The Stepsister Read Online Free PDF Page A

her plate.
    â€œI’m afraid it must be cold by now,” Mrs. Wallner said, frowning.
    â€œJessie, that sweater was in my top drawer,” Emily said, unable to keep the shrillness from her voice. “I really wish you wouldn’t borrow my stuff without asking.”
    â€œBut it’s my sweater,” Jessie insisted.
    â€œI know my own sweater,” Emily said, feeling herself lose her temper, knowing she was getting out of control but unable to do anything about it. “Look how big it is on you. The shoulders are almost down to your elbows!”
    â€œThey’re supposed to be. It’s an oversize sweater,” Jessie said huffily.
    â€œGirls, please—” Mr. Wallner said, wearily resting his balding head on one hand.
    â€œMom, would you please tell Jessie not to wear my sweaters,” Emily pleaded.
    Mrs. Wallner looked at Emily, then at Jessie. “I really don’t remember that sweater, Em,” she said uncertainly. “Maybe it just looks like yours.”
    â€œAaggggh!” Her mom’s reply really infuriated Emily. Why was she taking Jessie’s side?
    â€œIt’s not your sweater,” Jessie insisted heatedly. “I’ve had it for years.”
    â€œListen,” Mr. Wallner said, rubbing his eyes. He turned to Emily. “What difference does it make? You two are sisters now—right?”
    â€œThat’s right,” Emily’s mother said quickly, too quickly, as far as Emily was concerned. “I’m sure there will be times when you’ll want to borrow Jessie’s clothes, Em.”
    â€œHow could I?” Emily shrieked. “Look at her! She’s five sizes smaller than I am!”
    Mrs. Wallner’s mouth dropped open. She always did that when she was surprised by something someone said. “Don’t exaggerate, dear.”
    â€œLet’s finish our dinner in peace,” said Nancy, who had been watching the entire argument in silence.“Then we’ll go upstairs and do a fingerprint test on your dresser, okay?”
    For some reason Mr. Wallner found this very funny. He laughed, scratching his bald head.
    Obviously this was the end of the discussion. Emily didn’t feel much like eating, but she grudgingly began forking cold macaroni and cheese into her mouth. She knew Jessie was looking at her, but she refused to return her glance.
    â€œNancy, do you have a date Saturday night?” Mrs. Wallner asked, changing the subject. “Mrs. Bergen called and asked if you were free to baby-sit.”
    â€œYeah. I don’t have a date,” Nancy said, sighing. “I’ll call her later.”
    â€œGlad someone’s earning a little money around here,” Mr. Wallner muttered, looking at Jessie. She didn’t respond. They finished their dinner in silence.
    â€œWho’s going to clean up?” Mrs. Wallner asked. “Now, don’t everybody volunteer at once.”
    Mr. Wallner grinned. “Not me. That’s what I like about living with four women. There’s always someone to clean up after dinner.”
    â€œYou’re a sexist pig,” Mrs. Wallner said. But she said it with a smile, and she walked up behind her husband and kissed him loudly on the forehead.
    She’s totally crazy about him, Emily thought with some dismay. What on earth does she see in him? He really is a sexist pig!
    â€œIt’s Emily’s turn,” Jessie said. “Nancy and I cleaned up last night.”
    â€œCan you take my turn tonight?” Emily asked, staring at her sweater on Jessie. “I’ve just got to get upto the computer and finish my social studies report. I’ll clean up three nights in a row. I promise.”
    Jessie reluctantly agreed. Emily excused herself and started to leave the room. “How’s the report going?” Mr. Wallner asked. “It’s on Chile, right?”
    Emily was a bit stunned that her new stepfather remembered what