Cat POV

Christmas in New York was beautiful; the frigid weather meant that everyone was bundled up in coats and scarves. A thin layer of snow and ice covered the city meaning it was also the perfect weather for keeping someone close to you. Robbie had insisted to Jess that he would stay for the holiday, her parents where throwing a Christmas banquet and there was no way Robbie was letting her go alone.

Jess was improving, her skin was healing but her heart ached, that much was obvious. Several times she had panicked and thought she had made a mistake in handing him in, she would violently flinch when one of the boys would make a sudden move, the memories of her beating intruding her thoughts. Jade seemed to be one of the only ones who could get through to her. There was a strong bond between the two of them since Jade had successfully got Jess back into college.

Jade acted as her therapist because really you didn't really need to go to one if you knew Jade West. The more time passed the more Jess talked of her past and it pained me every time. Jess was like me more than I could have ever imagined. She felt neglected, she needed to escape her life and the only exception was that she didn't have someone like Robbie.

Jess masked a life time of pain and regret behind a smile. She was so easily roped in by this boy. She openly admitted that he was a factor in her smoking and drink problem; ever since she was fourteen she has been hitting the bottle too hard and was smoking a packet a day. Jade demanded that all the drink be removed from the loft and that we get Jess started on the patch. After three days' rest and catching up on college work Jess was ready to return to school.

I felt like a proud parent that day, we ordered a car and dropped off Sean and Jess on route to our training. She was nervous, but she looked more like Jess: Wearing her usual skinny jeans and ruffled shirt with a coat. Her hair was pulled back into a high bun and she was wearing her glasses. The car paused outside Jess' university and she took a big breath before she opened the door.

"Remember." Jade told her, "You can do this; no one else needs to know what you have been through. If you have any trouble text me and I'll come over straight away and sort them out."

Jess laughed quietly, "Thanks Jade. I'll see you all back at the loft."

After we dropped Sean off Robbie, Jade and I made our way over to the studio. We constantly had to be working on something, normally combat because we wanted to do most of own stunts. Robbie's swordplay had improved, now he could actually fight for a few minutes before I over-powered him. Sometimes we would get called out because we had to audition other characters for the film. Eva wouldn't rest until she found the right cast members; we still had to cast a daughter of Ares, Amelia and a son of Hephaestus, Simon.

It was getting close to shooting now and Eva had to choose soon.

Jade came with us from time to time whenever Jason was busy or when she was bored and I suppose technically she wasn't supposed to be there…But please, try and say that to Jade. She loved the swords; she always joined in when our trainer left the room. She would unsheathe the blade, her blue eyes staring in awe at the light reflecting off the polished metal. Then she would dive and attack, I would always run away behind Robbie. I mean sparring with him was enjoyable but Jade and a pointy blade; I would rather eat my toes than face that.

Robbie was no better, he dropped his blade and held his hand above his head, "Please don't kill me. I'm your best friend."

Jade grunted and lowered her sword, "Yeah because I was really going to stab you."

"Jade, not that I don't love having you around… But why are you here? Should you not be in college?"

Jade rolled her eyes, her voice exasperated as she replied, "There may have been a minor explosion in the chemistry lab."

Then it was my turn to drop my sword, "You were expelled?!"

Jade shrugged, "These things happen." She smirked at Robbie, "Now I can be a college drop-out like Shapiro!"

Robbie picked his sword back up and swipe it at Jade who deflected, "Are you crazy!" he shouted between jabs and dives. Jade deflected them easily, her expression bored as she stayed practically in the same spot, beating Robbie with ease.

She laughed at Robbie's struggles and in a matter of seconds, she had him unarmed and in one swift movement, had him on the floor and gasping for breath.

She sneered at him triumphantly, "You really need to train more."

I was about to rebuke Jade for her behaviour but the round of applause meant I never got the chance. Eva was standing at the door, a stack of scripts in one hand and a coffee in the other. Her head was cocked to one side and she was studying Jade intently. Mr. Miller on the other hand was clapping at the scene he had just witnessed, but the expression on his face was anything but impressed.

