Today was a Friday and we had just landed in London. It was noon already. Violet still looked gloomy. We had a conversation and I told her I was there no matter what and she could share anything with me, I wouldn't judge. But all in vain as said she could handle it and I respected her decision.

We finally made our way to our house and got out of the cab. The house was decorated and the snow was covering the yard. How much I missed this. I looked at Violet to see her smiling as well. We walked up to the porch and rang the doorbell. We heard some noises before the door opened revealing Dad. He was a tall man with his hair turning gray and his now healthy body was turning into fat. He stood there in his jeans and shirt smiling widely at us. We were soon engulfed in a hug. "My sweethearts!" We pulled apart and walked in.

"Bella! Violet!" she said, hugging us as she dropped her spatula. We both hugged her. "Mom," I smiled, handing her the spatula again. The house looked just like I left it last year. It was a two-story house. It was huge. The living room, kitchen, the guest bedrooms were downstairs and three rooms were upstairs.

The house was not fully decorated and mom looked busy cooking some Christmas delicacies. "Why don't you freshen up?" She said, "Are you sure? I can help!" I said while Vi just smiled and ran to her room. "You should teach her to be this polite," Mom said. "Honey, if she gets into the kitchen, our house will be burned to ashes, please don't," Dad said.

We laughed. "Go freshen up!" Mom said and I went upstairs with my bag. I opened the door to find my room still intact. My pink walls and my double bed. My study desk has all the pictures. I sat down smiling. This felt like home. I quickly walked to the bathroom to take a shower. Just as I got in my phone started ringing. I took a quick shower and walked out to see 3 missed calls from Xavier.

I was about to call him back when Nicholas called. I answered by putting the call on speaker and sitting at the dressing table. "Nicholas? Can I call you back? Xavier is calling me," I said. "I like how he is more important than me Ms Kingston, he asked me to call-" "You guys can talk later? Bella! Where the hell are you?" he said through the phone.

"Don't talk to her like that!" Nicholas snapped at him. "Xavier, what's the matter?" I asked. "What is the matter? I went to your house! Nobody was there!" he said. I took the phone off the speaker.

"What are you saying? Don't you know I am in London?" I asked. "London? What the hell are you doing in London?" he asked. "Mind your language," Nicholas snapped. "Wait, you don't know we are here?" I was totally confused.

"WE?"

"Yeah, Violet and I?"

"VIOLET IS IN FUCKING LONDON?"

They both are the same, cursing all the time. "Wait, you didn't drop her off yesterday at my place?" I asked. "I haven't seen her in a month!" he snapped. "Wait, if I didn't drop her, her friends don't own a car... Holy shit!" he said to himself.

"Xavier, can I know what is going on?" I asked. "Hold up, Nicholas you fucking knew Bella was not here! Why did you let me go to her house?" he asked. I rolled my eyes.

I heard some bickering while I unpacked a little. "Isabella, Vi is hurt, isn't she?" he asked, his voice low. "What did you do?" I wondered now concerned. "I didn't do anything! It was a misunderstanding," he said. "You left her alone for a month! Are you insane?" I asked. "Look, can you please ask her to call me back?" he asked. "You can't solve this over the phone Xavier," I said. "Okay I'll see what to do," he said and I heard his footsteps.

"Did you reach safely?" Nicholas said. "Yes," I replied smiling. "You are at home today?" I asked. "Didn't feel like going to the office," he muttered. "Of course, you didn't," I said. "Bella!" I heard mom call. "Nicholas, I have to go," I said. "Take care," he whispered. "You too," I said, hanging up and rushing downstairs. "Come on, let's have lunch," she said. Violet soon joined in and the table was filled with laughs and stories.

"So how is work treating you?" Mom asked. "It's fine," I smiled. "Fine? She and her boss are best friends!" Vi said. I glared at her. "What handsome man?" Mom asked, perking up immediately. Here we go. Mom was so invested in my life that she wanted me to have a boyfriend and get married.

Dad sat up as well. "You know you could always work for me," he said. "Dad, don't be ridiculous, I love my job, and Mom, relax! His being handsome has nothing to do with the conversation right now," I said.

