You, Me: Us

3. Christmas Miracle

Zoe and Gaby took Owen back to the Steel house and Lainey ran to her own. It was empty as her mom had already left for the party so she ran up stairs and grabbed her outfit, her jewellery, and her makeup before grabbing some options for Gaby.

She ran all the way to Zoe's house and walked in. "At least come to the ball."

Gaby laughed, "I mean, Mia would actually go mad."

"Seriously? Another good reason to go!"

"I don't have anything to wear," the girl reasoned.

"That's where I come in," Lainey told her as they turned around and saw all the things in her arms. "Let's get to it, we're already late!"

They both laughed before the three ran up the stairs to get ready as Christmas music played.

Zoe and Lainey both helped Gaby get her hair and makeup done as they also did their own. They were able to mix some shades together to get a good shade for Gaby since Zoe was darker and Lainey was lighter so she was about a middle ground.

Both taller girls took out all the white dresses that they had and showed them to her, each one she rejected. They looked at each other before going into Zoe's closet and pulling out a floor length red dress.

"What do you think?" Gaby asked the two as they looked in the mirror.

Her hair was simple and the dress was maroon that went down to her ankles. She had on gold jewellery and heels. Zoe was wearing a white sleeveless dress with her hair straight. She had a fake fur jacket to go with it and her white mask.

Lainey had a flowy white dress that had lace sleeves that came down to her forearms. Her hair was curled and she was wearing a small tiara that matched her cousin's.

"You look great," Lainey complimented, hugging her side as Zoe nodded.

"I mean, it's definitely you." It definitely wasn't on theme, but sometimes you have to be unique.

"You both look amazing. I wish Pin could see you and Daniel." Both girls turned a little sad, it would've been nice to have them there for Christmas.

"Have you heard from him?" Zoe asked and Lainey nodded.

"Not since I last visited, but... I know he'll come back to me," she said. He was hers. He had been hers since they were little. There was nothing in this world that could keep them apart forever.

~

Pin looked around, staring at all the Christmas decorations. With how much he was trying to avoid getting to the island, all he wanted to do was to be there and see his friends and his family.

He closed his eyes with a sigh. Why couldn't he just do it?

Marcus cleared his throat and Pin turned around to see him and Daniel holding cups of hot chocolate, "I think it's hot chocolate, but it could be mushroom soup." Pin took the cup and both boys sat down. Danny looked tired. He placed his cup down and laid back against the seat. "I'm sorry that I snapped earlier. Mia's going through a really hard time and I promised I'd look after her."

Pin nodded, taking a drink, "It's chocolate."

"Phew."

They sat in silence for a minute. Pin tapped on his cup before he realised that he needed to tell someone. "You were right. I am scared about going home. What if she's changed her mind, Marcus?" Marcus looked at him confused and lost. "This whole duke thing is so weird and unexpected. What if it changes things?"

He laughed at the man, "What exactly do you think she's gonna have a problem with? A fancy title? The massive castle?"

Danny laughed from beside him, "only thing she would have a problem with is all the paperwork."