Need no grinch types, no Ebenerzer's

Mona grumbled at the strange gift bag from Carmen. Was that all she was getting at this stupid Christmas party? She never made pancakes, but Carmen went all out. Even a whisk was included and all these little prep bowls that came in a set along with a dish towel and mitt. 

"Oh, don't look so down," Rico smiled. He put his arm around her. At first she thought it was a way to protect her in the crowded room at Sammie and Gabes. But now she knew, he just wanted to be with her and no one else. And she didn't think she was over thinking it.

It wasn't exactly a white elephant party, but it could have been. Carmen was on the cheap. Why couldn't she just give her a gift card? At least, Rico got a iHop gift card, but that only meant more pancakes in Mona's book.

It was then he presented her with an engagement ring. Not that he made a big announcement, but she was pleased. She reached to give him a hug and a kiss. Everyone looked at  them as if they were wondering what was happening.

Naturally, Jared was the lone wolf. Actually, Justin hadn't expected him so early, but at least his room was made up. It was settled. He at least had a night to sleep with Carmen, which was a bit unusual but good.

Of course, Randy put him to the test. "Hey, wait a minute, what's going on?" He'd asked.

"Nothing." Both Justin and Carmen had said in unison.

"I don't know, how do you do nothing?" was his next question. Thankfully, he went to Cassie's the night of the party, so Justin had extra time with Jared, who looked plenty out of it. He did wonder then if he'd drank too much on the plane, although he protested he hadn't.

They had brought Jared a good bag that night. Justin kept thinking he wouldn't feel left out. Only that night, Vada met Jared, and Justin suddenly felt someone else was left out. Justin felt he needed to be Kevin's friend. He hoped Vada would snap out of it. For all he knew, maybe it was her way of getting revenge on him.

"Why hasn't it happened yet," Nic found himself saying into the phone when he got a hold of Tristan.

"I dunno man."

Nic could hear Tristan's yawn. He was no help. Nic wanted to be married, but it hadn't happened with Felicity yet.

"Maybe, it's her fault," Tristan said. "Have you ever thought of that?"

Nic pressed his lips tight. He knew it couldn't be his fiancee's fault. Why was he so scared about taking the plunge.

"Well," Nic half hugged himself and knew he had to go. Felicity was still in the shower. They would be going to Liv an Woo's soon. "You're not married."

"Fine." 

Finally, Tristan sounded awake. "Let's set a date and get to it."

"Before the new year?"

"No man," Tristan laughed. "Same time in 2025." He sounded as if that would be their year to marry their fiancees.