"But you admitted he is," she smirked. "Mom! And wouldn't you like to talk about best friends, Vi?" I asked, looking at her. "I don't have any," she said. "Xavier would like to disagree," I smirked. If I was going down, she was going down with me. She snapped up at me. "Who is Xavier?" Mom asked. "Oh he goes to uni with Violet, and is Nicholas' brother," I said.

"Who is Nicholas?" "Her boss" I facepalmed. "I don't like where this is going," Dad interjected. "Come on Dad, I am 26, I know what I am doing," I said. "Enough about this, What sweets are we making!" I said excitedly as I helped Mom clean up.

The day went by pretty quickly and now I was lying in bed tired. We baked a pie and cookies, and then I had to wrap my gifts. I still had to see my best friend. She had called earlier and we were going to see each other tomorrow. I missed her a lot. I went to sleep as soon as my head hit the pillow.

The next morning the house was buzzing. The mom was shouting at everyone to get ready and help around the house. Tomorrow was Christmas and the house wasn't decorated yet. "Bella! The tree. Violet, you are going to come with me to give this all to the neighbors and George. Your business can wait. Help around a little!" she shouted.

I smiled, This was what usually happened at our house. I smiled as I put up all the ornaments and I heard the door close as mom and Vi left. Dad walked in talking on the phone and motioned me to do his part as well. I grabbed the boxes and started shifting to the basement when I heard the doorbell ring. "I got it, honey!" Dad shouted.

I dusted the dress that I was wearing as I walked back upstairs. "Hello Sir," I stopped dead when I heard the voice. "Yes, how may I help you?" Dad asked. "You must be Mr Kingston?" I heard him ask. "Yes?" Dad said, confused.

I rushed outside to the door to make sure I was right. There stood at the door Nicholas and Xavier. This was his solution? I walked behind Dad. "Hello Sir, I am Nicholas Knight and this is my brother, Xavier Knight," Nicholas said. I walked standing beside Dad. Nicholas let out a breath of relief on seeing me and Xavier smiled waving at me and I waved back. "Dad!" I shook him. "You are the two boys," Dad said seriously. Oh, God.

"Please come in," I said to them and we closed the door behind me. Dad walked in and I stood back. "What are you doing here?" I asked completely shocked. "You said I should solve it in person!" he said. "Not fly 3000 miles, you idiot!" I said walking in. Dad sat down on the couch and motioned for them to sit as well.

"Do you want something to drink?" I asked. "Coffee?" Nicholas said and Xavier nodded. I glared at him. "Xavier I will get you one. Nicholas, I will get you a hot chocolate," I said walking out. I was about to make it when I heard Dad talking. "So my daughter works for you?" "Yes sir." "I hope you don't trouble her."

I called Mom. "Honey I am-" "Mom you need to get home. Now!" I said. "But-" "Some guests are here!" "I'm coming!" she said. I knew that would work. I walked outside sitting beside Dad. "Dad, don't you have calls to make?" I asked. "No, I am right where I want to be," he said. I rolled my eyes.

"What are you two doing here?" Dad asked. "Dad!" I said. "It's okay, Bella. Sir, I wanted to see Vi, I mean Violet, It was very important," Xavier said. I looked at Nicholas to see him caring less about this. The door opened and Mom and Violet walked in. Violet first saw Nicholas and rushed to him.

"Nick!" She said hugging him. "I haven't seen you in months!" she said smiling. "How are you doing, Vi?" he asked, smiling at her. "I am fine! Did you know your gift came in handy? I was able to shop a lot in Paris," she said. He nodded at her ruffling her hair. "Vi," Xavier said, getting up.

"What the fuck are you doing here?" she snapped at him. "Vi, let me explain!" he said but she stormed out. Xavier looked at me dejected. "Go!" I said to him and he ran upstairs. "I don't approve of this," Dad said. "You must be Nicholas," Mom said. Nicholas put forward his hand and she pulled him for a hug. I laughed when he stiffened.

"We don't shake hands, dear." Mom said. "I know," he muttered. "So how do you know my other daughter?" Dad asked. "George, don't be like this, didn't Vi tell you, he helped her with the..." Mom trailed off looking at me. I looked at them confused. "What are you guys, not telling me?" I asked, looking at Dad.

"Isabella, where is the hot chocolate?" Nicholas asked. I looked at my hands. Oh! "I am going to be right back," I said walking to the kitchen. I heard Mom and Dad talking to him and walked out with 6 hot chocolates. "Thank you," he smiled while taking a seat. "He is such a sweet man," Mom said sitting down. Wouldn't you like to know?

