The Unholy Trinity

Yuletide (Chloey's POV)

I was not prepared for such an awkward dinner. I mean Rune sitting across from me and Cade? That’s so weird. 

Rune was trying not to stare at us, but he couldn't help it. I think he’s really jealous but what did I know? I thought he was jealous before and then he ended up with Lavina.

“Why aren’t you spending Yuletide with Lavina?” I asked as Zoey and Tate went into the kitchen to talk.

“Oh, I think some space would be great for us. I mean we’re basically attached at the hip.”

“I think you two are a rather good couple. “ Cade commented. “Hold on to her.” Definitely sounds like there is more to that statement.

“Yeah, sure.” Rune muttered. “Anyways, you two are...unexpected.”

“Are we?” I asked.

“Well, yeah, didn’t you say that you didn’t like him at all? I mean that’s what you told me.”

“Oh she didn’t just not like me she said I was...what was it dear? Insufferable in every way, shape, or form?” Cade smiled.

“Exactly.” I laughed.

Rune seemed shocked by this. “You told him you didn’t like him?”

“Yes. I have no problem expressing my feelings for people. Whether that’s like or dislike.”

“Chloey and I have a relationship built on honesty. I tell her she’s the most beautiful girl in the world and she tells me that I’m insufferable. It works.”

“What the hell is taking Tate so long?” Raina abruptly got out of her seat.

“Is everything okay with Raina?” Raymond Crimson asked Rune.

“Her and Tate are on the verge of a break up or something, I don’t know.” Rune shrugged. 

Tate came back to the table, looking very happy with himself.

“Where’s Zoey?” Zander questioned. 

“I don’t know, in the kitchen.” Tate shrugged. 

“I’m gonna go check on her.”

“Are your sisters’ relationships okay?” Cade asked. 

“I mean Joey’s look just fine.” I pointed out. Joey was whispering in Marsden’s ear and he was looking quite interested in the things she was saying.

“But what was everyone on about? Marsden isn’t that bad?”

“Not that bad? He’s the devil's spawn!” Rune said as Raina sat back down. 

“What were you doing?” Tate asked her.

“Shut up, Tate.” Raina snapped. 

His eyes widened, but he listened.

A moment later Zoey and Zander came back into the room and sat down. They were smiling, but something seemed off.

Tate looked pretty happy with how things were looking between Zoey and Zander. 

“What are you so giddy about, Highmore?” Raina questioned. 

“Nothing.”

“Yeah sure.” Zander rolled his eyes

“Do we have a problem, Zander?” Tate asked. 

“I don’t know, do we, Tate? What is this weird obsession you have with my girlfriend?”

“I’d love to know that too.” Raina said. “What’s going on between you two?”

“Nothing.” Zoey said. “You two are suspicious for no reason!”

“Not what you said in the kitchen.” Raina pointed out. 

“I also said you were insecure.”

“Okay let’s calm down shall we?” Cade asked. “I think we should stay off the topic of relationships until everyone has had time to relax a little.”

“No one asked what you think, Pickerin.” Rune snapped.

“Rune, that’s rude!” I said. 

“Yeah, so is he and you’re dating him.”

“You know what, Cade is right. We should stay off the topic of relationships. Some of us aren’t mature enough to handle it.”

“Marsden!” Joey giggled. Everyone looked over at her. “What? Just because your relationships are crumbling doesn’t mean mine is.”

I couldn’t believe this was only the first course.

About ten minutes later I retreated to the kitchen to get a colder pitcher of Lemonade Wink. Really I just needed a moment to myself. That table is horribly suffocating. Everyone on half of the table is miserable except for Joey and Marsden, who were causing at least a fraction of the misery. 

“Chloey, could I talk to you?” I turned and saw Rune.

“What?” 

“Are you mad at me?”

“No, I’m annoyed with you.” I said.

“And why?”

“Because of how you’re acting. You’ve been rude to my boyfriend all evening for no reason.”

“Look, I just don’t like the guy.”

“Well, I do.” I shrugged.

“Yeah, since when?” Rune demanded. “You said you didn’t like him!”

“Things change, Rune! Yes, I didn’t like Cade before but I went out with him because he liked me and no one has ever liked me before and then I realized how funny and sweet and wonderful he is. So I kissed him and he asked me to be his girlfriend and I said yes.”

“He’s not the only guy who likes you, Chloey.”

“What other guy?” I asked.

“Chloey, darling, is everything okay?” Cade had entered the kitchen now.

“Everything is perfect.” I smiled. “Just like us.”

I walked over and kissed him. “Let me help you with that.” He grabbed the pitcher for me before shooting Rune an annoyed look and going back to the dining room.

“Chloey, wait.”

“I don’t want to play games with you, Rune.” I said quietly. “I’m sure by now you’ve realized I had a crush on you. And I know you’re not obligated to like me back, I get that, but it still hurts when the person you like likes someone else. But when that happens, you also have to get over that and move on. And I have. I really like him, so please don’t make this hard for me. I deserve something easy and nice and to be adored by a really cute boy. Don’t you think so?”