"Mrs. Price." I exclaimed, "I am so sorry we were just—"

"Oh I know exactly what you were doing Caterina." She said, "Who is your friend over there."

I bit my lip, "This is our friend from LA, she is visiting—"

"I'm Jade West." She cut in, "Who are you?"

I wished she would be a bit more polite to our employer, Eva pursed her lip.

"Cat, Robbie. Please continue with your trainer. I'll return for the both of you shortly. In the mean time I would like to personally escort Ms. West from the building."

Jade scowled as she picked up her bag and left with Mrs. Price. Robbie immediately jumped off the ground as I rushed over to him.

"If we get in shit for this" Robbie muttered as he brushed himself off, "I'm going to kill Jade."

Robbie and I practiced hand on combat while we waited to be called back. Half an hour later Eva brought into a small room with large windows so light filled the room. My stomach jolted when I saw Jade. She was lounging on the small blue couch, skimming over a script. I locked eyes with Robbie and he reflected my expression, which was complete shock. Beside her was a boy that I had never seen before, he had unkempt ash colored hair that fell slightly over his eyes... eyes that were the most beautiful green I had ever seen before. He seemed confident in himself as he stood and shook both of our hands.

Eva clasped her hands together, "Jade here will be auditioning, along with Mark. I think you'll find them both charming actors!"

Jade grinned, "Looks like you are never getting rid of me because I am getting this role."

Robbie POV

I wish for once I could say that Jade was wrong, that she wasn't going to get this part, that this play wasn't going to turn into a story of our lives.

But I can't say that.

Jade's audition was flawless, capturing the character of the daughter of the Sorcery Goddess with ease. Her character is like Cat's. She is around the same age, the leader of her cabin, strong and a brilliant fighter. Except her mother bestowed on her a gift, she has the ability to read minds and is the most talented with magic powers out of all of her siblings.

Mark was a different matter, his role was more of the clumsy sidekick who holds everyone up. He relies on the group to keep him alive but by the end of the book there is a revelation about his character that changes the status in the group. He is more a builder than a fighter. He handled the audition well, portraying his character with the quick wit he was suppose to possess and for the first time, I felt like this was my cast.

Finally Eva had found four teenagers who's acting abilities meshed together to create her ultimate cast.

Mark was a really nice guy, after that he had explained that he had sent Eva price a recording of him begging to be in this film as he read extracts from the novel. He was originally from Ireland, so he had to fly all the way over once Eva saw the tape and she knew she wanted him in the film. The accent didn't go unnoticed but there was something about it, maybe I'm just being ignorant but it made the character more humorous.

Cat was obsessed with him from the second he uttered his first line, she kept begging him to say words and asked him what was different about New York from his home town.

"Does everyone live on farms in little cottages?" Cat rambled.

He laughed endearingly, "I wouldn't believe the stereotypes Cat. But yeah this is different, like Dublin only bigger and better."

As soon as Jade and Mark signed on the dotted line we were whisked off for cast photos, which meant we had to spend an hour in hair and makeup just to stand in front of a green screen. After that task which consisted of several photo by myself, followed by more of Cat and I then finally a group shot, we were released for the day. Mark left us to ring his family back home but Cat promised him we would show him around and make him more at home.

Jade frowned at him, "Cat I don't want to adopt the Irish boy. He's weird."

Cat laughed as she hailed down a taxi, "Well you're going to love this film then Jade."

Jade's eyes narrowed suspiciously as Cat jumped into the back of the yellow cab, "Why?" she shouted.

Cat rolled down the window, "Because he is your love interest." she replied gleefully, "See you later."

Cat POV

I had been never more relieved to flee a scene, I peered out of the window to see Jade screaming at Robbie who was trying to console her. I laughed to myself, it is a rare occurance that you get to one over on Jade.

Looking down at the ID caller on my phone I squealed as I answered.

I answered, "Are you here?"

"I'm were you told me to be. At the Cambridge Hotel in the restaurant waiting for you at the table. I brought you what you asked."

"I'll be there in 5 minutes." I replied.

