𝒹𝓊𝓂𝒷 𝒷𝒶𝒷𝒾𝑒𝓈

continued from here for @classicpickles​

Teagan needed one of her friends to start dating someone so that they could ​double date and do all the cute shit she promised she never wanted, but deep down, had gotten jealous of others over. Maybe Angelica wasn’t the right person for it, but that didn’t mean she was going to stop herself from trying to peer pressure her into it. “Okay, like, yes, but it is kind of nice to have someone to pay for everything and take pictures of you,” Teagan pointed out. Richie wasn’t really good for either of those things, but he was good enough until she found someone else. “Or, you know, you could always go girlfriend. I think if Richie and I ever break up, I’m exclusively looking for a girl. No more of this immature boy bullshit. We’re getting way too old for that.”

❀

Angelica usually didn’t like people, in fact most of them annoyed her but a certain few got through her rough exterior. She was a little picky, so what. As far as she was concerned it was simply weeding out the bad ones anyway. Teagan got her though, always had. Their friendship was one that happened easily, bonding over mutual distaste for the same people. Who knew that it wasn’t only love that brought people together? The mention of a girlfriend made Angelica feel a small smirk come on before forcing it back down, always having a little preference towards women but never seeming to know what to say to them. “As you should boys are rarely worth the time and the ones that are usually have money,” she said shaking her head at the very thought. It was hard to find someone who had actual substance these days and more to offer. “How is that sack of dicks anyway?” Angelica said putting a lollipop between her lips and raising an eyebrow. She wasn’t all too fond of the guy, knowing Teagan could do better but that wouldn’t end up being her problem. 

Angelica always made sure to take a longer lunch if she was going out to meet Susie, actually wanting to enjoy her time rather than rush through it. Especially now when they had so much to dish on. She felt like she hadn’t been able to talk to anyone about what was going on. Of course Lil had stopped by more lately and she’d been giving Chuckie shit for it since she found out but this was different. Talking to her best friend about drama was unmatched. She took a bite of her salad before looking over at her friend. “What do you think though? I’m team Lil here, Phil is like the human version of a Hot Pocket anyway,” the girl said scrunching her face for a second before continuing to chew. “Also like ew, right? Kimi what the fuck?” A laugh couldn’t help but pop out a little before she tried to stop it by putting her hand to her mouth. 

@missmuttonfudge

Angelica was already giving a small gag in response to the other blonde's comment, a laugh to follow. The last thing that was on her mind right now was dating. Teagan didn't seem to feel the same but that never changed Angelica's gut feeling that her boyfriend was a total tool. Everything about him gave her the ick but it wasn't her relationship to be meddling in. Not that she didn't love to meddle it was just that when it came to dealings of the heart she would rather not get involved. Too many crimes of passion these days. Instead, she'd play it safe from the sidelines and give Richie a sly insult anytime possible. "You mean most if not like all of them?" She said, her eyebrows furrowing. "Never settle for a man, the bar is low enough already."

@directorpickles

He was right, no one was going to come out of this entirely happy, that was obvious from the start. A little drama was actually kind of exciting. Things had been boring in the friend group, it was only a matter of time before someone fucked it. She expected it would work itself out but she'd enjoy the ride. Of course, Angelica had already decided where she stood in it all, the rest was out of her hands and her commentary came free of charge. "Not a chance, might as well grab a bucket of popcorn and enjoy the show." A smile came onto her lips as she looked over at her cousin. “It’s gonna be fine, don’t get your panties in too tight of a twist. Phil’s just an idiot.”

