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,"
Madeline returned to Harvard after the festive break. Amanda, and Stephanie, her roommates, welcomed her with stories of their own holidays. The memories of the Christmas pool party with Daniel, Jake, and friends lingered in her mind, a source of warmth during the chilly Cambridge winter.As classes resumed, Madeline dove into her studies with a newfound determination. Long-distance calls with Daniel, who was studying in Colombia, became a lifeline, and they navigated the challenges of maintaining a strong connection across borders. One day, driven by a desire for focus, Madeline decided to study at the library. As she delved into her books, she spotted Jake across the room. It had been a while since they last met, and a sense of familiarity washed over her. She couldn't help but smile as she approached him."Jake, it's been ages! How have you been?" Madeline exclaimed, excitement evident in her voice. Jake looked up, a grin spreading across his face. "Madeline! I've been good. I can
As the talent show approached, Madeline, with newfound confidence, decided to participate. She even convinced Jake to join her on stage, showcasing their friendship through a fun dance routine. The night of the talent show arrived, and the auditorium buzzed with excitement. Madeline and Jake's performance was a hit, earning cheers and applause from the audience. Amanda and Stephanie, watching from the crowd, exchanged surprised glances. After the show, Amanda approached Madeline, "Okay, maybe we misjudged. That was awesome! And you and Jake? Unexpectedly great together." Madeline laughed, "Told you. Sometimes you just need to let go and embrace the unexpected."Later that week, Jake reached out to Madeline with a casual text: "Hey, enjoyed the talent show! Wanna grab coffee and catch up?" Madeline hesitated for a moment, considering the recent conversation she had with her girls, but then she replied, "Sure, coffee sounds great!" They met at a cozy café near campus, and the conversati