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"IT'S THE MOST WONDERFUL TIME OF THE YEAR."

As Isadora belted out her favourite Christmas tune, the spirited notes echoed through Steve's cozy living room, twinkling lights casting a warm glow over the gathering. Kendra couldn't help but smile as she watched her best friend, whose voice filled the space with infectious cheer. Friends had gathered at Steve's house to help him prepare for the Christmas party, transforming the simple room into a winter wonderland adorned with festive decorations, including garlands, shimmering ornaments, and a tree proudly standing in the corner. To Kendra's delight, Isadora had even managed to talk Billy into lending a hand.

"That song brings back so many memories," Kendra remarked, glancing at Isadora with a mix of nostalgia and warmth. Isadora paused her singing and turned to look at Kendra, a hint of uncertainty flickering in her eyes before she shrugged it off.

"Yeah, but not all of them are good, Ken. If it weren't for you, Steve, Eddie, Ellie, and Hazel, I honestly don't know how I would've survived Christmas," Isadora admitted, her voice dipping into a more serious tone as she regarded her friends with a sense of gratitude.

"We're always going to be here for you, no matter what," Kendra assured her, sincerity lacing her words. Isadora nodded, a grateful smile spreading across her face as she turned back to the decorations. She walked over to a nearby table where Billy was meticulously arranging ornaments, her humming weaving seamlessly into the festive atmosphere.

"It's the most wonderful time of the year," Isadora sang again, her voice light and airy, prompting Billy to glance up from his task.

"Is, do you know any other Christmas songs, or are you just planning to belt that one out on repeat all night?" Billy teased, raising an eyebrow playfully. Isadora made a face, rolling her eyes before she turned away to help Steve and Kendra prepare drinks, humming as she went.

"Did I say something wrong?" Billy asked, glancing over to Hazel, who stood nearby with a knowing look.

"That song is special to Isa," Hazel explained, her gaze softening as she watched Isadora help Kendra prepare platters of food. Isadora busily arranged the treats, her spirit lifting with each festive note she sang.

"I didn't know," Billy replied quietly, feeling a pang of guilt as he observed Isadora's enthusiasm.

"Look, I know this isn't really your thing, but it is for Isa—or at least it used to be. She loved that song, which is why it's the only one she sings," Hazel added. Billy nodded, guilt creeping in as he caught sight of Isadora, who was now busy chatting with Kendra. Just then, a sharp knock interrupted the moment, and Steve went to answer the door.

As he swung the door open, Isadora's heart sank. A girl with flowing blonde hair stood on the doorstep, her cheerful demeanour instantly making Isadora tense.

"Why is she here?" Isadora murmured under her breath, her stomach knotting uncomfortably.

"Who?" Kendra asked, brow furrowed in confusion. Isadora hastily grabbed a drink and took several gulps, trying to calm her racing heart.

"That girl talking to Steve. I saw her get into Billy's car just as he started avoiding me," Isadora explained, her voice tight as she watched the girl step inside with bags in hand. Her heart dropped further as she saw Billy move to embrace the newcomer, a wide grin spreading across his face.

"Who is that girl that Billy's hugging?" Isadora asked, a slight tremor in her voice as she took another sip of her drink, grimacing at the burning sensation from the alcohol.

"The blonde? That's Paige. I think she's Billy's cousin," Ellie chimed in as she joined the group, glancing from Isadora to the scene unfolding by the door. Steve shifted his gaze between Ellie and the cousins before looking back at Isadora, chuckling softly at the horrified expression on her face.

"What's so funny, Steve?" Kendra frowned at her boyfriend, a hint of irritation threading her tone. Before he could respond, Isadora's mind was racing to piece together the implications of Ellie's words.

"Wait... You mean to tell me the girl I thought he was sleeping with is actually his cousin?" Isadora asked, her voice rising in disbelief, cheeks flushing with embarrassment.

"Wait, you thought Billy was sleeping with her?" Kendra asked, clearly taken aback by the revelation.

"Uh... yeah," Isadora muttered, her eyes dropping to the floor in a mix of embarrassment and shame.

"No, Max told me she's his cousin, and they're pretty close. She visits from California sometimes," Ellie shrugged, oblivious to Isadora's growing discomfort.

"Oh, Is, if you could see the look on your face right now," Steve laughed, but Isadora wasn't laughing. She stormed over to him and playfully punched his arm, an act of frustration that prompted a feigned glare from him.

"Okay, that hurt."

"You deserved it! And I didn't punch you that hard, you baby," Isadora shot back, feeling a rush of adrenaline at the comedic exchange. Just then, Billy approached them, gently touching Isadora's lower back, making her heart flutter.

