“It’s not like they came all this way just for us – Glen is in NY too. I’m sure he’s got much more room in his condo.” She whined.

            “They’re spending all of this week in his condo. All they want is one dinner with us. Come on, Ash, what are we going to do anyway? Sit around and watch TV? Sit in silence like we always do? Forgive me if I want a little bit of human contact on Christmas.” I turned away from her now, feeling more tears flowing over my eyelids.

 I heard her footsteps coming closer across the cheap carpeting, but she stopped a few feet from me. We stood there in a perfect stillness for a while. Seconds became minutes, and three tears became twenty. The outward sob count remained at zero, though – I was not going to give up how much this was hurting me. This night didn’t need anything to make it worse. A chill rolled up my spine. I felt so very alone, despite the fact that Ashley’s breathing presence was just feet from me. Her own scent mixed with that of the pine needles, and my emotions raged in conflict once more.

“Forget it. I’ll call them and tell them not to come.” I said finally, breaking the silence between us.

            “Spencer, don’t – ” She began, but I interrupted her, deciding not to let her argue a case she didn’t actually want to win.

            “Forget it, Ashley. Besides, we’ll save money not having to buy food to feed them – since you’re so obsessed with money.”  I said, my words dripping in sarcasm.

            “You know that wasn’t the issue, I – ” She argued.

            “Calling!” I said, holding my phone to my ear. I had already pressed the #3 speed dial. I decided to call my dad, he wouldn’t argue. As the phone rang, I turned and walked out of the room, still not looking at Ashley. She was silent. I don’t know if it was because she truly didn’t want my parents over that much, or if she just didn’t know what to say. By the time my dad picked up I was sitting on our bed.