{Extremely long Chapter ahead~}

{So the bermonths has started and malls and our neighbors are already playing Christmas songs soooo Merry Christmas Everyone HAHAHA!} I'm kidding please bear with me...

Paige.

"Hey."

My eyes opened when I felt a hand gently tap my shoulder. "What?" I rubbed my eyes and yawned.

Aiden chuckled. "We're here."

By hearing those words my eyes instantly widened and just like that, my whole body's awakened. I suddenly became aware of my surroundings. I'm inside Aiden's car, outside, the streets are filled with blankets of snow, familiar houses with festive Christmas lights lined the streets. I felt excitement flow through my insides. I took off my seatbelt.

I'm home!

My eyes went to the house infront of where Aiden's car is parked. A smile formed on my lips when 3 familiar girls came running out of the main door in their winter clothes. They all ran to my door excitedly and opened it from the outside.

"Paige!" They said in unison.

Before I could respond, Anna, Dell, and Zoe pulled me into a big hug.

"I missed you!" Anna tightened her hug on me.

Dell hugged me even tighter. "I missed you more!"

"I missed y'all too!" I laughed.

"Hey lets not squeeze her to death." Zoe scolded the two making me laugh. She's always been our moderator.

"Whoops." Anna and Dell loosened their hug and let me go. Zoe then hugged me but this time without squeezing me.

"You look so pretty." She eyed my face.

"Yeah, that school sure gave you a full makeover." Dell agreed.

Anna added. "We watched you last night at the Christmas ball, you looked like a princess."

"What? No!" I brushed their compliments off.

"But the question is." Anna looked at me excitedly. "Did you meet the Prince?"

"Did you get a billionaire boyfriend?" Dell asked.

"Are the students there nice?"

"How was the ball?"

"Wait, wait, wait." I paused them. "I'll answer all your questions when we get inside, we might wake the neighbors."

"Oh please." Dell laughed. "The whole neighborhood's been awake since dawn waiting for you to arrive."

My eyes widened. "What?" They all nodded. I then shifted my eyes to the other houses in our street. They were right, some of our neighbors were peeking behind the curtains of their windows, other's were glancing at me from their front porch.

"You're pretty famous now that you go to Eres." Anna said.

Then I remembered. I almost forgot how a big deal my school is to the outside world. When I first entered school, I felt overwhelmed by everything, but as time went by I soon got used to it and it started to feel normal. Only now did I remember that that school is definitely far from normal. Suddenly, the memories of the past few years flashed back in my mind.

When Aiden would come back for Christmas and summer break. Those were the times when our neighbors would be so nosy around him, Sometimes we'd eat at a mall or stroll in a park and press would capture pictures of us together. But his father filed a case against the press so after that, we could hang out freely again.

The girl's eyes shifted to the person behind me. Smiles filled their faces. "Aiden!" Anna and Dell hugged Aiden the same way they did to me. Zoe on the other hand hid a strand of her hair behind her ear and kept her eyes on the ground.

"What's up?" Aiden smiled. He turned to me and placed a warm winter coat around my shoulders. Only then did I realize that I wasn't wearing a coat and I've been hugging myself this whole time. I haven't noticed it since I was busy chit chatting with my girls.

"Thanks."

"We should get inside, it's freezing out here." He reminded.

"Oh yes your Mom's waiting." Anna said and tried pushing me towards the house.

"Wait I have gifts for all of you." I walked towards the trunk of Aiden's car and Aiden helped me take out the shopping bags out of the trunk. The girls squealed with excitement when they saw the shopping bags. Aicko and I went Christmas shopping for our families before the ball. She bought stuff for her family while I of course bought stuff not just for my family and friends but for most of our neighbors as well. Growing up in this village with friendly neighbors who I see day after day made me look at them more than just neighbors but as family.

The girls helped Aiden and I carry the shopping bags inside the house. As I approached the familiar pathwalk to the main door, a hint of warmth settled in my heart. I'm finally home.

I then noticed the minor changes of the house, the window sills are painted different, the roof looks repainted and the porch is polished. I took a deep breathe and stepped inside. The amazing aroma of homemade goodies from the kitchen greeted me. I placed my bags down and ran to the kitchen. I can't wait to see her.

I entered the kitchen where the aroma was stronger. My eyes lit up when I saw her.

Mom turned around and faced me. She was in a red holiday sweater and a holiday apron. "Hello sunshine."

No words came out of my mouth. I ran towards her and she brought me into a huge warm hug. I missed this hug, I missed her arms. In here I feel safe. "I missed you Mom."

She chuckled and cupped my face. "I missed you more sunshine." She kissed my forehead.

"Hi Mimi!" Aiden entered the kitchen. Mom let go of me and hugged him as well.

Mimi is what Aiden calls Mom. Since both our mothers are best friends, they both agreed that they didn't want their best friend's children to call each other as aunts, they both agreed that Mimi's the right word, together, Mom served as Aiden's second Mom, and his Mom served as mine. Her death may have affected both Aiden and Mom, but it also affected me.

"You're so handsome now." Mom complimented him. Well it was true. She then turned to me. "Why is it like you haven't changed at all? Doesn't the Californian glow up affect you?" She eyed me.

My brows furrowed. "Mom!" I crossed my arms. Does she really think that I haven't changed a bit.

She laughed. "I'm just kidding sunshine, you look uh." She eyed my face. "Better than before." She laughed.

I don't know if that's a compliment or a rude comment but I didn't mind it. I jumped and sat on top of the counter top and reached for a cookie from Mom's cookie jar before munching it.

"I see her appetite didn't change." Mom whispered in Aiden's ear.

"Nope." Aiden chuckled.

I rolled my eyes and and continued munching my cookie. Don't they understand that the train and car travel made me hungry.

