Winter was never her favourite season, on the contrary, it was the season she liked the least. Even when she lived in the city she didn't like winter. It would rain for days on end and provided a dreary atmosphere. Here, on the Sunshine Islands, it would snow for days and then be sunny. Sometimes they would be hit by a blizzard. She hated them both although life on the island was generally better.

This was her fifth winter that she would be spending on the Sunshine Islands. She had gotten somewhat used to it although she still hated winter. Nothing could change her mind on that matter.

This was also her fifth time attending the annual Christmas party hosted at the inn on Sprout Island. Every year there would be a party, each time hosted by someone different, and everyone was expected to attend.

Sabrina was hosting this year, or more likely, her father was hosting. It was supposed to be Sabrina's job but Regis had taken over, saying that he knew exactly what to do. Everyone was disappointed of course; they still thought he was a vampire.

She knew better of course, having spent time with Sabrina and Will in that big mansion of theirs, she saw another side of Regis that others never got to see. Although she had to admit, he is creepy.

xxx

A chorus of animal sounds echoed around the barn as all her cows and sheep surrounded her, wanting to be petted. She laughed and brushed each of their coats before feeding them; at the same time she was humming Christmas songs.

She had already taken care of her chickens, watered her crops on Greenhouse Island and had already visited Mushroom Island to take care of her pet pig.

After brushing Congo, one of her sheep, she put the brush back into her rucksack and headed outside. There were still a few more hours until she was supposed to be at the party. Regis apparently made a schedule which included many activities and the time they were supposed to occur. That alone was a sign of chaos as no one would follow it, it was a given.

xxx

"Hurry up, Chelsea, or we'll be late!"

The farmer rolled her eyes at her friend before rushing off to the bathroom to change into her dress. Regis had requested that all females come in dresses and males in suits. It was an annoying request for sure but at the same time, it provided an occasion for the younger villagers to dress up.

"Be patient Julia, we still have plenty of time to spare. You know I have excellent time management skills, don't worry."

Julia was dressed in a simple yet elegant dress that Lanna had given her. The hem of the dress barely reached her knees so as a result she had on stockings and black knee high boots.

Chelsea walked out of the bathroom wearing a long light blue dress. Her hair was curled and tied into a fancy ponytail. Putting her shoes on, she looked nothing like a farmer. One could say she looked more like the type to work in an office in the city.

Julia eyed her and whistled, leading to Chelsea glaring at her playfully. "You look amazing in that. Why don't you dress up like that when you come visit me? I bet you'll have Vaughn wrapped around your finger in no time."

Her cheeks flared up and she blushed, looking away. Did everyone on the island know she liked Vaughn in that way?

"Do you want to go now? I'm ready."

The blonde laughed and shrugged before heading towards the door. "You just want to avoid the topic."

xxx

The inn wasn't very big as very few people actually stayed there. There were about five rooms and usually only two were being used. However, the inn was now larger and had a main lobby plus a room used for weddings and parties.

Regis greeted the two of them in the lobby and pointed them towards the direction of the ballroom. Chelsea thanked him and headed down the hall while Julia made an excuse and went off in the other direction.

Turning around, Chelsea saw that Julia had found Elliot and was talking to him with a wide smile. Laughing to herself, she leaned against the wall and watched them for a moment. She found them to be incredibly adorable together.

"When did you take to spying on people, Chelsea? It isn't very ladylike," a familiar voice questioned from down the hallway.

"Will! I wasn't spying on them, I was just seeing why Julia went the other way," Chelsea exclaimed, surprised at his sudden appearance.

He chuckled and offered his arm to her. "Can I escort milady to the main room where this Christmas event is taking place?"

Chelsea smiled and rolled her eyes, taking his arm. "You may, although can you please stop talking like that? It's hard to take you seriously."

"I never said I wanted to be taken seriously but your wish is my command," Will said before walking Chelsea to the ballroom.

A pair of amethyst eyes unknowingly watched them, glittering with annoyance. When they were out of view, he also started down the hallway.

xxx

The main room where the party was being held was quite crowded as many people had already arrived. Regis had given a speech to welcome them...and to promote his mining business which was quite fruitless as the only people that entered the mine were his employees and Chelsea. Occasionally Lily would be there to hunt for treasure that was about it.

After his speech, the villagers had dispersed into groups to gossip and to enjoy themselves. Regis' schedule was soon forgotten.