Intermission 11: Girl Bonding.

It’s Saturday, and the two-week long Christmas break has officially started. Although Emma would far rather her boyfriend be here with them, she might as well make use of the opportunity since it’s not like she can just drag him back.

She asked the other girls to get together in David’s place, so that’s where they are now. Mia is by the kitchenette, pouring everyone a glass of juice while Sophia delivers it. Emily sits by his desk while Megan throws herself face down on his mattress.

None of them say it, but they realize that the place doesn’t feel the same without him here.

“So, you wanted to talk about the break?” Mia starts, taking a seat next to Emma. The five women around the room look and pay attention to each other.

Emma nods. “I’ve been thinking lately about this little arrangement we have. I like it. I really do. Do you girls feel the same way?”

“100%. Actually, I might be the one most on board with it.” Sophia chuckles.

“It isn’t as awkward as I thought it would be, so I’m quite comfortable.” Mia nods.

“I think it’s fun.” Emily agrees.

“Me too. I like all of you as well.” Megan says with a bright smile.

“Yes, that’s kind of where I’m going with this.” Emma says. “Maybe it’s because of magic stuff, but I don’t care. Do you girls see yourselves having a serious falling out with David eventually?”

“…”

They think silently and look at each other before Emily puts their thoughts into words.

“Not unless he was actively trying to piss me off, which I don’t think he would.”

“Exactly!” Emma nods. “Now… Do you see yourselves having a serious falling out with anyone in this room right now?”

They all seem taken aback by the question, but give it some thought as well.

“I don’t think so. But… it’s possible.” Sophia says, to which the others nod.

Emma continues. “We’re sure of our feelings for David, and we’re sure of his feelings for us, but what worries me now is that we’ll one day have a serious fight with each other for some dumb reason. I think that would hurt David more than anything else, not to mention us, of course.”

“Yes, I think so too.” Megan says.

All of them think about it, but none of them puts it into words. There’s magic strengthening the bonds between them and David, but nothing to strengthen the bond between each other. To Emma, this is currently the most dangerous blind spot of their relationship.

“That’s why I wanted us to take this chance to grow closer. Use these two weeks for just us girls.” Emma says with some uncharacteristic hesitance. A part of her is afraid that the others will refuse.

Thankfully, her fears are unfounded.

“Yes, let’s do that.” Mia agrees immediately. “I don’t want to get ahead of myself, but you heard the man the other day. There’s a real chance that all of us will be able to marry him. And knowing him…”

“We’ll end up living together.” Megan giggles. “Yeah, I think I get what you mean, Emma.”

“Getting along and living together are two very different things, though.” Emily points out.

“Baby steps, girl.” Sophia tells her. “I think it’s fine to start with this, unless you want us to share this tiny room for two weeks.”

“I wouldn’t be against it, to be honest.” The blonde shrugs.

Emma sighs in relief. “Okay, I’m glad we’re all in the same page. Now, I want you all to write one activity you think we should all do together in these pieces of paper.” She says, getting 5 strips of paper and a plastic bag from her jacket’s pocket. “We’ll then draw them randomly and they’ll be the things we do from Monday to Friday next week. Sounds good?”

“Should we put our names as well? Just to know who is suggesting what.” Sophia asks.

“Sure, why not? The no-secrets rule and all that.” Emma nods.

After everyone writes their idea and puts it into the bag, Emma shakes it and asks Megan to take the first paper.

“Okay, so Monday is… the zoo?” Megan blinks before smiling and looking at Sophia. “That’s so cool! Why didn’t I think of it?”

The busty brunette smiles back. “You never really go to the zoo on your own, right? I figured it was a good chance.”

“Everyone okay with it?” Emma asks. With a unanimous yes, Monday activity is going to the zoo. Of course, that’s the zoo in the next town, since there isn't one here. That’ll be a whole day trip.

Sophia takes the next paper and immediately grimaces when she sees it. “Hiking? I don’t need to read the name to know it was you, Emily.”

“You don’t like it?” The blonde asks, a bit surprised.

“I’m not really good with extended physical exercise.”

“I think it sound fun.” Mia nods. “Tiring, but fun.”

“I think I’m outvoted here.” Sophia says, realizing she’s the only one against hiking. “Alright, I’ll suck it up.”

Tuesday activity will be going hiking, then.

Emily takes the third paper.

“Dinner?” She reads.

“My idea.” Emma says. “I could invite you to my place, for once. We can have dinner and, I don’t know, watch a movie.”

“Sure.” Emily nods. No one is really against that idea. It’s the most normal so far.

“Alright, my turn.” Emma takes the fourth paper. “Oh! Game night! Nice going, Megan!”

“What do you mean with ‘game night’?” Sophia asks.

“Just get as many board games as we can and just play. I have Clue and Pictionary, and I know Em has twister in her house.”

“That one’s gonna be fun.” Emily grins.

“Alright, mine’s the last one, so get it over with.” Mia urges.

Emma takes the paper and reads it. Yet unable to believe her own eyes, she wordlessly passes it to Emily to read, who reacts the same way and passes is to Megan, who passes it to Sophia.

…

“A sex shop?”

They ask in unison.