this chapter is unedited, feel free to correct me on mistakes! it's actually helpful ahaha

December, 2018

As my eyes lazily lifted from their deep slumber, it only took a matter of seconds for excitement and realization to wash over me. I was in New York city just days before Christmas.

A huge smile broke out across my face, though my vision was still splotchy from just waking up. Sitting up, I turned on my lamp and opened the curtains, exposing the clouds of fluffy white snow falling from the grey sky.

Finally fully standing, I pulled my suitcase out from the miniature closet and opened it up, exposing as series of warm, winter clothes that I had recently bought. I exchanged my old t-shirt and fuzzy pajamas for an oversized white-knitted sweater and fleece-lined black leggings, pairing them with a maroon plaid scarf and matching earmuffs.

All I did for makeup was mascara, not wanting to go too full-on. Combing through my wavy hair and brushing my teeth, I was officially, almost ready for the day.

I already knew Kaden wasn't awake, since I hadn't heard a sound come from his side of the hotel room, and none of his lights were on. But before waking him up, I picked up my phone to check the time. The clock read "9:21am" and I surprisingly had no texts from Cole or Kendall.

"Alright Kade, time to get up." I mumbled to myself, before approaching his door.

"Kaden! Wake up!" I spoke loudly, knocking harshly on the door. After a few moments, I noticed the room was still overwhelmed with silence.

"Kaden! We're in New York, no sleeping in. Wake up." No response.

"Don't make me come in there."

"Go away." I heard Kaden mumble.

"Get up."

"No."

"Fine." I bursted through the door, only to see Kaden laying down in a t-shirt and sweats, pressing his face to a pillow. I turned on the lights and lifted the blackout curtains that were identical to the ones in my room.

"Alright, alright! I'll be out in fifteen." Kaden grumbled, still not moving from his position.

"Thank you!" I smiled, shutting the door in triumph.

After roughy fifteen minutes of scrolling through various apps on my phone, surprisingly still not receiving any texts from my co-workers, Kaden exited his room, dressed in black jeans, a t-shirt and a flannel jacket, his hair wet.

"Took you long enough" I fake complained.

"Yeah sorry, I got ambushed this morning. Genuinely thought I was gonna die." His voice was monotone, but you could tell by his facial expression that he found his comment amusing.

"Cry me a river. What do you wanna do first?" I showed clear excitement in the way I spoke, even if it was unintentional.

"Get coffee."

"I'm down." And with that, we set off for the nearest coffee shop.

Taking the elevator down to the lobby, I fidgeted. It was still hard for me to believe I was here. But as the door opened, it immediately stopped. The decor and elegance of the hotel still managed to amaze me. It was absolutely stunning.

Smells filled my nose that just screamed Christmas, nobody seemed to look unhappy and the whole place just felt warm. I silently envied the girl we met yesterday, Scarlett? I'd kill to own all of this, live here all year long.

I wore my black Doc Martens that Molly had given me for secret santa, and I prayed they wouldn't squeak against the shiny floors. Luckily for me, my prayers had been answered.

Snow fell gracefully onto the crowded pavement, and I tightened my grip on my jacket, wrapping it further around me.

Kaden stood close to me, his arm brushing mine with every step. It was necessary, due to the amount of people crammed into such a small space, so I couldn't quite grasp the uneasy feeling that swirled around my stomach and the slightest contact.

I was with Kaden all the time, this wasn't new. Every time he forces me to watch National Treasure or Beetlejuice, it was a given that I'd end up falling asleep on him. This wasn't even the slightest bit abnormal, his arm literally just brushed mine.

Nothing happened then, so why am I suddenly all jittery.

"You okay Ave? You look...distressed. And cold." Kaden asked, revoking an immediate reaction from me.

I laughed, covering up my previous dazed state. "I'm good, just taking this all in. But yeah, of course I'm cold. It's thirty degrees and I've lived in hot places my whole life. "

"Whatever you say." He was closer to me now.

STOP!

"Let's go here. It looks cute." My frozen fingers pointed to a sign that said 'Manhattans Mochas' that was just down the street from our hotel.

Kaden nodded, and it took only seconds to push through the doors and into the warmth of the interior.

The smell of fresh coffee, hot chocolate and what seemed to be cinnamon filled my nose, instantly reminding me of Mugs. The place was half crowded, a few people were seated on their laptops, sipping on their warm drinks, while others were chatting with their friends or just stopping by.

Kade and I walked up to the kiosk thing, behind that counter stood a brunette who looked around our age. Her name-tag read 'Grace'.

"Welcome to Manhattans Mochas! What do you want to order?" She smiled, her voice kind but flustered. It seemed a little forced, but I get it. Having to be nice to strangers all day, repeating the same sentence constantly could be exhausting.

"Can I just get a large peppermint mocha and black coffee? For this fifty year old man over here." I joked, pointing to Kaden.

Grace started laughing, but was sure to collect herself. "That'll be eight-fifty."

Kaden glared at me as I payed for both of our drinks but I brushed it off. "Don't give me that look. You payed for slurpee's and parking."

