Time flies, and...Jake and I are brother and sister. I've been avoiding him. I really don't know what else to do. My mom makes all of us have breakfast and dinner together. So it's hard to avoid him.

I walked down the stairs with my phone in my hand texting Alli. Approaching my seat I saw 2 waffles already on my plate with syrup and butter. I saw my mother and my "step dad", I cringed at the word, smiling at each other while cleaning up. Jake came down the stairs in a pair of jeans and a grey t shirt. All of us sat at the table in silence. I took a sip of OJ to hear my mom clear her throat.

"I wanted to let all of you know we will leave for the cabin in 2 days."

"Mom, isn't that kinda sudden?," I said annoyed.

"C'mon Clare it'll be fun!," she said patting my back while grabbing my empty plate.

I know I have to get used to the idea of Jake's dad being my step dad and Jake being my...brother.

"Maybe it would be easier if you brought a friend or two along," Glen suggested and I actually liked the idea.

"That's very sweet of you to offer hun," my mom said rubbing Glen's shoulder," But this is supposed to be a family vacation."

"But if it's easier for the children to adjust to this Helen...," Glen said.

An idea popped in my mind as they disagreed. What if they kept fighting? And that would maybe ruin their new marriage? It was a horrible thought...but I was desperate.

But...it was to evil, even I couldn't try to do that.

"Maybe it wouldn't be so bad," Helen said," But only a friend or two!"

"of course!," Jake said," What do you say Clare?"

I nodded.

"Then it's settled! Clare, Jake why don't you think about who you wanna invite?"

"Ok," Jake grinned. It looked like he was up to something.

After Breakfast I hurried upstairs to get dressed. I was gonna meet Alli at The Dot. I wore a floral blouse with a denim skirt and black leggings and a blue sweater. As I put my Converse on I heard Jake laughing hysterically in his room. I was curious so I went to go peek. There was someone in his room but I couldn't see who. I wondered who it was. I didn't realize I was on my tippy toes but as I tried to catch my balance I tripped over my untied shoe lace and crashed onto the floor in his doorway. "Clare what the heck?," Jake said helping me up. I looked up to see Eli. Eli?

"Eli what are you doing here?," I asked softly but stern.

"He was helping me with Writing class,"Jake answered for Eli.

"I was asking Eli," I snapped at him.

Ever since the wedding, Jake and I haven't been on best terms. I would snap at him and he would snap at me.

"And I was just telling you."

"My point is, did I address the question to you?"

Jake rolled his eyes.

"Guys." Eli said, breaking the..rage. There was an awkward silence.

I walked out of the room to my room to grab my bag. I ran out the house to The Dot.

Alli and I talked for a while but she mostly just talked about how Dave and her were doing so good as a couple. Then my mind drifted to Eli and Jake. Why would they be hanging out? They weren't close friends. Why couldn't Jake ask someone else to help him with his writing, why Eli?

After The Dot, I got home and went to my room. When someone knocked on my door.

"Come in."

"Hi." Jake said. He had a piece of paper in his hand.

"What's that?" I asked.

"The list of people who are coming to the cabin trip."

"Okay, so who's on it?"

He handed it to me.

There had to be 5 people on here! Not 2 or 1!

"Jake! My mom...our mom... only told us 2 people or 1 person not 7!

"C'mon Clare! Once we all get there our parents can't send them all home! And there's enough room in the cabin."

"...I guess...but..."

As I looked at the list I saw names that I've heard of but never really "hung out" except for Alli, Adam, and... Eli? I thought I had misread. So I read it again aloud.

"Drew, Alli, Katie, Adam, Bianca, Marisol, Eli? I said," Why are you thinking of bringing Eli?"

"Cause he's a nice guy."

"But I don't want him to go...it's awkward and you know that!"

"He's my friend Clare so he can go!"

"You already have so many of your friends just scratch him off the list."

"Just because you have a problem with him, I don't have to. If you don't wanna see him then don't go!"

"Fine! Just...get out then!"

Jake gave me the dirtiest look and walked out, leaving the list in my hands. I didn't hate Eli if that's what you're thinking. I just...thought it would be weird. Maybe I was overreacting. I would at least need Alli to go then. Maybe this wouldn't be so bad. Or maybe the worst trip ever. It could turn out both ways.