Standing in front of the dress store mirror, two teenage girls give each other looks of approval as they consider coordinating styles and colors for their prom dates. Each other.

“I don’t want to be attached to a guy the whole night,” Ashley said. “I’d rather be with my best friend.”

Senior Ashley Castro-Houghton and junior Melissa Castro-Houghton, sisters who are two years apart, plan to attend prom together next month.

“I feel like we’re the only two people that can stand each other for long periods of time,” Melissa said.

Ashley said the “annoying little sister” stereotype is the complete opposite of Melissa.

“I steal clothes from her and she keeps me in line,” Ashley said.

Although the girls are close now, they had a three-year period where they separated.

“It was mostly due to me wanting to be my own person,” Melissa said.

Ashley said that moving to this area four years ago made them closer.

“We realized we didn’t have our friends anymore but we will always have each other,” Ashley said.

Family always come first, Melissa said.

“Some friends are good and some are bad, but I don’t think your family would ever do anything to harm you,” she said.

Drill Team Coach Kelly Gray witnesses their close relationship on a daily basis.

“They’re like best friends and they’re really supportive of each other,” she said.

Even after Ashley graduates this year, Gray still believes the girls will maintain their bond.

“Their relationship will always be strong and I don’t think they could go a day without talking to each other,” she said.

Ashley will be attending Tyler Junior College after graduation.

“During Melissa’s senior year, I’ll be two hours away,” Ashley said.

Even though Ashley is graduating, she said she would always support her sister.

“The friends you make in high school aren’t going to matter,” Ashley said. “Some will stay, but it’s your family that’s forever.”