning to get married?

"Jamie," Bloom whispered, pulling me aside. "What are we going to do?"

I bit my lip, unsure how to answer. "I don't know," I admitted. "But I don't want to lose you."

Later that night, after everyone had settled in, Mom and Claire called Bloom and me into the living room. They sat us down on the couch, their expressions serious but kind.

"We wanted to talk to you two about this transition," Mom began. "We know it's a lot to take in, especially for you, Jamie, and you, Bloom."

Claire nodded. "We understand that you two are very close. And we don't want our decision to affect your relationship in a negative way."

Bloom and I exchanged nervous glances. "What do you mean?" I asked cautiously.

Claire smiled gently. "We know you two are more than just friends. And we're not here to judge or interfere. We only want to make sure you're both happy and comfortable."

Relief flooded over me, but it was mixed with uncertainty. "So... you're okay with us?"

"As long as you both respect each other and yourselves, yes," Mom said firmly. "But things might be different now, and that's something we all need to navigate together."

The following days were a whirlwind of adjustment. Bloom and her mom officially moved in, and the house felt fuller than ever. While the other girls bonded over shared experiences, Bloom and I found moments to steal away together.

One evening, we sat on the back porch, watching the sun set over the neighborhood.

"It's weird, isn't it?" Bloom said, leaning her head on my shoulder. "Us living together."

"Yeah," I admitted. "But I'm glad you're here. I don't think I could handle you moving away."

She smiled softly. "Me neither. We'll figure this out, Jamie. Together."
Chapter Twenty-One: Home Sweet Home

I nodded, squeezing her hand. "Together."

As much as Bloom and I tried to keep things normal, being under the same roof made our relationship... complicated. Jessica noticed immediately.

"You two are acting weird," she said one morning over breakfast. "What's going on?"

"Nothing!" Bloom and I said in unison, our faces turning bright red.

Jessica smirked. "Uh-huh. Sure."

Meanwhile, the other girls began to look up to Bloom and me as role models, which made sneaking off for private moments nearly impossible. But we managed, whispering secrets late at night and holding hands when no one was watching.

Despite the challenges, there was one thing I knew for sure: I couldn't imagine my life without Bloom. Whether we were stepsisters, girlfriends, or both, she was my everything.

Our lives had taken a strange turn, but in a way, it felt like everything was falling into place. As the days passed, I realized that love—whether between family, friends, or something more—was what mattered most. And with Bloom by my side, I knew we could face anything.