Chapter 10

Gabe: Merry Christmas. :Present: emoji

Ameline: (stretches, yawns, and clears eyes) Merry Christmas. Isn't it a little too early?

Gabe: Tell that to my siblings who've been awake since the crack of dawn. They take the opening of the presents pretty seriously.

Ameline: I can't even remember the last time we woke up early on Christmas Day. Seems like the youngest usually gets forgotten or gets the shittiest leftovers.

Gabe: Doubtful. Coda, the youngest, is the most spoiled kid. I think it's because there are no more little children in the family. But even if he wasn't around, I would still pretend there's a Santa. My grandparents are the best at making Christmas magical.

Ameline: Your family sounds incredible.

Gabe: They're pretty cool, even when they seem a little overbearing.

Gabe: What are you doing today?

Ameline: We have brunch at eleven with my grandparents, followed by dinner at Helen's parents. Cedric tried to get away by saying Jamie invited him to spend the day with her family, but Dad didn't allow it. Dear stepmom of hell wants to pretend that we're a happy family.

Gabe: I take it Isadora is in town.

Ameline: Yep, she arrived last night, and even though she was trying to leave tomorrow, Dad won't let her. Helen is organizing a big New Year's Eve party, and they have to be there.

Gabe: They, not you?

Ameline: Not me. I'm "underage" and she doesn't have time to babysit me. I'm to stay in my room or the media room for the night.

Gabe: Can you go to a friend's house?

Ameline: I already tried that, but she said I need supervision.

Gabe: I swear my six-year-old brother has more independence than you.

Ameline: Right? I don't know what her deal is, but I'm heading to college and there's not much she can do once I'm there.

Gabe: Do you think they'll let you choose your college?

Ameline: I hope so. Thankfully, Bainbridge Island is far enough that they won't demand I commute every day. Is it wrong to hope that they divorce now?

Gabe: It's understandable; she's not a nice person—I have a better choice of words but I'd rather skip them since it's Christmas and all that.

Ameline: My therapist thinks I need to talk to Dad, but I really don't see the point.

Ameline: I mean, what's there to say? ‘Your wife seems evil and is enjoying making my life miserable. Is there a way that you can upgrade her for a new model ASAP?'

Gabe: :laughing: emoji

Ameline: Don't laugh.

Gabe: You make her sound like a car.

Ameline: Or a television . . . either way, I would like her to be gone. Christmases have never been super cozy but this one already feels too fake and painful.

Gabe: I wish I could invite you to spend it with us.

Ameline: Thank you. It's the thought that counts.

Gabe: Hey, it's time to move to my grandparents' house and they don't allow electronics. Try to enjoy your day.

Ameline: Happy Christmas, Gabe. X