Liz Collins
"Ready? Have we brought everything?" Tori was wearing her black ankle boots while I prepared everything.
"Yeah. The pasta is already made and I have already bought some gifts for the guys." I was wearing my red blouse and a knee length black skirt with a black wide waist belt and Tori was wearing her Etro's printed silk dress which was bought during the day we went shopping, including my attire.
"You look so mesmerizing and beautiful in this dress, Tor!" I looked at her and she was indeed a true beauty.
"Thanks. But WE both look mesmerizing and beautiful. Now come on! We have to get going."
"OK OK."
It was getting dark, but fortunately the snow wasn't falling heavily, so it was pretty convenient for us to drive to the event.
After a moment, we were driving in an extravagant neighborhood where there were many gigantic mansions and the streets were beautifully illuminated by colorfully dim street lights. It was pretty quiet and the roads there were moderately wide.
Tori pulled the car over at a ginormous modern mansion which had a big tall gate surrounding and securing the residence.
The security guards must have been instructed to let us in since they seemed to hear something from their black earpieces.
"Let them in." A big muscular guy who was approximately in his 30s commanded to the guards.
The gate automatically opened and we drove in.
When I mentioned that Tori's house was a large one, I was pretty astonished. But This!? This residence is beyond my imagination that I was awestruck when we were driving in.
There was a big fountain with a statue in front of the house. I saw that they had a large garden in the entrance of the mansion. Dim lights filled in the garden at night as we stepped out of the car and walked to the residence.
To say I'm not anxious is completely a lie. My hands are cold and clammy due to the combination of the cold weather and my nervousness.
"Tori! You're here!" A beautiful young girl walked to us and greeted.
"Hey, Tina! It's been awhile." The lovely girl standing in front of us was wearing a white sequinned dress which was probably cost a lot. It was very fashionable and pretty, not to mention, it gorgeously befitted her body.
"Yes, it's been awhile. And who is this pretty lady beside you?" Tina, whom I assumed that was her name, turned to me with a warm and polite smile.
"Hello! I'm Tina Parkinson, Sam's sister." She introduced herself to me and I also did the same thing to her back.
"Hi, my name is Liz Collins. It's nice to meet you." I slightly smiled at her, knowing I'm not good at communicating with new people.
"Nice to meet you, too. Now let's get into the living room. Everyone is there." She gestured us to follow her.
I looked around the interior of the big mansion I was in. I was utterly speechless with the inside of this place. It was like a palace for me.
The tall white ceilings and walls that were embellished with incredible and fascinating paintings. Bright lights shown upon the way and it was very warm and cozy inside. They must have turned on the heater to keep everyone warm.
We went into a room and I saw two round giant marble staircases on each side and they led to the first floor. It was in the middle of the room.
The living room on right, which I assumed, was occupied with long comfortable couches and a big marvelous table in the middle.
On the left, there was a long glamorous dining table and chairs which could fit approximately 15 people. Trust me, it was a big table.
There was a door near the dining room and I guessed it was a kitchen.
To put it easy, this residence was mondernly designed and embellished extravagantly both outside and inside.
I mean what can you expect, huh? This is the Parkinson's residence afterall, one of the wealthiest family in the country. Plus, they're freaking billionaires and the founders of many darn successful and influential companies worldwide.
"Merry Christmas everyone." Tori greeted the exclusive and excessive people in the room whom I predicted were Sam's family members.
"Tori, I'm glad you can come. Merry Christmas dear." A beautiful and elegant woman who might be in her late 40s came and gave Tori a warm hug.
"Merry Christmas, Lauren." Tori hugged her back and smiled at her. Everyone was talking and when they noticed our presence, they turned to us, specifically Me, looking with curiosity.
"And who might this gorgeous lady be?" Lauren turned her body to me with a welcoming smile.
"This is Liz Collins, my childhood friend and also one of Sam's designers." Tori introduced me and I smiled.
