December, 2018
We wish you a merry Christmas, we wish you a merry Christmas, we wish you a merry Christmas and a happy New Year.
My eyes lifted groggily to the soft sound of Christmas music. The sun was half risen, though my curtains blocked most of it's pale light out.
My first instinct was to go to bed, fade back into comfortable darkness for another hour or so.
Then I remembered, it's Christmas.
Like I was nine years old again, I kicked off the heavy comforter and nearly leaped out of my bed. I was dressed in a white t-shirt and red plaid pajamas, which I had forced Kaden into wearing as well.
Before waking up Kaden, I quickly ran to the restroom to brush my teeth and throw my hair up in a sloppy ponytail. Picking up my phone, I noticed a series of texts from Cole and Kendall.
7:15am
cole: merry christmas vree >:)
cole: oh and can you cover a shift for me next week?
I smiled at the typical Cole text, then replied immediately.
merry christmas cole!! and fine >:(
Next I opened Kendalls, which was much more formal.
kendall: hey avery, we miss you lots!! i think i'm dying without having you around to entertain cole, but i hope you're having a blast in the big city! when you get back we need to have a girls night. merry christmas!!
After reading Kendalls words, I began to realize how much I already missed her. I suddenly felt guilty for spending so much time with Kaden and Cole lately, and replied wholeheartedly.
we definitely do! i miss you guys more than you know :( new york is amazing, but it'd be better if you guys were with us. feel free to come stay with us ;) try not to kill cole, he means well. happy holidays!!
Confirming the text, glanced at the time, seeing that it was 7:35am.
I decided that Kaden had slept enough, and walked across the main area entering his wing of the room. The door was slightly sealed, but easily opened as I turned the doorknob.
"Kaden, wake up." I spoke for the first time, my voice at a normal level. Through the near pitch darkness of his room, I still noticed him shift to bury his head in the bunched up, soft bedding.
"Kaden." I groaned, walking over to tap his shoulder.
"Ave, you're not five. Let me sleep." He complained, his voice muffled.
"It's like eight! That's an appropriate Christmas wake up time."
Finally prying his eyes open, he rolled over. "Fine. I'll be up in five."
A smile spread across my face before entering the main room. Last night, Kaden and I went to Target and decided to decorate the room from head to toe.
Draped across the fireplace was full garland, along with two full stockings. We bought the biggest tree that could fit within the space and decorated it to the best of our ability.
We split apart for a bit, buying stocking stuffers and small gifts on the side to make under the tree seem full. As soon as we got home, we put on Christmas movies and got too work.
I appreciated all the effort Kaden had put in, despite his distaste towards the holiday. Now as I look upon the room, with the backdrop of New York City, it almost feels like home.
"I can't believe you got me to wear these." Kaden grumbles, walking out of his room and sitting next to me on the couch.
I laughed, realizing that he was referring to our matching outfits. "Aw, come on Kade. They're cute."
"They kind of want to make me ram my head into a wall, but I guess cute works too."
"You're such a drama queen, now let's open stockings!" I exclaimed, not minding Kaden's moody attitude.
I sprung off the couch and grabbed the two basic stockings, one of velvet color and the other cream. His attempts to hold back a smile failed him, as he finally glanced up towards me and gave an amused grin.
Kaden's stocking held the basics. Socks, various types of candy, earbuds, and an orange in the toe. As did mine, which contained about the same things.
"Thank you, Kade." I smiled genuinely as I reached the bottom.
"Anytime, Ave. Thank you too, this is the first time I've celebrated Christmas in a really long time. And as much as I hate to admit it, I'm starting to realize why people love it so much." Kaden's genuine words brought an easy grin to my face.
We each got eachother two presents, one being a gift card, and the other being something we thought of ourselves.
Butterflies filled my stomach when Kaden went to open his first gift. This was based off of an event that happened months ago at Mugs, when I had first been training.
Kaden was attempting to show me how the espresso machine works, and me being me, I messed it up bad. Somehow, I caused coffee to shoot up the top of the machine instead of the bottom, causing Kaden to immediately use his hand to prevent splatter and drench his watch coffee.
He insisted that it was okay, and that he could get the sticky liquid out of its crevices. However, Kaden no longer wears that watch, and it's pretty obvious as too why.
Carefully tearing the wrapping paper, Kaden revealed the Apple logo. He was quick to realize what its contents were and looked towards me.
"How'd you know the coffee ruined my last watch?" He laughed.
"Sixth sense."
"Thank you." He spoke gratefully. Once he opened his gift card next, which was ten dollars for Denny's.
"Just what I wanted." He smiled sarcastically.
"I know, I think that was better than the watch." I teased, well aware of Kaden's distaste towards Denny's.