*

Once Chuckie heard the voice behind him, he sighed. Obviously she was going to be here, he just didn’t think about. Wherever Angelica was, the teasing was sure to follow. Sometimes Chuckie wondered if he was her favorite target. “Hi Angelica.” He replied with a sigh. Without turning, he picked up the bottle of vodka again and added another splash to his drink. “I’m dedicating my first drink of the night to you. Congratulations.” Chuckie looked at Angelica and tested this drink. He told himself he could keep the act up for tonight, pretend everything is okay. Of course it would be Angelica to immediately prove him wrong. “I’m doing great. It doesn’t bug me at all and everything is perfect.” Chuckie has no chance when he was around Angelica. She always seemed to read him like a book. He spoke quietly, knowing only she could hear. “I wish he stuck with boogers.”

❀

Angelica knew that he’d be fun to come bug while she was here. Over the years Chuckie had become the easiest one to rope into all of her chaotic ideas. He wasn’t like the total worst but that wouldn’t stop her from having her own fun. This was the most drama the friend group had seen in years and she wasn’t going to miss out on all the comments she could make because of someone’s feelings. “Well like duh, it should be anyway,” she said adding another splash to her own vodka cran. If there was one thing her teen years partying taught her it was that Angelica could hold her liquor. “If you’re trying to forget you’ll probably need a little more though.” That is, if he was trying to cover what she suspected. Even if he tried to hold it together Angelica had always been able to see through his act. It’d been like that for as long as she could remember. “Don’t worry, I told her to get tested.” 

It wasn’t unusual for Kit to be impossible to see. He didn’t seem to have time for anything besides whatever girl he was engaged to at that time or whatever. Every season there was a new one and she couldn’t keep up anymore. For months all she’d been hearing was about how he was engaged to be married and then he wasn’t and then he was again. And on top of that having girls that weren’t his fiancé and honestly, Angelica had lost track. All she heard was maybe she had a chance now seeing as though he was technically on the market. Until there was a ring on her finger she considered him a free space to park. She’d come to a wine tasting for fun but knew that Kit was notorious for showing up to these things, it was all part of the charm in their business. Angelica was always happy to come spend money on wine, especially when it involved eye candy like Kit Charming. When people finally started to clear away she took it as her in to make conversation. “I heard about everything going on... How are you doing?” She said with a small frown. “I can’t imagine being like forced to marry people and stuff. I don’t know how you do it with a smile, you’re like way stronger than I could ever be.”

Angelica had gotten pretty good at catching shoplifters. Perhaps that came from her teen years where she would do it just for fun. Of course she didn’t need to, money not being an issue for her family but she liked the rush. Now it came in handy for catching any of the girls who came in with sticky fingers. When a guy that looked like that came into her store she didn’t want to be quick to judge but she had already clocked him as trouble. Any man that wore rings was one to watch out for. If he wasn’t going to steal from her store he’d be going for someone’s heart to smash after he’d had his fun. “Those won’t fit you.” Angelica stood behind him as he looked at the offering of jewelry she had available at her store. “And I know you’re not buying them for a girl because there’s no way you can hold one long enough to be buying them jewelry. That screams commitment and well, you don’t.” 

Of course she had to come to her best friend’s party, as if she’d be caught dead anywhere else. As much as Angelica refused to admit it all the these losers were her friends. Sometimes she was jealous that they got to know her or at least she liked to joke that she was. Someone she hadn’t talked to about the whole Kimi and Phil weirdness was Chuckie and boy was she excited to see him tonight. Maybe it was lame to follow these dumb kids drama but it was like cable. She walked into the kitchen to find him making himself a drink, a giggle coming out as she went over to him. “Hi Carrot Top,” Angelica said before giving him a push as she walked past him. “How’s it feel knowing your sister like kissed someone who totally eats their own boogers?”

