As Isla stood before her new house, a blindfold covering her eyes, she could sense the excitement building within her. Julie, Lindsay, and Sasha guided her forward, their chatter and giggles filling the air. Finally, they removed the blindfold, and Isla's eyes widened in awe.
Before her stood a majestic mansion, its tall spires and grand facade gleaming in the sunlight. The surrounding trees, lush and green, added to the property's regal ambiance. Isla's gasp of wonder turned to squeals of delight as she took in the elegant, luxurious, and undeniably royal appearance of her new home.
"Oh my goodness, it's stunning!" Isla exclaimed, her friends cheering and clapping around her.
As they entered the mansion, Isla's eyes grew wide with excitement. The sitting room was a masterpiece of luxury design, with plush velvet sofas in a rich emerald green, matching the walls' subtle accent color. Crystal chandeliers refracted light, casting a kaleidoscope of colors across the room. The furniture was ornate, with gold accents and intricate carvings, exuding an air of refinement and sophistication.
Next, they explored the kitchen, which was a marvel of modern design. The sleek countertops, high-end appliances, and expansive island made it a culinary paradise. The dining room was equally impressive, with a long, polished wooden table and chairs that seemed fit for royalty. The walls were adorned with lavish artwork, and a grand chandelier hung above the table, adding to the room's regal ambiance.
As they made their way upstairs via the curly staircase, Isla couldn't help but feel like a princess. Her bedroom was a beautiful sight, filled with all her favorite girly things. The walls were painted a soft green, her favorite color, and the furniture was designed with delicate curves and ornate details. A stunning crystal chandelier hung from the ceiling, casting a warm glow over the room.
The closet was a dream come true, long and spacious, filled with clothes that seemed to stretch on forever. Isla's eyes widened as she took in the rows of designer dresses, tops, and shoes. The king-size bed was a masterpiece, with a plush green comforter and pillows that seemed to invite her to sink in and relax. There were even pictures of her already placed around the room, making it feel truly hers.
As they explored, Julie, Lindsay, and Sasha began discussing their next Christmas party, which was only a week away. "We'll have to decorate the whole house," Julie said, her eyes sparkling with excitement.
"And we'll play games, and have so much food," Lindsay added, her voice filled with enthusiasm.
Sasha nodded, smiling. "It'll be the best Christmas party ever, Isla. Your new house is perfect for it."
Isla grinned, feeling grateful for her friends and her stunning new home. She knew that this was going to be an incredible Christmas, and she couldn't wait to start making memories in her royal mansion.
Then she remembered something -
"I don't think I'll be celebrating Christmas with you guys this year."
"Why?" They all chorused.
"I... I want to celebrate Christmas at LA."
"LA? Why are you going to LA? You just arrived from Mexico and you're going to LA again?" Lindsay was annoyed.
"Hmm..." Isla sensed Julie had realized why and she signalled for her to keep quiet.
"There's something you're not telling us, Isla!"
"C'mon spill it!" They were anticipating Isla's reason for going to LA for Christmas.
"She's celebrating the day with Cade's family." Julie announced. Lindsay and Sasha did a happy dance.
"Wow. Looks like someone's got a boyfriend and she's not telling."
"I thought I'd keep it a secret."
"Not from us! We are your best friends!" Sasha sounded disappointed.
"Well, it's okay. We're so happy for you. Most especially because it's Cade!" They all did a group hug.
"But you're celebrating the Christmas with us no matter what. You can't just break the rules because you've now found a man."
"Okay, fine. We'll have the party on Christmas Eve and do the countdown together. Then, I'll leave for LA in the morning."
"But on Christmas morning we're supposed to open presents!"
"Leave by noon."
"Fine."
"Let's have lunch!"
The friends had transformed Isla's royal mansion into a winter wonderland, adorning every room with festive Christmas decorations. The sitting room was aglow with twinkling lights, and the walls were decorated with pictures of the friends from their younger days. There were photos of them in college, goofing around and laughing together, as well as pictures of their more recent adventures.