I walked back and I took my seat next to Cade and kissed him. He smiled. “What was that for?”

“Cuz I like you.”

“Hm, well I like you too.”

We sat for the most part in silence, waiting for the third course to arrive. Tate and Raina weren’t even breathing in each other’s direction. Zander and Zoey were whisper arguing. Rune kept glaring at Cade and me. Joey and Marsden were making out. Why is there always so much s****l energy between them? I mean they do it all the time, shouldn’t they be calmer?

“Cade dear, could you do me a favor?” I asked.

“Anything for you.”

“Could you switch seats with Joey for a few minutes so I can check in on my sisters? Maybe get the boys talking about Kilcross again just to cheer them up.”

“I’m not sure Marsden needs much cheering up, since he seems like a happy lad with your sister on him like that, but yeah of course.” Cade chuckled. He gave me a quick kiss and a few moments later Joey was in between Zoey and me.

“How’s everyone’s Yuletide going?” Joey asked.

“Not as good as yours.” Zoey grumbled. 

“Yeah, what’s up with that?” I asked.

“Maybe we should go to the kitchen.” Zoey suggested.

Joey immediately went for the brandy when we got in the kitchen. I wanted to express that she shouldn’t be drinking, but I didn’t want to be a nag.

“So what’s going on?” I asked Zoey.

“Tate kissed me.” We gasped loudly. “Shh!”

“Well did you kiss him back?” Joey questioned.

“I mean maybe a little bit.”

“Zoey, you shouldn’t have done that.” I said.

“Yeah thanks I’m aware of that.” She snapped. 

“Hey, don’t get mad at her because you’ve ruined your relationship.” Joey said. “You could have easily pushed him away.”

“I wouldn’t have told you if I would have known I would get judged like this. It was an accident. My relationship isn’t ruined. Lots of people would have done the same thing in my position.”

“I wouldn’t have.” I whispered. 

“Well that’s because more than one boy would have to like you in order for that to happen, Chloey.”

That hurt. Zoey knows how sensitive I was about this and for her to say that to me really hurt my feelings. 

She sighed. “I’m sorry. That was mean. I’m just frustrated and on edge. This whole situation…”

“Is not our fault.” Joey stated. “You f****d up Zo, it happens. But you don’t get to lash out at us because of it.”

“Joey, please don’t try to be the voice of reason, you’re not good at it. Just stand there and look pretty.”

“You know I hope you do fix your relationship with Zander, because Tate Highmore is making you into a bitch.”

“I hate that word Joey.” I started. “But you’re right.”

“Excuse me?” Zoey demanded

“You’ve complained about Tate for months! How he’s a jerk and he hurt you and now suddenly you’re listening to him about our sister’s relationship and thinking her boyfriend is evil and kissing him in our kitchen. He’s clearly not good for you!” I said.

“Don’t act like you don’t think Marsden is evil either!” She shot back. “You were more than willing to have that talk with Joey.”

“Why is everyone so concerned with my relationship?” Joey questioned. “It is none of your business!”

“We’re worried about you!” Zoey exclaimed. “Marsden is bad news and Tate knows it. So do I.”

“Well stop worrying about me. Worry about yourself.” Joey took a swig from the bottle.

“No, I’m not like you. I can’t just focus on myself all of the time.”

I wanted to stay out of this, but Zoey wasn’t being fair. “That’s not true and you know it, Zoey.” I said. “Joey is always there for us when we need her. She supports us and gives advice!”

“Yeah and how did that advice work? Not great since we’re with boys we don’t even like as much as we do as Rune and Tate.”

“Speak for yourself, Zoey. I like Cade. I’m happy in my relationship, sorry you’re not. And just so you know more than one boy does like me. Rune was practically begging me for a chance and I said no. That’s how easy it should have been for you. When did you become so selfish?”

“I’m selfish because I’m worried about our sister and her sinister boyfriend? You know the worst part about this is Joey knows I’m right and she’s covering for him! She’s choosing some boy over us. Why am I not shocked though? All Joey cares about is boys.” Zoey stormed out of the kitchen. 

Joey took another swig. “Can I have a sip?” I asked.

“You serious? “She questioned. 

“I think I need it.” I took a sip and sputtered. “That’s terrible.” I took another one.

Joey took the bottle away and hugged me. “Thanks.”

“For what?” I asked. 

“You stood up for me. That meant a lot.”

“Anytime.” I smiled. 

We went back into the dining room. I knew I didn’t have much but I still felt the alcohol. Everyone was back in their original seats. I sat down next to Cade. “Hi honey.” I kissed him.

“Hello. Um, have you been drinking?” He asked.

“I had a little brandy.” I shrugged. 

“Chloey Rosaria! I am shocked and appalled.”

“I can be a little wild and fun.”

“You’re always fun. You don’t need brandy for that. But promise me you’ll sneak me some too. I don’t think I can get through this dinner sober.”

“Neither do I.” I giggled.