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“We’re trapped. Maybe we’re actually dead,” she said, her voice cracking.

“Maybe,” Nick said slowly. “But I’m still really, really relieved that I’m not experiencing this alone,” Nick said in such a genuinely grateful voice that it took Annie momentarily aback and made her feel flustered. “I also don’t know why we’d die and both be sent to some sort of Christmas snow globe that feels straight out of the made-for-TV universe.”

“And why is this happening to us? Did you, like, make a wish in a fountain to be in a Christmas movie?” Annie asked. Nick let out a loud cough of surprise and quickly got a hold of himself.

“What? No! Did you?” Nick asked loudly.

“Yeah, like I would waste a wish on that,” Annie muttered. “Is this because of Stoned Santa?” Annie asked. Nick’s eyes widened at the idea, but he quickly covered up his surprise.

“We’re stuck in Holiday Hollywood because some random man was ringing a bell and taking hits off a bong in public?” Nick asked skeptically.

“That guy knows something—I can tell. He said everything we could wish for is right here … let’s go back and find him.” Annie said, and the two walked back the way they came. This time, though, they reached their street without running into the Santa or his golden bell.

“He’s probably back in his workshop,” Nick joked awkwardly, and Annie glared at him. “Okay, why don’t we change out of these pajamas and walk back into town to explore the stores and try to talk to more people,” Nick suggested as they instinctively veered toward their homes.

“Could we have breathed in some kind of toxic gas?” Annie asked him, gulping the air as if to taste it and determine what was poisoning them. “Or, like, maybe it’s an alien attack and this is how humans become extinct,” Annie said, about to bite a cuticle out of habit before admiring how well-manicured her hands looked and resisting the familiar urge.

“But what a way to go, right?” Nick smiled, stopping in front of Annie’s house.

“Eh,” Annie shrugged. “Christmas is so cliché, you know?”

“Ah, glad to see Annie’s bah-humbug routine made its way here too,” Nick said, a small smile tugging at the corners of his mouth.

“You sound like Marsha,” Annie groaned.

“Hey, did you see a suitcase in your room?” Nick asked.

“Oh, yeah, there was a bag with my initials on it. What’s that about?” Annie asked him.

“Mine was mostly full of red and green turtleneck sweaters and peacoats,” Nick said.

“Multiple peacoats?” Annie asked.

“Oh, and a few plaid flannel shirts too.”

“Wow. Should we do a fashion montage moment of unboxing my suitcase?” Annie joked.

“Sure!” Nick grinned, eagerly nodding.

“I was kidding, but, yeah, we should check mine.” Annie opened her front door and led the way upstairs. When Nick entered the room right behind her, she got a shy, nervous feeling.

“I don’t think I’ve ever been in your room before,” Nick said.

“Really? I guess your folks had most of the neighborhood parties and gatherings, huh?” Annie asked. Is it weird that Nick’s in my bedroom, she thought. He’s like a true grown-up now. But it’s not like this was her real bedroom; this was some weird costume her childhood bedroom was wearing.

“I was scared to come to your house,” Nick admitted.

“Why?” Annie asked.

“Your sister had that pet snake,” Nick said with a small shudder.

“Oh, yeah, Elise had a real reptile phase for a few years. But don’t worry, no snakes here now,” Annie reassured him, reaching for the suitcase. It was much heavier than she expected. She looked toward Nick, hoping he’d lend a hand. He lifted it easily without saying a word.

“Where would you like it? Your bed?” he asked. Annie blushed and nodded. Ew, why am I blushing? Annie asked herself, unable to shake the nervous feeling floating around her belly. Once the bag was on top of her comforter, they both peered over it, like two children finding a treasure chest at the beach. “Open it!” Nick encouraged. Annie took a breath and unzipped the bag.

CHAPTER FIVE

“It’s blinding!” Annie gasped once the suitcase was fully opened, pulling out white item after white item. A white coat, a white sweater, a shimmery white blouse, and a white hat with a white pom-pom on its top. Annie dumped out the remaining items. “Wait, where are the actual shoes? There are only heels in here.” Annie looked at Nick as if he might know why this was her only footwear. He let out a sigh. “What is it?” Annie demanded.