A cab dropped us off in front of Izzie's house, a charming two-story home that wasn't exactly modest but wasn't overly grand either. It had a warm, welcoming feel, with a neat front yard and a porch decorated with twinkling Christmas lights. The windows were framed by dark green shutters, and a wreath adorned the front door, giving it a festive touch.
As we approached the house, the door swung open, and Izzie's mom, Marianne, stepped out with a broad smile. She looked like an older version of Izzie, with the same beautiful auburn hair, emerald eyes, and freckles that dotted her fair skin. Unlike Izzie's more quirky style, Marianne's attire was simple and elegant. She wore a knee-length navy blue dress with a delicate pearl necklace, and her auburn hair was styled in soft waves that framed her face.
"Welcome home, Eloise!" she exclaimed, enveloping Izzie in a warm hug. Then she turned to me, her smile widening. "And you must be Isa. We've heard so much about you."
"Thank you for having me, Mrs. Woods," I said politely.
"Please, call me Marianne," she insisted, pulling me into a hug as well. Her embrace was warm and comforting, immediately making me feel at ease.
Inside, the house was just as welcoming as the exterior. The living room was cozy, with a fireplace crackling merrily and stockings hanging from the mantle. A large Christmas tree stood in the corner, adorned with an array of ornaments and twinkling lights. The scent of freshly baked cookies wafted through the air, adding to the festive atmosphere.
"Eloise, why don't you show Isa to the guest room so she can get settled?" Marianne suggested. "Dinner will be ready soon."
"Sure thing, Mom," Izzie replied, grabbing my bag and leading me down the hallway.
We reached a cozy guest room, and Izzie set my bag down. But before I could fully take in the room, Marianne appeared at the door.
"Isa, you have a choice," she said warmly. "You can stay here in the guest room, or if you prefer, you can share Eloise's room. We want you to feel completely at home."
I glanced at Izzie, who gave me a hopeful look. "I'd love to stay in Izzie's room, if that's okay."
"Of course, dear," Marianne replied, her smile broadening. "Whatever makes you most comfortable."
Izzie grinned and grabbed my bag again. "Come on, Isa. My room it is!"
We made our way to Izzie's room, which was filled with her quirky personality. Fairy lights draped along the walls, posters of various bands and art prints scattered in an organized chaos, and a collection of vinyl records and a turntable in the corner. The room had a single bed covered in a vibrant duvet, with a large bean bag chair and a small desk cluttered with art supplies.
"This is it," Izzie said, gesturing around. "Home sweet home."
I set my bag down on the floor next to the bed and took a deep breath, feeling the stress of the past few weeks start to melt away. The room felt warm and inviting, just like the rest of the house.
"I told you my mom would love having you here," Izzie said with a grin.
"Thank you for inviting me, Izzie," I replied sincerely. "This already feels like a home away from home."
"Anytime, Isa," she said, giving me a quick hug. "Now, let's go see what Mom's cooking. You're going to love it."
As we headed back to the kitchen, I felt a sense of gratitude for Izzie and her family. This Christmas might be different from what I had planned, but it was already shaping up to be something special.
At dinner, I finally met the rest of Izzie's family. The dining room was cozy, with a large wooden table set for six, and the aroma of roasted chicken and vegetables filled the air. Marianne had outdone herself, and the atmosphere was warm and inviting.
Arthur, Izzie's dad, was the first to greet me. He had dark hair that was starting to show hints of gray, and a stout figure that gave him an air of authority. His style was corporate casual, with neatly pressed khakis and a button-down shirt that was rolled up at the sleeves. He had a kind smile and a firm handshake.
"Nice to meet you, Isa. Eloise has told us a lot about you," he said warmly.
"Thank you for having me, Mr. Woods," I replied.
"Call me Arthur," he insisted with a smile.
Next, I was introduced to Rosalie, the eldest sibling. Rosalie was her father's carbon copy, with the same dark hair, though hers was long, wavy, and cascaded down her back. She had her mother's striking emerald eyes and was clearly the most beautiful among the siblings. Her style mirrored Marianne's, elegant and timeless. She wore a soft, knee-length dress in a deep burgundy color, paired with a delicate gold necklace.
Then there was Henry, the middle sibling. Henry had brown hair like Rosalie but favored his mom more in appearance. His features were softer, with the same emerald eyes that seemed to run in the family. He had a laid-back style, wearing a simple graphic tee and jeans, exuding an easygoing vibe.
Dinner was a lively affair, with everyone chatting and laughing. I found myself relaxing more and more as the evening went on. Marianne's cooking was delicious, and the conversation flowed easily. Arthur and Marianne asked me about school and my interests, while Izzie and Rosalie shared stories about their childhood.
Dinner with Izzie's family had been a delightful experience. The warmth and laughter that filled the house were contagious, making me feel like a part of their close-knit family. After we finished, I helped Marianne with the dishes, insisting despite her protests. It felt nice to contribute in some small way.
Later that evening, as I was getting ready for bed, my phone rang. Seeing "Dad" flash on the screen, I quickly answered, my heart lifting with a mix of hope and longing.
"Hi, Dad," I said, trying to sound upbeat.
"Hey, Isa," his familiar deep voice replied. "How are you doing?"
"I'm good. I just finished dinner with Eloise's family. They're really nice."
"That's good to hear," he said, but his voice lacked the warmth I craved. "Just wanted to check in and make sure you're settled in."
"I am. Thanks, Dad."
There was a brief pause, the silence stretching uncomfortably. I wished he would ask more, show more interest in my life here, but he never did.
"Alright, Isa. Take care of yourself."
"Thanks, Dad. You too."
The call ended as quickly as it began, leaving me with a familiar sense of disappointment. I set my phone down and sat on the edge of the bed, lost in thought. I couldn't help but compare my family to Izzie's. Their house was filled with warmth and laughter, a stark contrast to the often quiet and secretive atmosphere at home.
I changed into my pajamas and climbed into the bed, pulling the covers up to my chin. Eloise was already asleep on the other side of the bed, her auburn hair spilling over the pillow. She looked so peaceful, her breathing steady and calm.
As I lay there in the dark, I thought about the easy banter between Izzie and her siblings, the way Arthur and Marianne seemed so in sync, and how everyone genuinely enjoyed each other's company. It was a stark reminder of what I felt was missing in my own life.
I sighed, turning onto my side to face the window. I loved my dad, but our relationship had always felt somewhat distant. He was my only family, but sometimes it felt like there was a wall between us, one I couldn't quite break through. I longed for the closeness and openness that Izzie shared with her family.