I really did have a problem with making scenes in public areas but I couldn't help it. When I saw her I was a young Cat again. She spotted me and beamed, her brown eyes warm and inviting like a steaming mug of hot chocolate on a cold day.

"Mom!" I screamed, unable to help myself. Rushing to her side, I pulled her off her feet and in to a huge embrace.

"Cat!" she tried to steady herself,"Calm down honey."

She glanced around at the other guests who were dinning in the restaurant and apologized.

"How have you been?" I asked, "How's dad? Have you seen him lately? Did you hear about my film deal, I'm sorry I haven't called about it but you are always so busy and now I find that I have hardly anytime to spare."

"Cat!" she said, her voice slightly raised, "Slow down! Yes honey I heard about your film deal and your father and I are immensely proud of you. I couldn't help but notice that it is alongside Robbie. How amazing is that, at least this won't get in the way of your relationship because you will be around each other always!"

My cheeks flushed pink and I looked down at the salad I had just ordered myself, "How could you not have heard about Robbie and I breaking up?"

My mother flicked her serviette and placed in on her lap and she responded, "Well of course I had heard about that but I had just assumed that you were back together, you are always spotted in New York together and from photos you always seem to be at his apartment."

This made my cheeks go even darker, "No we are not together." I responded.

My mother smiled, "But you want to be."

Without meeting her gaze I nodded, "But it's pointless too much time has passed. Robbie doesn't see me like that anymore. He hasn't indicated that he wants to get back together at all."

Olivia Valentine rolled her eyes at that and I swear she looked like an older version of Jade, "Caterina have I taught you nothing? This is the twenty first century. Stop waiting for the boy to do all of the work."

"So you think I should tell him?"

My mother nodded, "Cat you have always been ambitous. You wanted to be a singer you got it, you wanted this role and you got that too. He did the whole grand gesture for you, maybe he wants you to do the same. Now if you want him go get him." she paused, "After you finish your lunch with me of course."

While I was eating my lunch with my mother, I noticed the large rectangular boxes on the chair beside us,all of them tied with a thick purple bow with the oVal logo stamped on them. My mother spotted me staring at them and smiled.

"Yes Cat they are the dresses you asked me to make for your friends. I put tags on them so you know which one to give to them. They can consider them Christmas gifts."

I forked some of the salad and shoved it into my mouth, "You know you are the best mom ever right?"

"Thank you sweetie." she grimaced at my lettuce-filled smile, "But don't talk with your mouth full."

Robbie POV

It was now seven and I was still waiting on Cat to arrive. We had to leave for the banquet in twenty minutes, Jess was panicking. Standing still in her pyjamas shouting that she wasn't going. No one could calm her down, not even Jade. Finally I heard the loft door open and I turned around to see Cat trying to manage two large boxes. They were stacked so high that she couldn't see where she was going, she was struggling so I went to help her, then she tripped over the end of her dress sending her toppling onto me.

"Glad I was here to catch you." I teased.

"Hi!" she responded.

Sean and Jason both picked her up off me and set her gracefully onto her heeled feet.

Cat took off her coat and smoothed her dress down, Sean whistled in appreciation, "Wow Cat."

I hated how this happened ever time Cat was dressed up, it took me a moment to remember where I was, or who I was for that matter because all I could see was her.

That pearly white smile, with the ruby red lips that matched her curled red hair that was pulled over to one side. Then the emerald dress that was daringly cut out at the sides to show her toned waist with once again such a low v-neck that I tried not to stare.

"Robbie? Are you okay?" she asked.

All I could managed was, "Uh-yeah, you look like whoa.."

"Really? I picked green because you know it's a Christmas color." She then shook her head, "But anyway! I have their dresses so if you want to leave soon, I need to help them change."

Letting her pass she rushed into Jess' room were we heard lots of commotion, followed by Jade shouting, "Pin her down."

Yeah, this was going to take more than 10 minutes.

