Christmas eve (1)

When Aiden and Sarah reached party location, there was more than twenty people present. The younger generation was here in the 'playhouse' with Hill sisters as hosts, while their parents were in the main Hill family villa building, with Stella and Edward as hosts.

Sarah introduced Aiden to currently present guests. As, expected, most of the young people were polite when meeting Aiden, and few ladies were checking him out openly. Sarah was irritated how these shameless young women looked at Aiden, but since she decided not to publicize their relationship, she could not express her annoyance openly. 'I can't wait to tell Edward! Then we will not need to keep this a secret.'

Aiden found Sarah's angry expressions cute, but he kept his distance from the interested ladies. He didn't want to provoke Sarah, this is his chance to prove that in his eyes, only she exists. He needed her to believe that his feelings are honest.

Once they finished with introductions, Sarah asked, "What do you want to do, play something or get a drink?"

"Whatever you want", he smiled. If they are together, anything is fine.

"How about that?", she pointed at pinball machines.

He nodded.

Aiden let her play first. He observed that Sarah's reflexes are very good, and she played it many times before. That caused her turns to last much longer than his. He didn't mind. He enjoyed looking at her focused expression while she played.

Sophia and JoAnna observed them from distance.

Sophia nodded in approval. "I think they will work out well."

"What makes you say so?" JoAnna asked.

After few seconds, Sophia responded. "Don't you see how he is looking at Sarah? He will take good care of her."

"And when their eyes meet, it feels like the temperature in the room is rising." JoAnna added in a mocking tone. After few seconds of looking at them, she admitted. "They do look good together."

That was the moment when Sarah and Aiden as a couple gained full approval from Sarah's sisters.

…

As time went by, more guests arrived. At some point, Klark sisters, Andrea and Clara entered. Those two sisters live next door to Hill family, and Hill sisters don't like them at all because of their snobby demeanor. Klark sisters look average, not fat nor skinny, and their faces don't have any features that stand out. They complete their signature looks with expensive branded clothes and generous amount of makeup.

Andrea and Clara looked through the room, and their gazes fell on Aiden. They raised their eyebrows and looked at each other with excited expressions. They walked towards Sophia and JoAnna.

"Hello, thank you for inviting us", Andrea said. Andrea is the older sister.

"You are welcome. Thank you for coming." Sophia politely answered.

"I see few new faces." Andrea continued.

"Oh?" Sophia had a guess who she is talking about. 'It's not few. It's only one.'

"That young man with Sarah." Andrea pointed with her chin. "Who is he?"

"That is Aiden. He studies with Sarah at same University." Sophia answered. She didn't want to say that Sarah and Aiden are dating, since their father does not know yet.

Both Andrea and Clara didn't remove their gazes from Aiden.

JoAnna noticed how Klark sisters are checking out her future brother-in-law and was not happy about it. "I suggest you give up before you begin. He is out of your league." JoAnna smirked.

"Oh, we will see about that." Clara lifted her nose up showing confidence. Klark sisters are spoiled second generation of the rich family. They believe that they can get anything they want, including men they set their eyes on. As much as JoAnna's warning was a genuine one, Klark sisters saw it only as a challenge and it got them more motivated to approach Aiden.

Andrea and Clara moved towards the bar to get drinks, greeting others on the way while throwing glances towards Aiden.

Soon after, Mark entered and went straight towards Sophia. "Good evening!" He wished. Both Sophia and JoAnna nodded.

"Hmm, I will go and make sure we have enough snacks." JoAnna quickly disappeared, before Sophia had a chance to react.

Sophia looked after JoAnna in disbelief. 'Traitor!'

"How are you doing?", Mark asked Sophia.

"Fine." Sophia didn't look at him.

"Can I get you a drink?" Mark looked tense.

"It's a free bar, I can get a drink myself." Sophia brushed him off with a cold expression on her face.

