As the two women, Madam Gracie Bruce and Veronica Benneth, exited the meeting hall, the former couldn't help but comment, a furrow forming on her brow, "Did you notice the peculiar and unsettling attitude of Margaret during the council meeting?"
Veronica, the embodiment of steely resolve, matched her companion's stride and replied with unwavering certainty,
"My dear, I possess a nose for treachery that has served me well throughout my journey in life. I have a theory, but I must gather concrete evidence before drawing conclusions. Should my suspicions prove correct, Margaret and her entire bloodline shall have me and mine to contend with."
The click of their heels echoed through the corridors as they strode purposefully toward the imposing main building.
Understanding the gravity of the situation, Madam Bruce and other close relatives of the Benneth family had assembled for a sleepover, at Veronica's behest. They sought to stand as a united front, ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead.
Hopes intertwined with a hint of mischief danced in Madam Gracie's heart, knowing that a certain Lauren may have played a role in her son's unexpected decision to sleepover. With a satisfied smile playing upon her lips, she ventured into her assigned chambers, her mind brimming with anticipation.
_
With a sense of urgency resonating in her voice, Lauren hurried toward the door, determined to answer its persistent knock. Swinging it open, surprise was evident in her face as she beheld the unexpected visitors standing before her.
The astonishment etched itself upon her face and echoed in her voice as she greeted the duo, "Alanna, Ariana?"
"May we enter?" the two ladies inquired politely, their eyes filled with a mixture of apprehension and hope.
"Of course, please come in," Lauren responded, her curiosity piqued as she widened the door to welcome them inside.
In a display of unconstrained spontaneity, Ariana promptly made her way to the grand bed, collapsing upon it, a bed that could easily accommodate more than five.
The sight elicited a chuckle from Lauren, who turned her attention to Alanna, who Palmed her own face in an endearing gesture with both hands, unable to witness her sisters lack of decorum.
"Please have a seat, Alanna," Lauren offered graciously, taking her place at the foot of the bed.
"Now, tell me, what brings about this visit in the dead of night?"
Alanna, with an air of genuine concern, expressed, "Given everything that happened tonight, we thought you might be having a heard time to sleep. Therefore, Ariana and I decided to check in on you, offering our support."
A mischievous twinkle danced in Ariana's eyes as she interjected,
"And, of course, for a generous serving of girls' gossip. Alanna conveniently forgot to mention that part." Her impromptu remark elicited a hearty laugh from Lauren, while Alanna, resigned to the playful banter, resorted to using both hands to cover her face, shaking her head in gentle disbelief.
"Sounds like she's quite the handful," Lauren mused, her laughter suppressed but still evident in her voice, a hint of exuberance gleaming in her eyes.
Alanna sighed, her demeanor betraying a mixture of exasperation and amusement.
"Oh, Lauren, you have no notion of the true extent. Outside these walls, she exudes an air of icy sophistication being a model and all, but behind closed doors, it's as if I'm dealing with a mischievous child. She manages to give me a migraine every single day," Alanna lamented, a twinge of weariness clinging to her words.
The sheer absurdity of it all became overwhelming, inciting another round of infectious laughter from both women.
Lauren's face lit up with a wistful expression, a longing woven into her words. "Oh, how I yearn for the presence of a sister to pester me day after day," she confessed.
Taken aback by the unintended insensitivity of her remark, Alanna swiftly interjected with a heartfelt apology.
However, Lauren's reaction shifted from surprise to understanding in an instant.
"Oh, dear Alanna, there's no need for such apologies. I am not saddened by the absence of a sister. It was simply a sentiment expressing my appreciation for the delightful sibling banter you two share," she clarified, her warm smile radiating reassurance.
Leaning forward playfully, Lauren changed the tone, her voice taking on a whimsical cadence. "Now, ladies, let's have it! What delightful morsels of gossip have you brought to tickle my fancy?" Her playful demeanor infused the room with an infectious joviality, causing both Alanna and Ariana to erupt in laughter so uproarious they half expected to awaken the dead.
Alanna, her throat cleared in a composed manner, embarked upon her first query, her tone laced with admiration, "First and foremost, let me offer my heartfelt congratulations on being bestowed with the prestigious presidential award. It is even more remarkable considering you are the inaugural recipient. Congratulations, my dear sister."
A wave of warmth washed over Lauren, her smile radiant, as she replied, "Thank you so much, love. I sincerely appreciate your kind words."
Ariana, seizing the moment, interjected with a mischievous glint in her eyes, offering a small rectangular pink box, "On the other hand, I have brought you a modest gift to commemorate this illustrious milestone in your life."
Lauren, taken aback by the surprise gift, couldn't recall them entering her room with anything in hand. Her curiosity piqued, she voiced her observation, saying, "Wow, thank you, but I don't recall seeing you come in with anything."
Ariana, her grin widening, whispered a subtle tease, "Well, my dear sister, that is a secret I shall divulge later. Come now, open it! I am positively thrilled to witness your reaction."
With bated breath, Ariana inched closer, eager to catch a glimpse of the unfolding scene as Lauren untied the ribbon and lifted the lid. The dazzling brilliance of a diamond necklace struck Lauren speechless, her eyes widening in awe. Finally, finding her voice, she managed to express her amazement, "Wow... it's stunning, absolutely beautiful."
Ariana replied with satisfaction, "I am delighted that you appreciate it. I wanted to give you something truly special."
However, Lauren, overcome with a mix of emotions, closed the box and attempted to return the extravagant gift. Confusion painted the faces of both sisters as they chorused in unison, "What? Why?"
Lauren, now pacing restlessly around the room, struggled to articulate her feelings.
"You dont like it, that's not a problem I can totally change it if it's not your brand" Ariana tried to reason with her.
Alanna, growing concerned, interjected, "Don't worry, Ariana. Lauren is just... overwhelmed."
Approaching Lauren with a mixture of empathy and uncertainty shimmering in her eyes, Alanna reached out and gently clasped her shoulder.
"I understand, truly, I do... But you must acclimate yourself to this type of love, for we are family. Do you understand?" Alanna inquired, her gaze steady, awaiting Lauren's response. With a silent nod, Lauren acknowledged her understanding.
"Come here," Alanna beckoned, pulling Lauren into a tender embrace. Ariana, witnessing the sibling connection, couldn't resist but interject playfully, "Hey, no excluding me!" Lifting herself from the bed, she joined the embrace, enveloping the two in a warm, loving hug. Laughter bubbled forth from Lauren's lips, brightening the room with joyous echoes.
As the night waned on, the three women, now bound by an unbreakable bond, engaged in heartfelt conversations that ranged through mundane topics.
Time seemed to slip away as they reveled in each other's company, sharing laughter woven with the warmth of genuine affection.
Alanna consciously decided to forgo the question that had previously occupied her thoughts, opting instead to foster an environment of comfort and ease for Lauren. She resolved to pose her question at a more convenient time.