"Slurpee's are like two bucks."

"And parking is three hundred."

"It's my car."

"Just shut up and let me buy you coffee Kade."

I guess he listened, because didn't add any more commentary as Grace handed us both our coffees.

We took a seat at one of the round tables, in front of the fire place but next to the window, so we could view the busy city that was slowly getting covered in white powder. I took a sip out of the cup and sighed.

Manhattan's Mochas sure makes a good cup of coffee.

"What do you want to do today?" Kaden asked, also taking a sip out of his beverage.

"Honestly, I'm good with anything. I'm just happy to be here."

"Avery-"

"Plus you know how indecisive I am." I cut Kaden off before he could fight me on this more and make me pick.

It wasn't long before I began to hear a noise from behind the counter. Noise? I meant voices, arguing, actually.

Grace, had started bickering with some brunette. Their voices were quite yet loud, hearing not words but mumbles coming loudly from the two.

"Remind you of anyone?" Kaden asked, obviously noticing the two as well.

"Cole and Kendall? Definitely. It seems like they'd get along."

I sipped out of the toasty mug once again, loving the feeling of the warm liquid filling my stomach.

One thing I had always appreciated about Kadens company is that I never got bored talking to him. He always had an expression that seemed as if he actually cared about what I had to say. Even if he was faking it, I appreciated the effort.

It wasn't long before Kade and I both finished our drinks and decided to walk around the white, slushy streets of New York.

"I want to live here one day, so badly I cannot even express it to you." I sighed, awing the festive window displays.

"You will Ave, I have no doubt." Kaden, reassured, also looking engulfed.

"You should apply too, I can tell Columbia isn't your dream. It's your dad's. I can see you there, at N.Y.U, and not just because of me."

Kaden smiled a sad smile, more to himself than to me. "I can't Ave, I- I can't just not go through with the future I've planned for years."

"It's not the future you've planned, it's the future you had planned for you. Just think about it."

Both of our gazes were now focused ahead of us, into the crowd of endless New Yorkers.

It was silent for a while, I hadn't even realized how far we'd gone until we approached the Marble Fashion building, which had the most impressive decorations of any building yet.

"I'm gonna apply for Marbles summer internship thing this summer." I said, not really meaning it.

Kaden laughed. "Okay Ave, good luck with that." Sarcasm was very much present in his voice.

"Hey! I could do it if I really wanted too!"

"Actually no, you can't. I'm pretty sure they only accept high schoolers and this summer you'll be graduated. Also you have no interest in the fashion industry, and you have to be like... a prodigy or something."

"Thanks for the support, Kade." I joked, lightly bumping into him.

"The truth hurts Ave." We both laughed, our previous awkward silence vanishing completely.

The rest of the day went by quickly. We didn't have a set destination, we had just followed the way our feet took us, which consisted of a holiday market, ice skating and another coffee stop.

Though New York had lifted me out of my holiday blues, something still seemed off with Kaden.

I decided to ignore it.

If only I hadn't.

❦ Psychotic ❦

"Kade, if I fall you are legally obligated to catch me." We were about to see the Nutcracker, a production I had seen many times, but Kaden hadn't seen once.

Gazing down at my shiny nude heels, which were about three inches tall, made me nervous. My feet were already trembling.

I had chosen a slightly fitted red dress with long, lace sleeves for the occasion, and the shoes went perfectly with the outfit. Unfortunately, I was not very skilled in the stiletto department.

"I will Ave, don't worry." Kaden entered the main area of our room, tying the black tie to his suit.

"Hey! I'm almost as tall as you!" I exclaimed, wobbling towards him.

"I still have a good two inches on you, don't get too excited." Kade huffed, straightening his tie.

This wasn't originally planned, but I couldn't live with the knowledge that Kaden had never seen the Nutcracker live. As soon as I heard the information, I called my dad and he managed to get us each a seat. 

Kaden isn't too happy, but he didn't really have a choice in the matter.

"We have to leave now if we wanna be at the theater in time!" I realized, clinging to Kaden as w began to walk out the door and through the hallway.

"Ave maybe you should just change shoes-"

"No! I can handle these, I just need to get the hang of them." I leaned into Kaden even more, but let go of his shoulder.

Though it was only our second day now, I felt a pit in my stomach when it came to the thought of leaving.  I had already grown so attached to the way the city works.

As Kaden and I exited the beautiful building once again, I was once again struck by the beauty of New York at dawn. The sky was a hazy pink, not so bright that the lights didn't show, but not to dark that they were blinding.

Yellow cabs crowded the streets. As expected, Kaden and I had no problem finding a ride to the theater.

"You look really pretty, Ave." Kaden spoke, breaking me out of my dazed state, removing my eyes from the our blurred surroundings out the window and directly towards him.

I smiled. "Thanks Kade."

I really needed to call Cole about all of this later.

Pulling up, we tipped the cab driver a fair amount, along with the amount he was due, and exited the vehicle.

Once again I leaned into Kaden, causing a laugh to escape his lips. These damn shoes.

