THE FLEMING SISTERS

The Fleming Sisters

Jessica (Age 40)

Katie (Age 36)

Miranda (Age 34)

Patricia (Age 33)

Marielle (Age 26)

Jennifer (Age 24)

Shannon (Age 21)

Drexel, PA

The Mares of Drexel

Can you imagine growing up as one of SEVEN sisters?! Well for Jessica, Katie, Miranda, Patricia, Marielle, Jennifer and Shannon this was the case. Their mother says that during each pregnancy she never wanted to know the sex but was surprised to learn, "it's another girl." What are the chances? Growing up in a house with seven girls had its ups and downs; many arguments and fights but also unconditional love. 

The sisters grew up under one roof with their mom and dad, who eventually divorced. This was hard on the girls especially since it stemmed from infidelity on their father's part. Patricia says that this really hurt the family and caused their relationship with their father to weaken. The sisters knew the woman dad had an affair with, and she was pregnant at the same time that the Fleming mother was pregnant with Marielle. The rumor is that the woman dad had an affair with gave birth to a girl that the sisters are all aware of to this day, but neither dad nor the mistress have come-clean that the Fleming father is the biological dad. The girls think that they might have a half-sister from dad’s infidelity. Patricia is especially interested in getting to the root of this.

Their mom has since remarried a man named Jerry. Jerry definitely has a different opinion of each sister but he and Jenny butt heads the most. They both think they are right and both need to always have the last word.  

The sisters all share a group chat and they’re in constant communication with one another. Miranda and Patricia are constantly facetiming one another, and Patricia baby sits her sister’s children. The sisters meet every Sunday at mom’s house for food and drinks. They often finish each other’s sentences over finishing a bottle of Sauvignon Blanc. Shannon and Jennifer live together and think nothing of walking around in the nude around one another trying on each other’s clothing. They used to all live together, so why not just keep living together?  Interestingly enough, because the older sisters grew up together, they have a bond that’s close and different than their younger sisters. It’s almost as though there are two generations but within the same group of siblings. The older were used to mothering and caring for their younger sisters, so the dynamic is completely different than with sister’s who are similar ages.

Having this many siblings the drama is inevitable, especially with all girls. Everyone agrees that Jenny is the main drama starter and does it because she loves the attention. Patty says that her mom likes to stir the pot too, often adding more drama to the situations.  

Over the years the sisters have gone from having a super close bond to flare ups of dramatic affairs causing them to dismantle. The sisters will often get along with certain sisters at certain times, but it is rare that they are ALL getting along at the same time. They are however looking to re-establish that bond because the love they have for each other is truly special. No matter what's going on, if there is a sister in need- they are there for each other. Jessica, being the oldest, used to take on the maternal role but now that she is married, has children and is a registered nurse- she doesn't have time to referee her sisters like she used to. Patricia adds that Jessica is under extra stress because her husband, “needs to step up and do better for his family.” 

Second to the oldest, Katie is the only sister that stays out of the drama! Katie was born with cerebral palsy and has some learning disabilities, however she is high functioning and has held a job at the local store, for almost 20 years. She is the sweetest and most loved according to the sisters. She is also pretty famous in her neighborhood. Everybody loves Katie!

Patricia often acts as a mediator between the sisters. Making sure they drop the crap and get back to loving one another. Patricia and Miranda have a very close relationship as they are only 18 months apart. Miranda is a stay at home mom during the day and bartender at night. Her husband Dan works long hours and is on call on the weekends, so she always has her hands full! Dan is very opinionated and doesn't bite his tongue when it comes to his thoughts about the sisters and says that they are all a “hot mess!” 

Marielle is a bit of an outcast by choice. She moved out of her mother’s house about a year and a half ago and hadn’t spoken to anyone besides Jenny until recently when Patricia extended an olive branch. Marielle has since moved in with Patty. Patty is doing what she can to help mend Marielle’s relationship with the rest of the girls. Jenny is said to be a different kind of crazy. She has a good heart and means well, but she is also needy and craves attention and validation at all times in all situations. She may not give this off immediately but as time goes on you will see her true colors start to spill out. She is a single mom and her ex is in and out of her life.

Shannon is the baby of the family. She’s the sweetheart but she’s also the spoiled one. She’s a fashionista and loves to look flawless at all times. Her relationship with Patty was a little rocky for a while after Patty moved back home following a breakup. At that time there was a full house; the mom, step dad, Katie, Marielle, Jenny, her three-year-old son, Shannon and Patty. Since Patty moved out things have gotten better but it's still a little chaotic at mom's house. Shannon is working as a medical receptionist and living her best life as a 22-year-old. She goes down the shore almost every weekend and is considering going back to school... eventually.

Overall these seven sassy sisters are a roller coaster of emotions with constant ups and downs. They all agree that they need to find a way to properly communicate with each other and they are looking to put their arguments and challenges behind in order to create a mature, unbreakable bond.