On Thin Ice

05

My father was never as religious as my mother was. Back when I lived with my mother, Sundays revolved around church, but now that I was living with my father, things were different. Instead of going to church in the morning, Dad made breakfast with Mindy while the two of them danced around the kitchen listening to music. They did it every week and I grew fond of their small tradition, especially since I got to eat whatever they ended up making.

I rolled over in my bed, inhaling a deep breath and getting a whiff of the prominent smell of bacon that filled the house. The music coming from downstairs was faint, but I could tell it was Fleetwood Mac. They were Dad and Mindy's favorite band and I knew that was what had to be playing.

Within the next few moments, twelve-year-old Ava barged into my room looking more annoyed than usual.

"Breakfast is ready," Ava grumbled, not leaving her spot from my doorway.

"What's up with you?" I asked, sitting up on the bed and letting my comforter slide down my bare chest.

"I got my period," she told me angrily with a huff.

"Oh," I replied awkwardly, clearing my throat. "Um, congrats?"

Ava let out a heavy, frustrated sigh. "All boys are clueless."

At least she knew that already.

"So," I started, standing up from the bed to pull a shirt over my head, "did you tell your mom?"

Ava rolled her eyes, crossing her arms over her chest and leaning her shoulder on the door frame.

"Yes, I told her," Ava replied blandly. "And she practically wants to throw a party."

I laughed, walking toward Ava at the door. She moved to the side so I could get out and let me close my door. The two of us made our way toward the stairs to get to the kitchen.

"You're her only daughter, everything you do is going to excite her," I consoled with a smile.

Ava gave me a wicked smirk. "I guess that means I should rebel."

I chuckled, but shook my head at her. Ava was only my half sister, but it felt as though she was my full sibling. She was witty and mature for her age and just cool all around. I loved having her as a little sister.

When we got down to the kitchen, Josh was already there, munching on an egg sandwich and bobbing his head to the music while Dad and Mindy sang along to "Go Your Own Way" loudly. Ava and I grabbed plates and piled them full of food, getting greeted with loving kisses on cheeks and hugs from our parents, before joining Josh at the kitchen table.

"Elijah, did you hear?" Mindy asked, turning down the music and heading over to the table. "My baby is a woman now!"

Mindy placed her hands on Ava's shoulders while Ava's faced turned into a hard scowl directed my way, as if I was the cause of her mother's overbearing action.

"Um, what?" Josh asked awkwardly, looking between Ava and me.

Mindy looked excitedly at her son. "Ava got her—"

"Mother!" Ava exclaimed, whipping her head around to face her. "Enough."

Mindy gave her daughter a loving, apologetic look, rubbing her shoulders gently.

"I'm sorry, sweetie," Mindy apologized, "I'm just so excited for you."

"Why would you be excited for me to bleed out of my vagina for a week every month?" Ava asked in an annoyed tone while Dad took a seat at the table with his plate.

"Oh," Josh finally said. "I get it now."

I rolled my eyes, plopping a piece of bacon into my mouth. "You're slow," I told him.