AS always, Adella took this time to cozy up with blanket forts and hot chocolate, whilst also looking for the perfect gifts for family and friends. After all, her favorite part of the holiday’s is to spend time and celebrate with her loved ones.
Arista laughed as she shook her head. “You are completely ridiculous, you know that?” She sighed, though the smile was still on her face. She took the headband and put it on her head. “Yes, I will wear them with you.”
“Yes, and it always brings a smile to you face, does it not?” Adella replied with a giggle, putting an arm around her sister’s shoulders. “I knew you would, Ris! Come on, let’s take some selfies near the window, where the light is good.” She said, already pulling on Arista’s arm.
“And you think me being there is going to help that?” he chuckled. “I don’t really do these charity gala things. It’s always a bunch of rich people just trying to get a tax write off. I don’t think any of them even have pets.”
“Maybe they don’t but the shelter still gets money to help the animals and that’s what really matters in the end, right?” Adella replied after thinking about it for a moment. “Plus there’s young people there too, I think it counts as extra-credit from some classes at Ancora! So it’s not exclusively for stuffy rich peeps!”
Scout, for the first time, seemed to actually be interested in the proposition unfolding before him. Still, he needed to know the risks and benefits. “What’s in it for me?”
“Well.. there’s gonna be a lot of free snacks and punch! Come one, we just need help livening up the party, we’re supposed to raise money for the animal shelter and we can’t do that if people leave before donating!”
Adella lifted a pair of reindeer antlers headband and giggled. “These are so cute, and if we get, like, red clown noises, we can look like Rudolph.” She giggled. “Will you wear them with me, at least for a pic? Pleaaaseee?” She asked, pouting and widening her eyes.
Ris had weird relationships with all her sisters. While she fought the most with Aqua, she told the girl everything more than any of her other sisters. And she was almost as close with Lana. But then, she guessed, they all shared a bond that not much could rival. “Yeah, I’ve missed you too.” Ris smiled as they walked. “Oh, a boy? This I’ve got to hear about.” She shook her head, though a smile was there. “Not really. I mean, I did meet this one guy and I was all blush-y, but I’m pretty sure that’ll go away in like two seconds.”
Her skin felt warm from the sun and her smiled seemed to widen a little more each time either of them spoke. She missed hanging around all of her sisters, it was one of the things she missed the most of home, besides their dad. “Maybe we should all take a little vacation soon or just have a weekend sleepover bonanza or something.” The brunette suggested happily. “Oh my gosh!” Adella miraculously forgot all about her story for a moment, gushing at her sister instead. “Okay, but now you have to tell me all about that encounter! Then I can tell you about my boy. He’s my friend right now, at least I think so.”
“Well, I uh- I think I went on a date?”, Gadget admitted quite nervously. “I’ve been here before, Della, and I’m scared that it will end the same way. I’m avoiding getting invested this soon just in case it does.” which was a difficult thing for her to do but she had to try her best for her sake. “I totally get that! I am surprised that I managed to last a month without eating any cupcakes. I do believe you.” She smiled then reached for a pack of gummy bears in their pile of snacks. “Okay dokie! What new one will we watch?”
Adella had to use all her willpower not to squeal excitedly right away, and instead settled for a big smile. “What do you mean you think you went on a date?” She asked her curiously. “How was it?” The brunette took a breath and nodded, her eyes getting more serious. “I know exactly what you mean, it’s hard wearing your heart on your sleeve, especially if you’ve suffered the effects of failed romance before. But I’m glad you’re still searching for the one, and hopefully you’ve found them this time, but it’s good to be cautious.” She took another bite and grinned, nodding emphatically while she finished chewing. “Yeah, it’s just easier to exercise and eat healthy during the week, I guess.” She considered her best friend’s question. “Hm... Do you know any new ones that are good? I can just think of proposing The Princess Bride for the classic right now.”
“Right? Everybody has something unique and I love it.” Arista grinned as she took her sister’s arm. “Absolutely.”
Della couldn’t help the skip in her step as they headed for the coffee shop. As a little girl she’d always admired Arista and Alana, they were her idols while Ariel and Andie were her friend and Aquata and Attina kind of the role models. But Arista’s personality had always been so well matched with hers and she used to dream of being as pretty and fun as her sister. So she was happy to spend some time with her, happy that somehow they had all ended up here together. “I’ve missed talking to you, Ris.” She said, leaning her head against the blonde’s shoulder. “I have so much to tell you... There’s a boy, obviously. But so much more too.” She turned to her as they reached the café. “How about you? Any news?”
