Forever

Family is wonderful,
But so is friendship.
Most of all, remember
The people who have your back.
They're most important of all.

As soon as the door closes behind them, Marie gets to work. First, she checks the dressing room door and locks it, because there's always the chance some squid off the street could get past the guards, or even that one of the staff would be tempted by tabloid money. Then she goes over the make-up supplies provided, because concert lights always wash her out.

"You worry too much, Mar," Callie says. She's claimed the other vanity and is lounging in the chair, sucking on a lollipop. She's already got her disguise off and is lounging in just an undershirt and leggings.

"You don't worry enough," Marie retorts, taking off her hat and mask at last. She sits on the edge of the other chair. "Someone has to."

"You're just nervous because we're opening for Chirpy Chips," Callie retorts, She swings her leg up on the vanity's table and tilts the chair back on two legs. "One or two more songs and we'll be able to do our own concerts, with our own openers."

"An entire concert of people there to watch you," Marie says, taking out the right make-up. "We only have an hour, come on."

"To watch both of us," Callie says. "Promise, Mar. You're just as popular as me."

Marie snorts. Who'd like her? Sure, she can sing as well as Callie, but she knows who has the personality in their gig. "Someday, you'll be famous without me," Marie says. "You'll be on TV, and in the movies, and I'll be a teacher somewhere."

"Sure, but we'll still do reunion concerts every summer." Callie slings an arm over her shoulder. "We're sisters forever. Want me to tie up your tentacles?"

"Sisters forever," Marie says, smiling now, and Callie claps her hands and gets to work.