Unlike Mitch's need to fully come to terms with the situation, Mabel was far more comfortable than she had been since the beginning of that school year in regards to them, feeling a lightness she hadn't experienced in a long time. And maybe her future wasn't so overwhelmingly empty after all. All of her wondering and suspicions and worries were no longer relevant, eliminating any reason for holding herself back anymore. Perhaps Mitch wasn't what most would consider trustworthy or particularly honest, but she didn't doubt his sincerity.
The tray of cookies were enough to keep Mabel's hands too busy to pull him in closer, leaning into the kiss much more prepared this time, returning it just as roughly because anything too soft and sweet between them didn't feel quite right. And the kiss was just as enjoyable without embedding a knife into his side, warm in contrast to how cold the rest of her face felt that she was a bit disappointed when he pulled away. Mabel wasn't the type that ever spent much time thinking about kissing or boys (or girls for that matter), hearing about and sometimes even seeing the exploits of other students without ever particularly envying them or wishing them same for herself. But somehow she liked it, licking her lips to enjoy the sweet aftertaste. She decided she didn't mind sugar near as much secondhand.
"I have a few gifts," although beyond that she hadn't really planned for Christmas and it only just now struck her how close it actually was.