One wall in particular caught the eye, featuring a beautiful decoration that read "DAISY DAMSELS" in glittering letters, surrounded by flowers and greenery. The friends had clearly put a lot of thought into the decor, and the overall effect was magical.
As they sat in a circle on the plush carpet, playing games and enjoying each other's company, the doorbell rang. The friends exchanged curious glances, and Julie got up to answer it. But before she could reach the door, it swung open, and Wendy stood in the doorway, looking a bit nervous.
The friends' reactions were mixed. Julie and Isla immediately looked away, their faces cold and unforgiving. But Lindsay and Sasha, who had always been a bit more empathetic, looked up and invited Wendy in.
"Wendy, come on in," Lindsay said, her voice warm. "We didn't expect you, but it's good to see you."
Sasha nodded in agreement. "Yeah, we've missed you. We're sorry it had to be Rhea Sinclair that came between us."
Wendy's eyes welled up with tears as she looked at Isla. "I'm so sorry, Isla. I know I betrayed your trust, and I'm truly sorry. If it weren't for Rhea's manipulation, I wouldn't have turned against you like that."
Isla's expression remained guarded, her eyes flashing with anger. But Lindsay and Sasha's words of apology on Wendy's behalf seemed to soften her stance slightly.
Wendy held out a beautifully wrapped Christmas present. "I brought you a gift, Isla. I hope you can find it in your heart to forgive me."
The other friends looked on, their faces a mixture of curiosity and concern. Julie and Isla still seemed hesitant to forgive Wendy, but Lindsay and Sasha were more open-minded.
"We forgive you, Wendy," Lindsay said, smiling. "But Isla's forgiveness is up to her."
Sasha nodded. "Yeah, we know it wasn't entirely your fault. Rhea can be pretty persuasive."
Isla looked at Wendy, her expression still unreadable. She didn't seem ready to forgive Wendy just yet, and the air was thick with tension as the friends waited for her response.
"Sit."
The five friends, Lindsay, Julie, Wendy, Sasha, and Isla, gathered in the grand living room of Isla's mansion, surrounded by the festive decorations and warm glow of twinkling lights. They sat on plush couches, sipping hot cocoa and sharing stories of their favorite memories together.
"Remember when we went on that road trip to the beach and got lost?" Lindsay asked, giggling.
"Oh yeah, and we ended up having a picnic in the middle of nowhere?" Julie added, chuckling.
Sasha grinned. "And Wendy got car sick and we had to stop at every rest stop?"
The friends erupted into laughter, reminiscing about their adventures together. As the night wore on, they shared stories of their childhood, from playing dress-up in Isla's attic to having sleepovers and watching movies till dawn.
"I have a movie recommendation! Shall we?"
As the clock struck 11:50 PM, the friends grew excited. "Only 10 minutes till Christmas!" Wendy exclaimed.
The friends cheered and started the countdown, their voices growing louder and more enthusiastic with each passing second. "5... 4... 3... 2... 1... Merry Christmas!"
They cheered and screamed, hugging each other tightly. Isla poured glasses of champagne, and they made a toast to their friendship. "To many more adventures together!" Lindsay said, smiling.
As they sipped their champagne, the friends started opening their presents. Isla gasped in delight as she unwrapped a beautiful silver necklace from Lindsay. Julie squealed with excitement as she opened a designer handbag from Sasha.
Wendy smiled as she watched her friends enjoy their gifts. "I'm so glad we're all together again," she said, her eyes shining with happiness.
Isla gave Wendy a bombastic side eye and the others noticed.
The friends spent the rest of the night laughing, chatting, and enjoying each other's company, surrounded by the magic of Christmas and the warmth of their friendship.
"You haven't forgiven Wendy, have you?"
"I won't. Untill Cade does."
"Oh Mrs. Hudson, cut it, would you? Just let things slide." Julie advised and Isla blushed at the last name Julie called her.
"We've not taken our Christmas selfie."
"We have! In the kitchen."
"No just the two of us."
After their selfie, Isla continued packing some of her stuff.
"How long are you going to be in Hollywood?"
