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“I don’t need you to—”
“I don’t think buying things for you guys is a waste,” Clary interrupted Elton. She said it without any anger or pride. It wasn’t a statement to condemn or gain points. She said it as if it was simply a fact.
They weren’t a waste.
Which surprisingly hit Seth harder than he realized. Once he and his brothers were out from under Holly’s roof, they’d been busy trying to survive. Thanksgiving dinners? Celebrating Christmas? Those never came up.
And over time, it just became something they didn’t do.
Had Elton thought they didn’t bother because such things were a waste?
“And, since everyone’s in such a good mood right now,” Clary said, breaking the silence, “I have a suggestion. Usually, we prepare gifts for kids in orphanages.”
Seth swallowed a sigh at how Clary was obviously not elaborating on who was the ‘we’ involved. Because that would no doubt cause Elton to go off on another rant.
Would it make any difference if he spoke to his brother about it? Would it make a difference if Seth sincerely asked Elton to be kinder to Clary?
He’d already made it clear that Clary was important to him. That had been enough for Oliver and Zane right from the start. It was enough for Aldric and even for her protective Grandma Moretti and Edward Eolenfeld.
Not for Elton, though.
“We usually get school supplies, bags, and shoes,” Clary continued. “Color—”
“I’m in,” Aldric said. “What?” He held his hands up in peace when Seth glared at him. “It sounds like a good idea. I don’t need the details.”
“I know a few orphanages.” Andrea put down her mug. “The police station raises money for them to have a good Christmas dinner. I can call and ask about the presents.”
“Great.”
Seth grinned at Clary’s excited smile.
“I’m in,” Oliver said.
Clary tipped her head to the side. “And Zane?”
Zane nodded.
“Okay.” Aldric scanned the faces across the dining table. “Are we splitting into teams to buy stuff? I’ll take Andrea and Oliver.” He pointed at Zane. “You get grumpy number one.” Then he swiveled his head to Clary. “You get grumpy number two.”
Clary didn’t say a word. She merely looked over at Andrea.
“If you want to have fun,” Aldric wriggled his brows, “we’re the team to be on.”
“It’s not a competition,” Clary said. “We can all go shopping together.”
“Where’s the fun in that?” Aldric asked. “Andrea, get the list of what we need to buy. Let’s split it up and see who can get it done the fastest.”
Clary shrugged. “And then what? What’s the prize?”
“I’ll think about it,” Aldric said.
Clary clapped and stood. “I’ll—”
“You need to get the stitches on your hand removed,” Elton said. “They can do whatever you want done.” He got up and walked away.
Clary blinked and dropped her gaze to her hand. “Yeah. Sure. Okay.” She turned to Seth. “Am I supposed to follow him? Or is he saying I should go to the hospital?”
Seth wasn’t sure.