"Nice to meet you, Liz! I'm Lauren."
"It is a pleasure to meet you, Mrs.Parkinson." I spoke formally to her.
"Call me, Lauren, dear. 'Mrs.Parkinson' kind of sounds old." She chuckled lightly while we took a seat in the living room and I started to introduce myself.
"So, you're one of Sam's designers?!" Tina asked me as me, Tori and Sam's cousins, Zack and Alissia were sitting on the couches, talking to get to know each other more.
"Yes!" I replied her softly, trying not to show any bad first impression.
"Were the summer designs yours?" Tina exclaimed curiously as everyone on the couches was listening to us.
"Yes, they were one of my attempted designs." I was now starting to feel a bit comfortable since everyone here was so nice and welcoming. I thought they were going to be like Sam when I first met him. Still can't get his arrogance out of my head >_<
"Your designs were very nice. I liked them a lot. They were different and unique with their own styles and patterns."
"Thank you. I'm glad you like them."
"So, how old are you, Liz?" Zack was obviously one of those jocks at school, seeing his physical form.
"I'm 20 years old." I replied with a small smile on my face when I looked at him.
"Awww... Why do I have to be two years younger than you?" He groaned as his 19-year-old cousins, Alissa slapped him on his arm and Tina glaring at him.
"Don't make her feel uncomfortable, Zack!" Alissa scolded her cousin and smiled at me. "Don't mind this jerk here."
"Hey! You made me look bad in front of my crush." He smirked at me as I kept my blank and slightly amused face on.
"You two should really get along. And Zack, enough with your flirting!" Tori sighed as Zack winked at me.
"Where are the guys?" Tori asked them, referring to the three bachelors.
"They went to buy something together and also picked Bella up." Alissa informed us.
"Bella is coming?!" Tori beamed happily.
"Of course. She wanted to spend time with you." Tina chuckled lightly.
"Weee~ I can't wait to meet that cute girl again." Tori squealed loudly.
Tori tells me about Bella that she is a very sweet and smart girl. As for Zack and Alissa, they're currently studying in New York while their parents are in another state. They all are very nice and I'm starting to become more comfortable talking to them.
"Bella!! Stop running too fast, you might trip and fall." Sam's dominating voice filled the whole room as a cute and pretty 4 years old girl came running and chuckling towards us and hugged Tori.
"Torrrriiiii....." She squealed and hugged her small arms on Tori's wait tightly. "I miss you."
"Aweeee~ I miss you, too, sweetie." Tori lifted Bella up to sit on the couch next to me.
"Gosh...Bella!" Jack and Asher came in looking worried as they scolded the little girl.
"Don't try to run like that ever again." Sam and the other two took a seat in the living room with us and they sighed, looking completely stressed of the girl.
"Hey, Liz, Tor!" They greeted us.
I saw Sam wore a white button up shirt with a black blazer and black pants. He looked indescribably attractive, not that I care.
Jack was wearing a white turtle neck knitted sweater and also a pair of black pants. As for Asher, he was wearing a gray long sleeved sweater which looked good on him with a pair of tight pants.
"Guys and Girls, come on, it's dinner time!" They got off the couch and went to the dining room. I also stood up while Tori has her index finger being wrapped around by Bella's small hand.
Tori introduced me to Bella as I bent down to her level.
"Hello! I'm Bella and I'm four years old." She introduced herself cutely while holding her tiny fingers, indicating her age.
"Hi, Bella! I'm Liz. Nice to meet you, cutie." I smiled at her as I touched her soft chubby cheeks.
"You look like a beautiful princess, Lizzie." She smiled widely as my eyes slightly widened when I was taken back by her words.
"T-Thanks! You, too!" I was still stiffened when she mentioned that word.
I looked up at Tori and she smiled at me warmly while saying something.
"You have it in your genes, Liz!" We then went to the dining room, not wanting anyone to wait for us.
