-Conner-

Looking through the isles, I sigh. I have no idea what to get Remi for his birthday. Which really sucks since he always gets me the best gifts. Not even expensive ones, really thoughtful ones. Last year for my birthday he made me this coupon book for food flavoured ice creams. It has fifty shops in it and he knows I love food flavoured ice cream.Another time he made me this plushie...made!

Every year the presents I give him fail in comparison to his! So this year I'm gonna try really hard to make something special. You only turn eighteen once after all! That's why I brought the group along. Luckily Remy's having a lazy day, which means he's not coming outside.

"What do you guys think about getting him a cute hat?" Monique asked.

"He hates hats," I say looking through the sweaters.

"I know but it's a cute hat!" She laughs placing it on Riley's head.

"Yeah this hats cute as hell," Riley states looking in the mirror. Piper unwraps another blue raspberry sucker.

"How about we ask Conner what to do?" Piper says before putting the candy in her mouth. "He knows him best." Everyone looks at me awaiting my reaction.

"I don't know what to get him..." I embarrassingly say. "You how hard he is to shop for!" I pick up a sweater nearby. "I know he loves sweaters but I don't have stylish body in my bone. Riley you wears the same shirt every day just in a different colour. Piper, you and Monique's fashion sense is amazing but not Remy's." I place the sweater down and sigh. "Sorry, I'm just a little stressed out about this. Which is stupid since I know Remy loves anything I get him."

Piper nudges Riley's shoulder. "Hmm?" Riley looks into Piper's eyes. "Oh yeah, u-uh, me and Piper gotta go...do...something!"

"Yeah Riley we should go look for more cute hats!" Piper laughs awkwardly. She takes Riley and walks away. Monique walks up to me.

"Why are you actually worried Conner?" Monique asks softly. "You don't get frantic like this with anyone else." I fiddle my thumbs nervously.

"I really don't know," I chuckled. "Remy's known me the longest out of anyone. He's the best friend I've ever had! I know Remy doesn't need a big gift, he's told me before that all it takes is a small pack of skittles. But...I don't know...he's always gotten me great gifts and for just one year get him something that'll make him just as happy as what he gets me." I run my hands through my hair.

"Conner," Monique sighs. "You remember the first gift you ever gave him?"

"Yeah that grey water bottle he still keeps around." I answer. "It's strange it's lasted since we were ten."

"Conner he has taken care of that water bottle like it's his prized possession," Monique mumbles. "He loves it so much. He doesn't need or even anything big, he's happy with a pack of skittles like you said before. In fact, just being with you brings him so much joy. You don't have to worry about stuff like that, Remy loves you Conner you're his best friend, gifts or not!" I start laughing.

"I knew saying it out loud would make it sound stupid." I chuckle awkwardly.

"Your feelings aren't stupid Conner," Monique says calmly. "Remy will love anything you get him." We share a hug. Monique has always been like a cooler older sister to me and she and Remy are the only people who can really calm me down. "Now let's go look for a sweater Remy will like!" I smile in relief. A part of me still doesn't understand why I care so much about this but that's alright. I'm just happy to possibly see Remy happy!