The stars twinkled in the sky when Ingrid rushed Jodie out of the den. Together, they wove along a path, following the plume of the Thursday night bonfire and the sounds from the erratic beating of drums. The festivity was well underway, and laughter, traditional music, and the scent of good food mingled together to pump excitement into the air.
"Ingrid!" a young brunette came flying at them, engulfing Ingrid in a tight hug.
Ingrid returned it just as fiercely with a bright smile on her face. "Serene, I can't breathe. You always hug like we haven't seen each other in months."
The girls laughed, and the embrace broke apart. Serene flipped her long hair over her shoulder, drawing attention to her pretty features as she smiled at Jodie, expecting an introduction.
Ingrid pulled Jodie into a side hug. "This is Jodie, the friend I told you guys about."
"Goodness, the rumours are true," Serene nodded. "You're beautiful."