"Oh my Aiden." Mom took a step back and eyed Aiden top to bottom. "You're so tall." She covered her mouth. "It's just like only yesterday when you were still running around this house in diapers." She laughed.

Aiden laughed as well.

"How bout me?" I called Mom's attention. "I grew taller too."

Mom eyed me and chuckled. "Not you." Aiden burst out laughing.

I glared at him and took another bite on my cookie.

"Auntie!" Anna entered the kitchen excitedly, she was already holding the designer shoes that I got her. "How does it look?" She waved the shoes in the air for Mom to see.

"Wow!" Mom smiled. "It looks amazing."

"Thankyou Paige!" Anna hugged her shoes. She then turned to Aiden. "Thanks for the T-shirt, it smells just like Eres." She showed the Blue school merchandise T-shirt that Aiden got her and squealed.

Dell suddenly appeared beside her. "You should see your presents Auntie."

"Wait I have some too?" Mom raised her brow.

Aiden chuckled. "Of course Mimi." He then took out Mom's apron. "You should see them."

"Oh fine." Mom nodded, Anna and Dell together with Aiden pulled Mom out the kitchen door to the living room where the shopping bags were. And here they left me munching on a cookie. Wow they forgot all about me. I just laughed and then took a strawberry tart out of the fridge and headed to the living room as well.

Dell and Anna excitedly handed Mom the shopping bags that I got for her. Aiden just stood there smiling. Zoe sat there in the corner watching them, when she saw me approach she gave me a small smile.

"Thanks for the gifts."

"No problem."

I sat in the corner with a tart in one hand as Mom unwrapped the designer bag and clothes that I got her, Aiden got her a purse and pair of shoes. Together we gave Mom a new wardrobe update.

"Oh my." Mom stared in aw of her gifts. "You both didn't have to."

It isn't every day when I get to give her stuff like this, Aiden gives her these stuff every year. But it feels different when I do as well, I never knew how good it felt to give your Mom something that comes from you. Seeing her happy warms my heart.

After giving them their gifts, Aiden and I had breakfast while the girls and Mom showered us with questions while watching us eat. It's a good thing that Anna, Dell and Zoe are here to keep Mom company while I'm gone, Mom said that they'd visit her every weekend to bake with her so that she wouldn't feel lonely. They even slept here last night so that they could greet me when Me and Aiden arrives. I'm just so lucky to have them.

After eating, Aiden had to go to his house and I headed to my room to take a nap, the early morning travel definitely made me sleepy. While I take a nap the girls decided to help Mom in the kitchen.

I climbed upstairs to my room with my things. It's been a while since I saw these stairs. I got to the second floor and immediately spotted my white door leading to my room. My white door is a lot different from the huge maple wooden door in our dormitory back at Eres. I turned the knob and entered my room. My eyes roamed around my pink colored room, my many bookshelves were stationed on the walls, my window was at the side, my tiny twin sized bed with white sheets stood at the corner, beside it was my nightstand and my small closet drawer was at the other side of the room.

Reality suddenly hit me, I could now see how different my room is to my room in my dormitory, I've gotten so used to the dormitory that I forgot how small my real room is compared to it. I smiled and stationed my suitcase on the side. My room maybe smaller and plainer, but it's my room and every little flaw about it is why I love it. I excitedly jumped on my bed, it may not be as comfy but it's mine. Nothing changed. The tall cherry tree that stood by my window was bare and filled with snow. Aiden used to throw rocks on it to wake me up.

I cuddled inside my sheets and fell asleep. I woke up to the sound of the knock on my door. I sat up and looked out the window, it was snowing outside, I turned to the time and it was already noon. I opened the door and the girls pulled me out for lunch.

Aiden then came back later in the afternoon and he placed the star on top of the Christmas tree, that has always been his job, ever since Mom's stool broke, it has always been Aiden since he was the tallest and no one else in the house could seem to reach the top of the tree.

That evening, I agreed to join the girls to town center. So I wore long sleeves, a fleece sweater and a winter coat, with thick gloves to keep me from the cold. I've gotten used to the warm Californian weather making me feel uneasy with the cold season. Aiden tagged along and we all went on foot since the town center is just a walking distance.

Every Christmas season, our town gathers up at the town center for the Christmas Village, kids would go there to see Father Christmas, People would gather up to watch Christmas plays and also go ice skating on the skating rink. At the center of it all is the Huge Christmas tree.

When we got there, I immediately suggested that we have a nigh time food trip. Good thing they all agreed. Anna, Dell and Zoe left to check out some of the food stalls. Aiden like a tail, just followed me wherever I went.

I stopped in front of hotdog stand. The guy in the hotdog stand looked up to me.

"Hey Paige!" He smiled. "You're back."

I smiled at him as well. I ordered two hotdogs, one for me and one for Aiden. When the guy handed the hotdogs, I turned to Aiden and gave him a cute smile.

He raised his brow at me understanding what I meant. He chuckled and reached for his wallet in his pocket and paid for the hotdogs. I laughed, he knew me too well.

"Oh what would I do without you?" I said to Aiden.

He placed his wallet back inside his pocket and turned to me. "You'd go hungry." He laughed.

I rolled my eyes at him.

I was about to reach for my hotdog when he stopped me and blew on it before giving it to me. We continued walking around the festival while eating our hotdogs.

We passed by the skating rink, where many kids and their families and friends skated.

"Do you wanna skate?" Aiden turned to me.

"Nope." I shook my head and pointed to my hotdog. I know how he loves skating during the Christmas season, but I don't.

Later that night, the girls and Aiden went back home and I was left with Mom. She cooked warm soup for dinner and it together with my grey fleeced sweater helped ease the cold. Together, Mom and I lit up the candles on our wreath and afterwards I got ready for bed.

