Skylar and Ellian have initially built their friendship on band-aids and kisses. How foolish were they to believe that was enough to hold what they had, when ultimately-it really was not.
Four years passed and Skylar returns, forcing both to face th...
We enter the main building and I let out a soft gasp as I take in the surrounding sight. The chandelier above me casts a golden warm glow around the place, making the massive structure of wood and glass look less daunting and more... inviting. The lounge area is filled with plush, cream-colored sofas and on one side is a massive floor-to-ceiling window overlooking the white landscape beyond. On the other side is a fireplace that not only keeps those who lounge about warm but also helps establish the atmosphere of comfort.
I let my eyes roam the area as people loitering around. I see Elli standing by the reception area, near a massive white oak desk. He is looking at me, hands buried in his pocket, head slightly tilted. I approach him, neck still burning with the sensation of his fingers from a while ago. Get it together, Skylar.
"Took you long enough," he says. "I fear I might have lost you with all your gaping"
"I was not gaping," I say, face burning red as he gives me the side-eye. "I was just appreciating the view, that's all. It's a beautiful place. There is nothing wrong with appreciating something beautiful."
He pauses, then shrugs. "Hm, I guess you're right."
"Good evening! How may I help you?" a perky voice greets us from behind the desk. We turn to face her. Wow, even the people in here are beautiful.
The receptionist had rich brown skin, big beautiful eyes and luscious hair that gathers into an elegant bun. She gives me a pleasant smile and turns to face Elli. The pleasant smile turns into a flirtatious one as she gives him a once-over. I take a quick glance at Elli, but he seems unaware of the attention. I try not to roll my eyes at him. Even until now, the man is dense to a woman's attention.
"Good evening," Elli says with a polite smile. "We have a reservation under the name of Ellian Moore and Skylar Cress."
"Alright, please give me a second to check." The receptionist types in our names. "Ah, here you are," she says, but her eyes go wide and she looks up to give me an apologetic look.
What was that for?
I am about to ask if there is a problem with our reservations but she cuts me off by confirming our reservation and asking for our ID's. "Here you go." she hands us a key card and a pamphlet after verifying our identification. "You'll be staying in lodge 23, which is located west from this building. There are directions to guide you there. All activities for your trip are already listed in your pamphlet, please see to it be on time if you wish to join an activity as to not miss it. That would be all, if there are any concerns or question, feel free to ring the front desk. Also, since your payment is already paid for in full, please enjoy a stress-free vacation. Thank you and welcome to The White Hamlet!"
Elli and I share a confuse look.
"I'm sorry, I think I misheard. Did you say it was already paid in full?" I say. "Because we didn't pay for it."
"Yes, ma'am. Ms. Ramirez paid the full amount last night." She shows me her computer screen and true enough, I see the name of my traitorous best friend having paid an obscenely large amount of money. What in the world is Rae up to?
I gather my thoughts and thank the receptionist. I face Elli, who still looks just as confuse as I am. We head towards the entrance.
"Did you know about this?" I whispered as I bring out my phone, already calling Rae.
He shakes his head. "No, she did not men—"
"Oh," we look back as the reception calls from behind us. "Congratulations on the engagement. You both look good together!"
Engagement?!
Ellian and I both look at each other in shock at such an alarming speed, I worry we might have gotten a whiplash. Trying to make sense of the situation, Elli looks down at the pamphlet and let out a curse. He shows it to me and I go numb. In bold, beautiful calligraphy, it reads:
'Engagement Package: A Romantic Winter Getaway'
Then I realize something. I lifted my hand, and Elli let out a laugh of disbelief. The ring the encircles my fourth finger is simple but delicate. It was made to look like a dainty snowflake—a diamond crystal in the middle of a rose-gold band. Raeven fucking Ramirez.
I am seething with anger. How she was even to get the exact measurement of my ring finger was beyond me, but that is besides the point. I am going to strangle her for her evil scheming.
And just when I think it could not get any worse, I heard a familiar sound. It is the sound I have endured throughout my flight to get here—a crying child.
"Listen," answers Rae, finally picking up my call. I forget I even called her in the first place. "I can explain."
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Author's Note
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