In 1988 when Dylan Montgomery moves to Beverly Hills after her mother remarries, she must navigate the challenges of fitting into a glamorous but daunting upper-class life. Living across from the charmingly cocky Nicholas and his introspective broth...
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UPPER CLASS | cherriasian
december '88
On Christmas afternoon, the crisp winter sunlight filtered softly through the large, frost-kissed windows of the Chavez residence, casting a delicate glow over the polished hardwood floors. Across the street, Tom and Barbara Montgomery arranged a tray laden with holiday treats—Barbara's handiwork proudly on display in the form of sugar-dusted pastries, a honey-glazed ham, and an assortment of meticulously decorated cookies.
Barbara's smile was taut with pride; she knew Eric had developed a taste for her cooking over the past few weeks, often staying for dinner when he and Dylan would study late or just hang out. Even though she sometimes sensed a tension between her daughter and one of the Chavez boys, Barbara found herself more preoccupied with how her culinary skills might be appreciated in their affluent neighborhood.
After ensuring everything was in place, Barbara lifted the tray with a practiced elegance, while Tom carried himself with a jovial confidence as they made their way across the street. At the Chavez front door, Tom rang the bell, and after a few moments, it swung open to reveal Eric, dressed neatly in a burgundy sweater that contrasted with his dark hair. He looked genuinely surprised, though his smile was warm.
"Eric!" Barbara greeted, her tone both cheerful and earnest as she extended the tray. "Merry Christmas."
Tom offered a quick nod and smile. "We thought you'd enjoy some of Barbara's cooking."
"Merry Christmas, Mr. and Mrs. Montgomery," Eric said, glancing between the two of them and then down at the tray, an appreciative grin tugging at his mouth. "Wow, this is... really thoughtful."
Barbara's polite smile remained as she looked past him, a touch of curiosity in her eyes. "We wanted to share a little bit of holiday cheer with the neighbors," she said brightly. "And I know how much you like my cooking from when you've stayed over." She laughed lightly, though there was a hint of pride in her voice. "Especially since you always mention how much your mother hates to cook."
Eric chuckled awkwardly, shifting a little. He had, perhaps, mentioned a few too many times how dinner was often a haphazard affair at his own house. "Thank you, Mrs. Montgomery. This is... really nice," he said sincerely, glancing behind them, almost as if expecting Dylan to be there.
Noticing the look, Tom spoke up, chuckling. "Dylan's back at home, finishing up some college applications. Princeton, actually," he added, his voice swelling with pride. "Apparently, she's got her eye on it."
Eric blinked, his surprise momentarily unguarded. "Princeton?" he repeated, as if testing the word. He hadn't expected that; Dylan rarely mentioned her college plans, at least not in specific terms. He'd known she was smart, but Princeton felt like a revelation.
Barbara's smile softened, but there was a hint of amusement in her eyes as she shrugged. "Yes, she's aiming high." Her tone was proud but carried something almost wistful, as if she herself were only just realizing the extent of her daughter's ambitions.