I sat down beside Mom. "So-" We were about to talk when Xavier walked down Violet behind him. He smiled. "Sorry for the inconvenience," he said, sitting down as Vi sat beside me. I looked at her asking if everything was okay and she just rolled her eyes.

"Are you guys staying in London?" I asked. "Yes, I still need to work on something," Xavier said looking at Violet. Mom chuckled. "Don't worry, she'll come around," she said. "So where are you two staying?" Mom asked. Nicholas was about to answer when Xavier said. "In a hotel."

"What? During Christmas? Nonsense! You can stay at our house, we have enough room," Mom urged. "No Mrs Kingston, we'll be fine," Nicholas said glaring at Xavier. Xavier pulled Nicholas whispering something. I was so glad I was good at mouth reading. 'Don't ruin this for me' is what he said.

"We would love Mrs Kingston," Xavier smiled. Violet was about to say something when I stopped her. "Nobody listens to me in this house," Dad said, getting up and walking away. "I'll get the rooms ready," I said getting up. Once I made sure the rooms were ready I walked out to find Nicholas and Mom in a conversation.

"Wow Mom you didn't talk to me this much," I said. "Oh shut up, Isabella, show him their rooms," she said walking into the kitchen. Xavier and Vi were standing in the corner doing god knows what.

I walked ahead and Nicholas followed. "You have a house in London don't you?" I asked stopping outside his room. "I was about to say that, but Xavier wanted to spend time with Vi," he said. "And you accompanied because?" I asked. Nicholas walked towards me and I walked backwards when my back hit the wall. "Nicholas, if my dad sees this he will throw you out," I whispered. "If he sees us, Ela," Nicholas said, bending down to my level.

I got out of his arms. "Freshen up," I said, running away. "Hey, love birds, go freshen up, Vi show him his room," I said walking to the decorations. I put everything on the walls and shelves and grabbed the tar to put on the Christmas tree. I stood on the stool balancing myself on my toes. I smiled as I put it up but immediately lost balance.

I braced myself to hit the floor only for warm hands to catch me. I opened my eyes to see Nicholas staring down at me. "I thought you could stand in heels, this is very shameful," he smirked. "Then why did you catch me?" I asked my hands around his neck. "You know you just fell for me?" he asked. "Ew, don't say that ever again, please," I said.

We heard a clearing of the throat and we looked at Dad standing there. It happened so fast that Nicholas let go of me and I fell to the ground with a thud. "You idiot!" I said, grabbing my hip. "Holy Sh- Shakes. Are you okay, Ela?" Nicholas said, offering me a hand. Dad rushed to my side helping me up. "You can't hold her for two seconds?" Dad snapped as he helped me onto the couch.

I sat down as Mom rushed in. "Oh my gosh, Bella!" she said sitting beside me. Nicholas rushed to the kitchen grabbing ice and he was about to when I glared at him. He handed it to me and I held it at my waist. "Why are you always so clumsy," Mom asked. Nicholas looked at me in pain. I just rolled my eyes. Should have thought of that before you dropped me. "I am not a kid, you guys!" I tried to stand up but almost fell and Nicholas caught me. "Can you please sit down for a while?"

I sat back down. "Someone has to help around the house," I said looking at Mom. "We'll do it," Xavier and Vi said at the same time. "No you both are guests here," Mom argued. "It's okay Mrs Kingston, if you consider us family then you should assign us to work, I am great to help in the kitchen," he said, guiding Mom out. Vi just rolled her eyes and walked to do her work.

Dad looked at Nicholas. "You want to help?" Dad asked. Nicholas couldn't do his work. How was he going to do housework? "Da-" "Yes sir, I would love to help around," he said. "Nicholas!" I hissed at him. "You need to rest," he said, pushing me down on the couch.

"Come let's see if this muscle is of any use," Dad said as they walked to the garage. I groaned. my family is just... After a few minutes, I walked to the kitchen to find Mom and Xavier bonding as they baked cookies. Vi was also sitting in there doing god knows what, she couldn't cook to save her life. I walked outside after grabbing a jacket to see Nicholas and Dad working. More like Dad talked on the phone while Nicholas was breaking the logs with an ax. I walked back in and grabbed his coat and walked out.