"I'll spend a week there. I'll spend another week with my dad before moving to my own house." Isla replied.
"Cool. What about the week you'll spend with us?"
"You? Who are you?" Isla sounded sarcastic.
"Your best friends."
"I'm not interested in spending even a second with you. You should be with your husband. You're pregnant and you guys need each other." Isla lifted her bag and Julie tried to stop her.
"Hey. I'll call someone to do that for you."
"Merry Christmas to you, Isla."
"Same here ma'am." Mrs Hudson warmly welcomed Isla into their comfort home. She sat on the dining in the middle of Cade and Stacie's chairs.
"I'll call my children downstairs. You wait here." Mrs. Hudson went to each of her children's bedrooms and called them.
"Cade's dad isn't home - but he'll be back soon. I called him from work so we can have a family dinner for the first time in our lives!"
"First time?"
"Mr. Sinclair's company never gives him a breathing space! He's always doing something or the other on days like Christmas and New year!"
"Oh. I'll tell my dad to make amends. He'll have break days."
"That's why we love you, Isla Sinclair. You're just a kind and selfless soul. You don't deserve any of those stupid men you've married!" Isla's expression changed and Mrs. Hudson noticed.
"Oh no! What have I done? I'm sorry if I've put you through any emotional flashback. Or don't you like the meal?"
"No ma'am. It's very delicious. Creamy chicken is one of my favorites!"
"Please don't call me ma'am. I feel more comfortable with Mom."
"Mom. Alright Mom." Mrs Hudson felt pleased within.
Cade and Stacie jogged downstairs.
"Merry Christmas, Isla." Stacie greeted, dropping a present box before her.
"Oh. Same here, Stacie. Thank you for the present."
"Please unbox it as soon as possible." They say and Isla was disappointed Cade didn't even utter a word.
"Aren't you gonna wish your girlfriend a Merry Christmas? Are you gonna keep staring at her?" Stacie whispered.
"Get to your seat Stacie." He ordered.
Mrs Hudson, Stacie and Isla spoke for hours after their meals, laughed and shared cute memories. Cade was lost in the world of internet and wasn't paying attention to their talks at all.
"Cade! Your girlfriend has been here for more than two hours now! And you didn't talk to her. It's so unfair." Mrs Hudson mentioned.
"Right. He's back." The door creaked and Mr. Hudson came in.
"Merry Christmas! I thought you'll be in bed!"
"We've been waiting for you."
"Dad, you didn't even buy Christmas presents! Damn you!" Stacie protested loudly.
"Merry Christmas, Cade." Mr Hudson went to his son.
"Merry Christmas, dad."
"Cade seems to be lost in his phone. What are you staring at?" Stacie snatched his phone.
"Who are these ladies?!" Stacie gasped dramatically and Cade snatched the phone in embarrassment as he noticed his parents and Isla's alarmed expressions.
"There are no ladies. I was just reading an article." Cade said.
"I was only kidding to spice up the air a bit." Stacie laughed hysterically and Isla looked relieved.
"But I noticed Isla got jealous." Isla couldn't hide her flushed cheeks.
The persistent knocks made Isla rush to the door.
"What's wrong with you? You'll wake everyone up!" Isla whispered as she pulled Cade in and closed the door slowly.
"I'm mad at you,Cade. Why did you ignore me during the dinner?"
"I was reading an article."
"Is the article the new girl you're dating? Why were you so glued to it? Your family will think I just made it all up that I was dating you."
"Of course they believe you." They sat on the bed.
"So why are you here? You should be in your own room. If your mom sees you here, she'll think we were making love."
"No lovemaking plans. Just company. Let's spend the last hour together."
"Good. Because I'm not ready for any - "
"Who did this?" He noticed a large scar on Isla's waist region.
"This," She touched it and he nodded.
"Nigel."
"I just never noticed this! How could he be such a jerk? How did it happen?! Tell me!" He shouted.
"Cade, you'll wake everyone up!"
"I don't care, Isla! How did he give you such a bad wound? I need an explanation!"