Chapter 8: Expected Patterns

                                    

                                          
We stick to what we know when we're too scared to find out anything different from what we're used to.
"...And that's why I think those episodes were really great for her character..." Crafty explains.
"I see," I muse, tapping a finger against my chin, analyzing all of the information. "That's very interesting, Crafty! I never realized the story was so in-depth," I smile at her.
"That's why you should try watching it with us some time!" Bobby exclaims.
"I think the best parts are all the times they become even better friends," Picky chimes in. "When they all work through their problems, together; it's so amazing!"
"I suppose I wouldn't mind watching a few episodes," I grin, rubbing the back of my head. "Speaking of watching things, how was your girls' night from before?"
"Great!" Bobby tells me. "Nothing better than spending time together and talking about all of our favorite things!"
"The snacks we ate were so tasty, too," Picky says.
"I- I was really glad to be invited..." Crafty meekly states.
"Of course you were invited, Crafty!" Bobby interjects happily. "You're so sweet!" She compliments the unicorn.
"Bobby, you're too kind...!" Crafty hides her face behind her sketchbook.
Ah, guess she gets a little worked up over compliments too... I think to myself, finding it amusing.
On this fine afternoon, with the sun shining and not a cloud in sight, I find myself in a scenario I didn't quite think I'd ever see myself in. 
I'm hanging out with Bobby, Crafty, and Picky. For the first time ever, I'm in the company of other friends! We sit upon a picnic blanket a little ways further out, in front of the Smiling Critters' house, simply talking and making conversation with whatever topics come to mind.
Still, it's so surreal to think that I'm actually doing this...
Bobby was the one who suggested this little outing. She told me this morning that she wanted to get an opportunity to hang out with me, and also to help me speak with some of the others, like Picky.
I honestly... was so happy just from her suggesting that. There's no way or reason that I would've declined.
I take a sip of my tea that Bobby provided for us. "Ah, also, thanks for nursing us back to health, you two," I smile at Bobby and Crafty. "I forgot to say it before, so I'm making sure I mention it now." 
"It was no problem at all!" Bobby replies. "Picky also helped pick out some good foods for you both to eat, as well. All those healthy choices were her doing!"
"Oh! I had no idea! Thank you, Picky," I appreciate her involvement, looking at her. Right, I have to make sure I acknowledge everyone's support. Can't look like a bad friend when I've come this far!
"Thanks, Catnap," Picky gladly responds. "It was no problem!"
A bit of idle time goes by before I hear Picky blurt out a random craving. "Ah, darn. I wish I remembered to pack some cookies for this hangout sesh, too..."
I look over to her. "You like cookies, Picky?" I ask, wanting to get to know a little more about her.
"Of course!" She says with glee. "Who doesn't love a good cookie?"
"That's our Picky," Bobby giggles. "A lady of refined tastes. She loves her oatmeal raisin cookies."
"Oh," I realize. "She likes the oatmeal raisin ones?" Interesting... I begin to think. Come to think of it, I don't normally see anyone take the cookies from that jar. And when it comes to Picky, I always pictured her, if any of them, enjoying the chocolate chip ones for sure. But I also suppose that we have the other variety for a reason.