“I’m in an airport waiting to fly to Rockland to see Grace for Christmas. Nice livestream there. You’re besties with BroKen now?” my little sister teased over her video message.
I made her a video back as I headed toward one of the snow parks. “I wouldn't say we’re besties. But I’d be all for it.”
Mercy was staying with Verity and her pack, and living her bestlife, making lots of money and having zero rent.
“Wait, why are you at the airport?” I blinked as I made an insta-chat back. “Didn’t you leave with Verity?”
I got a reply immediately.
“No. I had a game tonight, assface. I’m eighteen, I don’t need a chaperone anymore. Don’t worry, I won’t tell Verity you borrowed her car. But I want a nice Christmas present,” she replied.
I sucked in a breath and replied, “You know?”
“Um, I’ve known your alt for ages. I saw the street race. Where are you? I can’t see your location.” She made a face.
I’d turned it off. “Switzerland.”
She didn’t immediately reply as I trudged to the snow park, which was busy with snowboarders. This one was full of rails, jumps, and half-pipes.
“Don’t tell me you’re at fucking Winter-Fest,” she finally replied. As usual for the skate smash season, her light brown hair was in two Dutch braids.
“I won’t.” I made sure she got a good view of the snow park.
“You’re shitting my dick. You must have traded lots of drugs for that. Anyhow, record the Manic Dream Pixies’ set and send it to me?”
“I’ll try?” Leaning on the fence, I watched the half-pipe and looked at the schedule, trying to figure out when Manic Dream Pixie played. Tomorrow. Okay, I could probably do that.
I got another insta-chat from her.
“Are you calling Mom for Christmas?” Her voice was soft.
I thought for a moment, then answered her. “If she calls me, I’ll answer, but I wasn’t planning on it. I visited her before I left and put a little money on her account.”
“Okay. I sent her stuff off the jail’s holiday order list. I haven’t called her in a while, though I answer her calls sometimes.” Conflict crossed her face.
Mom had done something horrible, but she was also ourbio-mom. It was fucking hard. Our mom was the reason Grace had grown up thinking Dad had abandoned her and had a shitty childhood. We loved Grace, too, and it was difficult grappling with the fact that she suffered at the hands of the same person who wiped our tears and tucked us in at night.
Our mom going to jail also made the rest of the parents treat Mercy and me differently. Which fucking sucked. Mumsy was especially mean about it.
I got another insta-chat from Mercy. “Hey, I have a flight to catch. Love you. Don’t add to the population. Don’t subtract from the population. Don’t end up in jail, because I’m not bailing your ass out.” She blew me a kiss.
“Love you. Merry Christmas.” I blew one back.
Grabbing my snowboard, I entered the park. I’d spend a little time here, then go wake up Carlos and Fiona. After all, wehadto see the skijoring expo.
Chapter Twelve
Saoirse
“Why are you following me?” I snapped at Dusty as I made my way towards the ski lift.
“What are you talking about? I’m going to my sound check.” He gave me a cheerful look, still wearing his head camera, though Hale had returned his.
I’d declined filming, though racing them had been fun, especially since they were both pretty skilled. Though Dusty’s snow skates, which he still wore, were ridiculous.
Ah yes, he had said that. The runs I wanted to conquer were near the festival. It made sense that we’d be going the same way.
We came up on the lift. I went to get on, trying to be faster than Dusty. He hopped on next to me, kicking his snow skated feet in glee.
