Attention What If

Chapter 13

POV: Skylar

Have you ever wondered why people dedicate a whole day to giving thanks? Like, shouldn't we be thankful all the time? I've always wondered what the real point of thanksgiving is. Is it a corporate scheme to make us spend more money? Is it an excuse to see family you haven't seen in a long time? Is it really about giving thanks?

Maybe it's a mixture of all of the above.

"Mom! Skylar isn't helping set the table!" Oli shouted.

"Am too!"

"Are not!"

"Shut up you brat."

"Troll."

"Gremlin."

"Witch."

"Enough! Skylar, help your sister set the table."

"Ugh! Fine." I get up from the couch and walk over to help.

Oli sticks her tongue out at me.

I glare at her.

Some things never do change.

It's kind of weird seeing my once-baby sister all grown up. Now that she's older, we look a lot more similar than I realized. Puberty really did a number on her. I can't believe she's going to be graduating high school this year.

Mostly because she skipped a grade but still impressive.

"What?" She asks when I've been staring too long.

"Nothing," I go back to setting the table.

"Hey," she says.

I look up at her.

"I missed you too." She smiles.

"Please," I scoff. "I did not miss you."

"Oh yeah?"

She chases me around the table to try and tickle me. Dukin gets all excited from where he lay on the floor and starts chasing me too. They tackle me to the ground and the dog happily licks my face as I fight off my sister in a fit of laughter.

My mom clearing her throat causes us to break apart.

"Not that this isn't nice, but everyone is going to be here soon. Finish setting up please." She says.

"Fine," Oli and I say in unison.

I wash my face and resume setting up.

A knock at the door draws our attention.

"I got it!" I call as my mom checks on the turkey.

I open the door to Jade holding up some side dishes.

"My aunt is making me move the food over. I still don't see why Kenzie can't do it." Jade sighs.

"I can help." I offer.

"Thanks." She smiles.

So she sets the food down on the table and I walk across the street to help her get the rest.

"Well if it isn't my favorite love birds," Jade's dad pats us on the shoulder.

I shoot Jade a look and she gives out a nervous laugh.

I can't believe she hasn't told them. But then again to be fair, I haven't told my family either.

We grab the food and quickly walk outside.

"Jade!" I say once we are alone.

"I know, I know, but I've just been so busy and too depressed to tell them. Have you told yours?"