I jumped in my bed wearing my sweater and bugs bunny pajama pants. I lay down on my bed and looked up at my ceiling. It felt weird spending a whole day without seeing my friends at school. My day wasn't complete without Aicko talking about shopping, without Shari giving the googly eyes to Ram, without hearing Eloise's prim and proper voice. I've gotten used to all that.

I rolled on my bed and got my phone which was positioned on my nightstand. I opened my social media accounts and saw my friends posts. Aicko arrived back at Japan, Shari's back at Arabia and Eloise is back at the French palace. I opened my messages from Aicko and the girls. I then realized that I've gotten a lot of inbox messages. I replied to each one of them until I saw the last one.

From: Jerk

Where are you

I frowned. Why is it like he's demanding my location.

To: Jerk

In my room.

I laughed at how specific my answer is.

I saw him typing.

From: Jerk

And where is your room?

I smiled and typed.

To: Jerk

In my house.

I laughed again. It feels nice pissing him off.

From: Jerk

I'm serious puppy.

To: Jerk

I'm serious Jerk

I never knew how great if felt to piss someone off.

From: Jerk

Is it wrong wanting to know where you are?

To: Jerk

I said I'm in my room.

From: Jerk

How should I know where your room is?

I thought of a nice reply.

To: Jerk

Then find it.

I laughed with amusement. I expected him to reply but he just seen my message. I rolled my eyes and went to sleep.

The next day. I spent it at the Church. Anna and Dell were in charge of decorating the Church, I helped them afterwards I joined Aiden and Zoe practice with our village's choir, since it's a tradition that our choir will go caroling.

"Aiden!" The choir members greeted him when we entered the backroom of the church.

They greeted me as well and Aiden pulled out his guitar and they started rehearsing for tonight.

"Paige!" Lisa, one of the girls approached me. "Here's your costume." She smiled and handed me my costume.

I smiled and eyed my costume in my lap. Oh yes, I almost forgot my yearly duty.

Ever since we were young, Aiden's always been the lead singer during Christmas carols. Singing wasn't my gift so since we do everything together. If it's Aiden's job to be the lead singer, it's always been my job to be the Choir's Christmas elf. I'd dress up in an elf costume and I'll be the one collecting the money that we earn in the caroling. Cool job right?

___________________

Once the people clapped when Aiden and the choir finished. That was my cue.

I walked up to the front holding a Christmas stocking with a huge smile on my face. I wore a green and red striped elf clothes with elf shoes, elf hat and elf ears.

"Mommy an elf!" A little girl pointed at me. Here we go again.

"Sweetie that's Paige from next door." The Mom smiled at me.

"Hi Paige Elf!" The little girl said before inserting some money into the stocking. I thanked them and turned to Aiden who was stopping himself from laughing. My Christmas role here at the village never fails to amuse him. I turn to his other club mates, they were all restraining themselves from laughing.

Correction, My Christmas role here at the village never fails to amuse everyone.

After the caroling finished, Aiden and I parted ways with the others and he walked me home before leaving to his own house.

"How's elf duties?" Aiden asked with a smirk on his face.

I rolled my eyes and took of my elf ears. "Very funny."

I frowned when he took off my elf hat and ruffled my hair beneath it. I punched on his shoulder making him wince.

"Hey." An idea popped into my head. "Race you to the house." I challenged.

Before He could say anything else, I raced for it.

_______________________

"Why are you two out of breathe?" Mom crossed her arms when she saw me and Aiden enter the house.

I was too exhausted to answer. I threw myself on the couch and fanned my face. It maybe cold but Ironically, I'm sweating.

Aiden laughed and took the glass of water that Mom handed him. I thought he was going to drink it but instead, he handed it to me. I gulped it down my throat.

"It's her fault." He pointed at me. "She challenged me to race going here."

"Oh I see." Mom nodded. "And let me guess, you won?"

Aiden nodded proudly.

I crossed my arms. "You're a cheater."

"What did I do?" Aiden sat beside me with a teasing look. "I wasn't the one who challenged you, plus you had a big head start." He laughed again.

"You're lucky, your legs are long."

"Yeah, I sure am." He crossed his arms and raised his chin up proudly.

I smiled at him. "So don't wait for me too cut it off."

"Woah!" He moved away from me. "I wouldn't like that."

I laughed and stood up. Together, the three of us had dinner.

The days before Christmas went by quickly, during the mornings, I would be helping Mom bake or I'll be making snowmans with Aiden, then we'd end up doing a snowball fight. During the evenings, I'd have my elf duties while Aiden's number of admirers keeps adding up whenever he lets people hear his voice.

______________________

The day before Christmas finally arrived. Unlike other families, it's a tradition that we stay up till Christmas eve and celebrate Christmas' first hours with a midnight feast, and opening of presents.

Mom, and I started the 24th of December with a whole lot of cooking and baking, in preparation for tonight's feast. The girls helps us with the cooking while Aiden is with his father at a charity event.

"Paige, did you check the steak?" Mom asked.

I stopped mixing my cake batter and wore my baking gloves before checking the steak in the oven. "It's good Mom." I gave her a thumbs up.

"Is this how you stir it?" Dell asked as she stirred the cookie batter.

"Uh." I approached her and she handed me her beater. "It's better this way." I stir the batter in one direction while Dell watched intently. "Now you try." I handed the beater.

She stirred it again. I patted her back. "That's better."

"You think I'm ready to get married now?" She said jokingly. I laughed and went back to my cake batter.

"And who would you marry?" Anna called from the the stove, she was grilling barbeque.

"I'd marry a prince!" Dell squealed.

"In your dreams!" Anna laughed making Dell pout.

