My Way To You 267 Christmas Bonus

It had been a long time since she celebrated Christmas with all her family and friends. The horrors of previous years loomed in her heart, causing a huge lump to form. While her first Christmas after entering the Academy had turned into the worst tragedy of her life.

Ariana shook her head, there was no way last year was going to be like this year. Everyone had things going on and work. Everyone was accounted for and safe. The only thing that was hard, was this world wasn't like Earth where Christmas day was a statutory holiday. In this world the government forced its people to work without an increased pay rate so not everyone could make time to see family and with the heavy snowfall, it made it more impossible.

Ariana sighed. 'They'll come.' Vasu said as he rubbed his head against her hand. Ariana didn't answer and just kept her eyes glued to the outside scenery from her window. 'Grow up already! Stop pouting! You should count yourself lucky that this Christmas is peaceful and you have some family members. No all of us are that lucky.' Aroha chirped as she landed on Ariana's shoulder. Ariana sighed again. She then brought up her index finger and started to draw pictures on the fogged gla.s.s. 

A small knocking sound was heard at the door and Ariana absentmindedly shouted for her guest to come in. Roland walked with a bright smile on his face. "Wow! Aren't you looking beautiful! The well at least back of you looks pretty good but I want to see all of you before I pa.s.s my judgement." He said with a small laugh. Ariana slumped her head on top of the windowsill and looked out the window with sorrowful eyes.

"What's the point? I should just call it a day and go back to sleep." Ariana grumbled. "You shouldn't be like that. Your mom, Rin, Roy and Sterling said they come, so did your school friends and Cayden should be here any second." Roland said as he approached Ariana. "I don't think he'll come. Last Christmas was a mess and this past year he's barely spoken to me." Ariana said pitifully. Roland quickly scooped up Ariana and twirled her around. Her ultra blue, sparkling dress s.h.i.+mmered as it fluttered in the air.

Roland then placed Ariana down and properly looked at her. "That Cayden has amazing taste. You look stunning!" Roland said cheerfully as he gave her thumbs up. Ariana was wearing a dress that was made of silk and tulle. It had a sweetheart neckline, bunched, tulle ruffled trim that held bundles of the fabric with tiny, diamond, b.u.t.terfly brooches. The tulle went outwards and wrapped around her shoulders. The rest of the dress was sleek and flared out in an asymmetrical style at her waist. The front stopped just above her knees and waved downwards towards the floor. Blue roses and gold leave decorating the trim of the bottom of the dress before pooling in the back. Making it seem like a garden of roses were planted in the s.h.i.+mmering sea.

She had been gifted hair products that helped her wavy hair, curl and define while keeping the soft texture. She wore a circlet tiara made of gold. It twisted and coiled beautifully, at the center was a white pearl in the shape of a water droplet while blue rosese and golden leaves decorated a small portion around her temple. She had a a set of aquamarine and diamond accented jewelry decorating her neck, ears, wrist and ankle. Her outfit was finished off with a pair of ultra blue, velvet ankle boots with a sweet bow and diamond brooch on the outer sides of the boots.

Ariana couldn't smile. She tried her best to just stand, she wanted to sit back down. "He only gifted all of this because of what happened." Ariana whispered. Roland flinched and averted his gaze. "Do you blame him for trying to make things up to you?" Roland asked as he raised his hand and rubbed the back of his neck. "No. It's my own fault for falling in love with someone like him. If I had known everything back then I don't think it would change my decision." Ariana replied.

Roland brought down his hand and extended it outwards. "Come downstairs, the ones who will never let you go are waiting." Roland said gently. Ariana could feel her tears starting to form in her eyes. She placed her hand into his and let him walk her out of the room. The Lumas quietly followed behind. When she reached the staircase her eyes lit up. They arrived. Her family her friends and the one person she hadn't seen since he graduated from the Academy.

Roland let go of her hand and gestured for her to move forward. With a huge smile she hugged Roland before she ran down the stairs. 

"I missed you." Ariana cried as she jumped the last few steps. Cayden laughed as he caught Ariana and hugged her with everything he had. "I'm so sorry." He whispered into her ear. "You made me wait too long!" Ariana cried. Cayden pulled back, he looked into her eyes then leaned in to kiss her. Cheers were heard from behind them. Ariana laughed sweetly as they parted. They rested their foreheads against each other, smiling. "I can finally have a Christmas with every one." Ariana said before she gave Cayden one more hug. "Go on, they want to see you too." Cayden said as he patted from the girl he loved.

She looked back and smiled before going off to greet everyone else. Cayden watched her make her way to each person, each one wanting a hug, a kiss and an exchange of a few words. His jealousy started to rise and scratch at his heart. He swore that this Christmas was going to be the best. Last year's was one that no one would forget and next year's.... Next year's he could only hope they could be together. For now Ariana's smile was all he wanted to see.