Introduction.

Christmas Day was getting closer as the days went by and for the first time since the death of Harold Anderson there was a party to be held at the mansion. With the toy factory having many employers, Mika being generally popular in the new college she attended and her house-mates having a variety of friends the event was going to be a large one.

Stacy was one of those lucky few people who had clicked with Mika the first day they met. It had been Mika's first year at college, the girl fresh out of school and without Suzu or Naomi to support her she was like a lost little duckling. That's when Stacy met her, the fourth year college student assigned to helping the first year students for the week. It was then that Stacy learnt a little about the young woman, their friendship blooming as time went by. In return Mika had also discovered more to Stacy: she was a few years older than Mika and even though she was coming to the end of her studies she was still 100% focused on them. In some ways she reminded Mika a lot of Naomi; smart, caring and friendly but there were quirks that made her stand out… She never took the spotlight in a crowd of people but if she wanted to be seen she would, she was so highly respected within the college that she was already offered several job roles. She was also dangerously calm; one time a fire had started and raged out of control… everyone was screaming but Stacy was unfazed, she aided people out of the building, ensured that the needed services were called and helped everyone remain calm. There were many positives to the woman so Mika couldn't help but instantly click with her.

The day of the Christmas party finally arrived and Stacy was already running late. She had spent the entirety of her morning doing brain-numbing jobs at the college; sorting the library, checking stock of supplies and speaking with any lecturers that were there. Even though college had already finished for Christmas Stacy had always returned there in the breaks to lend a helping hand and earn some easy cash. Plus with the job offers she was given at the place she was tempted to take one of them; she wasn't the adventurous type so to be offered a place in the location she knew well interested her. Her offers were wide, ensuring that one way or another she was tempted to work there. Many had questioned what Stacy truly wanted to do in life and truthfully Stacy wasn't certain.

Stacy rid her thoughts as she felt the car come to a halt, the woman softly thanking the cab driver as she paid him, ensuring to give him a tip as she left the vehicle. She clutched her purse in her left hand as her eyes fell onto the open gateway of the Anderson household. The whole place was decorated; shining lights, tinsel… it was clear they went all out this year. With a small frown Stacy glanced down at her phone, realising she was at least half an hour or more late. With her eyes directed downwards on her phone she took note of her clothing, casting her eyes back to the mansion ahead. A part of her was concerned that she had chosen poorly but in all honesty she would have worn the same thing either way. With living alone, paying for college and being in full education with extra activities she neither had the time or money to buy a new outfit. With a drawn out sigh she raised her head high; even though she was going to this party solo she was determined to keep the promise she made with Mika to go to the event.

With the hallow clicks of her heels and the muffled music from the mansion ahead Stacy cautiously walked up the tarmac driveway, tucking her phone into her purse. She hadn't worried about bringing a Christmas gift, she had already agreed to meet up with Mika the day before Christmas. With a smile on her face she found herself halting at the front door, ringing the doorbell. She waited a moment, wondering if no one heard the doorbell over the music but as if someone had heard her silent thoughts the door opened.
"Oh Stacy! I'm so glad you could make it! Come on in" Mika loudly greeted with a huge grin, forcing the woman in. Stacy laughed at her actions, her small concerns totally forgotten.
"Yeah, sorry about being a bit late" Stacy started off,
"I was stuck at college longer than I thought. They've got me there every day until the 22nd" Stacy honestly said and Mika knowingly smiled.
"Sounds like a chore" Mika playfully remarked and Stacy playfully pushed her shoulder. The pair stared at one another before falling into light laughter.
"Come on, Suzu and Naomi have been dying to finally meet you!" Mika told her and Stacy followed along as she was practically dragged over to her high school best friends.

Mika had told her stories about the duo, her words falling true as Stacy met the two in person and fell into conversation with them. They were practically opposites of one another but Mika seemed to balance them completely, Stacy seemingly having the same effect on them.
"…I don't know how you have the patience to study for so long, its nuts" Suzu confessed as they spoke making Naomi tut in distaste.
"It's not that hard to do if you put your mind to it!" Naomi commented making the group laugh.
"You do remember that Stacy has the highest marks every year, right?" Mika spoke and Stacy shyly rubbed the back of her head as the other two openly stared at her.
"Wow" they both awed in unison making Mika grin.
"Anyway I've held you hostage long enough tonight, go and enjoy your evening" Mika told her and with a laugh and a polite farewell Stacy parted from the group, wondering how the night would play out…