"Hi," she smiled up at him, her initial concerns momentarily forgotten.

"Is, this is my cousin, Paige," Billy introduced, gesturing to the girl who had just entered. Isadora nodded and smiled, feeling a wave of relief wash over her.

"Isadora Jones. Nice to meet you."

"Hi, it's lovely to meet you too! I can't stay long, but I picked these up for you," Paige said, placing her bags down in the kitchen. After a quick hug with Billy, she waved goodbye to the group, her smile bright as she exited the house.

"She's not staying?" Isadora asked, a hint of disappointment creeping into her voice.

"No, Paige isn't really one for parties. She's headed to the airport; her flight back to California is tonight. She just dropped by to give us some stuff," Billy explained, his tone casual but slightly evasive.

"See? Nothing to worry about, Is," Ellie teased, nudging Isadora playfully, but Isadora frowned, her insecurities rising again.

"Nothing to worry about? What are you talking about? What's going on?" Billy asked, glancing between Isadora and Ellie, his concern evident as Isadora poured herself another drink.

"Is, you might want to slow down on the drinks," Billy advised gently, concern lacing his voice.

"Why? I'm totally fine," Isadora shrugged, attempting to mask her inner turmoil.

"You're sure about that?" Ellie asked, her gaze scrutinising Isadora as she swirled her drink and took another sip.

"Okay, so maybe I was momentarily jealous of Paige, but I'm fine now—" Isadora blurted out before quickly covering her mouth, the realisation of her drunken honesty hitting her like a tidal wave of embarrassment.

"You were jealous?" Billy asked, his eyes widening in surprise as Isadora shot a glare at Ellie, who was barely containing her laughter.

"Okay, it was black when you were avoiding me. I saw her getting into your car, and I thought—"

"Oh, Isadora, gross. She's my cousin," Billy groaned, shaking his head in disbelief.

"Okay, well how was I supposed to know that? I saw a random girl getting into your car one afternoon after school, and I thought—"

"Please don't finish that sentence," Billy begged, burying his face in his hands, feeling the heat rise to his cheeks.

"Okay, I won't," Isadora laughed, her heart racing as Billy walked away from her, still chuckling at her misinterpretation. Isadora turned back to Kendra, who was finishing the preparations for the food platters, and together they arranged the last few items.

Soon, the party kicked off, filling the house with laughter and warmth. By the time guests began arriving, Isadora was feeling pleasantly tipsy. When the doorbell rang, she navigated through the throngs of people, her heart lifting with excitement as she flung open the door.

"Bea!" she squealed, spotting her friend.

"Hi! You seem a little drunk," Beatrix laughed, nearly losing her balance as Isadora flung her arms around her, pulling her into an enthusiastic embrace.

"Issi, please get off me!" Beatrix protested, but Isadora was already dragging her inside, full of energy and cheer.

"Come on, meet everyone!" Isadora cried, leading Beatrix into the living room, where the party was in full swing.

"Who's this, Isa?" Kendra asked, eyeing Beatrix with curiosity as the two girls joined the group.

"This is Beatrix!" Isadora beamed, introducing her friend with pride. Beatrix smiled warmly, returning the introductions as the group welcomed her with open arms. Spotting Billy across the room, Isadora tugged Beatrix by the hand, pulling her toward him.

"Hi, love. What are you up to?" Billy asked, his eyes lighting up as he noticed the two girls approaching.

"I wanted to introduce you to my friend Beatrix, and this is my boyfriend, Billy," Isadora declared, her chest swelling with pride. Beatrix and Billy exchanged knowing looks, laughter bubbling up between them, leaving Isadora momentarily puzzled.

"What's so funny?" she asked, her brow furrowed.

"Is, I already know Beatrix," Billy chuckled, amusement dancing in his eyes.

"W-What? How? Please don't tell me you've slept with her too!" Isadora grimaced, the words escaping her before she could think.

"God, there's not enough alcohol in the world to erase that thought from my mind," Beatrix groaned, covering her face in mock horror.

"Don't worry, she was jealous of Paige too. Is, Beatrix is my twin sister," Billy revealed, a playful smirk spreading across his face.

"Your—you have a twin sister...?" Isadora's eyes widened in shock, her mouth falling open as realisation dawned. "Oh my God! I just asked you if you'd slept with your twin sister!"

"Please stop saying it," Beatrix begged, her cheeks flushing as she turned her head away, pretending to gag dramatically.

"Oh my God. I just introduced you two to each other and you just let me do that! Wait, why didn't you tell me you had a twin sister? And why didn't you tell me your last name was Hargrove?" Isadora exclaimed, feeling a rush of embarrassment wash over her.

