in atrophy

“I was nannying today for the cutest little two year old. He was sloshing around in these adorable red rain boots outside today. God, do I miss the simplicity of puddles.”

‘Kids are the best in that respect, I love to observe their wonderment. That sounds like the kind of video you’d find for a well needed feel good.’

IT WOULD PROBABLY MAKE SENSE for Arden to at least go to her last set of classes before winter break set in – and, admittedly, she’d woken up with every intention to do just that. Last night’s hangover settled in about halfway through that morning’s shower, however, and caused her to drag her feet over to the on-campus coffee shop instead – too mesmerized by the prospect of tea and cranberry scones to pull herself free from the warmth radiating within the confines of the coffee shop, and endure a string of lectures she barely even understood most of the time. Which was what currently brought her here in that moment – scrunched up in the corner of her favorite booth, blowing cool air against her freshly brewed english breakfast and aimlessly sketching at the empty lines of her notebook. “Who even came up with the idea for secret santa? Like– a. I already have a shit ton of shopping I need to do for my own family, and b. it’s not like everyone doesn’t go back and exchange the gift a week later anyways.” Her list of gift ideas remained blank and forgotten for her own secret santa, and she had no intent to return to it until the night before the upcoming party. Surely, it coud wait a little longer.

It was against Clara’s every ounce of common sense to approach the booth, given everything that had transpired between herself and Arden. But then again, it was against every bit of basic instinct she possessed to have kissed Arden with their last brush of contact. As it appeared, Clara had learned nothing, as she approached the booth, cupping the warm mug of cinnamon tea with both hands, a copy of her latest text to study tucked under her arm. There was a kind of magnetism, a gravitational pull toward the girl that she simply could not resist. How that attraction still played on her emotions, she did not care to entertain the thought. She slid into the booth without a word, offering a gentle smile as she set her mug down on the counter and placed her book to one side. After a rather long pause, Clara deduced that indeed, Arden was making conversation with her. Her eyes remained fixed on the brunette's book, "I think it's a lovely gesture, and a bit of fun. Besides, what harm can be done with a little gift? As they say, the thought is what counts." She raised mug to her lips, taking a sip and stealing a glance up to Arden. "I'm a little stuck myself, as to what to get my person. I've been busy with classes and all, I suppose the same could be said of you?" 

     ❝ you should be. people are going to start associating you with the grinch if you don’t get into that christmas spirit soon. ❞

“I would not blame them, or you, for associating me with a green furry man with a tiny heart. Have you planned anything for Christmas?”

“They weren’t a ripped pair to begin with?”