The night goes quickly and soon the awkward duo are each back at their own homes preparing for the upcoming holiday. Sebastian and Jericho try to set up their tree and it slams into the ceiling.
"Sebastian, I told you we needed to buy a smaller tree-,"
"This one was the only one that was taller than me! I don't care that it's nearly seven feet, I need to feel protected." Sebastian says as he places the tree onto the carpet in their living room. "That wasn't so bad, was it?" He smiles widely.
Jericho coughs pine needles before saying, "yeah, sure. Definitely."
Meanwhile, at hooded and co., Koi and Eden watch in complete concern as Riley struggles in the living room. The jolly ranchers keep falling off the canvas. Riley groans loudly and Koi attempts to comfort him by lightly patting his back.
"He looks like a muppet," Riley complains.
"Only a little bit." Eden responds, unhelpfully. Riley groans louder. Suddenly , Eden's phone buzzes in her pocket. She takes it out and sees a text from Ethan. (You see he lied because he knows McKayla and Eden don't like eachother)
'Hi. Me and Kathrine are shopping in town. Wanna join us?' Eden reads. She immediately decides to join them, not just because she likes Ethan, which she is in denial of.
'see you in 5' she responds, and puts her jacket on and leaves.
"Where are yo-," She hears Riley ask, but she's out the door and walking before she can listen.
——
She's able to pick Ethan out quickly due to his bright orange hair. But then, she sees three other girls with him. She knows Kathrine is one of them, with her platinum blond hair tied up in a ponytail, another one is Aiden because of the short skirt in winter and the fading pink in her hair.
But then, a worried look goes across her face when she sees the other girl, a brunette, turn around to face her. It's Mckayla, with a light blue winter coat on and light pink leggings. Eden mentally rehearses how to greet them as she walks closer to them. Ethan turns as well and smiles nervously.
"Sorry I lied. Had to take extra precautions to get you to come here." Ethan says and laughs anxiously.
"Oh, it's fine." She responds, knowing McKayla is in earshot. Eden does however death glare Ethan.
"Hey, Veronica!" She hears a bubbly voice from behind her say. Eden turns to see Aiden shivering in the cold. "Sorry, I don't think I've actually caught your real name..."
"My name's Eden. Eden Hooded." Eden says and smiles.
"Oh, wait! ARent you McKayla's Ex's Brother's Boyfriend's Sister?" She says quickly, and McKayla turns around and starts to listen to their conversation.
Eden laughs, "Oh, yes, I am Riley's sister, he's dating Sebastian, who is Jericho's older brother. Do you just swing through life not knowing people's names? Also, how do you know all of that?"
"Yes, and I know everything about everyone. Kind of like a Gretchen type deal, except without the mental crisis about her and fake friends." She has a high pitched voice and speaks quickly.
"Breathe, please." Eden responds, "That must be why your hair is so big."
"Cause it's full of secrets!" They both say in unison. McKayla doesn't like this, Eden shouldn't be enjoying herself THIS much when she's around.
"Ok, let's get moving. I need to get my Abuela a gift. And maybe a hand cream from Bath and Body Works." McKayla says and the whole group starts to walk along the sidewalk.
