What We Lost In The Winter

Chapter 24

Two weeks later, I'm sitting at the kitchen table, complexed by algebra problems that should probably be incredibly easy but aren't. Lily works on some simple grammar sheet and Alaina is hidden behind a book. All three Kingser girls sitting at a table together. So exciting. The doorbell rings and Mom comes out of her bedroom wearing a nice and flowy green shirt with black jeans. It's the pizza man. I suddenly remember what's happening tonight; Mom and Dad are having Date Night! In other words, Lily and I get to crash on the couch and watch television the entire night and eat pizza. So yeah, I like it when my parents have a night out. This excitement motivates me to finish my homework within five minutes.

"Okay, girls," Dad says as he and Mom get ready to leave. The cheese pizza sits on the counter, it's incredibly warm smell radiating out of the cardboard box. I can almost taste the cheesy goodness melting in my mouth. I'm going to be honest— I love pizza. "No staying up past 10 o'clock. Your mom and I will be home by 11. Lily needs to shower tonight. Oh, and Lily's allergy pills are in the cabinet. She needs to take two of them. If you need anything call us."

"Bye girls!" Mom shouts and hugs me and Lily.

"Bye Mommy! Bye Daddy!" my little sister smiles.

"Have fun! You don't need to worry, we'll be good," I assure my parents.

"Yeah! We'll be outstanding!" Lily joins in. Mom and Dad shut the door behind them and the night has begun.

"C'mon, guys. Let's start eating," I suggest. I carefully open the box and stare at the greasy delicacy below. Lily pulls out the plates and cuts out a slice of pizza for herself. I get one for me and we race to the family room. Alaina follows behind and sits down on the couch next to me. The youngest of our sister trio sits on the floor.

"What should we watch?" Lily asks as she holds the remote in her hand.

"I don't know," I shrug.

"Pitch Perfect," she declares.

"Alaina, are you good with that?" I want to make sure all of us are okay with watching this movie. Secretly, I'm hoping Alaina says no, but I highly doubt it.

"Yeah. That's fine," she says quickly. All her words have little staccatos at the top. I sigh, I've seen this movie a million times, but turn it on anyways. It's what Lily wants, and I'm okay with that. As the movie starts, we begin our meal. I sink my teeth into the greasiness that bursts like fireworks in my mouth. It's a good pizza. About thirty minutes in, Alaina stands up to bring her plate back to the kitchen. She doesn't come back up after, which doesn't surprise me. She's probably with her book again. I've never exactly counted on my oldest sister to watch us the whole night. My parents don't either. Although Lily and Alaina don't know this, they always put me in charge.

Halfway through the movie, Lily speaks up. "Can we get ice cream?"

"Sure," I shrug and pause the movie. Lily and I make our way back to the kitchen.

She opens the fridge and pulls out a tub of mint-chocolate-chip ice cream.

"Can you get a bowl?" she asks me as she holds a scooper in her right hand.

"Get it yourself," I retort. My little sister pouts, sighs, and finally obliges.

"Are you getting any?" She holds two glass bowls.

"No," I shake my head. I know it's strange but I hate ice cream. "I'll go see if Alaina wants some." I leave Lily in the kitchen and head down to the basement. Alaina's door is closed, so I lightly open it and freeze. The door to her connected bathroom is open; what reflects off the mirror is unmistakable.

My sister wincing in pain. Sighing in relief. A pencil sharpener. Blood.

She sees me in her reflection. "No," she whispers.

I turn and run up the stairs.

The door doesn't close behind me.

A/N

This is probably the last chapter I'll post for the next month or so, so I'll leave it at this exciting point. Thanks again for reading this and being the most amazing readers I could ever imagine.