Sibling Rivalry

Sibling rivalry can last longer than simply throughout one's childhood. For Mindy and Sandi Cooper, sibling rivalry has become a way of life. Now that Sandi has landed a job on the same newspaper where Mindy works, it's a sure bet that their sibling rivalry won't be going anywhere soon...

"I can't believe you're working here," Mindy said. "Don't you have a job or a life to go back to?"

Sandi stopped setting up her desk and smiled sweetly at her sister. "Not really. My last job didn't work out and I was tired of living out west anyway. It's so much nicer here in Schuyler Square. I'm happy you found it for us, Mindy."

"Well, what about Mom? Don't you want to join her on the road?"

"Are you kidding me? Do I look like a Donny and Marie fan?"

"Mom might get lonely," Mindy said.

"Then you go and join her. I'm going to stay right here and learn the newspaper business."

"But why? You've never been interested in working on a paper and I can't ever recall you writing anything ever. Why do you want to work here?"

"Because it seems easy and it seems like fun. What I really want to be is an advice columnist. I give great advice. Speaking of which, I have a little advice for you, Sis."

Mindy's head was spinning. "What would that be?"

"Cut your ties with Bernard. Find a new man and start a new life."

"And would that advice be given so that you can start dating my ex-fiance?"

"Well, it would be less awkward but I'm currently seeing a gorgeous police officer so I'm not really interested in dating Bernard. Yet."

"Sandi!" The editor of the paper joined them. Ed Fields barked,"Go and interview the high school principal. She's just been charged with doctoring the test results the students took last spring. The state's going to come down hard on her so get over there right now."

"Don't you want me to take that story, Ed?" Mindy asked. "Sandi's never done an interview before."

"Well, she's going to learn how today," Ed replied. "I want you to finish writing your grand expose on Kutrate Kemicals. I've only been waiting for it for about nine months!" Ed turned and stomped back into his office.

"What a grouch," Sandi observed. "OK, so what do I do first?"

It was Mindy's turn to smile sweetly. "Get a notepad or a tape recorder, come up with some questions and get your butt over to the high school. Welcome to the wonderful world of journalism."

Sandi thought for a moment. "When's payday?" she asked.