This is a picture of Zoe.

"Lena, Lena's here!"

I stepped into building fifteen, followed by Delaney.  Zoe ran up to us, black hair bouncing against her shoulders, a pretty white dress flowing.  "Hi, Zoe!" I said cheerily, letting her hug me. Delaney flashed me a proud smile, and I returned it.  My sister closed her eyes and sniffed.  A delicious smell filled the air- I smelled it as well.  Zoe looked up at me, black eyes bulging.  "Is that your sister?" Zoe asked me.

"That's right!" I replied, "Zoe, meet Delaney.  Delaney, meet Zoe."

"Hi Laney!" Zoe called, making Delaney laugh.  

"She's so cute!" Delaney mouthed at me.  I giggled a bit.  Suddenly, I heard someone say behind me, "Lena?", making me jump.  I turned and saw Mrs. Meade.  I waved and smiled awkwardly.  "I thought you left," Mrs. Meade said, in a slightly cold tone, raising an eyebrow, "but, I guess you have decided to join us with...?"

"Delaney," I finished, "my sister.  I know I haven't been the nicest around here, but I would really like to have another chance at staying here.  I sincerely apologize for any airs or rude remarks I did."  I swallowed as Mrs. Meade looked at me, astounded.  To my surprise, she actually smiled and said, "That would be lovely, thank you, Lena.  Please join us for our group dinner."

"Gladly." I said and followed her to the dining hall.  As I entered, I was pleasantly shocked at the sight.  A long table was set up with tons of people, all laughing and enjoying food.  But, as soon as someone saw me, I swear you could hear a pin drop as the whole room fell dead silent.  "Um, hi." I said awkwardly, smiling.  

"Why is she here?" I heard someone say, "She's nothing but miserable."

"Ignore them, Lena." Delaney told me, "Be happy, prove that you're not miserable."  I nodded.  "Let's find seats." I told my sister and we made our way through the crowd.  We managed to find seats... Beside Lesedi and Michael.  "Well, well, well, it's Madame Grinch." Michael said with a laugh.

"Leave her alone!" Delaney said sharply.

"Delaney, it's okay." I told her and she backed down.  I looked at Lesedi and Michael.  They both gave me a slightly nervous stare, like they weren't sure what I was going to do.  

I took a deep breath.  Delaney touched my hand and nodded.  "Hey, guys.  I'd like to apologize, for treating you guys so badly." I blurted, "All your intentions were to help me, and I- I didn't respect that.  I'm sorry."

Lesedi hugged me.  "Whoa, okay!" I exclaimed, startled by her reaction.

"I knew you'd come around, Lena." she said, "I knew you had a little holiday cheer in you."

"I guess..." I said, smiling.  

"Yeah, we forgive you, Lena.  Especially after we heard why you were like that." Michael assured me, "Just... If you ever want to talk, let us know."

"Thanks, guys." I said and hugged them both.  After we embraced, I saw Delaney already digging into food, making the place her home.  "Delaney, what are you-?" I started.

"Less talking, more eating.  Try the stuffing, it's delicious." Delaney said, interrupting me.  We all laughed and began our dinner.

After dinner, I slowly stepped outside, to a black midnight sky, where the only light was snow falling softly from the sky.  I toyed with my diamond necklace and looked towards the heavens.  "Ben," I said, "I had fun again.  It was great.  Don't think that I'm forgetting you, because I'll never do that.  Benjy, I actually think I'm honouring you a little.  You were always so happy, and I think you'd rather me be happy than me being sad all the time.  Instead of mourning your loss I'm going to celebrate your life this Christmas." Tears welled in my eyes and I brushed them away.  "Happy holidays, Benjamin Davis.  I miss you!" I cried, and turned back inside.

I thought that money and power would equal happiness.  I thought that it would make Benjamin's death better.  But, what I really needed was support.  And I got that, from a lovely group of people I met this winter.  This no longer seemed like a messed up trip, but an adventure where I discovered the true meaning of the holidays again.

Happy holidays, everyone!

-Lena Davis