Their words always carried within them a secret tension. Casual observers listening in on an entire dialogue between the Lorrell sisters and have no idea they were in a fight. Anyone who knew Marissa and Sami well enough could hear the venomous vitriol in every word, every syllable, every sound of their conversation. Their pugilistic pleasantries made them both dread these interactions, and the formality of the wedding just made things worse.



“It’s nice to see you here so early,” Sami jabbed.



“Yes, well, I didn’t want to miss my older sister’s big day. You’ve been planning this forever,” Marissa countered as she kissed her sister on the cheek and walked past. This was the last place she wanted to be. Her big sister was getting married and there’s nothing like a wedding to remind you of your own crumbling marriage.



“I’m glad to. If I hadn’t planned so much, I would have worried it was all going to fall apart right in front of me. Where’s James?” Sami retorted as she followed Marissa in. Marissa knew that James’ absence from family gatherings had become suspicious, and that her sister had certainly been eyeing the pale skin of her empty finger since she first arrived.



“Oh, he couldn’t get the day off of work to come to a Friday afternoon wedding. He sends his love, though. Where’s Phil? I hope he hasn’t gotten cold feet,” was all Marissa could muster in response. This was more than just a ploy to get her sister nervous, though, she really did want to speak with Phil.



“No, no, he’s around somewhere mingling. You should go and grab a drink and I’m sure he’ll check in with you. I wouldn’t want you to be alone on a day like this.” Marissa sneered and walked off, finding her way to a back room where Phil was adjusting his tie.



“This is over,” she said to him. “You’re marrying my sister and this needs to end now.” She wasn’t surprised by Phil’s astonished look, but was surprised to see that he wasn’t looking at her, but rather over her shoulder at Sami who had followed her to the doorway. As her sister stormed off, Marissa wondered how she would ever make this up to her. She also wondered if Sami would ever believe the truth, that she had caught James and Phil together in her bed 3 months earlier.

Based on the first paragraph of the passage, which of the following provides the best characterization of Sami and Marissa’s relationship?