@classicpickles​

Phil wasn’t sure why he decided to come to Susie’s party. He felt out of place and like all eyes were on him at every moment. He was mostly keeping to himself, not talking much or cracking jokes like he usually would. It was is mom’s idea for him to go when she found out Lil was going, and as much as Phil would have rather stayed in his room and played video games for the night he forced himself to get out of bed and get ready to go. Hell, he’d even shaved for the small event and made a pan of ‘special’ brownies! He was in Susie’s kitchen, trying to stay away from the crowd as much as possible and just snack on the different foods there when Angelica walked in. He understood she was Tommy and Dil’s cousin and all but why was she such an annoying brat? There was no use in ignoring her because they’d already both looked at each other, so Phil figured he would break the ice. “So, how’s the store and all?” he asked awkwardly before tossing a grape from the fruit platter into his mouth. “Business is good, I hope.”

❀

The drama that had been stirring made her all the more excited for the party tonight at Susie’s. Not that she enjoyed watching the friend group fight but if they were going to be stupid she would most certainly pull up a chair. It was the elephant in the room how could it not be fun to watch. Angelica wondered if Phil and Kimi would even show up after the calamity that had been going on in the group text lately. It wasn’t a secret when that went radio silent than things weren’t good. That’s why a smile was quick to form the second she saw him, impressed that he had the nuts to come. He was already stuck in her web as the black widow herself inched towards him. “Well if it isn’t the man of the hour,” she said with a more sarcastic tone than usual. “You know, it’s actually been pretty good. Holidays and all. What about you? What’s new? Still in your parent’s basement orrrr?”

“My resolutions?” Pausing her mindless scrolling, the question asked something that Pacifica hadn’t considered yet. She didn’t bother making promises for the new year because she was very confident (and privileged) she’d make them happen: If she wanted to try horseback riding, her parents would get her a horse the very next day and with the Northwest driving spirit, she’d make it into and win an equestrian championship. By a simple wanting and wishing, she’d bring on challenge that wasn’t so much as a challenge but rather a chore on her to-do list for the day and move onto whatever came next. Since she craved a conversation at all rather than viewing yet another meaningless post on social media, she’d entertained the idea of a resolution. “I guess I could make Pantone change their color of the year to my signature purple, get a feature in a magazine, and finally perfect the optimal posting time for maximum likes and views. What about you?”

❀

Angelica liked to think forwardly about some things especially business. That was what made her get up in the morning these days. The thought of being able to watch her brand grow and potentially start putting her own designs into the store. This was going to be the year, she could feel it. That’s exactly why she was already making plans for how she was going to get there. Nothing could stop Angelica when she got like this, she wouldn’t let anyone stand in her way. “If they have any taste in real fashionable colors and people, they would.” As she continued to pin the fabric against the dress form she spoke through the ones between her teeth, “if all goes to plan I’ll be able to put more Angelica originals into the shop just like this one.” She looked back to the purple fabric before scooting back on her stool at the two-piece skirt crop set she’d created. “What if I found a super cute white jean jacket to go with it? And purple wedges? Or white?”

Angelica didn’t usually stop by to see Tommy but this was an emergency. Christmas at the Pickles’ meant the whole family came and it was an entire feast. Her mother had offered to hold it for the entire family which meant she was stressed as ever and put her daughter in charge of the pies. Only problem being Angelica was absolutely terrible at baking, turns out it was much different that adding ingredients to make the right outfit. That’s when she unfortunately had to turn to Tommy for help, showing up at his door with bags of supplies in her arms. “You’re going to help me make the pies for Christmas for everyone,” she said when he opened the door, immediately making herself at home. “Do you think three is enough? How much pie is like a normal amount to have?”

anastasia was on the hunt for a brand new dress to wear to an upcoming christmas party.  she couldn’t make up her mind between a green or red colored dress, though, which had caused her to remain standing in the same spot in the boutique for about ten minutes.  she had been leaning more towards the green dress, up until she heard the encouraging words of the blonde next to her, her insecurities were trying to get the better of her. “do you think so?” she asked, excitedly, replacing the red dress on the rack and holding out the green dress to admire it a bit more. “i guess it’s the winner then! i was leaning towards it more but i’m typically known for wearing more red than green around christmas. i just wanted to do something a little different this year.” not to mention the dress seemed casual enough that she felt like she could sneak off to a bar after the christmas party. “you have a lovely shop, and no, i’m not just saying that in hopes of a discount,” ana teased with a light chuckle and small playful smile. “has it been a busy holiday season for you so far?”

