The Decuplets

Ice Skating With A Side of I Like Your Brother

Ella

A tradition among my extended family has always been to go ice skating at Rockefeller since all of us live somewhere in the Northeast. But since my uncle went to jail, it just hasn't been the same, so we stopped ice skating all together.

This year I decided that it would be a lot of fun if Scarlett, me, and her brothers went to Rockefeller. I booked time slots for the eleven of us before I even asked because I was so excited. I think ice skating is the best thing ever, and I don't even like the cold. Something about it just reminds me of being little during Christmastime.

"Guys," I said at the breakfast table, "I have the best idea."

"Lay it on us," Max replied.

"Ice skating at Rockefeller. Um, tomorrow."

Brandon scoffed. "You can't get tickets for tomorrow. They're always booked."

"Don't worry about that part," I said coolly.

"I am so down," Max exclaimed. "I'm the best skater. Just wait."

-

Scarlett

Turns out Max was the best skater. He told us he took a couple lessons and proceeded to do insane tricks, spins, twirls, you name it.

He shrugged at Brandon. "So much for having no hobbies." The tension rose briefly, having been reminded of the terrible Thanksgiving, but Max just laughed it off. "Everyone relax," he grinned.

After about 15 minutes on the ice, a few of us got tired and cold, so Corey, Liam, Reece, and I went off to get some hot chocolate. Just off the ice was a cute drinks stand with red tables surrounding it.

We sat at one table silently for a while, each with slightly burnt tongues as we bitterly waited for the drink to cool down.

"Lets gossip," Corey said. "What's the scoop, girls?"

Reece laughed, then asked, "What's going on with Clay and Ava?"

"Dude, if I knew. Clay would hook up with a rock."

The boys hadn't fully come to their senses about these girls yet, but we hadn't had any altercations of that sort again. Naturally, I was invested. "They're hooking up?"

"Ava wants him, like, so bad," Corey informed.

"And how does he feel about her?"

"Well, she's pretty hot so I think he's pretty happy about it. I can't imagine it won't happen if they are both down," Liam answered. It won't happen under my watch, that's for sure.

"This is the girl who called Ella and I jealous losers with all of us as witnesses, and you guys still think she's some angel." I was met with silence. Too far.

Liam coughed and tried to switch the subject. "Have you asked Ella what happened between her and Zach in the Hamptons?"

I took a gulp of hot chocolate. "She told me, but she said it with zero emotion. It's like she's still too embarrassed to admit to me she likes my brother! We haven't had an open conversation about it still."

"Still?" Corey gasped. "But, tell us, what happened?"

"I can't tell you! Ask Zach. It's not my story to tell."

"Well, they look pretty cozy right now," Liam said, nodding up at the two lovebirds on the rink. Zach held Ella's hand up so she could do a spin, and then they laughed and kept skating, hand in hand.

"It's killing me," Corey said. "I need them to just fuck already. This is moving so slow."

I nodded. Good to know the entire family felt the same way. "I was going to say kiss. I mean look at them, they're so innocent and cutesy!"

"They're so middle school," Reece deadpanned.

"Okay and? They're cute," I said. I could not believe I was defending them right now. I realized I don't only support them being together, but have become totally obsessed. Like, squeal every time they make eye contact obsessed! "I really like them together."

"We all thought you'd hate this development," Liam said.

"Me too," I agreed. "It was weird at first, but now I really see it. I might be even happier about it than they are."

From then on, I knew I'd be Ella's biggest supporter when it came her relationship with Zach, even if she didn't want to talk about it yet.

On the train ride home, I decided to sit a couple rows behind the boys with her. "You and Zach are totally adorable."

"What?" She looked shocked.

"I want you to know that you can tell me about you guys and that I'll be equally excited about it all." I paused. "I just want you to be happy, El."

She gave me a hug. "Thanks, Scar. I'm so relieved I can finally talk about this with you."

"Finally? How long have you liked him for?"

"Um...about six."

"Months?"

"Years."

Holy shit. I could not believe my ears. I have been insanely blind for SIX years? It's just embarrassing at this point.

"Oh my God, El. That just made me ten times more excited."

She gave me a wide smile. "I'm so glad we had this conversation."