Izzie decided that today was the day to pull Rosalie away from her endless work at the law firm and she forced me to tag along. Rosalie had been buried under a mountain of cases for weeks, and it was time for her to have a break. So, we went to Rosalie's office in downtown San Diego, determined to give her a much-needed escape.
When we arrived at the sleek, glass-fronted building, we were greeted by a receptionist who looked somewhat surprised at our casual attire. Eloise wore a flowy floral dress with a cosy cardigan, and I had on a simple sweater dress paired with opaque tights and ankle boots. We certainly didn't fit the corporate aesthetic of Rosalie's workplace, but we didn't care.
We took the elevator up to the fifteenth floor, where Rosalie's office was. As we stepped out, we saw her through the glass walls, engrossed in paperwork. Her fitted blazer and tailored trousers were immaculate as always, her long brown hair pulled back in a sleek bun. She looked up, surprised to see us.
"Eloise? Isa? What are you doing here?" she asked, a smile creeping onto her face despite her confusion.
"We're here to rescue you from this place," Eloise announced with a grin. "You work too much, Rosalie. It's time for a break."
Rosalie laughed, shaking her head. "I can't just leave in the middle of the day. I have so much to do."
"Come on, Rosalie," Izzie chimed in. "Just for a few hours. You need it."
After a bit more convincing, Rosalie finally relented. She grabbed her coat and we left the office, her colleagues giving her envious looks as she walked out with us.
We spent the day indulging in all the things Rosalie rarely had time for. First, we treated ourselves to brunch at a quaint café. Izzie, as always, was the life of the party, keeping us entertained with her witty remarks and infectious laughter. Rosalie gradually relaxed, her stress melting away with each passing hour.
Later, we went shopping at a nearby mall, trying on clothes and giving each other fashion advice. Izzie was in her element, picking out bohemian chic outfits for herself and helping us find the perfect pieces. Rosalie, with her sophisticated style, gravitated towards elegant dresses and tailored pieces. I opted for simple yet chic items, keeping my look effortless.
After shopping, we headed to a nearby park. We strolled along the pathways, enjoying the fresh air and each other's company. It was a perfect day out, and I could see how much Rosalie appreciated the break from her hectic schedule.
As we walked back to the car, Izzie and I started talking about our plans for the upcoming weekend. Suddenly, Henry called out to us. He had apparently been following us around the park, waiting for a chance to join in.
"Hey, Isa, can I talk to you for a minute?" Henry asked, looking a bit nervous.
"Sure," I said, surprised but curious.
As Henry and I walked a few steps away from Izzie and Rosalie, he started to talk about random things – school, hobbies, and his plans for the future. It was clear he was trying to make an effort to get to know me better, and I found his nervousness endearing.
When we rejoined the others, Izzie gave Henry a playful nudge. "What's going on, big brother? Got a crush on Isa or something?" she teased, her eyes twinkling with mischief.
Henry turned bright red and mumbled something incoherent, making us all laugh.
The day ended with Rosalie dropping us home before heading to her apartment, her mood visibly lighter. It was nice to see Rosalie unwind, and Henry's attempt to connect with me was sweet, if not a bit awkward.
Izzie nudged me as we walked. "Looks like Henry's taken a liking to you," she said with a grin. "But don't worry, I told him you're off-limits."
I laughed, shaking my head. "Thanks, Izzie. I appreciate the backup."
As the holiday season wound down, the Woods household was filled with a mix of excitement and a hint of melancholy. The days had flown by in a whirlwind of family gatherings, festive meals, and shared moments that I would treasure forever. But now, the New Year was upon us, and it was time to return to reality.
Izzie and I had spent the morning packing up our things and preparing for the drive back to campus. The house felt strangely quiet, the cheerful holiday chaos replaced by a calm that seemed almost unnatural. I glanced around Izzie's room, now cluttered with our packed bags, and sighed.
"I can't believe the holidays are over already," I said, folding the last of my clothes.
Izzie nodded a wistful smile on her face. "I know, right? It went by so fast."
Just then, Marianne walked in, carrying a tray with hot cocoa and cookies. "Thought you girls could use a little treat before you head out," she said, setting the tray down on the desk.
"Thanks, Marianne," I said, grateful for her kindness.
Marianne smiled warmly. "You're always welcome, Isa. Remember, this is your home now too."
Her words filled me with a sense of belonging that I hadn't felt in a long time. I took a sip of the cocoa, savouring the warmth, and glanced over at Izzie. She was already munching on a cookie, her expression thoughtful.
"So, what's the plan for today?" Marianne asked, sitting down on the edge of the bed.
"We're heading back to campus after lunch," Izzie replied. "Classes start next week, and we need to get settled in."
Marianne nodded. "I'm going to miss having you both around. The house will be too quiet without you."
As we finished our drinks and snacks, Henry wandered into the room. He had been trying to talk to me more lately, and while I found his attention flattering, it also made me a bit anxious.
"Hey, are you two ready to go?" Henry asked, leaning against the doorframe.
"Almost," Izzie replied, glancing at me. "Just need to load up the car."
Henry's eyes met mine, and he gave me a small smile. "Need any help with the bags?"
"Sure, that'd be great," I said, returning his smile.
We all worked together to carry our bags downstairs and load them into the car. As we finished up, Rosalie came out to say goodbye. She looked as polished as ever, even in casual jeans and a sweater, her hair perfectly styled.
"Take care, you two," Rosalie said, giving us each a hug. "And Isa, don't be a stranger. Come visit whenever you want."
"I will, thanks," I replied.
As we were about to leave, Henry pulled me aside. "Hey, Isa, I know we didn't get to spend much time together, but I'd like to get to know you better. Maybe we can hang out next time?"
His words caught me off guard, and I felt my cheeks heat up. "Sure, Henry."
Henry's face lit up with a smile. "Great. Safe travels, okay?"
Izzie and I climbed into the car, and as we drove away, I couldn't help but feel a pang of sadness. The Woods family had welcomed me with open arms, and I knew I'd miss the warmth and love of their home.
The drive back to campus was filled with conversation and laughter. Izzie and I talked about our holiday experiences, our hopes for the new semester, and the inevitable challenges that lay ahead. I told her about Henry's request to hang out, and she teased me mercilessly, saying he definitely had a crush on me.
By the time we arrived back at campus, I felt a renewed sense of purpose. The holidays had given me a much-needed break, but now it was time to focus on my studies and my future.
As we unpacked our things and settled back into our dorm, I couldn't help but reflect on how much had changed in such a short time. I had made new friends, found a second family, and discovered a strength within myself that I hadn't known existed.
Later that evening, I received a call from Angelo. His voice was a comforting presence, and we talked for hours about our holiday experiences and our plans for the future. Though we hadn't spent the holidays together, our bond had grown stronger, and I looked forward to seeing him again.
Before I went to bed, I found a note from Izzie on my desk. "Welcome back, roomie! Let's make this semester the best one yet. Love, Izzie."
I smiled, feeling a surge of gratitude for Izzie and her family. No matter what challenges lay ahead, I knew I wasn't alone. I had friends who cared about me, a family who loved me, and a boyfriend who supported me.