After the big Christmas Eve dinner, it was still the guys who cleared the plates and did the washing up.

Calliope and Mavis offered to help, but the men immediately waved them off. "You two go have some fun. Once we're done here, we'll head out and set off some fireworks."

"Alright, if you insist," Calliope said with a helpless smile. She knew her brothers would never let her lift a finger during the holidays, so she grabbed Mavis and headed to the living room.

"I wonder if Portia's done eating yet," Mavis said, pulling out her phone. "I'll text her."

"Yeah, ask if she knows when she'll be over."

"I'll check in with Archie too. He said he'd come after dinner."

"Come to think of it, he's been quiet in the group chat all day. Do you think everything's okay at home?"

good mood around the holidays. His stepmom and half-brother are a

said. "He said it was fine. He'd

send him a text anyway, just to

"Good idea." Mavis nodded.

girls shot off quick messages,

way," Mavis reported. "She's bringing extra fireworks, and her brother Crispin

more the merrier," Calliope

never had much freedom at home, so

arrived, her tall older brother Crispin in tow. It was Crispin's first time joining

me crashing the party," Crispin said politely, shifting

The more, the better," Calliope said warmly. "I'm glad

thank you," Crispin continued. "If it weren't for your heads-up about Sandra, I might have gotten into a real mess. Tums out, you

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