and we forgave

Chapter 43

NESSIE

"Hello hello", Alec says as he opens the door. It's 2am and we've been waiting for them to arrive until now. To get busy while waiting, the eight of us signed up for a Home Alone marathon. It's been fun, but as soon as we realize our bestie is here, we tell the guys to pause the movie and run to the hallway.

"Merry Christmas, lovies", Soph tells us. She is being carried in Alec's arms, but he lets her down as she starts cheering at the sight of us. She is still in the gown from the ball. A huge red dress with golden applications on it, her hair up in a bun, a tiara on her head. There is another heavy necklace around her neck, red silk gloves on her hands and her face has a bit of makeup.

"Why are you dressed like that?", April asks her. Soph scoffs at her and kisses Alec as thank you for the lift.

"We said we'll fly here first thing after the ball", our bestie explains. "That's what we did."

I also check Alec out who is in a fancy tux, everything organized and in place, looking like a prince. His scars and the death stare he has on are the only ones that remind one of who hides behind all those pretty clothes and fake smiles.

"You are so crazy", April tells her. Alec offers her a more intense death glare for insulting his girlfriend. "I love you", April adds, not minding Alec at all. All five of us let out a cheer and come in a bestie group hug. The guys meanwhile coming to greet Soph and Alec too. Adam has Alec in a bro hug, and as they let go Caden, Noah and Jacob shake hands with him.

"I missed you so much", I tell Soph, still in the hug. As we let go, she smiles at us four and then says: "Show me all the goodies you made."

We chuckle and stroll into the kitchen, presenting her our masterpieces. Nini and April lift one cookie that looks like a girl, has yellow frosting as hair and a pink dress and hand it to her. "Your Barbie cookie, as promised", they tell her. She chuckles and looks at the other cookie the girls hand her too, one with a guy with blonde hair, a blue T-Shirt and orange shirts.

"Babe", Soph shouts so that Alec can hear her. "Let's eat our Barbie and Ken cookies."

Alec comes to the room and looks at all of us but Soph with a death glare. "You actually did that. I'm going to ki-"

"Alec, it's Christmas", Soph interrupts him. He looks at her, sees something in her eyes, gives her a kiss, then turns back at us, his expression going from I'm-going-to-kill-you to I-might-spare-you. A major progress for Alec Dunn.

"Alright", he tells Soph, as if he understands that he has to keep in mind the jolly and merry of the holiday and that he can't randomly threaten people. It's then he adds: "I hope Santa puts coal in your stockings." I let out a gasp, faking being offended. So do Nini and April. Dia is the only one whose mouth twitches. "Ouch", Nini says followed by April's "That hurt".

Alec grins mischievously and says: "Merry Christmas."

"I think it's time for the sweaters", I tell Nini, smirking knowingly. Nini gets it and starts nodding.

"Cady, can you please bring the sweaters", she shouts at her boyfriend. In only a few seconds, we can hear footsteps and Caden walks inside the room with the tote bag.

"So, Caroline made us all Christmas sweaters", Nini explains, taking the bag from Caden's hands, thanking him with a kiss. He knows what is about to happen so sticks around, hugging Nini from behind.

"I noticed there was a partner thing going on", Soph replies, pointing at out sweaters. "They all look adorable by the way. Caden, please tell your Mom a huge thank you from us."