""""""""""""""""""""""

Jade emerged half an hour later, wearing a plain navy dress that fell to the floor, her dark hair was tied up into a curly bun, she smiled at me as she grabbed her coat. Jason went straight over to her and kissed her cheek then murmured something in her ear and from the color of Jade's cheeks.. I'm really glad I didn't hear what he said.

Cat had finally gotten Jess into the baby pink dress after much debating. We all sucked in our breaths when she emerged, Sean actually dropping his book down in shock.

She was Jess again.

She twirled around in the dress that spun out around her, it was strapless and it covered all of the remaining bruises. She was wearing makeup once more and had placed her contacts in. She laughed, hugged Cat and sped over to Sean's side.

Linking her arm with Sean's he said, "Let's get this over with then."

There were three separate car's ordered so naturally it was divided up in partners. Cat and I got into the second one where the ride was relatively silent. That is until I heard to my horror, the rap was being played on the radio. Cat instantly burst out laughing, she was gripping her stomach she was laughing that hard.

"How is this on the radio?!" I demanded.

"I literally have no idea!" Cat replied, "It's a Christmas miracle!"

The word Christmas triggered my memory and I fished out the little package I had put safely in my pocket, I handed it over to Cat who stared at it.

"I got you a present."

Cat tried to hand it back, "I haven't got you anything it would be wrong."

I gently pushed her hand back, "Cat please, just open it."

Cat POV

My hand was shaking as I undid the ribbon that covered this gorgeous little green velvet box. I hadn't expected that Robbie would have got me anything and it was too close to Christmas now so what could I ever get him in return?

Popping the box open I gasped at the exquisite silver bracelet that was propped up on a soft red cushion.

"Robbie, It's beautiful" I exclaimed, "How much did this cost you?"

He delicately picked up the bracelet and I held out my arm, he explained as he connected it to my wrist, "That's not important. I had it specially made for you, each charm is significant."

I held my arm up and inspected the charms: a microphone, a gold record, a miniature golf cart, a mask, a purple flower and a white dove. It was so beautiful it made my heart ache.

"Thanks Shapiro" I clasped his hand, my voice strained. I didn't want to be over-emotional and cry.

I went to let go of his hand but he gripped it more, "It's no problem Valentine."

"""""""""""""""""""""

The ball was beautiful. It was as if you had stepped into a cave made completely of ice, while the room was warm the setting screamed of a winter wonderland. Real Christmas tree were placed all around the room with faux snow, decorations and fairy lights placed in them, where they twinkled in the dim lighting. There was a huge ice sculptor in the middle of the room that was surrounded by presents that I assume are party favors The stage had a string quartet who were playing soft, slow music.

Jess had pinned a smile on her face when she saw her mother and father approach, "And so it begins." she mumbled.

She very stiffly kissed her mother and fathers cheeks.

"Jessica darling." Mrs Cambridge gushed, "You look so elegant and your hair! Thank goodness that horrible smurf color is gone."

Jess kept smiling as her mother asked more questioned, the rest of us where all seated at the table, dining on the finest food I have ever tasted. Jess shot us a pleading look as her mother whisked her away to speak to a group who where standing with her father.

I looked around at the table and realized no one else had seen the look of desperation that Jess had directed our way. Jason and Jade where talking to the guests while Sean was at the bar, politely rejecting a pretty blonde by the looks of it.

I was alone with Robbie, this was moment to tell him.

I turned to him, "Look there is something I want to ask you."

He nodded, "Okay what is it?"

I glanced up at Jess and saw her discomfort, she was surrounded by a group of young males who were looking at her like a piece of meat. She didn't want to come tonight and now we had all abandoned her when she needed us, she was so frail at the moment anything could set her off.

"Cat?" Robbie said, his voice concerned, "What's wrong?"

"Robbie I-" I sighed, "I need to help Jess. Just don't move."

Zooming through the other guests I reached Jess and took her hand, I shot the boys a reproachful look.

"Look I don't care if your daddy owns a private island, or he is the king of Egypt or whatever bullshit line you are trying to sell. She is not interested."

Jess beamed at me as I brought her over to Sean, "I really need a drink." she muttered.

"Sorry Jess, can't let you do that." I replied sadly.

