𝐓𝐀𝐊𝐄 𝐌𝐘 𝐇𝐀𝐍𝐃 ✰ kate martin

twenty-two

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"God, I love Christmas," sighed Caitlin, reveling in the snow all over Iowa City. Her and Kate were walking downtown, from their parked car as they went around shopping for Christmas gifts. "Can you believe 2024 is legit next month? Fuck it, in like 23 days."

Kate laughed, as her best friend practically skipped down the sidewalks. Kate had her hands in her sweatpants pockets, tucking herself into her Iowa puffer jacket as the degrees were obviously low. Caitlin was getting warm with excitement for the season.

"Caitlin, let's get in the fucking store," laughed Kate, pulling the doors open as Caitlin was bent down by a lamppost and collecting snow in her hands. "And don't you dare throw that. You can hit someone."

Caitlin sighed, wiping her hands of the cold ice off her hands as the two entered a toy and bookstore. Caitlin and Kate were going into this store, intentionally looking for Jellycats to get their girls. Kate had to inform Kaci about the little plush babies, as Kaci had never heard of them before. Kate was thrown, knowing exactly what she was going to get Kaci. The matter was only which one she was going to get her.

"This store is huge. Kate, I fear one day we need to go to the New York Jellycat store," chuckled Caitlin, going through bookshelves of Jellycats the toy store had. "Like, seriously."

"I think you're dumb," chuckled Kate. "We're going to New York later in the season if we go further for March Madness dummy."

Caitlin paused from her rummaging each aisle for Kara's second Jellycat from Caitlin. Realization settling in her face about New York.

"Perfect! Then we could take Kara and Laci there ourselves," said Caitlin excitedly, and she continued to go through the shelves.

"Very, very true. That's be very fun actually," said Kate, smiling and going through the shelves. "Any specific one you're looking for? Just in case I see it."

"Mm, I'm trying to find either the soccer ball one because obviously Kara plays soccer like, duh. Or the teddy bear in a strawberry costume. I know she was eyeing that one," chuckled Caitlin. "You? Can't believe Kaci never heard of Jellycats before."

"I know. Now, I'm going to get her first one ever. Or two," smiled Kate. "As for hers, I want to get her the white bunny which is an original, then an amusable. Particularly the rainbow one."

"Rainbow one...so it can match the one you have on your bed?" asked Caitlin, knowing how the rainbow was definitely a connection to the sunshine Jellycat laid on her bed.

Kate nodded with a smile. "Yep. And what about it? You seem judgy."

Caitlin laughed at Kate's suspicions. "No, I'm not judgy. I just know there's a new sparkle in your eye."

"Ah and for once you're not oblivious to things, laughed Kate, finding the two Jellycats she was searching for. Caitlin turned to Kate at the exact same time, but with three and not two. Kate raised her eyebrow at her.

"What? I want another one for myself too!" defended Caitlin. "And yes, I'm not oblivious now. Now that you've dropped the L-bomb, you are most definitely more chirpy."

"Seems like the Kaci effect," smiled Kate, as her and Caitlin walked around the store. They observed for more things to add in their hands, of which Caitlin did with an extra book Kara had been wanting. "You ready to check out?"

Caitlin nodded, her hands full as the two walked over to the self checkout area. The two walked up to the same register, taking turns scanning and paying for their own items.