Next it was my turn to open what Kaden had gotten me, and I genuinely had no idea what it could be.
Finding the edge of the red wrapping paper, I tore it open, to reveal a tan box.
Inside, was a white-gold necklace with an evergreen tree pendant. Carefully removing it from the box, I stared at it in awe.
It was beautiful. It didn't take me long to realize the necklace represented the rock, and the several towering trees that surrounded it.
"Sorry, It's kind of simple. I've never really done this before." Kaden spoke awkwardly, and I turned to him with my jaw dropped.
"You have nothing to be sorry for Kade, I love this. You couldn't have gotten me anything better, really. Thank you." I beamed, looking into his green eyes carefully.
"I'm really glad you liked it." He smiled softly, returning my gaze.
Pulling my head foward, I made an attempt to clasp the necklace on. After two failed tries, Kaden laughed. "Just give it too me, Ave."
I huffed, but set the necklace in his hand and turned towards the window. The sun was fully risen now, but overcast prevented the sun from meeting my eyes.
I felt Kaden's fingers lightly brush my neck as he clipped the necklace on without a problem. Suddenly, I felt a pit in my stomach that I couldn't explain.
It scared me.
Quickly snapping out of it, I jumped off the couch. "Alright, unfortunately we should probably clean up now, if we want to have some time in the city before dinner."
Kaden nodded and the two of us got to work.
⦠psychotic â¦
"Kaden, this is crazy."
"Loosen up a bit."
"I can't! Do you realize what we're doing?! We could go to jail."
"You're being dramatic. We're attending a wedding, not stealing from the church."
"A wedding we weren't invited too!" As we approached the entrance to Lauren Pierces extremely exclusive wedding, I wasn't surprised that it was overflowing with security. Although most of them were occupied, and most likely not quick to question two well-dressed teenagers, we'd still never get through.
"What if Mason and Scarlett see us?" I questioned nervously.
"They won't, they'll probably be around his family and won't even be paying attention to other guests. Besides, I'm sure they've met tons of people during the Pierce's stay, I highly doubt they can even pick us out of a crowd." He has a point there.
My nerves still eating me alive, I caved. "Fine, if you can figure out a way to get us in, I'll go along."
Earlier today, Kaden had the bright idea of crashing Lauren Pierces' wedding. I had always been opposed, but somehow he managed to drag me into town and purchase formal attire that'd make it easy to slip by. I chose a blush, lace dress. It flowed just above my knees and, thank god, fit in with the decor. Kaden was dressed in a suit, that was guaranteed to match any theme. We'd blend in, but that doesn't mean we'd pull it off.
"Already got it covered. You under estimate me, Ave." Kaden left for a quick second to go talk to one of the paparazzi. I couldn't tell what they were talking about, but the guy just nodded his head while Kaden reached into his pocket to grab three hundred dollar bills.
Of course.
Suddenly, the guy screamed at the top of his lungs; "Lauren Pierce I love you! Let me inside! I want to fight for your hand in marriage!"
All of the security guards snapped their heads in the direction of the guy in unison, all leaving their posts to stop him from getting in. Goosebumps rose from my skin at the sudden event.
Quickly, Kaden grabbed my hand and pulled me through the gorgeous entry way.
Inside of the reception, elegance flowed throughout the room. Large curtains hung from each window and each table had a large, flower centrepiece.
However predictable this may seem, the music that played matched more how I'd picture Laurens personality to be. Loud and more fun than most people would originally have pictured.
"Wanna get a drink?" Kaden suggestioned. I nodded, attempting to not fall in my new, not yet broken in heels.
We made our way over to the bar area, keeping our heads down the best we could without being suspicious, saying simple "hellos" to random rich people who greeted us first.
Thankfully, we've stayed clear of Mason and Scarlett, not even attempting to look for them.
"What can I get you two?" The bartender asks. We both order a sparkling cider. Although we were both aware that champagne was easily accessible, it was an easy decision to stay fully sober during a wedding we shouldn't even be at.
"This is stunning." I speak in awe, admiring our surroundings.
"It is." Kaden agrees, looking at me briefly before his eyes scanned the room as well.
We spoke for around thirty minutes around the bar, holding a steady, casual conversation despite the amount of powerful people spread around us.
It wasn't Kaden noticeably stiffened that I felt my previous anxiety kick in once again.
"Whats wrong?" I turned to look at him.
"Okay... not to freak you out or anything, but I swear I just made eye contact with Scarlett." Kaden whispers. I almost spit out my drink.
Matching Kaden's gaze, I see a very amused Mason excusing him and Scarlett from their conversation.
As the two made their way over to us, I begin to panic.
"Is it too late to run?" I ask Kaden. But before he could answer, they're already in front of us.
