It's almost Christmas but nothing is going well.

Dante didn't call, text, visit, or do anything. I haven't seen him in a month or hear from him. It's almost as if he didn't exist at all anymore.

"What are you thinking about honey?"

Kay asked as we got ready for dinner at Jamie's Parent home. She said something about tradition or whatever but I couldn't relate since I never did any of those stuffs with my parents.

Point is she invited us for dinner with her family and as her friends we accepted.

It's actually funny. After everything I've been through this year, the only thing I think I'll take with me to the New Year is my newly found friendship with Jamie.

Few weeks after my encounter with Dante's father, I lost my jobs. Not only that, I lost my apartment too. Kay is such an amazing human because she let me crash at her place since then. I have this feeling in my gut that the old man is behind it all.

Dante? MIA as usual. So yeah the only good thing about this year is this new friendship. I'm grateful for Kay and Jamie in my life.

I was wearing a simple red gown that almost reached my knees with a nice pair of white heels that Kay got me from Ivory. My makeup was minimal but lovely.

I straightened my hair and put my blonde hair up in a ponytail.

"Thank you for making me look beautiful."

My lips broke into a huge grin as I took in my reflection.

"It's fine honey. Do you like the makeup?"

"I love it Kay. You are really good at what you do."

"I'm sorry I couldn't help you with your hair and had to make you do it all by yourself."

"It's fine. We don't want to be late. First impressions matter you know?"

"I wonder if her parents are going to like us."

"Why are you bothered about that when you are not going there to ask for her hand in marriage."

I laughed when she glared at me.

It's so unlike Kay to be bothered about such thing. I guess she's human behind her badass exterior after all.

"You look beautiful."

All she did was flip her long dark hair.

She really is struck by the princess disease.

She was putting on a blue gown that is slightly above her knees. Her hair was down in waves and her makeup was natural. She finished her dressing with black heels and studded earrings.

I drove to the address Jamie sent and Kay was surprised when she saw the tall building that appeared to be Jamie's family home.

I stepped out from my Peugeot's driver seat and stared at their beautiful home. The exterior was nicely decorated for Christmas and it made me wonder what the inside would look like.

We made our way to the door and knocked. We were welcomed with warm hugs by Jamie.

She looked beautiful in her body con white gown with spaghetti straps and her red heels. Her long brown hair was gone. She was now sporting a short Bob and I must admit that it looked really good on her.

Her red lips were to die for. She looked beautiful, classy and sexy at the same time even though her dressing was simple.

How does she do that?

"I missed you girls so much."

"Aww we missed you too girly."

Kay told her immediately.

I smiled as I watched the two of them go on and on about stuffs they both had interest in. They probably forgot we were still standing by the door.

"How was your trip?" I asked.

"Exhausting but fun. Can't wait to fill you girls in on all the juicy stuffs."

"You know I can't wait."

Kay chirped and Jamie and I broke into laughter.

We followed her to the garden where the table had already been set.

I was right about the interior decorations. Her mom must really have a thing for decors or maybe Christmas itself.

We were introduced to her mom and siblings and I immediately knew she got her kindness from her mom.

Her mom was super sweet to us and we made small talks here and there. It was such a lovely night with these people.

Jamie and her mom served dinner and wouldn't receive any help from Kay and I. Her mom kept telling us we were her guests and we shouldn't bother.

Her mom and siblings were present but not her step-dad. It made me wonder why he was absent so I asked Jamie.

"Ohh he's actually on his way home. He went out to get some things for mom."

Jamie's brother, Tyler said the prayers before we started digging in our food. I don't know about others at the table but I was really digging in the food. Her mom was such a great cook. The thought brought tears to my eyes.

"Oh dear what's wrong? Is the food bad?" her mom questioned with worry in her beautiful eyes.

"Oh no I'm so sorry. The food is so good. So good that it made me think of my mom."

I smiled, blinking back the tears in my eyes that threatened to fall.

Kay patted my back gently and I gave her a small smile.

They were all looking at me with pity in their eyes and it made me feel extremely awkward so I gave them a tight smile before taking a bite from the delicious meal.

I was about to take another bite when Jamie's mom reached out and took my hands in hers, squeezing my hands to comfort me.

My emotional ass self felt like crying again. Only this time I couldn't hold back. I just cried.

Her mom came to my side and hugged me. I held her as if she was my mom.

God knows I miss my mom so much.

Mom!

"Daddy is home."

We all turned immediately the kids ran to meet their dad, screaming all the way.

Jamie's mom gave my shoulder a little squeeze, smiling reassuringly before going to join her husband and kids.

I was looking down the whole time trying to sort my emotions when Jamie's step-dad joined the table.

"Hi dad. We were waiting for you. I want you to meet my friends."

"Kay, Ria this is my dad."

I looked up and I wished I didn't.

A lovely dinner turned into a nightmare within 0.0000000seconds.

No! It can't be.

"I'm Kayla Garette sir. It's nice to meet you."

"The pleasure is mine."

Immediately he looked at me his smile faded and his face turned pale.

Jamie invited me as her friend and this is her family. I can't ruin this for her.

"I'm Ria sir. Nice to finally meet you."

I smiled, stretching my hand forward.

He had a lot of emotions in his eyes. Sadness, guilt, shock, regret.

He straightened his back and took my hand in his, shaking it briefly before letting go.

The dinner was filled with talks here and there and lot of laughter.

I wasn't going to ruin this for Jamie and her family.

You know December? That time of the year when you see Christmas trees, Santa, lots of chicken and you just see everything looking all beautiful.

I would have loved to see that too.. with my own family.

I never had the chance and now I know that I never will.

Especially when my dad is Jamie's step-dad and they are all living their happily ever after.