"Guys, focus!" Zoe stopped frosting the cookies and scolded making Anna and Dell quiet down.

I chuckled. The main door suddenly opened. "Hey guys!" Aiden entered, his cheeks were red from the cold. Looks like he's done with his Charity event.

He passed by Zoe and snatched a cookie. Zoe frowned when she realized it and looked up, She was about scold but her frown immediately faded when she realized it was Aiden. She pursed her lips and went back to frosting the cookies.

Aiden didn't seem to notice it, and he walked towards me. I knew what he was about to do. I saw his finger about to dip into my batter so I swatted it immediately with my long handled spoon.

"Ouch!" He wiggled his hand to make the pain go away. "Nice reflexes."

"Thank you very much." I smiled.

"You're here." Mom said when she saw Aiden. "How was the Charity event?"

"Fun as always." Aiden smiled.

"I see." Mom nodded and handed Aiden a knife and chopping board. She then handed him an apron.

"My specialty." Aiden smirked and tied the apron around his waist. Mom patted his back and went back to cooking.

I stuck my tongue at Aiden. HAHA Mom made him do work. He just smiled at me and continued chopping, he seemed happy doing it, so it didn't look like a problem.

"Paige." Mom suddenly called.

I looked up from my batter. "Yeah?"

"We're out of chocolate chips and butter." She approached me. "Go to the store and buy some." She handed me some money from her purse.

"Oh." I looked at the money she handed me. I wanted to say no since it's freezing outside but I couldn't say no to Mom.

I glanced at Aiden who was smirking at me. I rolled my eyes at him and turned to Mom. "Alright."

"I could do it Mimi." Aiden offered.

"No Aiden, you've just been outside." Mom said. "Paige could do it."

Mom once again went back to cooking. I sighed and took off my apron. I turned to Aiden again and he stuck his tongue at me. I gave him a death glare before running up to my room. I wore another layer of long sleeves and a thick gray winter coat. I wore my gloves and boots and ran downstairs.

I got down and saw Aiden waiting by the door, in his winter clothes and his hands inside his coat pockets.

"What'r you doing?" I arched a brow.

"Even if you're cranky I'm not gonna let you walk all the way to the grocery." He laughed.

I rolled my eyes. "Yeah, yeah whatever." He followed me and we both rode his car to the grocery. He parked his car in the parking lot and I took my seatbelts off.

"Stay here, I'll be quick."

He nodded and I went out the car. I walked towards the grocery. I noticed the black fancy cars parked near the entrance of the grocery, there were also many guards in black suits and ear pieces. Is someone famous inside? I wondered.

I entered the grocery and I rubbed my hands together to heat them up. Christmas songs were playing on the grocery's speakers. I didn't anymore get a cart since I'll only be needing two things. I've memorized this whole place since I've grown up always going here. I walked towards the dairy products isle to get some butter.

I met some of our neighbors along the way and they greeted me. I tried my best to not take to much time since Aiden's waiting at the car. I found the butter and got one when a group of men in black suits and ear pieces walked through the isle. Other customers are just too nosy that they stand on their tippy toes to take a look at the buff men in black suits, I didn't mind them and just looked for a bag of chocolate chips. After I payed for it, I walked outside and the freezing winter air greeted me.

The black cars were still there and more men in black suits still stood outside as if guarding the doors. What are they doing in the grocery? Buying cereal?

I laughed at what I was thinking. I headed for Aiden's car.

My eyes widened when someone bumped me from my side making me lose balance. "Shit!" I exclaimed when I lost hold of my grocery bag. I expected it to fall on the cold ground when someone caught it.

"Sorry." the girl said. She had jet black hair, tied in a ponytail, she was taller than me and she was wearing a black fleece jacket with a gray scarf. She had a black cap that covered her face so I couldn't see how she looked like. She handed me my grocery bag and the next thing I knew, she was walking away hurriedly.

She said sorry so there's nothing to worry about. I reminded myself. I then remembered that Aiden's car was parked at the other side of the grocery. I sighed and turned around.

I got shocked when I bumped into a man's chest. Why does this always happen to me?! Is it because I'm short?!

I immediately stepped back and rubbed my head before looking up to the man to apologize. I turned to the man in front of me. He was wearing shades and his eyes were at something behind me. I suddenly felt nervous when he turned to me. His shades were thick so I couldn't see his eyes. What's with the shades? It's not as if there's any sun.

"So you have a habit of bumping your head even on vacation?" The guy said, his voice was definitely familiar. He was wearing a gray turtle neck sweater tucked inside his grey slacks with a dark blue winter coat.

"Uh." I took another step backwards. "Who are you exactly?"

My eyes widened when he took a step towards me. He lifted his hand to his shades and took them off.

My eyes widened when I saw his face.

"Why is it like you've seen a ghost?" Kile questioned.

My jaw dropped. "Why- Wha- How?" I blinked several times to make sure that I wasn't imagining anything. "Are you really Kile?" I poked his arm.

He raised his brow at me.

"Oh." I nodded convinced. "Yeah you're definitely Kile." I took a step back and bowed at the Prince.

"Yeah right." He chuckled.

"Wait." I frowned. "Why are you here?!"

He looked at me as if I was crazy. "It's my country."

I rolled my eyes. "Massachusetts. Why are you all the way here?"

"My family and I have a flight to Canada." He said. "For Christmas."

"Oh." I nodded. So the royal family's here, no wonder there are so many guards.

I faced him. "Aren't you going to ask why I'm here?"

"You live here." He immediately said.

How does he know? Did I tell him back at school?

I then suddenly remembered what I was here for. "Oh shit!" Aiden's still waiting. "Sorry to say this your Highness but I must go." I said in an English accent to give a better ring to it.

He silently chuckled.

