STARGIRL

28. Christmas

Arabella was on the brink of a mental breakdown.

The walls surrounding her pristine mind were beginning to crack and eventually, they were going to crumble.

And in her current mental state, she knew it was inevitable.

Underneath the minimal lighting of the living room, her glossy tan skin was vibrantly glowing. Her large tired brown eyes followed the movements of the strangers in the room with her.

Kate's family was over for their annual Christmas party. Around 30 people scattered throughout the first level of the house all of them talking to each other with smiles, and laughs while Christmas music played in the background.

Yet if there was one thing on their minds, it was the dark-haired beauty that seemed to be forcing herself to be there.

Arabella hadn't spoken to anyone. Even those who were introduced to her just received that infamous look of hers that made her seem both bored and intimidating.

She was seated on the piano bench with her hands resting in her lap, she looked around the room again. The small overcrowded space was full of people staring and speaking about her.

Arabella blinked her long lashes a few times, just so she didn't feel so stiff. Her gaze suddenly landed onto Nate who was idly standing a few feet away from her seeming as uncomfortable as she did.

It was whenever she looked at him that she could feel that angry hell seeping into her bones but she didn't have time to hate Nate at that moment.

Both her hatred and anger were completely focused on her deadbeat father, Anthony Huxtable, and what he had written in those letters she read.

Suddenly, the music faded and then, so did the voices. Arabella's body tensed up and immediately she felt herself stiffen.

She lifted her head and gazed upwards only to lock eyes with the most dazzling and spectacular blue eyes.

"Get over here!" Kate cheerfully directed. Her blonde hair was shining due the light she was standing underneath. She was in the center of them room with all eyes on her.

Arabella's expression stayed the same, and the whispers and murmurs in between the crowd began.

A nervous chuckle escaped Kate's lips that were painted a deep plum. She cleared her drying throat and once again showed off her spectacular and toothy smile by smiling even wider, "Arabella get over here!"

The teenager got up from the bench almost robotically, she walked the few inches to the middle of the room where all attention was now on them.

Kate threw an arm around Arabella's shoulders and pulled her in closely to her body. They were both the same height, well almost. Arabella was just a bit taller than Kate by a few centimeters.

Kate sucked in air through her teeth and let out another nervous laugh, Arabella stayed still with her gaze forward avoiding the stares coming from her family.

She could hear them discussing how scary and intimidating she seemed, lifeless and bored. Disinterested and cold.

It was true.

"As you guys all know, this is Arabella and she's been apart of my family since earlier this year." Arabella noticed how Kate's voice was beginning to falter.

Kate looked down at the ground and with her free hand wiped her nose against the back of it, "And Uh," she momentarily paused again but now, to wipe a tear away, "Uh, it's been great, this young woman has changed mine and my family's life for the better."