"So, which side of the family are you on?" Mason asks with a smirk, his amusement clear. Scarlett held back a laugh.
"Mason, Scarlett! What are you guys doing at my cousins wedding?" I attempted to keep my voice cheery to cover up my nervousness but it came out more sarcastically.
"What are you doing at my sisters wedding?" Mason glares. Kaden sets down his cider and grabs a champagne glass from the waiter, then downs it in one gulp.
"Your sisters wedding? Oh! My cousins wedding must be tomorrow!" I sighed dramatically.
Scarlett looks to Mason, and as he returns her gaze they burst out laughing. Mason even grabs onto Scarletts arm to stop himself from falling down with laughter.
"Oh my god! You should've seen the looks on your faces!" Scarlett laughs.
Kaden turns to me. "Really Ave? You're a terrible liar."
"It was the best excuse I could come up with at the time!" I defend.
"Are you mad? We can leave..." Kaden asks them, attempting to avoid awkwardness.
"No, it's totally fine, this is so cool! I thought this kind of stuff only happened in movies!" She replies happily. Relief flooded over me.
"Me too." I smile with a small laugh.
"Have you guys enjoyed your stay so far?" Scarlett asks, trying to make small talk.
"No." Kaden says, obviously not serious.
I slap him then reply, "Yes, it's beautiful here. I've never stayed anywhere like it." My voice genuine.
"Have you guys been to Manhattans Mochas yet? It's right down the road from here. Best coffee in all of New York if you ask me."
"Yeah actually! We've been there twice."
Scarlett smiles. "Usually if I'm not here dealing with Mason, I'm there. My friend Grace works there, and my friend Sam owns it." Mason rolls his eyes at her remark.
"Kade and I work at a coffee shop back in Maine, I fully understand your love for the atmosphere." I replied.
"Yeah... the customers can be terrible though." Mason adds as he smirks at Scarlett.
"Mason." She scoffs, glaring at him.
"Theres this girl that goes down there a lot with dark auburn hair and green eyes. She likes to bash other customers and then follow them out of the store begging them not to tell their parents about it." The way Mason spoke made it clear he was talking about an event between him and Scarlett.
"Would it kill you to shut up for once, Mason." She scolded, rolling her eyes. "Don't listen to him."
I shared a confused glance with Kaden.
"There are no rude customers there." Mason laughs as she glares at him. "I'm just messing with her."
"I figured you were speaking from experience." I smile.
"Red wasn't lying when she said we spend like all all day everyday there, though. I'm starting to understand the appeal." Mason laughs.
"Hey, we do too!" I added in a nice tone.
"If we're not working, we're there after hours." Kaden nods.
"Yeah, our friend Kendall drags us there for "hot chocolate hours." twice a month, but we're there even when theres not one." I laugh, thinking back to our last HCH.
"We play uno after hours a lot. Mason sucks." Scarlett says, while Mason rolls his eyes.
"Kaden probably does too, since he always refuses to play with me." I nudge Kaden slightly with a playful smile on my face.
"It's called sparing your feelings, Ave." He smirked, earning laughs from Scarlett and Mason.
"Thank you for being so cool about this you guys and not, you know, calling security or something." I spoke after a moment.
Kaden nodded in agreement. "Yeah."
Mason and Scarlett didn't appear annoyed or mad, in fact, they both smiled. "Don't worry about it, you guys. It's really not that big of a deal. Stay as long as you want, but Red and I have to go and socialize." Mason's tone didn't show much emotion, but the little bits that showed through sounded kind.
"It was really nice to see you two again." Scarlett added with a warm smile.
"You too." I replied, matching her expression. The two waved goodbye, before greeting more of the guests.
I turned to Kaden and let out a relieved sigh. "We seriously lucked out on that one."
He raised his hands in defense. "I didn't think they'd recognize us!"
"Clearly you thought wrong. But hey, I got to have an actual conversation with my two idols son, and I'm at their daughters reception. If this wasn't so cool, I'd be pissed." I nudged him, earning a smile.
"You wanna go? I think we've had enough excitement for today." Kaden offered. Nodding, I headed towards the exit.
"What am I gonna do with you, Kade." I joked, as we finally stepped back into the lobby.
He shrugged. "Time will tell."
Authors Note
hey guys! so here i am updating again, sorry it took so long :( december has been BRUTAL for me to write and i'm sure it's been boring to read. these events are important in the plot, but all i want is to get kaden and avery back in runswick.
one more december chap left, and then i should be active again!!
this is far shorter than normal, because it's a poorly written filler, i swear next chapter will be better.
have a wonderful day!! <3
ALSO read city lights by okaykendall, mason and scarlett are her character's :)