READY FOR CHRISTMAS??

TWO WEEK LATER

Two weeks later, the girls were packing up to head home for Christmas break. Snow and Minnie were busy lugging their suitcases downstairs when the boys arrived to lend a hand.

Leo, William, and Oliver helped them carry their luggage, and William was particularly reluctant to say goodbye to Minnie.

Snow noticed the lingering gazes between the two and intervened, "Minnie, get into the car. William, just let her go. She'll be back after the holidays."

William protested, "Can I just say my goodbye?" and pulled Mini into a tight hug.

Meanwhile, Violet was struggling to load her last piece of luggage into the car.

Leo offered to help, but she declined, saying, "Why don't you go meet Julian and see if she needs help carrying her luggage back to England?"

Leo's expression faltered, and he said, "I'm sorry...I don't even know what I'm sorry for, but please let me help you."

Violet's response was firm: "I don't need your help."

She managed to load her luggage into the car and closed the door with a triumphant smile.

"See, it fits perfectly. I don't need your help." She sat down in the backseat, leaving Leo standing alone.

Snow was already in the driver's seat, and Oliver leaned in to say, "Are you sure you'll drive without getting these two girls to pay a visit the police station once before you reach home?"

Snow shot him a look, "Are you trying to make fun of me right now?" Oliver chuckled, "No, I was just stating the obvious."

Snow's response was swift: "Get out...just get lost."

Oliver laughed and said, "Just drive safe, okay." Snow nodded, and Oliver stepped back.

Minnie got into the car, and they drove off, leaving the boys behind.

**

As the girls cruised down the road, they burst into a lively rendition of a popular song, singing along to the catchy lyrics:

I'm all good,

so move on,

it's scary,

I'm not where you left me at all...

So if you don't wanna see me dancing with somebody,

if you wanna believe that anything can stop me,

don't show up,

don't come out,

don't start caring now, about me now...

Their laughter and chatter filled the car as they sang along, enjoying each other's company.

Violet turned to Minnie and asked, "Hey Minnie, are you going home or do you wanna stay with one of us?"

Minnie replied, "I don't think I'm in the mood to go see that man right now. How about I stay with one of you?"

Snow chimed in, "You're always welcomed anywhere." Minnie thought for a moment before suggesting,

"How about this? You stay with me for the holidays and Christmas, and then you go stay with Violet and her family for New Year's?"

Violet agreed, and Minnie asked Snow to turn up the music.

As they continued singing along to the song, their laughter and music filled the car.

The carefree atmosphere was infectious, and they all enjoyed the road trip, belting out the lyrics:

"Don't start caring about me now,

walk away

'cause you know how...

Don't start caring about me now.

The music and laughter accompanied them as they drove on, enjoying each other's company.

___

They drove on, the girls' conversation flowed easily, covering everything from school gossip to their favorite TV shows.

Snow mentioned a new series she had been binge-watching, and Minnie and Violet were eager to hear more about it.

"I've been watching this show, 'Lost in Time,'" Snow said, her eyes lighting up with excitement. "It's so good! The plot twists are insane."

Minnie's curiosity was piqued. "Ooh, I've heard of that one! What's it about?" Snow launched into a detailed summary, and the girls listened intently, asking questions and sharing their own theories about the show.

As the hours passed, they took breaks to grab snacks and stretch their legs.

The scenic route they took offered breathtaking views, and they stopped at a picturesque spot to take photos and enjoy the scenery.

Violet pulled out her phone and started snapping pictures of the stunning landscape.

"You guys, come here! I need a selfie with this view behind us." Minnie and Snow obligingly posed, making funny faces and laughing as Violet took multiple shots.

After a while, they got back in the car and continued driving, singing along to more songs and enjoying each other's company.

The road trip was turning out to be a blast, and they were all grateful for the chance to spend quality time together.

The boys trudged back into the hostel, shedding their jackets and backpacks as they made their way to the common area.

Oliver flopped down onto the couch, letting out a dramatic sigh. "Man, I'm so done with today. I need some serious relaxation."

Leo chuckled and shook his head. "You and me both, bro. How about we play some video games to unwind?"

Oliver's eyes lit up like a Christmas tree. "Yes, yes, yes! Let's do this! I've been dying to try out the latest version of 'Epic Quest.'"

Leo's face broke out into a wide grin. "You mean the new update with the bonus levels?" Oliver nodded enthusiastically. "The one and only! I've heard it's a game-changer."

Leo's excitement was palpable. "Are you kidding me right now? I've been waiting for months for this update!"

Oliver laughed and stood up, cracking his knuckles. "You better watch out, Leo! I'm coming for you!"

He sauntered over to the gaming station, plopping down in front of the screen.

Leo joined him, and they both grabbed their controllers, ready to dive into the virtual world.

As they started playing, William wandered over to the kitchen area, calling out to them.

"Hey guys, I'm going to make some popcorn! Who's winning?" Oliver shouted back, "I'm crushing Leo! He's nowhere near my level!" Leo retorted, "Oh, yeah? Well, I'm just getting started!"

William chuckled and continued making the popcorn, the aroma wafting through the air and enticing the gamers.

As he brought over the bowl, Oliver and Leo were too engrossed in their game to notice.

William sat down beside them, munching on the popcorn and cheering them on.

As they played, Oliver suddenly paused the game and turned to Leo.

"You know, this is actually really nice. I'm glad we decided to do this." Leo nodded in agreement. "Yeah, not everything has to be about fists, right? Sometimes it's just about having fun with friends."

Oliver smiled, nodding. "You're right, man. I guess I got a bit carried away." Leo teased him, "Yeah, you get pretty intense when you're gaming." Oliver shot back, "Hey, someone's got to keep you on your toes!"

The game resumed, with Oliver and Leo engaging in a heated battle. William watched, laughing and making occasional comments.

The atmosphere was relaxed and enjoyable, with the boys completely absorbed in their gaming session.

As the night wore on, they took breaks, joked around, and continued playing. They all appreciated the chance to unwind and have some fun together.

In the end, Oliver emerged victorious, much to Leo's dismay. "Rematch!" Leo demanded, laughing. Oliver grinned.

As the gaming session continued, Leo suddenly asked William,

"Hey, aren't you guys heading back home for Christmas?" William paused the game and replied, "Yeah, we are, but probably not today. Maybe tomorrow."

Oliver, who had been quietly observing their conversation, suddenly piped up, "Are you kidding me? Aunt Helen has already called me almost a million times. I guess we'd better head back tomorrow."

Leo couldn't help but laugh at Oliver's exasperated expression.

Oliver turned to Leo and asked, "What about you, Leo? Are you heading back home for Christmas?"

Leo's expression turned serious, and he shook his head. "Nah, I'm good. I think I'll just stay here in the hostel for now. I don't really feel like going back home right now."

Oliver's curiosity was piqued. "You're sure? Why not?" Leo shrugged, trying to appear nonchalant. "No big deal, just don't feel like it, I guess. Plus, the college is going to be decked out in festive decorations, and I can hit up the clubs on Christmas Day. It'll be a blast."

Oliver nodded thoughtfully, but he couldn't shake off the feeling that there was more to Leo's story.

He sensed that Leo was hiding something, but he couldn't quite put his finger on it. "Okay, man, your call," Oliver said, deciding not to pry further.

As they resumed their gaming session, Oliver couldn't help but wonder what had really prompted Leo's decision to stay behind.

Was it something to do with his family, or was there another reason? Only Leo knew, and he wasn't telling – at least, not yet.