Hopper was enjoying himself a little too much, it took him some effort not to close his eyes and enjoy the warmth of her hand against his skin. “Wow. If that’s the stuff you think I’m into, you’re in for a ride, Dee.” He replied with a smugness that lasted about three seconds before he decided to go for a look devoid of any discernible emotion, suddenly needing to take a long sip out of his water. “Never took you for much of a bodyguard, but I’ll take your word for it. Small but feisty.” Iain let out a breathy chuckle. “It’s settled.” It’s a date, was what he wanted to say. Hopper found himself being dragged into his head for a moment. He was out of his depth in this scenario, he’d never done any of the actual courting crap and he’d gag whenever anyone tried to get that out of him. This time around, well, if it was for Adella, it couldn’t be that bad. “Good. I don’t–” He softly cleared his throat. “–it’ll be best if it’s just us around.”
“No, you’re in for a ride. From now on, I’m patting your arm at least every half hour.” Adella teased, giggling before averting her eyes when she saw his look change. “I’m not, really. But have you ever heard the expression ´kill them with kindness´?” She asked, quirking an eyebrow. “Well, I’m very good at that. I’ll talk and talk until all he can do is leave.” She assured him. Her eyelashes fluttered as her eyes fell to his face and she tried to keep her grin under control. “Yeah, I’d like that too.” She replied calmly.
“Listen… I don’t know what my body is for, other than taking my head from room to room.” She replied with the confidence of someone that had seen a certain special too many times to comfortably confess out loud to another person. “See? If you’re willing to run for me, I don’t know what else I could ever ask for.” Ari laughed heartily, slapping the palm of her hand against her forehead as a myriad of memories flooded back. “Yes! And every single one of us had to make sure to have a different color or all Hell would break loose. I don’t know how dad managed to sit through all that. Oh dear, remember when I got my ear pierced? That got bad.” She shook her head, unable to keep the smile off her face as Adella spoke. “I do too! But it’s definitely not on a chain anymore, where do you keep yours?”
“Dancing?” Adella suggested with a smile. “To be fair, I’m willing to run for almost anything but not for anyone, so you have a point there.” She replied with a giggle. “Yes! I remember Alana would get so savage if any of us even considered getting the same color as hers.” A chuckle escaped her lips, followed by a pout at the new memory. “Yeah, that wasn’t the best experience... We should’ve looked for a better place.” She patted her purse with a smile. “On my wallet, so I always have it with me. You?”
Arista grinned as her sister agreed. “Oh, yes! People watching is quite entertaining, isn’t it?” She giggled, shaking her head. There were too many times when she would just sit outside for that exact purpose. She might not have been a great songwriter, but she always found more interesting takes on the songs she performed when she saw other people living their lives.
“I love it!” Adella agreed. “You never really notice how unique everyone is until you get to watch their little quirks.” She offered her arm to her older sister. “So... shall we go?”
The Phantom of the Opera, but she thinks the original Broadway show is better.
Book
The Chronicles of Narnia, her favorite character is Lucy.
Animal
Any dog, but she loves all animals in general.
Place (Daily life and/or vacation spot)
The Pier, she runs by it every morning. And any place where people gather to have a nice time and she can be a Social Queen tm.
What is/are her...
Theme song(s)?
Sunny by Bobby Hebb, but she much prefers the cover by Boney M.
Pet peeves?
People being rude for no apparent reason, especially people being rude to animals or little kids. Anyone negatively commenting on her exercise routine or diet, she’s hard enough on herself as it is.
Fictional character(s) they relate to the most?
Marissa from the OC and Nichole from Zoey 101.
Most prized possession(s)?
A ring that used to be her mother’s and that she let Adella borrow, she kept it after she passed and she usually wears it in her middle finger or on a chain around her neck.
Childhood dream job?
Famous socialite, singer, actress, model... you name it, the point was to be famous.
Catchphrase(s)?
“Oh, I was dreaming about a boy.”
Does she...
Have a quote/motto they live by? Which one(s)?
She doesn’t have a specific motto she lives by, but she does have a phrase she has yet to share with anyone, she calls it the Triple S and she tells herself it’s all she needs when she’s sad or nervous. Sun, style and sisters.
Have any musical talents? Which one(s)?
Adella sings, she’s a soprano and she works at local productions, she also plays the piano, although she’s not that good at it.
