“I don’t know where Jade could be,” Lizzie thought out loud as Josie pulled and poked at her ponytail. “I hope she doesn't show up late to the party.”

Josie’s mouth hardened as she stuck more pins into Lizzie’s hair, face hidden out of her twin's view.

“Or show up wearing something awful.” Lizzie cringed at the thought of the outfit Jade could appear in without her help. Speaking of outfits ... Lizzie turned to look at Josie. “You’re not even dressed yet.”

“I’ll get ready in my own time.” Josie shrugged. 

“I don’t want us to be late.”

“Then go without me. I don’t care about being late like you do.” Josie tossed the hairbrush and the mirror on her bed. “We don’t have to do everything together, you know.”

Lizzie’s face fell, but she hid it with a smile. “Are you sure you don’t mind?”

“I’ll catch up.” Josie nodded. “I’m still waiting for Penelope anyways.”

Lizzie grabbed her things and headed toward the door. She stopped and looked back at Josie, but her nose was buried in something on her dresser. Lizzie sighed and closed the door behind her. 

Josie looked up and caught sight of the envelope peeking out from under her pillow. Curious, she grabbed the red square and ripped it open, dumping the small jewelry bag into her hand and tossing the letter to the side. Judging by the identical one under Lizzie’s pillow, it must’ve been a birthday present from her mom or dad.

Josie pulled the necklace out, admiring it under the lamplight. It looked old, probably something magical. But it was silver and went with anything and besides, Lizzie’s was still under her pillow so for once she could wear something before her sister. 

“I just saw Lizzie in the hallway.”

Josie jumped at the sound of her girlfriend’s voice, dropping the necklace against her throat almost guiltily.

“That hairstyle was …” Penelope blew out. “Whew.”

Josie just tilted her head to the side, staring tiredly at the witch.

Penelope got the silent message. “You spent all your time helping her, didn’t you?” She looked down Josie sympathetically. “You haven’t even put your dress on yet. You’re going to be late to your own party ... all because you had to help Lizzie. That’s so sad, Jo-Jo.”

Josie dropped her eyes, cheeks burning. 

“And then she just left you to be late on your own.” Penelope clicked her tongue.

Josie looked up at that. “I told her she should go.”

Penelope didn’t miss a beat. “And she was so selfish that she did. You deserve so much better than Lizzie. When are you going to see that?” Penelope stepped closer until her face was right in Josie’s. “You can come find me whenever you do.”

She turned suddenly, leaving Josie shivering in the sudden cold of her absence.