Layla adjusted the strap of her bag as she walked into Annie's house, the warm glow of the living room lights greeting her. The air smelled of cinnamon and vanilla, and laughter echoed from the corner where Annie, Ethan, and Jace were gathered. Christmas music hummed softly in the background, adding to the festive atmosphere.
"Look who finally made it!" Annie exclaimed, spotting Layla by the door. She rushed over, wrapping her in a tight hug. Annie's silver pendant glinted under the lights—a simple design with a star that suited her bubbly personality.
Layla returned the hug, her lips curving into a smile. "I didn't want to miss this."
"Good," Ethan called from the couch, grinning. He was lounging with a casual ease that came naturally to him, one arm draped over the backrest. "We thought you bailed on us for some dramatic motorcycle escape."
"I considered it," Layla shot back, smirking. "But Annie's puppy-dog eyes guilted me into showing up."
Jace, leaning against the armrest of a chair, chuckled. "Smart move. You know she'd hunt you down."
Annie swatted at Jace playfully. "Enough. Let's get to the important part. Gifts!"
Ethan rolled his eyes with a fond smile. "Subtle as always, babe."
Annie stuck her tongue out at him before turning to the small pile of presents on the coffee table. "Layla, you're up first!"
Layla hesitated, feeling the familiar flutter of nerves. She wasn't used to moments like these—when everyone's attention was on her for something good. But she reached into her bag and pulled out three neatly wrapped packages, handing them out one by one.
"Alright, Annie first," Layla said, passing a small box to her best friend.
Annie tore through the wrapping like an excited child, gasping when she opened it. Inside was a delicate silver pendant shaped like a crescent moon, its surface engraved with tiny, intricate patterns.
"Layla," Annie breathed, holding it up. "This is gorgeous."
"I saw it and thought of you," Layla said with a shrug, trying to play it cool.
Annie threw her arms around Layla in an exuberant hug. "Thank you. I love it!"
"Alright, my turn," Ethan said, holding out his hand expectantly.
Layla handed him a smaller package, smirking at his eagerness. Ethan unwrapped it to reveal a bobblehead of his favorite soccer player. The miniature figure was perfectly detailed, down to the bright red jersey.
"No way," Ethan said, breaking into a grin. "This is awesome!" He turned to Annie, showing it off. "Look at this. She actually found it."
Layla shrugged. "Thought it'd look good on your shelf. Or dashboard."
"Definitely the shelf," Ethan said, setting it down carefully. "Thanks, Lay. You nailed it."
Finally, Layla handed Jace his gift. The box was heavier, and Jace unwrapped it with a curious expression. Inside was a photo frame shaped like a motorcycle, the handlebars and wheels forming the frame's border. In the center was a photo of one of their graffiti sessions—a vibrant mural they'd painted together under the cover of night.
"Lay," Jace said softly, tracing the edge of the frame. "This is... this is incredible."
"I figured it'd be better than just another plain frame," Layla said, a hint of nervousness in her tone.
"It's perfect," Jace said, meeting her eyes. "Thank you."
With the gifts exchanged, the room filled with warm laughter and lighthearted teasing. Annie clasped the pendant around her neck immediately, showing it off with a dramatic flair. Ethan set the bobblehead on the coffee table, positioning it like a centerpiece. Jace kept the frame in his lap, occasionally glancing at the photo with a faint smile.
"Alright," Annie declared, clapping her hands. "Time for our gifts!"
She handed Layla a neatly wrapped box first. Layla tore it open to find a tin of high-quality colored pencils, the kind she'd admired but never considered buying for herself.
"Annie," Layla said, holding up the tin. "These are amazing."
"Only the best for my favorite artist," Annie said with a wink.
Next, Ethan passed her a flat package. Inside was a vinyl record of Layla's favorite singer. She stared at it in disbelief, running her fingers over the cover.
"How did you even find this?" Layla asked, looking up at him.
"I have my ways," Ethan said smugly, leaning back with an exaggerated air of mystery.
Finally, Jace handed her a box that was slightly larger and heavier than the others. Layla opened it to reveal a sleek pair of black sneakers with gold accents.
"These are awesome," Layla said, pulling one out to inspect it. "How did you know my size?"
"I pay attention," Jace said with a grin.
Layla couldn't stop the smile spreading across her face. "Thanks, guys. This is... this is perfect."
The rest of the evening passed in a blur of laughter and holiday cheer. They played card games, shared stories, and teased each other relentlessly. Ethan insisted on showing off his bobblehead to everyone, going as far as giving it a name, much to Annie's amusement.
Annie pulled out her phone at one point, snapping candid photos of them all. Layla, who usually hated being in pictures, found herself not minding this time. There was something comforting about the warmth in the room, the sense of belonging she rarely felt.
When the clock struck midnight, they gathered around the small tree in Annie's living room, its multicolored lights casting a soft glow. Annie insisted they take a group photo. She set the timer and dashed into place, throwing her arms around Layla and Ethan, while Jace leaned in from the side, holding up the frame Layla had given him.
"Say Cheese!'" Annie called out.
They all shouted it together, laughing as the camera clicked.
As they sat back down, Layla's gaze lingered on her friends. The world outside might be chaotic and unpredictable, but here, in this little pocket of warmth and light, everything felt right. For now, that was enough.
As the night wore on, they exchanged more jokes, reminisced about old memories, and made plans for the New Year. It was one of those rare evenings where time seemed to slow, letting them savor every laugh, every smile, every moment. Layla didn't want it to end.
When it was finally time to leave, they hugged each other tightly, the kind of hugs that promised they'd always be there, no matter what. And as Layla stepped into the chilly night, her bag filled with thoughtful gifts and her heart lighter than it had been in months, she realized that this was what mattered most—the people who stayed.
She glanced back at Annie's house one last time, the glow of the lights visible through the window. Then, with a soft smile, she zipped up her jacket and headed home, ready to face whatever came next.