❀

Angelica could see red as a color that was a fine one for the girl but that dark green would bring out her eyes more. It was a comment she kept in her head but noted it in case she ever saw the girl back. She paid close attention to customers that came back, they were the ones she went to whenever she had pieces she made that she wanted to sell. Not to mention she thought they had a similar figure which meant she could use her for the clothes she made for herself. “Red is overdone anyway, every girl goes for red. It’s the year for dark green, trust me,” she said confidently, a smile come on to her lips. “Thank you, it’s like literally my baby.” It had become most than anyone had thought. The shop was her niche and she finally found it. “Not insane but don’t get me wrong it hasn’t been slow either. It always picks up after Thanksgiving then dies down before Christmas. People want the deals and shop right away, I guess.” She sure didn’t, still not having even thought about gifts.

To be clear, Angelica was not the first person who Lil had wanted to go to for advice about this colossal mess. It seemed to be necessary given the scale of how messy this had gotten, and while she knew that consulting the older blonde was an emergency-only agreement, Lil had figured that the concept of emergency had gone out the window the minute that Phil and Kimi had slept together. “Kimi deserves better than someone like Phil, and I know that for sure,” she agreed, shaking her head. “Are you sure? I mean, if things get weird at Chuckie and Tommy’s I’d be sure to come to you, but like, I don’t want to impose or anything.” Lil had been sure that she’d taken one of the top spots in Angelica’s ranks, but she had never been entirely sure. “That’s what I had thought, too. I don’t know, I guess there are no rules anymore. They kind of broke the idea of that.”

❀

They had never been close, not that Angelica was really close with anyone. The rest of them had all kind of grown on her but Phil was last on the list. From the looks of it Lil was moving up though and yet it still surprised even herself that she offered her place. If anyone was to stay with her she’d need to trust them and Lil was one of the ones that she did. “Yeah, of course she does, your brother is like the literal crusty weird guy without a job who lives in his parents basement. Like the guy you don’t want your friends to date,” she said as if it was obvious. Angelica didn’t mean to be rude but she didn’t see the point in not being blunt. It never got anything done. “Yeah, it’s not like anyone is using it if you need to escape being around gross boys.” She wouldn’t last a day living with them, knowing the smell of their fridge would probably make her scream. “Didn’t you all like view each other as family and like not get a hard on? How does Chuckie feel about it?” He’d always been close of his sister and she couldn’t help but wonder his stance.

Barbie couldn’t keep away from a cute cloths, and the boutique was practically screaming at her as she walked by. Wondering in her eyes went all over the place. mentally noting to give a compliment to the set up being so engaging. Letting her fingers skim over a ruby red dress she smiled to herself. Already seeing a pair of heels that would flow perfectly. “You think so?” She asked holding it up against her body. With a small laugh she looked towards the other. “I believe you, but that’s also a wise move to compliment the shoppers. I also want to let you know the lay out in here is lovely as well. Did you make all these pieces or buy them in? Either way. I’m obsessed.” 

❀

The girl was pretty, sure, but clothes could make anyone look better. Angelica was a firm believer in that. When the girl held the dress up the blonde stepped back to get the full view. “Absolutely, gosh with some big jewelry, and that neck line.” The picture was coming together in her own head. Not like her way was the only way to style a piece but she liked to throw it out there in case something stuck and they would make her vision into reality. “I thought it was my job to compliment you,” she said with a small smile coming to her lips. “But thank you, I do try.” Harder than people knew. “Stop it, really? Well, both. Most of it is made my actual designers but sometimes I put a few of my pieces out to see if anyone likes them. I’m still learning but I hope to eventually have this place but all Angelica originals.”