"I wish you a safe trip to Canada." I bowed again. "Goodbye your highness." I turned away from him stopping myself from chuckling. Good thing I remembered that we weren't at school or else I might've given him a farewell punch and end up spending Christmas in the prison.

I walked away towards Aiden's car.

"Paige!" Kile called.

I stopped walking and turned back to him.

"Merry Christmas." He smiled before putting back his shades and walking back to his body guards.

I laughed. Why did I forget to greet the prince advance Merry Christmas?

I trudged back to Aiden's car.

"What took you so long?" Aiden asked the second I entered.

"I got lost in the grocery." I lied. He knew I was lying but he took the excuse.

When we arrived home, the cooking continues. We've got a lot to cook because every year, we give a jar of cookies to each of our neighbors. Mom thought us that Christmas is all about giving, now that's a trait that I'd want to carry until I grow old.

I focused on the cookies while the girls were focused as well on decorating, from time to time Aiden would piss us off one by one but he'd annoy me the most. When the evening fell, Aiden went out to do caroling, this time I couldn't come because I had kitchen duties plus, I want to give Zoe a chance to be with him alone since they're both part of the choir.

While Aiden was gone, I finished baking and took a warm shower before jumping into bed. It maybe just 8 in the evening but a whole day of cooking and baking sure made me exhausted. I'll also need the energy for midnight.

"Merry Christmas!"

We all cheered when the clock stroke 12 midnight. I kissed Mom in the cheek and Aiden ruffled my hair. The three of us were the ones left at home because the girls had to go to their families.

"Lets eat?" Mom said. The three of us sat on the table and said our graces before digging in. Afterwards we gathered under the Christmas tree where the Presents lay.

Mom made me and Aiden open our presents from her first. Aiden smiled when he opened his professional art kit.

"I hope you continue your passion with art." Mom patted his shoulder. "You've pure talent Aiden, just like your Mom."

Aiden smiled and Mom pulled him into a motherly hug. "Thanks Mimi." He said.

It's my turn to open mine, I excitedly tore the wrappers with utmost curiosity of what's inside. My brows scrunched when I found what was inside.

"Uh is this necessary?" I showed Mom the eye shadow palette and the lipstick that I got. "I don't do make up Mom!"

"There's a first time for everything." Mom chuckled. "And for heaven's sake try being a girl for once."

Aiden laughed. I forced a smile and hugged Mom.

"Aiden do you have a girlfriend?" Mom asked out of the blue.

I chuckled while Aiden fake a cough.

"Nope." He chuckled.

Mom frowned. "And why is that? Tell me or not, I'm sure that there are a lot of girls who's head over heels for you."

I laughed out loud, Aiden frowned at me and shook his head at Mom.

"That's not true." He lied.

"So true Mom." I laughed at Aiden's expression. "The Princess of England actually likes him."

Aiden frowned at me and I stuck my tongue at him.

"Oh my now that is something." Mom gave Aiden a teasing look. "Why don't you get yourself a girlfriend?"

I could tell how uncomfortable Aiden is with Mom's questions, Oh I love seeing him on the hot seat.

"Uh...." Aiden didn't know what to say.

Mom's eyes widened. "Or perhaps." She looked at me with a questioning look.

I nodded at Mom and pretended to whisper. "The one he likes doesn't like him." I laughed and pretended to wipe my eyes with tears.

"Cut it out Peggy." Aiden warned me.

"Oh that's okay Aiden." Mom patted his back. "That girl's probably blind, it's not your loss, it's hers."

Aiden didn't say anything, instead he gave Mom a small smile.

"Ok enough drama these presents aren't going to open themselves." I reminded them.

"Peggy has a lot of admirers." Aiden suddenly said catching me off guard. I was about to smack him in the face when Mom burst out laughing.

"Oh I absolutely doubt that." Mom laughed. "Just kidding sunshine." Mom kissed me on the cheek.

I rolled my eyes at them and we went back to the gifts. We opened our gifts from Aiden's father, he gave me the new book series that I've always wanted. Aiden opened my gift to him, he laughed when he saw the book I gave him entitled. Dating tips for men.

"You're going to need that." I laughed.

I punched Aiden's shoulder when I opened his gift for me. It was a huge teddy bear that was very soft, only it had a grumpy look on it's face and on it's tummy, it had my name embroided in the middle.

"Why is it grumpy?" I glared at him. "And why is my name on it?"

"Coz it looks like you." Aiden laughed. "Always grumpy."

I hit his knee.

"I think you should name the bear Grumpy Paige." Mom chuckled and Aiden agreed.

I just rolled my eyes and Mom opened her Christmas gifts from us. When she saw the heart locket that I got her with our picture inside, tears of joy streamed down her face.

"Sunshine, this is beautiful." She hugged me.

Seeing Mom this happy made me forget my problem about the makeup that she got me and the grumpy teddy bear named Paige, from Aiden. Mom's happy with the locket, now I'm happy too.

Aiden handed his gift which was in a small little box. Mom opened it and I frowned when I saw her pull out 2 pieces of papers from inside. But when Mom opened the first paper both our jaws dropped.

"That's a rocket train ticket." Aiden said. "To California." He then pointed to the other paper. "And that's a free pass to tour Eres Academy."

I blinked twice to make sure that I heard him right.

Mom looked at the ticket and the free pass still in shock. "I don't know what to say." She covered her mouth.

I turned to Aiden. "You didn't tell me anything about this."

"Then it wouldn't be a surprise for the both of you." He said it as if it was obvious.

Mom and I ended up jumping in the air.

"Mom you're going to California!" I cheered. "You'll get to see our school!"

"Yes I am!" Mom cheered just as excited as I.

I would finally get to show Mom California, and more importantly, Eres! I should show her the beaches, we should also go shopping and she should try the food. Oh there's a lot that we're going to do!

