Phoebe Calaway's Countdown to Christmas

20 Days til Christmas

*Photo of Mac*

"All I'm saying is that I'm not skipping school to watch sappy movies with you," I protested. I was currently standing in the middle of the Larson's living room wearing baggy sweatpants, a T-shirt with paint marks all over it, and toe socks.

"What's the arguing about, ladies?" Derrick questioned as he made his way down the carpeted stairs, showcasing his grand entrance for the morning.

I thought he was just going to keep walking and not care what the problem was, but he actually stopped as of he was waiting for a genuine response.

"Claire wants me to stay home with her all day to watch romance movies," I whined. "I don't want to!"

"What if it was horror movies instead?" Derrick questioned, raising his eyebrows.

Honestly, I'm not a big fan of school, and horror movies are kind of my thing.

"No!" Claire croaked from under a bundle of blankets and pillows. She obviously had made up her mind about not going to school today. "One does not simply, watch horror movies, after a breakup. It's like, a rule to watch films that make you cry."

"Well then," Derrick injected grinning like a goofball. "I guess I will have to stay home all day with you!"

"No!" Claire yelled as she rolled off the couch. "Please stay Phoebe. I'm begging you!" She was now kneeling with her hands folded.

"No," I teased. "I don't think I like you anymore. In fact I hate you." We couldn't help it as we both cracked up laughing. Claire was rolling on the floor and I was hunched over, laughing at the lame attempt at lying. Derrick raised an eyebrow. He must think we're insane. I just might agree with him.

"Sure," I started when my laughing died down. "I'll stay home with you, if we watch horror films."

She sighed.

"I guess it's better than being home alone with him," she spoke causing Derrick to roll his eyes.

"Yes!" I called, pumping my fists in the air. "Horror movie marathon! Fright fest in December!"

"I kind of figured you were the horror movie type," Derrick cringed. "But I didn't know you were this into them."

"Claire doesn't like them very much, so I hardly ever get to watch them," I responded shooting a glance at Claire, who stuck her tongue out in return.

"Let's start with The House at the End of the Street," Derrick suggested, making his way up to the entertainment center. "That one isn't terribly frightening, Claire."

"I will go make popcorn at eight in the morning!" I called as I turned to skip into the kitchen. I opened the cupboard in order to pull out the red and white package. After I unwrapped the plastic sleeve and threw it away, I placed it in the microwave.

I really shouldn't be missing school, but Claire needs me, so it's okay. Then again, this isn't a life or death situation. Claire was just dumped, but school determines the rest of my life. People miss school all the time though, so I'm sure it-

"We need to talk," a voice interrupted me from behind. I could tell it was Derrick without even turning around, in fact, I stayed facing the microwave.

"Why were you so shy at school?" I asked when I decided to turn around. "Why do you always fight me all the time? What's up with you and Finn?"

"Woah, calm down there," he spoke while moving his hands. He does that a lot. He talks with his hands as well as his words. "Let's do one at a time."

The microwave timer went off, signaling the popcorn was done. Derrick passed me the large blue Tupperware bowl that I had set on the counter earlier.

"Why are you so quiet at school?" I questioned as I attempted to open the bag without burning my fingers. "Yes." I muttered when I finally opened it.

"Well, that's easy," he muttered in reply, shrugging his shoulders. "The same reason you kept quiet for a while. When you went mute."

I stopped pouring the popcorn so that I could focus on what he was saying.

"So you were lying at dinner the other night?" I asked with a smirk growing on my face.

"Duh," he answered, rolling his eyes. "I was only gone for two years and you have been coming to this house since you were like, eight or something."

I guess I didn't think about that before. Gosh! I'm such a moron sometimes!

"Which leads me to question number two," I began as I moved to lean against the counter. "Why are you such an ass towards me?"

He took a step closer, as to invade my personal space. I have never been this close to him before, so I was able to notice some things about him, like his bright blue eyes with specks of brown in them.

People say I'm pretty good at intimidating others when I look them straight in the eyes. I hope it works on Derrick because I'm totally ready for a challenge.

"Because it's fun," he revealed. "And you don't have the guts to try to beat me up like Claire does."

I pushed off the fridge to gain some of my height back.

"Am I hearing a challenge, Mr. Larson?" I asked, my voice oozing with sarcasm. "Because if it is, I totally accept."

"Guys!" Claire yelled form the living room. "It doesn't take this long to make popcorn!"

"Good luck with that," Derrick retorted in response to my bold move.

He grabbed the bowl of popcorn and began his stroll to the living room. I followed him and took a seat on the couch between him and Claire.

I've seen the movie before. It actually one of my favorites, even though it isn't a stereotypical horror movie. I usually enjoy the mental aspect of it, but not today. All I could think about is how he never answered my question about Finn.

And most importantly, what would he have done if I asked him the two questions I have been wanting to ask him for days.

Did he kill Riley Samsung?

If he did, am really next, like Finn warned?