I put the coat over him. "You idiot! you want to freeze to death or what?" I asked. "Thanks" "Nicholas, you don't have to do this!" I said. "I know but your father thinks he can break me. No one can," he said. "Do what you want!" I said walking in. He was not used to this stuff. He didn't have to prove anything to anyone!

I walked back in and Mom was ready with lunch. She called everyone back in and we all sat at the table. Mom and Dad sat at the head. Xavier sat down beside Vi and Nicholas sat down beside me. We all started eating and everyone appreciated mom's work.

"I know where your cooking skills come from," Nicholas said. "Aww thanks," Mom replied. I laughed at Nicholas's attempt to flirt. "So what do you do?" Dad asked him. "Dad I swear to go-" Nicholas placed his hand on my thigh stopping me.

"Sir, I run a multibillion-dollar company, Knight and Co. We do software and launch electronic products, we also have hotel chains in the USA and around the world," he explained. "So you are a rich brat," Dad asked. "George!" Mom said. "It's okay Mrs Kingston, Actually sir, I have been running my company since I was 18 years old," he said. My dad looked at him shocked.

"Honey, you can call me Anna. Also, you don't have to explain yourself to George, he does this all the time. He is just an overprotective father," she said. "Well, he should be," he said looking at me. "See! Wait, what did you say?" Dad asked. "With all due respect, you would want to be protective of her. She is smart and talented, let's not forget she is beautiful. Of course, he should be concerned. If I was her boyfriend I would be too," Nicholas said.

My eyes widened. What is he trying to do? "Too bad, you are not," Vi said, smirking. "Violet!" I snapped at her. "What it's true, he hasn't kissed you.... yet," she pointed out. "I am done here," I said, getting up before my cheeks gave in. "Sit back down," Dad said. I groaned sitting back down.

"I don't know about them, but I and Violet are together," Xavier announced, making me choke. "What?" I and Dad said at the same time. "You are not my boyfriend!" Violet snapped. "We went over this babe," he said to her. "So cute, you flew 3000 miles for her?" Mom asked to which he nodded.

The rest of the lunch went by fast. I was doing the dishes when I felt a presence behind me. Soon arms trapped me and when his breath hit my shoulder my body froze. "Nicholas," I warned. "You look gorgeous in this dress, you should wear dresses more often," he whispered. "Do you not have any work?" I asked, trying to concentrate on the dishes.

The door opened and closed and I heard a loud squeal. "Violet!" I recognized the voice immediately. I turned around and pushed Nicholas aside and ran out. Amelie was hugging Vi. "No, hugs for me?" I said drying my hands. She launched herself at me and I hugged her. "I missed you!" we both said. We finally let go and I looked at her. Her blonde hair was in waves and she was wearing jeans, a floral top, and a jacket.

"You look so different!" she said. "Why thank you," I replied, matching her accent. "Bella! I don't know-" Xavier stopped and smiled at her before continuing. "I don't know if this is the right thing," he said, handing me the decorations. "Why don't you and Vi go grocery shopping and I'll look into this," I said handing him the list.

He smirked at me and grabbed Vi as they walked out. "Ohh, playing Cupid again?" Amelie asked. "Again?" Nicholas's deep voice came in. "Holy shit, why do you have hot guys in your house?" she asked. I hit her arm. "This is Nicholas Knight," I said to her. "Your boss?" she asked. "I am also a friend of hers," Nicholas said, shaking her hand.

"I'll just go do my work," he said walking out. I smiled sitting down. "You both have something going on?" she asked immediately. "What?" "You have hots for him!"

"Don't put it that way!"

"So?" "Yeah, I mean don't overreact but we kissed," I said.

There was a loud shriek and she hugged me. "My flower is blooming!" she shouted. "Can you keep it down, if dad finds out he will throw him out," I whispered. "Tell me everything!" she said. "Let's go in the kitchen, I'll make you something, I have work to do," I said.

The next two hours went on catching up. I was done with all the work. The groceries had come in and now I only had to help mom for tomorrow's grand feast. "I'll see you tomorrow," Amelie said, hugging me. We usually had Christmas dinner at our house since our parents were good friends. I hugged her goodbye and sat on the couch exhausted.