After we opened the gifts, we all cleaned up and went to sleep. Aiden followed me in my room and Mom placed a foam on the floor with some pillows and a comforter for him to sleep in. Back then we both used to fit in my bed, but times changed, growth happened and now his place is the floor.

I lay down on my bed and covered my self with the comforter while I scrolled my phone to send Christmas messages to my friends.

"Psst." Aiden poked my shoulder.

"What?" I turned to him. He was sitting down on the foam.

"She's lonely." He pointed to Grumpy Paige who sat on my chair at the far end of the room. "She wants to be cuddled."

"Seriously?" I rolled my eyes and stood up to get Grumpy Paige. I then threw myself at my bed and hugged Grumpy Paige. I must say, she's really soft and comfy, I'll give her that.

I posted on my social media, a picture of me, mom and Aiden and a picture of just me and Aiden under the Christmas tree. I watched as my friends liked it.

I let out an evil laugh when I saw Diana like the pic, but she immediately took it away. A thought came into my head, I turned to Aiden and video him while he was checking out my books on my shelf. I posted it on my social media story and watched as people viewed it. I laughed when I saw Diana view it.

My brows suddenly scrunched when I saw Blake's username pop out from the story views. He doesn't even follow me on any of my social media accounts. Stalker.

I then scrolled my social media timelines while hugging, Grumpy Paige. I saw a post from Ram. It was a formal pic where in he was there, with Kile, Bellona, and Blake. They were all in formal attires and all their faces were stern and fierce, well except for Ram, he was smiling at the camera. The picture was posted two days ago, maybe they had an elite get together or something.

I liked the post and placed my phone down ready to sleep. I peeked at Aiden who was reading one of my books entitled Anne of the Green Gables. I rolled my eyes, if he just read the book I gave him about dating then maybe he'd be less of a scardy cat.

______________

I woke up to the sound of the song jingle bells coming from downstairs, Aiden already left his bed so I stood up as well. I washed up in the bathroom and looked for clothes to change into. Mom hanged a red Christmas dress for me to wear in front of my closet. It looks nice but....nah.

I walked past it and opened my dressing drawer and pulled out my warm, comfy, ugly Christmas sweater. It's green with red stripes and snowflakes with a ginger bread man in the middle. I wore it on with some black tights and matched it all with a Santa's hat and red socks to keep my feet warm. Now this is what I'm talking about.

"Merry Christmas!" I cheered as I walked down the stairs. Mom was already sitting down on the table with Aiden, Anna, Dell and Zoe. All of them were sipping on some hot chocolate.

"Slept in." I said before sitting down with them. I took my mug of hot chocolate and sipped on it.

Mom eyed my sweater and my hat.

"What?"

"Oh Paige." She sighed.

I received my gifts from the girls and afterwards, Mom instructed me and Aiden to bring some cookies and a Christmas cake to Aiden's house for his dad, Mr. Wyatt and their maids. While she and the girls will bring the other pastries to our neighbors.

"Merry Christmas, Mr. Wyatt!" I handed my box of cake and Aiden handed the jar of cookies.

Mr. Wyatt chuckled. "Merry Christmas to you too my dear." He was in a business suit but I know that he isn't going to a business conference. He and Aiden are going to a family gathering and afterwards, visit Aiden's mom in the cemetery. Mom and I will visit soon but not today.

Aiden then after drove me back home and left again to celebrate Christmas day with his family.

I walked inside the house and found the girls and Mom starting to wrap gifts for our gift giving later this afternoon. I joined them.

Zoe looked up to me. "Wh-where did Aiden go?" She whispered.

"Family. gathering" I whispered back and she nodded.

After wrapping some toys the door bell suddenly dinged. "I'll get it!" Anna stood up and rushed to the door.

I waited for her to come back but she didn't.

"Who is it?" Dell called to Anna.

I could hear muffled voices from out the door. "Anna, who is it?" I asked getting curious.

Anna ran back to us with a shocked expression. "Uh..."

"Merry Chrsitmas!"

My eyes widened when Aicko stormed inside the house with Shari behind her. Both of them were wearing shades and winter coats and they both held lots of presents in their arms.

Aicko's eyes scanned the room and when her eyes landed on me she cheered. "Paige!" She and Shari said in unison before running up to me and pulling me into a hug.

"What are you two doing here?!" I said in disbelief. Last time I checked, they were both in their own countries the other night.

"Isn't it obvious?" Aicko took out her shades. "We got bored and decided to visit you and experience what Christmas' like here."

Shari laughed."Aicko's been pleading me to come."

"Good thing I got her to agree but sadly Eloise can't come, the palace wouldn't allow it." Aicko said.

I still remained shocked.

"Paige." Dell said in a small voice. "Y-you know them?"

I turned to Anna, Dell and Zoe who were looking at Aicko and Shari as if they were starstruck.

"Uh yeah."

"OMG!" Dell squealed. "I've always wanted to meet you in person!" She said to Shari.

"I follow all your social media accounts, you're such a fashion icon." Anna said to Aicko.

Zoe kept silent but I could tell how awestruck she was by seeing my friends. I never knew that my friends were this famous.

After Anna, Dell and Zoe asked for Autographs and pictures Mom came out and I introduced her to Aicko and Shari.

Mom smiled at Aicko and Shari. "Paige why don't you learn some fashion sense from your friends here."

Aicko laughed and she and Mom started chatting. Aicko and Shari both wanted to help with our Christmas day tradition, which is decorating the living room to make it look like a Santa's workshop, afterwards we'll all pile up many gifts in a sack and when afternoon arrives, kids will start lining up our doors for presents.

