Chapter 997 - Christmas at the Cliffside villa (1)

~ Los Angeles, Cliffside villa ~

December 25

It's Christmas, and the Cliffside villa was never livelier.

Stella and Edward arrived the previous day, to help with decorating the house. They guessed that due to Aiden's situation, Sarah will not do much, however, they were surprised to see that the house is decorated, and there is a huge Christmas tree. Well, you can never have too much decorations for Christmas (according to Stella).

Stella got Emma and Penny involved, so they were busy as well. Sophia was watching them from the sofa. Stella called Sarah to come, but Sarah told her that she already did her part of the decorating, and that she is done.

When Stella found out who all is coming, she rushed to the city to few stores which are open late for an emergency Christmas present shopping.

Before heading to bed on Christmas eve, the two floors above ground were set up, lit up, and ready for Christmas.

Edward got Felix engaged, and two of them added more lights in the garden and the driveway area.

Back to present.

Besides regulars: Sarah, Aiden, Sophia, Felix, Penny and Emma, Stella and Edward are here. And let's not forget about Charlie (he can be called a regular).

Jarred wanted Charlie to join the rest of the Smith family for Christmas, but Charlie said that he can't miss his therapy. Jarred didn't believe him but didn't want to argue either so he allowed him to do whatever he wants, and he approves of Charlie bonding with kids from White and Hill families. Jarred told Charlie that until his legs heal, he can take it easy and enjoy. After that, he needs to go back to business.

JoAnna and Jeff arrived later that morning with Elanor and Oscar. They met with Steve and Bridgette at the front door.

Just before lunch time, Jasper and Ellie made their entrance. How did two of them ended up coming? JoAnna talked to Ellie few days ago, and they touched the topic of Christmas. Ellie said that she does not care much about it because she didn't celebrate Christmas at home since her mother passed away…"The only thing I miss about Christmas are parties that your family hosted… but it seems that there will not be a party this year…", Ellie whined. JoAnna said that they will all gather at Sarah's house so technically, the party is there. Ellie mentioned that to Jasper, and they ended up coming to Los Angeles.

Sophia and JoAnna immediately pulled Ellie on the side to discuss… the ring! Yup, Ellie and Jasper are officially engaged with the ring and everything. Emma, Penny, Bridgette and Sarah joined to hear all about the romantic helicopter ride to the luxurious mountaintop resort which Jasper booked just for the two of them, and flowers, and music and good wine and… he got on his knee… and she said 'yes' . Ah! There is another wedding coming!

Stella was not very happy that in about thirty years, this is the first time that they are not celebrating Christmas in their home. But she knows that Sarah will not leave Aiden's side, and Sophia and JoAnna will stay with Sarah… so she had to come to Los Angeles in order to spend this holiday with her daughters. She sighed when she remembered that few months ago she imagined that her daughters with their male counterparts will come to their house for Christmas, but now if she stayed home it would be only Edward and her. And maybe Owen.

They had their lunch buffet-style and all staff members joined them as well.

After lunch, it was time for present opening.

Everyone brought at least few presents, so they were all crammed under the Christmas tree, expanding to the sides as well.

"Where are you going?", Sarah asked Bec and Tristan who were on their way out. "Stay a bit longer. There are presents for everyone."

The staff was excited to see that they are also covered in this present-bonanza.

Sarah didn't go out shopping, but that does not mean that she didn't order online. Sophia prefers shopping in person, but due to pregnancy, she did it from the comfort of her bed. With Stella and JoAnna, four ladies from Hill family made sure that everyone got at least four presents. And with others giving their 'Christmas present contributions' it was a present-overload.

Sarah sat on the bed next to Aiden with an intention to open her presents. She kept his presents on the side and remembered how last Christmas she fought with Edward when he found out that she is dating Aiden… ah, that Christmas it was just the two of them, at the airport, heading to Vivian's house where they spent the night. And now… Sarah squeezed Aiden's hand gently and left her presents on the side, next to his. They will open them together, when he wakes up. No matter what is inside, she can't be happy about it, not without his active presence.

The kids cheered, Stella got them matching clothes (activewear, with running shoes). Sarah got them credits for the popular online game everyone is playing thanks to Jesse and Haru hooking them up. For older staff members, ladies got gift cards for a luxurious spa downtown, and guys got season tickets for Dodgers. Ever since Sarah caught them watch the baseball game in the 'hangout' room and cheer breathlessly for Dodgers, she took a mental note to get them that for Christmas. Jeff and JoAnna hired a designer to create a logo for the 'Cliffside villa' household and all staff members got uniforms which included hats and jackets with the logo on it (Sarah approved the logo design beforehand). They even got matching pens and mugs!

Sarah looked at Penny who was smiling shyly while fumbling with several presents which had her name on them. She got presents from each of the Hill sisters, Emma, Stella and even Charlie got her one.

Sarah reached under the Christmas tree and got one small box without a name tag.

"This one is from Ben.", she handed the box to Penny.

Last Friday, Ben gave the box to Sarah and asked if she can give it to Penny for Christmas. At first Sarah thought of refusing because they agreed to absolutely no contact until it's safe, but she saw that it's important to Ben... and she knew that it will make Penny happy. Of course, Sarah made sure that it's safe, and that there are no tracking devices or anything like that.

Penny was stunned for a moment before keeping all boxes on the side and taking the one from Sarah.

She smiled when she saw a golden pendant on a chain. Pendant is five hearts linked together.

"Ben told me to tell you that it's one for each month… and that you will understand what that means."

Penny nodded. She knows that it's one heart for each month that they will be separated… a reminder that he loves her, and that he will love her five months from now.

Penny put the chain around her neck and held the pendant in her palm. "Thank you…", she told Sarah.

Penny was feeling out of place, like she was watching a Christmas movie and suddenly got sucked in. She never had such a Christmas day experience, all the decorations, and presents and people full of smiles and cheers. And she was missing Ben more than ever so far… but now she has this pendant, and holding it in her palm, close to her heart, makes her feel that Ben is with her. It's 20 days since she saw him last time… yes, she is counting. That is almost one month, so four more to go.

When the present-opening-bonanza was over, the staff went to resume with their tasks, Christmas cheer apparent on their faces.

Guests (and hosts) moved to the first level underground, into the 'hangout' room which is filled with fun options such as: pinball machines, a pool table, a dart board, and various arcade games. They have snacks and entertainment provided. Christmas themed movie was already playing on the huge TV screen when they got there... and the day will end with a dinner.

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