Fate's Identity

Chapter 36 (Part I)

Ally's POV

A beautiful sight
We're happy tonight
Walking in a Winter Wonderland

I sigh quietly, looking at the window. Listening to the radio clears my head sometimes, especially on times where I have too much stress. Music is always a good resource to use.

It's Christmas Eve, and there's only two feet of snow outside. I hope Simon, Niall, and Normani made a safe trip. The girls are upstairs, except Dinah. She had to run an errand.

It didn't feel like Christmas. Simon, Niall, and Normani weren't here. However, even if they were, Normani would be distant while Niall will try to woo me over. I want to see Liam, but knowing what I'm doing it while Simon is gone, especially since he is over a hundred miles away, only makes me feel more guilty. This year has change dramatically.

Today, I plan to make some cookies and then some hot cocoa. The blanket that I'm in was not keeping me warm enough. I turn to the radio and mute the volume. I hold onto the edges of the blanket and walk out of the living room and into the kitchen. I take off the blanket and set it on a chair. I search for each ingredient for my mother's chocolate chip cookies and place them on the dining table. I grab two bowls and wash my hands. I clean the bowls and other silverwares. I turn off the faucet and hear the door creak open.

My eyes shift to the door, and Dinah enters with a smile on her face as she stares at me. "Why are you so happy?" I ask. "You met someone," I tease.

Dinah sarcastically laughs and nudges me on the arm. I moan as I rub the pain away. "What did you do then?"

"I talk to your man," she answers with a smug look.

My eyebrows furrows as I shift my body to face her. She crosses her arm and leans against the dining table. "My man? Liam? About what?"

Dinah sighs heavily and explains, "After I confronted you about Simon, I overheard your conversation with Liam, and I felt bad for the both of you, so I invited him and his friends over for some cookies and movies."

I widen my eyes, off guard. "What? What happened to 'stop sneaking around?'"

"It's not sneaking around if it's with us," Dinah points out, but I knew it was just an excuse. I shake my head, trying to reason with her. But she takes my damp hands and pulls my arms forward a little. "Come on, don't be like that. I might be making you a hypocrite, but it will be all on me. If Simon finds out, I will tell him that it's my fault."

I wasn't sure. Simon might just punish the two of us, or maybe the rest of us for keeping this away from him. It might be Dinah's plan, but we all are going with it. Dinah purses her lips and locks her fingers in front of her chest. She cries, "Okay, Ally. I already told them. If I tell them to go back, they will feel unwelcome."

"Okay," I said before she could get the chance to stand on her knees. "Dinah. You must really want to see them."

"This is all for you, sister," she sassed, dropping her hands to the sides.

I nod my head and rub my arm softly. Dinah observes me, swaying her head up and down. "Ally, you need to go change," she says. "You look like a servant, no offense." I drop my jaw. I thought I looked decent with my white t-shirt and grey sweats. My hair was even tied in a ponytail. "Go change before you begin."

"Okay, but first, I have to make cookies. And things might get messy," I point out.

She nods her head. "Good point. Change afterwards." I nodded along.

Just then, someone knocked at the door. My heart races nervously as Dinah sets her hands on my shoulders. "Okay, go answer. Because if you're not going to change, I am." I smile a little, and she rushes out the kitchen.