Violet's Pov:

I could see them on the porch waiting for me. Clem in her jean jacket and boots, sitting on the steps as she watched AJ running around the front yard. And AJ had his disco broccoli shirt on under a red sweat jacket.

Clem smiled at me as I approached the steps. "Hey there beautiful." She said as she stood up and kissed my cheek.

I blushed at her words. Why did she have to call me that with AJ present? Hopefully, he didn't hear. I know he was cool with our relationship, he handled it better than my eight-year-old cousins. But it was still a little embarrassing when I and Clem showed affection for each other around him.

Speaking of AJ, he ran up to me and practically tackled me into a hug. "Violet! You're here!" Then he looked to his older sister. "Can we go now!?"

Clem giggled. "Yes, yes we can go now."

AJ cheered and ran ahead down the sidewalk, making me silently giggle. It was cute how excited he got.

"Shall we?" Clem asked as she held out her arm in the direction we were supposed to be walking. I nodded and took her hand. But not before pulling her close and giving her a quick peck on her lips. She smiled and grabbed my hand and we walked after AJ.

I was glad to get out today. I loved my cousins, they were family, but they could be a bit much or more like a lot. I needed space from the little devils. So when Clem called me up and said she was taking AJ to the park I jumped on the chance to get out of the house.

Of course, I didn't tell my mom and aunt this, or else they would have made me take the triplets with me. So I simply told my mom that I was going on a date with Clem which wasn't too far from the truth. I was going out with her, just AJ was with us. Which was perfectly okay with me. I loved the little guy and he seemed to adore me. I honestly think that he thought of me as a second sister.

I intertwined my fingers with Clem's and we swung our hands between us as we walked. AJ ran ahead of us with his arms outstretched, pretending to be an airplane as he ran. It was entertaining to see the imagination of a five-year-old unfold.

I watched as he ran around us in circles until he came up behind us and grabbed mine and Clem's hands. He broke them apart and held onto each of our hands with his little ones. I smiled at this and I and Clem looked at each other and we both thought of the same thing. Next thing you know we swing our hands forward and up and lifted AJ off the ground a little as we swung him. He giggled at this as he caught some air. Then we set him back down.

"Again!" AJ yelled slash giggled.

"Alright, one last time goofball," Clem told him and we swung him up one more time. AJ laughing the whole time.

Afterward, he settled for just holding our hands as we walked. He only let go once the park was in view. "Clem can I go?!" He asked.

"Wait until we cross the street." She told him. And he looked both ways before we stepped across the street. Then as soon as we hit the grass on the other side, did he let go of our hands and run ahead.

We were lucky that it was a nice day out. It was December and only a week and a half away from Christmas, but the weather was being weird. It was sunny and forty-seven degrees out right now. The nights were cold though. I would know from being out late at night. But today was perfect for a day at the park. And better yet, no one was here but us.

While AJ ran off to go down the slide, Clem grabbed my hand and pulled me over towards the swings. Which I gladly accepted and sat down on the swing next to her. But I was surprised when she didn't let go of my hand. Instead, she held on tighter and we started to gently swing together in unison.

This went on for a few minutes before we got to a height where I had to let go and grab the chains of the swings. Then I and Clem swung in uniform motions as we got higher and higher.

I looked over at her and the little kid in me came out. Every time we got close to the ground I'd push off with my foot and give myself another boost of height. Until I finally outmatched Clem and I got higher than her. I looked at my girlfriend and silently giggled. The wind blowing through my hair and the feeling of each drop in my stomach. I felt free swinging with her. I felt like I could touch the sky and race with the wind and fly higher than the clouds. It was one of the best feelings in the world, second best to having Clem's lips on mine or when we'd cuddle together.

That's when I saw AJ run over and Clem slowed down her swing until she came to a halt. I followed suit and drug my feet into the wood chips to slow myself. Coming to a stop Clem explained what he wanted. AJ wanted us to come play with him.

So I looked at Clem then pointed at AJ and signed something. "What'd she say?" He asked.

"She said 'race ya!'" Clem explained.

As soon as she translated I took off at a run. "Hey!" AJ giggled as he ran after me. I slowed my running and allowed him to pass me and he reached the steps of the playscape before me.

"I won!" He cheered. And I gave him a thumbs-up, congratulating him. Then he ran up the steps and across the bridge. "Come on Violet!"

