Shameless, Reckless Love (GirlxGirl)

Part 3: Chapter 3

Less than a week went by, and Eden hadn't spoken to Ness. She was anticipating a meeting with Ricki. But she hadn't seen Ricki either. According to Mitchell, Ricki came home at least a week ago, but she was constantly going out.

Eden was extremely disappointed with Ricki's disappearance, but, at the same time, it did not surprise Eden in the slightest. Ricki could have still been upset with Eden from their last encounter. Eden felt like she just needed to quit building up her hopes. All it was doing was crushing her down.

The following Saturday morning, Eden wakes up early. She's been full with energy ever since she's been on the lookout for Ricki, but she still didn't get much optimism in finding her.

As she walks down the stairs and goes into the kitchen, she goes to the fridge to grab the jug of orange juice. As she begins gulping the rest of it down, someone in a bright pink sweater, and frizz all around their brown locks of hair speeds into the kitchen. Eden cannot focus on who it is only because she's too busy recovering from the jump scare. Once Eden finally pushes her hair away from her still-troublesome face, she sees that the excited person is just Steph.

Steph is now practically in Eden's face, but surprisingly with a cupcake in her hands. Eden looks cross-eyed at the cupcake and the single candle that's on top. Steph then laughs, realizing how shocked Eden is at her approach.

"Happy Birthday, kid!" Steph congratulates. Eden blinks her eyes a couple of times. She almost forgot that her birthday was today. Steph then backs up to grab her lighter from her back pocket, and then uses it to light the candle.

"Thank you, Steph." Eden says gratefully. Then she takes the cupcake gently in her hands and feels her fingers around the rough wrapper of it. She had no idea what to wish for just yet because she knew she could only make one. But, as she finally shuts her eyes, she hears other noises from the living room.

"Cora, would you take off my boots!" Eden hears Declan yell as he comes into the kitchen. Cora is right in front of him, looking down at her cell phone. She is wearing Declan's black boots, and seems to be dragging them along the floor on purpose. "Seriously! You have your own shoes!"

"There's a hole in one of mine." Cora mumbles, still looking at her phone.

"Guys, isn't it a bit early to be yelling so much?" Steph intervenes. And with that, Fabian stomps down the stairs, and walks over to everyone.

"MORNING, GALLAGHERS!" Fabian announces. Steph rolls her eyes up at him.

Meanwhile, Eden is feeling pretty awkward about everything. She was still holding the cupcake in her hand.

"Did I hear arguing down here?" Fabian asks, but first goes to wrap his arms around Steph and pulls her in for an amorous hug.

"This jerk won't take off my boots." Declan tells him. Steph then clears her throat.

"Wait, hold on, isn't there something you want to say to someone over there?" Steph reminds the kids, and they both turn their heads to Eden.

"Oh. Right." Declan answers, and then walks over to hug Eden. "Happy Birthday, Eden." Declan tells her, but still seems upset with Cora.

"Birthday girl!" Fabian yells off to the side. He then rushes over to Eden and picks her up, hauling her over his shoulder.

"Jesus, Fabian, I'm not 6 anymore!" Eden shouts, struggling to get out of Fabian's grasp. When Fabian puts her down, he then starts ruffling her hair.