HER SISTER (18+) (GXG)

Egg Nog & Sledding

"What happened to that super glue idea, Ry?" Willow questioned as Akeyla poured alcoholic egg nog into the bronze mugs for us.

The gingerbread competition was long over and now everyone seemed to be spread out as they took in the calming mountains.

Willow, Ryder, Marco, and Mya were in the kitchen with me—along with Akeyla who was preparing our drinks.

While Arielle, Damon, Frankie, and Cam were by the fire in the living room.

Meanwhile, Mili was outside with Terrance—and it was obvious that they were smoking together on the outdoor sectional with the lit fire pit in front of them.

Ryder rolled his eyes, "You said it was cheating remember?" he pointed out.

Willow only laughed as she took the bronze mug from Akeyla, "Or... you knew you'd lose either way."

Ryder narrowed his eyes at Willow, "Well, you didn't place either, so—"

"Okay! How about we head into the living room for a movie?" Mya suddenly interrupted them as her mom handed her the mug of egg nog.

I nodded a few times, "Amazing idea," I said, knowing what turn this was all about to take.

Akeyla nodded a few times, "I'll grab snacks—Mya go grab your dad and your sister," she instructed as I followed Willow and Ryder into the large living room.

And I couldn't even imagine sitting through an entire movie with Mili just a few feet away from me.

Yet, I still found myself sitting down on the U-shaped sectional couch beside Arielle—who gave me a warm smile.

Soon Mya was sitting on the other side of me with her parents on the other side of her.

"Hey, where are you going?" Mya called out as Mili walked toward the stairs.

"She has some pictures to edit," Terrance suddenly said before Mili could answer.

Akeyla shook her head, "You two are so annoying," she declared, and it was obvious that the family had formed two different alliances.

Mya clinked her mug with her moms, "Agreed," she said, easily earning laughs from Terrance—and Mili, who was going up the stairs.

And even if I wasn't completely on board with watching a movie with Mili—I also found myself slightly disappointed that she wasn't going to be staying.

Apart of me wondered if she was purposefully avoiding me, or if she genuinely had pictures to edit.

I internally scolded my thoughts, knowing that I shouldn't be thinking about her this deeply.

I've done so much work to move past everything that happened on Halloween night—I've even fallen into a friendly dynamic with Cam.

Suddenly an idea popped into my head.

Maybe that's what I need?

Maybe Mili and I just need to declare that we're cool—that we're friends.

And then there won't be any more avoidance or awkwardness.

I'm not saying we have to be best friends or anything, but maybe addressing the elephant in the room and declaring that we're cool with each other might help.

Maybe that's the last step in moving forward for good.

All I need to do is find time to pull her aside.

It might be better to talk to her one-on-one once everyone leaves on Sunday.

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