So I jumped up onto the platform and followed him across the bridge to two slides seated side by side. From up top I could see Clementine on the ground and I waved to her and she waved back. Then she walked over to the bottom of the double slide. "Let's go down together," AJ said and I nodded.

I sat down at the top of the slide and AJ got down next to me. "On three, okay?" He said and I nodded again. "One...two...THREE!" He shouted and we both pushed off and slid down the slide.

AJ put his hands in the air and giggled the whole way down. And we both landed at the bottom by Clem's feet. "Again!" AJ cheered.

"How about I go down with you this time?" Clem asked and AJ nodded.

"Yeah!"

They raced around towards the steps again and I followed. But AJ surprised me when he stopped and turned around to ask me something. "Violet? Can... can I ride down with you?"

I was a little shocked that he was asking to ride with me. I figured he'd pick Clem, but he wanted her to race us. So I nodded and gave him a thumbs up.

AJ shouted 'yes' and we climbed back up. I sat down at the top of the slide again but this time I let AJ climb into my lap. I looked over at Clem and she said, "You two look cute together."

I felt my face heat up at that, but AJ whined at Clem's compliment. "I'm not cute!"

"You are too, AJ. Cutest little boy I know." Clem told him. "And you're the cutest girl I know." Clem winked at me and I felt myself blush harder. Why'd she have to say it in front of AJ?

"One, two, THREE!" Clem said quickly and I barely had time to react after she caught me off guard. "Cheater!"

But I pushed off and I and AJ rode down the slide passing Clem. With our combined weight we were much faster. At the bottom, AJ cheered. "We beat Clem." And he hopped off my lap. "We won!"

I gave him a thumbs up and the little kid came out again as I stuck my tongue out at Clem.

"Whatever you say cutie," Clem told me and she leaned over and kissed me on the nose.

I blushed again and my face turned pink. That shut me up real quick.

"Let's go again!" AJ cheered.

"Why don't we try something different, buddy?" Clem asked.

AJ thought about it for a minute before he pointed upwards. "Let's do that!"

We followed his finger to where he pointed and I smiled at his choice. "The monkey bars?" Clem asked.

"Yeah. I wanna do that!" AJ yelled.

So we walked over and AJ started to climb the ladder. Clem stayed next to him, being the big sister she was, making sure he didn't fall. "I got it, Clem!"

"Okay. I just don't want you to fall." She said.

AJ reached out for that first bar and gripped it with both hands. Then he let his feet slide off the other bar he was standing on. He hung there for a few seconds but his little arms couldn't hold him up as he reached for the next bar. "Clem I'm slipping!"

And right when his grip gave out, Clem caught him before he fell and she set him back down on the ground. "Sorry, buddy. Looks like you're still a bit too little for this."

"Aw, man," AJ whined.

But I wasn't paying attention anymore as I walked over to the ladder and climbed up. I grabbed the next bar and kept going until I got to the end.

"Violet your ribs!" Clem seemed worried. But I knew I was good. I was off pain medication and I felt good. My ribs hadn't bothered me in a long time. So I gave her a thumbs up.

I got on top of the monkey bars and sat down. Then I leaned back and let myself hang by my legs as I stared down at Clem and AJ who were now upside down.

"Whoa! Cool!" AJ was in complete awe at my trick.

Then I grabbed the bar by my hands and let my feet drop down. I hung there for a minute before dropping down and turning around. Then I held up my arms as if to say 'ta-da'.

AJ ran up to me and hugged me. "Yay Violet! You did it!"

"I say that performance deserves a reward," Clem said as she walked up and kissed my cheek.

My cheeks turned a slight pink but I smiled anyway. I'd have to remember to impress Clem more often if I got kisses as rewards.

"Now how about we go get a treat?" Clem asked.

"Let's get ice cream!" AJ cheered.

I giggled at his enthusiasm.

"Ice cream?" Clem said, hands on her hips. "In December? I was thinking more like hot chocolate."

"Oh yeah! I want hot chocolate!" AJ quickly changed his mind. I giggled at his excitement again.

"What do you say, Vi? Hot chocolate sound good?" Clementine asked me.

I nodded and signed back, "Sounds good."

"Alright, hot chocolate it is," Clem said.

"Yay!" AJ cheered. "Let's go!"

He went to go run ahead, but Clem stopped him. "Hold my hand when we cross the street." She warned.

AJ turned back around and ran up to us. And he gladly grabbed both of our hands and we walked across the road.