"Do you need to be so cold towards me?" Mark was persistent in trying to talk with Sophia. He had a pitiful expression.

Sophia sighed, and shook her head slightly. "Sorry, OK. I will have a Roman Holiday.*"

Mark smiled and relaxed. He was happy that Sophia lowered her guard and accepted his offer for drinks. 'This is a good start. Now just to stay on my game, and I can get her to accept me.', Mark thought while walking towards the bar.

Andrea and Clara are next to the bar, looking at Aiden who is accompanying Sarah.

"Do you think they are together?", Clara asked.

"I don't think so. Sophia only said that they are attending the same University. If they are together, she would say that he is her boyfriend. Right?" Andrea analyzed Sophia's words and looked at Clara expecting confirmation.

"Hmm, makes sense." Clara thought for a moment. "But if they are not together, how can you explain that he is here? He is not local." Klark sisters have a big social circle and know most of the young people from affluent families.

"Maybe he was in the area and got stuck here because of a snowstorm. We are missing our tropical Christmas because airports are closed." Andrea reminded her sister.

Clara grinned. "It does not matter. Even if they are together, that just makes it more interesting, but not impossible. He is handsome. Great body, and a face that is nice to look at. He might be a keeper."

"Hmph, you only think about how they look. Family background and finances are what makes guy a keeper. Listen to your older sister, looks can fade, but power and money will stay... As soon as I finish my drink, I will make my move", Andrea declared.

"Hey, it's my turn to get a first go. You went first during Bibi's birthday. Remember?" Clara complained with a frown.

"Oh, right…" Andrea hesitated. She was reluctant to let her sister go first. She likes how Aiden looks. "OK. You go first. If you don't get him in half an hour, my turn starts. Deal?"

"Sure, you can hope that I will fail." Clara was confident that she will make Aiden fall for her charms. Klark sisters love playing games of seducing men, and two of them compete who got more points.

In the area with pinball machines, Sarah was playing while Aiden watched her. Aiden was looking at Sarah and not paying much attention to the game.

"Hi Sarah, thank you for the invitation!" Clara's cheerful voice came from behind.

Sarah didn't turn around, she was focused on her game, and she recognized the voice. "Hi, Clara. Don't mention it. My parents invited you."

Clara kept a smile on her face, but it became a bit sour. "It's always nice to come visit you. And your parties are always great."

"I'm glad you like it." Sarah's voice was distant.

"Who is this handsome man? Will you introduce me?" Clara looked at Aiden, her eyelashes fluttered, and she pouted her lips.

Sarah didn't raise her eyes from the game. "I'm busy. He is right here. Introduce yourself."

Clara was a bit shocked with Sarah's cold behavior, but next moment she composed herself and looked at Aiden with the cutest expression she can put on. "Hi, I'm Clara." She extended her hand for a handshake.

Aiden ignored her hand. He looked at her for a moment with an indifferent expression, before responding. "Good". Then he turned back to look at Sarah.

Clara never experienced someone to blow her off like this, but she didn't give up. "Hey, handsome, are you not going to tell me your name?"

Aiden glanced at her. "You are not my type."

Clara just stood there staring at him blankly. Aiden looked at Sarah, and Sarah had difficulty keeping a straight face.

It took some time before Clara turned around and walked away without a word. Her face was contorted from rage, 'I was never this embarrassed in my life! Who does he think he is? He will pay for this. And Sarah also. I'm sure this is her fault, she set me up.'

Aiden looked at Sarah and lightly tilted his head. "Did I do good?"

"Yes." Sarah's face revealed a smile.

He leaned close to her and whispered, "Will you reward me later?"

Sarah blushed and nodded. A moment later, she gasped. "Ah, I lost!" The ball she was playing with fell through.

"That is what happens when you have indecent thoughts." He teased her.

Sarah just looked at him helplessly, while her cheeks got a darker tint of red. "You! Let's go and get something to drink." She gave up on the idea to deny it and decided to change the topic.