"No one knows Beatrix is my sister," Billy shrugged nonchalantly, but there was a hint of defensiveness in his tone.

"I honestly thought Max was your only sister," Isadora replied, her cheeks still burning.

"She's not my sister," Billy snapped, irritation creeping into his voice.

"That's a touchy subject, Issi," Beatrix added, glancing at Billy, who seemed to be losing his patience.

"I don't really like talking about my family, and Beatrix didn't want anyone knowing we were related," Billy explained, his tone softer now.

"Wait, why not?" Isadora asked, turning her gaze toward Beatrix, intrigued.

"All my life, most of the girls have only wanted to be friends with me because they think they can use it as a way to get to my brother. No one has ever really wanted to be my friend just for me, at least not until I met you," Beatrix said, her eyes shining with sincerity.

"Wait, so—did you know I was talking about Billy that night I ran into you?" Isadora asked, feeling a sense of connection with Beatrix.

"I kind of figured you were talking about him, but I could also tell that night you really needed someone to just listen to you. I wanted to be that friend for you. I kind of guessed that if you had known I was related to Billy, there was a chance you wouldn't have spoken to me, and I thought you didn't want to hear the name Hargrove mentioned. I mean, you were pretty angry with him," Beatrix explained, her voice gentle.

"When did you two meet?" Billy asked, his expression shifting from confusion to curiosity.

"We met the night of the dance. Beatrix was the one person who knew exactly where I was hiding," Isadora explained, a fond smile crossing her lips as she remembered that night.

"Wait, you knew and you never said a word to me?" Billy asked, looking both surprised and impressed.

"I made her promise not to tell anyone that she knew where I was," Isadora defended, a hint of embarrassment creeping in. "I can't believe you both just let me introduce you to each other. You know what? I'm going to go get another drink."

"Is, wait," Billy called after her, but she continued walking away, turning back to look at him when he asked, "You're not mad at us, are you?"

"No, I understand why you didn't tell me about Beatrix and why she didn't tell me her last name. I feel a bit foolish for introducing you two when you already knew each other, but I'm not mad at either of you. Now, I'm going to get a drink. Do you want to come with me?" Isadora asked, her tone lightening.

"Of course I do, Princess."

"I'm going to find my other friends," Beatrix said before slipping away into the crowd as Isadora and Billy headed to grab drinks together. As they walked, Billy smirked, watching Isadora pour herself another drink.

"So, is Little Miss Perfect going to dance on any tables tonight?" he teased, his playful nature shining through.

"Oh, absolutely not. I've embarrassed myself enough tonight, and I have no plans to drink enough to want to dance on tables," Isadora retorted, completely unaware that more embarrassment awaited her later that night.

As the night wore on, the energy in the room grew. Isadora and her friends danced, laughed, and mingled, feeling the festive spirit envelop them, but later, on her way back from the bathroom, Isadora collided with Amanda, nearly losing her balance before frowning.

"Oh, it's you," Isadora said, annoyance lacing her tone as she straightened herself.

"You may think he cares—" Amanda started, but Isadora was quick to cut her off, fueled by her tipsy courage.

"Oh, just give it up already. Billy chose me, and you're just going to have to get over it. I know that Billy cares about me. And you know what? You're not going to scare me off because I am in love with Billy Hargrove, and I'm not letting you or anyone else ruin our relationship again!" Isadora declared, her voice rising above the party noise, oblivious to the fact that Billy and Steve stood nearby, having heard every word she had just said.

"You're honestly pathetic if you really believe he cares about you," Amanda shot back, a smug smile crossing her lips.

"Well, I guess I'm pathetic, and that's totally fine with me. Goodbye, Amanda," Isadora snapped before strutting away to rejoin Hazel and Kendra, who were still dancing.

As she laughed and danced with her friends, Billy watched from a distance, his heart swelling at Isadora's bold confession. She was fiercely loyal and unafraid to stand her ground, qualities he admired. Just as Isadora twirled in delight, he caught her eye, and she smiled brightly at him, blissfully unaware of the effect her words had on him.

And as the night unfolded, filled with laughter and camaraderie, the warmth of friendship and the spirit of Christmas enveloped them all, creating memories that would last long after the decorations were taken down.

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Happy chapter featuring some slightly awkward moments 😂

Also Is never saw Beatrix at the Hargrove house (she's only been there once anyway) and Beatrix doesn't really go to school (although she did come for the performance) so that's how Is has never run into her and doesn't know she's Billy's twin sister until now.

Enjoy! Xo

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