Luckily there was a Starbucks near the park. So we wouldn't have to walk very far. But AJ started to complain at the distance when we were about halfway there. "How much longer?"

"It's not far buddy. We're almost there." Clem told him.

"We've been walking forever," AJ whined. "My feet hurt."

I felt kind of bad for him. It really wasn't that far of a walk. Only about a mile or so. But to a five-year-old, it probably seemed like ten miles. So I came up with an idea.

I pointed at AJ then motioned for him to come towards me. Then I knelt down and motioned for him to get on my back.

"You want to give me a piggyback ride?" AJ questioned, a smile on his face.

I nodded and smiled at his excitement. AJ gladly climbed on and put his arms around my neck. He giggled as I stood up and began to walk.

We actually made better time with me carrying AJ and it didn't seem like such a long walk. Luckily he wasn't that heavy at his age and I easily carried him the rest of the way. I let him down once we reached the outside of the coffee shop and he happily hopped off. Then we walked inside.

The inside of Starbucks was decorated in all of their Christmas stuff. They had little window stickers on the inside of the window and red and green garland hanging from the ceiling.

We had to wait in a short line before we ordered. But soon enough we had three large hot chocolates.

I tried to pay for it but Clem had stopped me and said it was her treat and her idea. To which I accepted knowing I wouldn't win the argument. Besides, it was AJ's day out and I was just happy that he was having fun.

We walked out of the shop and started to head back the way we came. The hot chocolate tasted good especially with the whipped cream on top giving it that extra sweet touch. It felt good to be drinking something hot with the chilly atmosphere. The hot drink steamed from the opening on the lid as it met the cold air of the outside. As much as I love ice cream, I was glad we went out for hot chocolate.

AJ seemed to be enjoying the drink as well. He skipped down the sidewalk in front of us as I and Clem held hands, seemingly forgetting about the long walk back to their house.

We were about a quarter of the way away from the house. Our hot chocolate about halfway gone. AJ seemed lost in thought though as we walked down the sidewalk. He was seemingly quiet for his age.

He pulled on Clem's sleeve and she leaned down and he whispered something into her ear. Then I saw Clem smile and nod. I was a little suspicious about the action. That is until he asked the most unexpected question.

"Hey, Violet?" I looked over at him. "Would you wanna be my other big sister?"

I stopped right in my tracks. Was he serious? If so that is the...cutest thing in the world. I couldn't believe he had just asked me that.

I looked at him and could see the worried look on his face, wondering if he had just said something good or bad. But I had tears in my eyes and I think AJ could see as he looked at Clem worriedly.

"Did I say something wrong? Violet's crying."

"No," Clem said and she smiled. "Violet's happy. Those are happy tears."

"Really?" He asked. Then he looked back at me. "You want to be my big sister?"

I wiped some tears from my eyes and nodded. Then I got down on one knee, setting my drink down, and opened my arms out for a hug. To which AJ gladly accepted and hugged me back.

He wrapped his arms around me and said, "I love you, Violet."

I let go of him and signed back, "I love you too." Then I made a heart with my hands so he'd understand.

Then AJ turned excitedly towards Clem. "Now I have two big sisters!"

"I can see that goofball," Clem said smiling.

"I wanna go tell dad! Let's go!" Then he ran down the street.

We continued walking and once we could see the house AJ ran up and threw open the door yelling, "Dad! Dad!"

On the front lawn, Clem turned to me with a smile. "Thanks for making his day."

I smiled and nodded and mouthed the words, "Of course." Just like a real big sister, therewasn't a thing I wouldn't do for that little boy. He was family. All the Everett's were.

I grabbed Clem's hand and intertwined our fingers. We were inches apart and the setting sun made Clem's eyes come alive. A brilliant amber shining in the golden light. The sun cast long shadows against the ground as it illuminated the area. I took a step forward and both of us wore light blushes as we knew what was about to happen. And our lips connected in a kiss, both of us closing our eyes and enjoying the moment.

We pulled apart with light smiles and Clem said, "We're getting better at being romantic."

I giggled and nodded. I loved being romantic with her. It was like heaven on earth.

That's when AJ came to the door, dragging Lee along with him. "Dad, come see! Violet's my new sister! Violet tell him!"

"Guess we better get over there," Clem said pointing behind her in their direction.

I nodded and smiled. Time to meet my new 'father' if I was gonna be AJ's new sister.