𝓔𝓽𝓮𝓻𝓷𝓪𝓵 𝓼𝓾𝓷𝓼𝓱𝓲𝓷𝓮
ᴹᶜᴷᵉⁿⁿᵃ ᵍʳᵃᶜᵉ...

Elena sprawled across the couch, a bowl of popcorn resting on her lap as Alex and Amelia sat on the floor beside her, flipping through the options on her TV.

"Pick something already," Alex complained, tossing a pillow at the screen. "We've been scrolling for ages."

"Relax," Amelia said, smirking. "I'm trying to find something that doesn't make me want to gouge my eyes out."

Elena laughed, popping a piece of popcorn into her mouth. "Just let Amelia pick. You'll end up enjoying it anyway, Alex."

Before Alex could retort, Aaron walked into the room, looking annoyed.

Elena noticed his expression immediately. "What's wrong with you?"

Aaron flopped onto the armchair, crossing his arms. "Mason canceled on me."

Elena raised an eyebrow. "He canceled? Why?"

Aaron shrugged dramatically. "He said he has plans."

Elena frowned. "Plans with who?"

Aaron leaned back, sighing like it was the most annoying thing in the world. "McKenna."

At that, Elena sat up straighter, setting the popcorn aside. "McKenna? As in McKenna Grace?"

"Yes, McKenna Grace," Aaron said, rolling his eyes. "They're gonna be co-stars. You know, in that Colleen Hoover movie."

Elena forced a neutral expression, but the mention of McKenna's name stirred something she didn't want to acknowledge. "Right. I know who she is."

Aaron studied her for a moment, then shrugged. "Where's Charolette?"

Elena blinked at the sudden shift. "She's with her sister. Why?"

"No reason," Aaron mumbled, avoiding eye contact.

Amelia narrowed her eyes at him, a slow grin spreading across her face. "Wait a second."

Aaron glanced at her warily. "What?"

"You like her!" Amelia exclaimed, pointing a finger at him.

Alex immediately perked up. "Oh, this is good."

"I don't like her," Aaron said quickly, though his reddening ears gave him away.

"You so do!" Amelia pressed, scooting closer to him. "You're always asking about her."

"That's not true!" Aaron protested, his voice slightly higher than usual.

Elena crossed her arms, smirking at her twin. "Amelia's got a point. You've been weird about Charolette lately."

"I have not!" Aaron insisted, but his flushed face and defensive tone weren't convincing anyone.

Alex laughed, shaking his head. "Man, you're so obvious. Just admit it."

Aaron groaned, burying his face in his hands. "Why do I even talk to you people?"

"Because you love us," Elena teased, throwing a piece of popcorn at him.

Aaron peeked at her through his fingers, muttering something under his breath that sounded suspiciously like, "I hate you all."

Amelia grinned triumphantly, leaning back against the couch. "This is the best thing that's happened all day."

Elena chuckled, but her mind drifted back to Mason and McKenna. As the teasing continued, she couldn't help but wonder what Mason and McKenna were doing—and why it was bothering her so much.

— ETERNAL SUNSHINE —