A Star is Born

"Okay, say something...please?"

Judah sighed and finally broke the silence that had followed them all the way home. They hadn't even gotten out of the car. They'd literally been sitting there for 15 minutes in silence.

"I... I... I just ... I don't know what to say," he said finally.

Shiloh looked away sadly. "So you're never gonna forgive me, are you?"

She turned towards him in a sudden motion, startling Judah.

"Look, I'm sorry I put you on the spot, but I really, REALLY am happy this all worked out. I mean, it was a great opportunity! He had already paid me more than he should for defending his daughter, and he kept telling me he didn't know how to repay me and if I ever thought of anything to tell him, and I knew if he heard you he'd pick you only if you're good, which you are, so..."

"Shiloh, Shiloh, Shiloh!" She stopped talking. "I'm not mad... I'm not sure how I feel... yet... but I'm not mad, ok?"

Shiloh nodded and visibly relaxed as though she'd been holding her breath.

"You know all I've ever wanted is the best for you, right?"

Judah smiled. "I know. And thanks, but um... a heads up would have been nice though."

Shiloh snorted. "Yeah, right. So you could bail?"

Judah laughed. "I would have bailed, wouldn't I?"

"Just say 'Thanks, Shy. You're awesome. I don't know what I'd do without you.'"

Judah rolled his eyes smiling.

I really don't know what I'd do without you. He thought to himself.

"In your dreams," he said aloud.

Shiloh giggled. "Let's go in and celebrate the upcoming star, Judah Prince!"

Judah shook his head slowly, and followed his giggling sister into the house. She turned suddenly at the door, nearly running into Judah.

"You forget your sanity in the car?"

"Very funny, Judah. But guess what just what just went through my head?"

"Do I really wanna know?"

She gave him a pointed look. "Ya know? The sad part is that you think you're actually funny."

Judah smiled as she turned to go inside. "You forgot already what you were gonna say, didn't you?"

She shrugged. "I guess we'll never know now, will we, Mr. Judah Prince?"

"Yeah, that's my name. Don't wear it out."

Shiloh laughed and tossed her keys on the countertop. She swung around theatrically and said with a showman's voice, "Ladies and Gents! A star is born today!"

She then continued to giggle uncontrollably.

Judah turned to go up to his room. "How am I related to you? Go sleep off whatever it is you're on, and I'm gonna pray it's not contagious!"

Shiloh chuckled. "I love you too, Lil Brother."