Chapter Twenty-One
Phoebe
OncePipercomeshomewith the craft supplies, I lock myself in my ‘not-room’ and get to work. I don’t want to talk to her right now. I love her, and I definitely owe her some one-on-one time. That’s going to have to wait another day, because right now I know she’ll just try to get me to stop being angry at Spencer, and to give him another chance.
And I’m nowhere near ready to do that.
So instead, I’ll work through the night on these epic ugly sweaters and blast my music, pointedly ignoring the whole world just for tonight. I’ve got both sweaters dyed already; gray for Spencer and green for myself. I had already planned on making this sweater for myself, but after the fight I had with Spencer, it makes the one I’m creating for him so much more fitting.
We may not win this one, but right now, I don’t care about the contest. I’m dressing for revenge tomorrow, like the stone cold bitch I know I can be.
I’ve already sewn on the sequins I needed for my sweater, making it look like some sort of technicolored snake skin. The only thing left I need for myself is my headband. I gather my supplies and make my way to the backyard. I have to spray paint all these plastic snakes I brought with me so that I can finally put my headpiece together. I’m praying that it comes out the way I’ve pictured it in my head ever since I told Piper I was coming home for Christmas.
Because it’s going to be freaking epic.
I can’t wait to see Spencer’s face when he sees his sweater tomorrow. The petty side of me hopes that he hates it as much as I hate that he won’t tell me the truth.
How hard is it for him to just admit that he wanted Piper? After spending the last couple of days together, I don’t think he wants her anymore, but I’ll never be able to be sure until he tells me that.
He’s said that he cares for me, that he wants me just as much as I want him.
Why can’t he just tell me that he doesn’t want her anymore? I know I’m being stupid, but I need to hear it from his lips. Ineedto hear that he may have liked her back then, but that he feels nothing in the romantic department towards her anymore. I can’t give him my all knowing that I’ll always have that Piper sized bird on my shoulder reminding me that I’m the backup option.
When I come inside after spray painting my snakes, I run into Phil and Piper in the kitchen.
And suddenly everything with Spencer seems silly, and stupid.
When was the last time I had both of my siblings in one room at the same time?
When was the last time we got to spend time together and it wasn’t over a group Facetime call?
Why the hell am I letting a boy ruin the little time we have together this week?
This is me, vowing to myself to be a better sister, because I have missed them both so much and I’m tired of being the moody little rain cloud that I’ve been today.
“Hey guys,” I greet them with a smile. “What are you two up to?” I lean against the marble countertop and snag the cookie that Phillip was about to eat. Smirking at him, I shoved the whole thing in my mouth.
“Well I was about to enjoy Mrs. Larson’s last pumpkin-chocolate chip cookie,” he pouts. “But, there’s this person named Phoebe who must share some DNA with the cookie monster.” He laughs loudly at his own stupid joke, which makes me and Piper both roll our eyes at each other.
Piper crosses the kitchen and wraps her arms around me, laying her head on my shoulder while we both watch Phil dig around in the gnome shaped cookie jar, which we’ve lovingly named Gnomeo. He flashes me a smug smile when he pulls out half a gingerbread man from Nana’s. The little weasel knows that those are my favorite.
“How do you guys feel about going out and doing something fun? Just us three,” I ask while trying to swipe the cookie from Phil again. He’s prepared this time though and easily dodges my attack.
He shoves the cookie into his mouth. “What did you have in mind?” He asks with his mouth full. Such a turd.
I shrug my shoulders. “I don’t know. I just came inside and realized that we haven’t done anything with just the three of us in years. I figured it might be a good night to change that.”
Piper squeezes me tighter. “I love that idea, Pheebs. How about we go to the Christmas market? None of us have gone there just for fun yet, right? And I could definitely use a cup of spiked eggnog. We can get you two some more cookies too! Oh and I need to get Mom and Dad a Christmas gift!” She yells excitedly.
Phil shrugs and heads towards the front door to grab his coat. “Why not? Let’s go!”
I’ve always loved coming to the Christmas market at night time. The lights on every little hut shine brightly, and give off that whole Whoville vibe throughout the town square. They put smaller trees throughout the market, and they are all decorated and lit up, just adding to the festive atmosphere.
“I really wish you guys could see a Christmas market in Germany. They go all out,” Piper says wistfully. “They call their marketsWeihnachtsmärkte, and they are truly something out of a fairytale. Each year they make custom mugs with the market name and year, and when you buy a mug of hot chocolate orGlühwein,you get to keep the mug. Last year me and my dorm mates went to four different markets and each one was even better than the last one.”
“What’sGlühwein?” I ask Piper.
Her eyes light up as she explains that it’s a warmed spiced wine that they sell during the holiday season in Germany, and in most other European countries. It sounds wonderful, and I could use a glass of something warm to help fight the chill in the air tonight.