I thought that Aicko and Shari were going to complain if I asked them to help decorate but they did it willingly. Aicko hanged a red curtain around the living room while Shari placed some Christmas lights. Dell fixed the presents with Zoe and Anna and I fixed the furniture.

Christmas is about giving back, and that's what were going to do. When we finished decorating the living room and making it look like Santa's work shop we all sat down and took a break. Suddenly the doorbell dinged again. "I'll get it." I stood up and left all the girls chat with Mom while eating the Cheesecake that I've made.

I walked towards the door expecting Aiden. I opened it and my brows scrunched.

"H-hello Paige." A guy in a green winter coat said. I noticed the bouquet of flowers in his hands.

My eyes widened and I immediately closed the door shut in his face. I leaned my back on the door.

"Who's that?" Anna asked curiously.

"I have no idea but I think I know him." The girls all automatically stood up and peeked through the window.

"Who is that?!" Aicko exclaimed. " And why is he picking his nose while holding flowers?" Aicko said in disgust.

"Oh dear!" Dell said when she peeked through her window. "Is that Mark or Kevin?"

"I've no idea." I bit my finger nails nervously.

"I think he's mark, I heard that Kevin's bald head now." Zoe said. "Or was that Arnold?"

"Why don't we just ask him?!" Dell said.

"Ewww! He's picking his nose again!" Aicko exclaimed.

"Don't watch him do that for heaven's sake." I said.

"Or maybe that guys Kevin, No! Arnold." Anna thought.

"Wait who is that guy and why are you all sounding afraid?!" Aicko asked. Both she and Shari were both utterly confused.

I got shocked when Aicko opened the door. "State your name and business?"

The rest of us kept quiet and tried to hide while Aicko was talking.

The guy's hair was gelled to one side and he had a weird look on his face.

He offered his hand to Aicko. "I'm Kevin."

"I knew it!" Anna whispered.

"I thought he was bald." Zoe wondered.

"I think it's Arnold who's bald." Anna said.

I palm smacked my face in frustration. Why are these guys showing up now?!

"Uhh." Aicko eyed Kevin's hand. She just bowed like how Japanese greet each other. "What's your business here exactly?" She eyes him.

I heard Kevin clear his throat. "I'm Paige's boyfriend."

Aicko and Shari's jaw dropped. "Wait a sec." Aicko closed the door shut in his face and turned to me. "Paige! That booger picking guy's your boyfriend?!" Aicko said in disbelief.

"No!" I exclaimed. "Of course not! He had a crush on me and I had a crush on him back when we were middle school." I explained. "But that was a long time ago."

"Oh yeah that's why he looks familiar." Anna laughed. He's the guy behind me back in 5th grade.

"That was a long time ago, why does he think that I'm his girlfriend?!" I complained.

"Maybe because you didn't cut ties after Grade 6 graduation?" Zoe thought.

"Guys he's still waiting." Shari said peeking through the window.

"Shari for heaven's sake don't look at him, he's picking boogers again." Aicko pulled her back.

"Here's an idea." Dell thought. "We hide and not entertain him, after a while he'll be gone."

"You think that'll work?" Shari asked.

"That'll work." Aicko nodded. "C'mon Paige, you have to hide."

The girls locked the door and we all hid behind the couch. Anna closed the curtains and we waited.

I kept holding my breathe hoping that the doorbell doesn't ding. 15 minutes passed and nothing's happened.

"You think booger picking guy left?" Aicko whispered.

"Let's wait a little more." I said.

My eyes were focused on the shadow seen under the door. My eyes lit up when I saw the shadow leave. "I think he's leaving." I said.

I was about o stand up when Mom's voice called from the kitchen.

"Paige!" Mom called.

My eyes widened when the doorbell dinged. Shit!

Aicko pulled me down to hide behind the couch again.

"Paige! someone's at the door!" Mom called. I didn't answer.

"Paige?!" I still didn't answer.

I frowned when the doorbell dinged again and this time I heard Mom's footsteps walking towards it.

"Oh no!" The girls chorused. I was about to stop Mom but it was too late. She opened the door. Aicko pulled me down again to hide.

"Oh hello Merry Christmas." Mom greeted.

I couldn't hear what Kevin was saying, I was just holding my breathe.

"Is that so?" Mom's voice said. "Well come in, Paige is inside." She opened the door wider.

"Shit!" Aicko whispered. Why is it like she's more worried than me?

I watched as Kevin entered the house.

"Paige!" Mom called. "Your uh..." She eyed Kevin. "Your boyfriend's here."

I palm smacked my face.

"Paige!" Mom called again.

"Darling?!" Kevin called.

My brows furrowed by hearing that. "What the hell?"

"He just called you darling." Shari said and faced the others. "He just called her darling."

Mom seemed weirded out by Kevin as well but she didn't show it.

"I think she's in her room." Mom said.

"I could check if she's there." Kevin volunteered excitedly.

"No!" I immediately stood up from behind the couch.

"There she is." Mom looked at me, I could tell that she was so confused. Oh Mom I'll explain later. "Girls stand up." Mom ordered.

The girls stood up beside me.

"Uhm why don't I get you something to eat Kevin." Mom said before leaving for the kitchen.

Kevin was giving me the most uncomfortable googly eyes. "Hello darling long time no see."

He stroded towards me.

"Hey Kevin." I faked a laugh. "What are you doing here?"

"I've come to see you." He stepped closer towards me.

"Wait!" I closed my eyes. "Keep the distance." I said making him step back. "So why don't you talk to my friends for a bit huh." I faked a smile and walked towards the other couch away from him.

Kevin greeted Anna, Dell and Zoe then Shari, when it was Aicko's turn he looked at her.

"You must be a Japanese?" He smiled at Aicko. "Ohayo." He he did a prayer hand sign and bowed.

