Valleri leaned over and kissed her sister on the forehead. "Yes, sweetie. It should have been fun-- it should've been something you chose to do because you felt like it. And as far as making you cool, believe me, that's the last thing you should be thinking about. People will think you're way cooler for just doing what you want to do, no regrets and no giving a shit about other people's opinions."

She met Alicia's eyes with a determined look. "So what can I do for you, Al? What can big sis do to help you, or make you feel better?"