Author’s POV"Excuse me please, can I take this call?" Jake said."Sure, sure, go ahead," Madeline replied, taking a quick sip of her coffee.She was nervous. Was Jake just about to confess his feelings for her? She thought. She was absentminded throughout the phone conversation until Jake held her hand, bring her back to reality. There was a spark in his touch."I'm sorry I have to go now. There's a little emergency at home but I promise you, we'll pick up this conversation some other time," Jake said."It's fine. I hope it's not something too serious?" Madeline asked, her face squeezed with concern."It's nothing I can't handle," Jake said winking at her, causing her heart to flutter. Madeline thought back to Jake's words as he hurried out of the coffee shop. She was left feeling unsettled and questioning the nature of their relationship as a result of the sudden interruption. Madeline sat by herself and thought about the intricate dance of fate, choices, and emotions as the door c
Madeline was shocked when Marie and Daniel walked into the restaurant. Her eyes grew wide upon seeing them. She rushed quickly to her boyfriend and twin sister. She jumped on top of Daniel and gave him a hug as though he’d expected the playful hug. With a kiss on his lips, arms around his neck, and legs around his waist, they shared a tender moment without thinking about the people around them. Joyful tears poured down their faces as they had this tender reunion. Remembering her sister, Madeline stepped out of Daniel’s hug and greeted Marie with a warm hug. They had put their past sibling rivalry behind them in the last few months they’ve been away from each other and restored their relationship. Following the tearful embrace with her sister, Madeline turned to Amanda and Stephanie, two of her friends. “How did you accomplish this? “How can I get my boyfriend and twin sister here?” she enquired, blotting her tears. “It wasn’t too difficult, really. We asked your si
Madeline pulled her phone out of her pockets and smiled when she saw the caller ID. It was her father, Lucian. She answered the call."Hello dad," Madeline said smiling as she fumbled with her room keys."Hello, my love! Happy birthday. I hope your day was amazing," Lucian's kind voice rang out over the phone. "I'm grateful, Dad! It was incredible. I had fun," Madeline answered, opening the door to her room."It sounds exciting! I'm sorry your mum and I couldn't come but we'd send you a small birthday present. You'll get it tomorrow," said Lucian. Excitement sparkled in Madeline's eyes. "Really? Thank you, Dad. I can't wait to get it." "I'm happy you're expecting. How are you doing? How are things going for you in college?" Lucian asked. After locking the door and going to her room, Madeline sat down on her bed. "Though difficult, I'm getting by. Daniel and Marie surprised me by coming for the birthday celebration. Actually, they were invited by my friends and I was r
"I'll be coming home next week. I want to celebrate this year's Christmas with my family," Madeline announced."That's great news. It's a good thing I'll be home too. We'll get to spend some time again before we go our separate ways back to school," Daniel said. "I can't wait to be home," Madeline said.That week, Madeline and her friends took the exams and after their last paper, her friends, Amanda and Stephanie persuaded her to go with them to a club to celebrate. But She didn't want to go with them. After some hesitation, Madeline agreed because she was eager to unwind after taking the exams. Ready for a fun-filled evening, the three friends got dressed up and made their way to a well-known club in the city.The bright lights and throbbing music enveloped them as they stepped inside the vibrant club. Ever the social butterfly, Amanda suggested that they head straight to the dance floor. The three of them laughed and danced, relishing the carefree times.But when a group of guys
"Good morning Jake," she said over the phone as soon as Jake answered the call."Good morning Madeline. I hope you slept well," Jake replied."Yes I did but I should be asking you that question. You were the one who sustained an injury last night. Did you get to sleep at all?" Madeline asked."Well, I tried. I kept going on and off because of the pain but I will be good," Jake answered."Oh my, I'm so sorry to hear that. It's all my fault," Madeline said sadly."Okay Madeline, for the last time, stop blaming yourself. I sustained this injury for a good cause and I don't regret it and neither should you," Jake said."Ok Jake. Anyway use I spoke to my parents this morning and they agreed to let you come over and spend Christmas with us at our house," Madeline mentioned."Oh really, that will be really nice. Please extend my gratitude to them and let them know how pleased I am to hear this," Jake replied."I will. So, I was planning to travel home tomorrow. Will you join me or should I g
Madeline's face blew up in excitement upon seeing who her visitors were. Her high school friends, Emily and Sarah got up from their seats excitedly as they rushed over to her while Daniel stood, his excitement turning to that of confusion and rage upon seeing Jake "Oh my gosh, Emily, Sarah," Madeline yelled excitedly.The ladies formed a group hug as they jumped up and down in excitement. Anne and Lucian watched the girls with smiles on their faces."I'm so happy to see you," Madeline said."We're so happy to see you too, Maddie. When your mum told us that you were back, we couldn't help but be here to see you," Emily said."I've missed you both," Madeline said."We do too. We're sorry we missed your birthday dinner. I was actually writing exams then while Emily was occupied with school projects and all," Sarah stated. "It's fine. I'm just glad you're here now. We get to celebrate Christmas together," Madeline said.Their giggles and conversation were interrupted as Daniel walked to
Madeline looked at her mother wondering what was going on. She got down of bed and followed her mother downstairs, her friends following behind her. They got downstairs only to be faced wit something they never expected to see.Daniel was standing with his bags on the floor beside him. Madeleine wore a look of confusion on her face as she approached Daniel."Babe, what's going on here?" She asked."I came to spend Christmas with you guys," Daniel said with a smile on his face."What? This doesn't make any sense. You live next door or a few doors away, which means you can come from home on Christmas to join us in the festivities. Why do you have to come with your things and stay here?""Well, my mum decided to travel at the last minute to see her family on the other side of the world and I didn't want to go with her because I wanted to spend Christmas with you. I didn't want to be alone in the house and that is why I came over here with my things. Am I not welcomed here anymore?" Danie
The pool party was fixed for the next day, the eve of Christmas. The following afternoon, Madeline, Marie, Amanda, Stephanie, Emily, Sarah, Jake and Daniel went to the hotel they had chosen and went to the private swimming pool they had booked earlier. "We're here now. Please let's try to have fun," Madeline said to everyone. Everyone nodded, hoping to have a fun time. The ladies went to tbe ladies shower to take a shower before entering the pool while the guys did the same but one at a time. When they finally came back, they got into the pool and started to party.They played music and danced in the water. Finally they decided to play a game."Let's play volleyball," Amanda suggested."That would be difficult to play inside the pool," Emily replied."That's what makes it even fun," Amanda replied."Okay, volleyball it is," Emily said."Is everyone in?" Amanda asked."Yeah," everyone chorused."There'll be two teams. I'll lead the first team and Madeline will lead the second team,"