"Konichiwa." Aicko bowed lightly. "Uh for the record, it's already afternoon, Ohayo is good morning." She corrected him.

"I knew that." He laughed.

"Hehe." Aicko faked a laugh. "And uh Kevin, why don't you wash your hands hehe." Aicko laughed. Kevin nodded and left for the kitchen.

Since he's here we have no choice but go through our Santa's workshop with him. Since the whole workshop is ready, all we need is one last thing. Who's gonna play Santa?

"I already played as an elf so I can't be Santa." I said firmly.

"How bout Kevin?" Dell said. "He's a guy, he could play Santa."

"Absolutely not! He can't touch children right after picking boogers." Aicko frowned.

"She has a point." Shari said.

Mom joined us with Kevin behind her. " Girls, to be fair why don't you all just spin the bottle?" Mom handed us a bottle. They all agreed and Mom did the spin.

I crossed my fingers hoping that it wouldn't be me. I frowned when the bottle stopped infront of me.

"Guess we have our Santa." Anna laughed.

"Ugh!" I whined in frustration.

"Don't worry darling." Kevin said. "You'll make a beautiful Santa." He was about to touch my shoulder but I moved away.

"No touching." I reminded him. I had no choice, kids would start showing up soon. I ran upstairs and the girls helped me dress in our iconic Santa's costume. They placed some pillows on my belly to make me look fat, Aicko even did a little make up to make me look old.

Now isn't this cool? From an elf, I'm promoted to Santa.

After a while of preparing they were finished. I looked at the mirror. Oh God, I definitely look like Santa. I went downstairs and sat on the big red chair in the middle of the living room. The girls came down all in matching elf costumes with the elf ears. Kevin came out of the bathroom wearing a reindeer costume.

Soon kids started lining up inside the house to meet Santa, hence, Me.

"Santa!" A little boy hugged me.

"Ho ho ho Merry Christmas young man!" I used my deep grandpa voice to sound convincing. "Were you good this year?"

He nodded.

"And what would you like for Christmas?" I asked.

"I want a skateboard!" He cheered.

I laughed in my deep voice. " Ho ho ho! If it's a skateboard's what you want, then it's a skateboard you shall get!"

On cue, Shari who was dressed as an elf with the elf ears and all went to the boy carrying a present with a skateboard inside. The bells on her hat jingled.

"Merry Christmas!" Shari said cheerfully.

"Yey!" The boy hugged the present. Shari went back to the pile of presents and the boy jumped on me to give me a hug. Good thing my body's covered with pillows.

The line kept on going and I kept saying Ho ho ho every time a new kid came and sat on my lap. As the time went by I've gotten the hang of it, maybe if I don't graduate, why don't I just become Santa claus? Kidding. I laughed at what I was thinking.

Aicko and Shari are great elves, they interact with the children very well. I must say, this is the best Christmas I've ever had, minus the fact that Kevin showed up.

Good thing Aiden isn't here, I'm sure he'd have a thousand ways on how to piss me off.

"That's the last of them." Zoe said when the last kid left the house.

"Phew!" I threw myself on the couch. I never knew that being Santa Claus would be this exhausting, this usually is Anna and Dell's job.

"Maybe we should show you guys the Christmas village at the town center!" Dell said excitedly to Aicko and Shari. The two looked excited about the idea.

"Can we go Paige?" Anna turned to me.

"Yeah after dinner." I nodded. I wanted to take out my Santa's outfit but I just felt too tired to do so. Kevin was at the other couch across me, looking at me. I rolled my eyes and leaned on the couch pillow.

Suddenly the doorbell dinged for the third time today. "Ugh! who is it this time?" I rubbed my head.

"Probably Aiden?" Anna thought.

"Maybe I should get it?" Aicko stood up.

"No I'll get it." Kevin stood up immediately and headed for the door.

Aicko sat back on the couch. "Yeah he'll do it."

I heard Kevin open the door. I closed my eyes while I had my head leaning on the couch's pillow.

"Uh Paige darling?" Kevin called.

"Ugh!" I rubbed my forehead with frustration. Why does this guy keep calling me darling?! Dude that was 6th grade, we're college now. Wake up!

"Darling?" Kevin called again. "Someone's looking for you."

My eyes opened.

"It must be a kid." Dell and Anna made me stand up. "Hurry, hurry!" They all helped put back my white wig and fake long white mustache back.

"Kevin tell the kid to wait!" Aicko called.

When they placed my hat back on Shari gently pushed me towards the door. "Go."

I cleared my throat, preparing myself to let out my low grandpa voice. When I got to the door Kevin was still talking to the kid outside, when he saw me approaching, he stepped aside.

I cleared my throat again before going to the door's opening. I placed a huge smile on my face and tried to make the pillow on my belly stand out more.

"Paige my darling, someone's looking for you." Kevin beckoned me to hurry up.

I frowned, why is he calling me Paige?! The kid might hear him.

"Ho Ho Ho Merry Christ-" I stopped talking and my eyes widened when I saw the person in front of me. He was in a white turtle neck, a black winter coat and black pants. Snowflakes were on his head and his cheeks were bright red from the cold.

"Blake?!"

I blinked several times. Am I just imagining things?!

Is this real?!

What's he doing here?!

He stared into my eyes coldly.

"You asked to see Paige? Well here is Paige." Kevin broke the silence. "My girlfriend."

______________________________________________

Sorry for the late update. SO many things came up during the last few days. So again, this is two chapters all rolled into one because as much as possible, I want to keep my scenes in order.

I will try to update more often and I'm trying my best to add some humor to my story.

Anyways hope y'all stay tuned!

Stay safe everyone and shout out to my beautiul grandparents because I love them! teehee!

~Z [Did I mention that my birthday's coming on the 7th of September?] :))