Practice any sport? Which one(s)?
She runs every morning, she’s done half-marathons, although what she really enjoys is the daily routine of it. She also practices yoga regularly and she’s good at volleyball.
Have a party trick? Which one(s)?
Not unless you consider with as many boys as possible and somehow falling in love with all of them a party trick.
Have any phobias? Which one(s)?
The ocean terrifies her ever since her mother drowned, she can’t stand to be too close to it, she starts to hyperventilate.
Have any pets? Which one(s)?
Not yet but she’s about to adopt a Saint Bernard that she’ll call Juniper.
Is she...
Allergic to something? To what?
Della’s allergic to shellfish and meat generally upsets her stomach too, so she tends to avoid it. She’s also allergic to dust.
Superstitious? If so, what do they believe brings them good/bad luck?
She believes in ghosts and the supernatural in general, but has never had a close experience with it herself. She does have a lucky sundress, a lucky pair if earrings and her mother’s ring, all of which she wears when she feels like she needs the extra boost.
An early bird or night owl?
She’s an early bird during the weekdays, waking up early enough to go for a run before the sun has come out all the way, so she can shower and have breakfast before starting her day. On weekends she tends to run at night or late afternoon instead, and spends the morning in bed.
A dog or cat person?
Definitely a dog person, although she likes cats too.
Optimistic or pessimistic?
Optimistic to a fault.
Indoorsy or outdoorsy?
She can be both, but the girl does love to be out and about, and picnics are one of her ideal date ideas.
“Adella!” Ris grinned, pulling her sister into a hug, now that she’d realized it was her. “Always.” She chuckled. While most days, she would eat breakfast at home, it seemed like too good a day outside not to go out. “Well, why don’t you join me?”
The brunette smiled, hugging her sister back and feeling her stomach fill with warmth. Growing up Arista had been her role model, so the girl was happy to hang out with her every chance they got. “Of course, I would love that.” She replied in a cheerful voice. “We can get one of the window seats, that way we can people watch!” She added happily.
Arista was on her way into the bakery, smiling and humming to herself as the sun shone down on her face. As she was lost in her own little world, she nearly bumped into the person in front of her. “Whoops,” she giggled. “Sorry about that. You okay?”
“Even better now that I’ve, almost literally, run into you!” Adella replied happily, looking at her clock and then back at her sister. “Going for an early breakfast?” She guessed. She’s gone running earlier than usual and had decided to hit the gym for a little after, so the brisk morning air was making her feel slightly chilly after her shower at the gym. “I definitely need some hot tea.”
He shook his head. “Listen, I don’t mind an old man going off at me over the golden days, but I could’ve done without the weird arm patting and–” Hopper cleared his throat, dismissing the awkward memory of the man asking what had happened to his eye; the nosey little shit. “At least you were entertained.” He focused on Adella’s smile for a little longer than he had anticipated, so he had to dive into the popcorn to distract himself from the sudden urge to do something stupid. “Great. I’ll look into it if you want.” Hopper replied with as much nonchalance as he could. “Finally we agree on something.” Iain’s voice was quiet; after a few moments he had decided to rest his cheek on the top of her head. “After this we could probably take one of the scenic tours, that waiting list was fucking offensive.”
“Oh, stop it. You loved to have your arm caressed. I saw the excitement you were trying to hide, I saw it in your eyes!” Adella teased with a smile. She pushed back a messy wave of hair form his forehead without taking too long to think about it and shrugged. “A little. But if that particular man comes around I promise I’ll save you this time.” She said seriously. Her eyes followed his movements and she was surprised to see the excitement with which he looked at the popcorn, but shrugged it off. “Sure! That would be great.” The brunette replied, feeling calmer now. She kept very still as she felt him resting upon her, not wanting to move and ruin the moment or their proximity. It was all she could do to keep her little excited smile from growing too obvious and took a moment to reply. “That sounds nice! There’ll probably be less people later.”
“I was planning to and alright but I have one condition. You have to be less… you. I don’t do well with cheery people.”, she said as a piece of advice rather than a request. “Now that we’re at it, you might as well get your dog already.”
“Okay...” Adella agreed a little hesitantly. She’d heard similar stuff before, so she was not put off by it. “You actually remind me of a friend of mine, he’s serious too.” She added, trying to keep her voice at a lower decibel. “Oh my gosh!” She quickly remembered her promise and took a breath before continuing more calmly. “I should, shouldn’t eye? It’s time and this could be a signal.”