The interior of the the David H. Koch theater was glamorous and beautiful, as it was decorated beautifully for the occasion and all around grand.

Kaden didn't look fazed, most likely he was used to these kinda things. Sure, my family had money, but I never went to huge events with them, so this is new for me.

"Let's go to our seats. The show starts in ten." Kaden spoke, leaning towards my ear so I'd hear him over the noise.

I nodded and we weaved our way through the crowds and towards our seats.

"You better like it." I huffed.

"I bet I will Ave."

Then the lights dimmed, and the show started. 

Falling asleep was completely accidental. I didn't mean for my eyes to get so heavy, and suddenly doze through the entire performance and intermissions.

It wasn't until encore that Kaden gently shook me awake, after I had been sleeping on his shoulder throughout the three hour show I made him see.

My eyes lifted immediately, and I covered my face with my hands. "Please tell me I did not just do that."

"Sorry Ave, you know I'm not a liar."

I groaned. "I'm so sorry, I don't know why I did that! Getting all fancy, baring with these shoes, dragging you here, all so I could take a nap."

"You're really overreacting, it was good. Even though my arm has been asleep for the last hour."

Kaden stood, offering me his hand which I had gladly accepted. Standing up, I nearly fell over, causing Kaden to catch me.

"Jesus, what's wrong with me tonight." I mumbled, steadying myself before letting go of Kade.

"You seem perfectly normal to me."

"Thanks."

The whole evening seemed to go really fast. After the show I bribed Kaden into buying us hot cocoa mix and christmas movies before we headed back to home base, also known as the hotel.

As we entered the building, I noticed Scarlett and the other guy she was with the day we checked in. They were both grinning.

When Scarlett's eyes met mine, she almost immediately approached us, the guy followed behind her.

"Hey!" She smiled.

I returned her expression gladly. "Hi! Scarlett, is it?"

I know it was rude to stare, but I swear I had seen that dude somewhere. My gaze was curious, but focused on him.

"Yeah! Avery and Kaden, right?"

"Yep! Sorry if I sound rude, but I swear I recognize you from somewhere." I spoke in a calculating voice.

Though seeming a bit uncomfortable, he shrugged. "Uh, well you might have seen me with Scarlett and two other girls the day you guys checked in."

Kaden finally cut in, seeming unable to hold back is obvious amusement. "You've definitely seen him somewhere other than here."

I scrunched my face. "What are you talking about?"

"Or you might know him because he's Mason Pierce. His parents are Nicholas and Diana Pierce, the directors." Scarlett pointed out.

"Seriously Kade! You knew it was him from the start and you didn't tell me!" I turned to Kaden, who now had his head back in laughter.

"You didn't ask."

I smacked his arm lightly, secretly hoping Mason hadn't seen.

"How could I have asked if I didn't know it was him!"

Not paying any attention to what I just said, Kaden turned to Scarlett and Mason.

"Sorry, Avery's just trying to hide her inner-fan girl right now."

I was going to kill him.

"I am not!"

I definitely am.

Scarlett laughed and covered Masons ears. "Shhh! Don't feed into his ego."

We all joined in on her laughter.

"We'll see you guys around!" Scarlett beams.

"Bye!" I reply, as both of us walk in different directions.

As soon as I could tell they were out of earshot, I turned to Kaden and scowled.

"You knew that was Mason Pierce, the son of two of my idols."

"Yep."

"Why would you keep that from me!" I exclaimed, the two of us now entering the elevator.

"For this exact moment." Kaden tried to keep his voice monotone but failed and broke out into another fit of laughter.

"Whatever."

"Come on Ave, don't be mad. I knew you'd figure it out eventually."

"And why is that?"

"Because Lauren Pierces wedding is here in a couple of days. Seriously, how do I know this and you don't."

"I told you there's something wrong with me today." I groan.

"Again, I think you're just fine."

Pulling out my phone as we walked out of the elevator, I quickly texted Cole.

call me when you're done with your shift. i half miss you :(

Sent 10:09pm

Almost immediately, I got a response.

cole: miss you too vree ;) love u like a sister, i'll call u in ten

me: i already regret texting you.

cole: ;(

"Who are you texting?" Kaden asked curiously, unlocking the door.

"Just Cole." Kaden nodded as the two of us entered the room.

"I say we change into sweats, make some hot chocolate than watch Christmas movies." I suggested.

"I'm down." Kaden agreed, the both of us separating into our rooms to get dressed. As I slipped on an oversized Rolling Stones t-shirt and grey sweats, my phone began to vibrate.

incoming call from: cole

I answered immediately.

"I think I might have a tiny crush on Kaden." I whispered right as I answered.

"I'm gonna need popcorn for this."

"Just a sec, I can't talk here." I muffled the phone.

"Be right back Kade!"

Authors Note

uh.... hi? sorry oh my god it has been so long since i updated and this chapter is a hot mess, i forgot to write and have never had such a bad writers block in my life.

ANYWAYS mason and scarlett appear once again, if you're interested in their story i 2848828248% recommend "city lights" by okaykendall it's literal art.

thanks for reading! hopefully a new update will be out shortly!