I could go on and on about the rivalry with my brother, like how he used to shove me into a footstool when I was five or six, then sit on the lid until I almost passed out from lack of oxygen (which may account for my claustrophobia). But, I think I'll stick with the rivalry with Cynthia's brother and sister.

As you probably know, Cynthia and I are best friends, and have been since day-one. Her sister is seventeen - five years older, so we always make it a point to stay out of her way. As far back as I can remember, we never caused her one minute's trouble! So, why does she consider us more annoying than the red clay she scrapes off her shoes at the front door? What'd we ever do to her?

Just because we occasionally play records (full blast) while she's practicing her precious piano. Or, maybe, once or twice lose phone messages from her precious Rodney (ICK!).

Her brother's job is to pester us at every opportunity. I'll never forget spending one cold winter night at Cynthia's house. She had an electric blanket that I thought was pretty cool. Okay...maybe it was hot. Whatever. Anyway, before we went to sleep, her brother opened the door and whispered, "Gus. Be sure you don't move a muscle during the night or that blanket will catch on fire." I don't think I closed my eyes all night.

No matter how hard we try, we can't seem to get back at him. Any suggestions?

Your friend, Gus

(also known as Mary Cunningham)

For a limited time: Buy Ghost Light eBook from Echelon Press and a FREE copy of The Missing Locket, Book One in the Cynthia's Attic Fantasy Adventure series, will be included with your download. (both stories are in the Ghost Light file.)

Mary Cunningham Books

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Discover the Magic in Cynthia's Attic ('tween time-travel series)

An Inspirational Rivalry

As an only child, I don't have any experience in the area of sibling rivalry. I've seen it a lot, though, in the lives of friends and acquaintances, but it never seems to accomplish anything positive; rather, it breeds a quiet, malignant resentment.

There is one example of sibling rivalry that even those of us who don't have siblings can learn from, though...the famous tennis-playing sisters, Serena and Venus Williams. Both are considered top contenders in their sport, and are pitted against each other in nearly every major tennis competition. But rather than succumb to the out-and-out hostility that often plagues sports rivals, they seem to inspire one another to do better. They remain close off the court, and I've seen several pictures of them standing side by side holding trophies. One sister, of course, is holding the lower-ranked trophy, but there's no difference in the wattage of their smiles.

I think we can all learn from the Williams sisters, whether our rivals are family members, friends, or complete strangers. They don't allow jealousy to color their view; they simply hit harder, run faster, push farther, and at the end of the day, no matter who wins, they go home sisters.

Jacquelyn Sylvan is the author of Surviving Serendipity. Check it out at Amazon.com!