Sean eyes popped when he saw Jess and he immediately took her hand, "I'm so sorry. I know I promised I wouldn't leave you but your mother dragged you away then this girl hit on me. Anyway I'm not letting you go again."

Jess kissed his cheek, "I was just being badgered by some guys. Cat came and rescued me."

Sean expression darkened, "What boys?"

I smiled, this could be entertaining to watch, Sean was definitely more muscular and taller than those skinny daddy- bought- me- my- brain boys. I pointed in their direction and watched as Sean dragged Jess back over to them. He placed her protectively behind him. I couldn't hear what he was saying but I am assuming that he was talking in that scary low, intimidating voice he always uses because these boys looked as if they may shit their pants.

Grinning with satisfaction I turned, expecting to see Robbie where I told him stay, but he had moved. I cursed under my breath, why couldn't he do what he was told?

Spinning around to try and find him, I instead found my self nose-to-nose with Mrs. Cambridge.

She gave me a very tight smile, it is very obvious to everyone in the room that she has had work done. Her face is barely capable of moving.

"Caterina!" she gushed, "It is such a pleasure to meet Jessica's friend and a famous friend at that! May I say, you have the voice of an angel."

I laughed slightly, "Thank you so much Mrs. Cambridge. But you must pardon me, I have to find my date."

She held her arm out effectively blocking my part, "Oh dear please have a drink with me." Using her arm as a barrier once more, she stopped the butler and I took a flute of champagne.

I took a sip and smiled, "Tastes fabulous." I praised, "But I really must go."

She stopped me again, "Caterina please." she sounded worried, "I really need your assistance. My singer cancelled on me and I only have the band. Will you please sing for me, it only has to be one song."

"You mean one of my songs?" I asked.

She shook her head, "No, no not a dance number!"

I was beginning to like this woman less and less.

"So you mean a classic, slow song like Etta James?" I clarified.

She nodded, "That would be perfect. Please Cat, it would mean so much to Jessica and I. We would be eternally grateful."

"Fine." I said, setting my glass down on a passing tray, "Only one song though."

She immediately lead me to the stage, where I walked up the steps and indicated to the violinists what song I would be singing. Clearing my throat I walked over to the mic and tapped it. The music began and I waited until the intro ended, then I began to sing. This obviously caused a few heads to turn, some watched while others began to slow dance with their partners.

I spotted Jess and Sean dancing and I caught Jess' eye, she winked at me and I continued singing. Jason finally got Jade to dance with him and I could tell that she was suppressing a smile. Then as I finished the song I saw Robbie standing at the edge of the dance floor, he was beaming up at me and clapping along with the rest of them.

Jess mother joined me on the stage, basking in my applause. Fighting the urge to practice some of my newly acquired combat skills on her, I let her have her moment.

"Thank you everyone" she said in the mic, her shrill voice amplified, "That was Caterina Valentine, a very close friend to the family."

Smiling at the crowd, I waved then I tapped Mrs. Cambridge on the shoulder.

"If you don't mind I would like to say something." I whispered into her ear, "I'm going to promote your husband's bank." I lied.

She beamed and handed me over the mic.

Suppressing my fear of what I was about to do I placed the mic up to my lips.

"So hello everyone." I said bashfully, "Most of you don't know me and you are probably going to think I am insane for doing this but earlier today my mother was talking about grand gestures of affection and it's Christmas so please indulged me."

I sighed heavily and looked directly at him, "Robbie I love you."

Taking a deep breath I let my heart guide my words, "I mean like I really, really love you. I get all like woozy whenever you are around and my stomach churns, really I go through all of those horribly cliched things that you hear about in films and- sorry I'm rambling. Listen I know I make mistakes and I was a terrible girlfriend to you. But I would be so lost without you, you keep me grounded and you are the only person who makes me feel truly safe."

Jess had ran over to Robbie. She was beside herself, jumping up and down and clenching on his arm. Robbie just stood there, staring at me completely in shock by what I had to say.

"So that's why I am standing here, in front of all of this respected business people, making a complete fool of myself because I would really like a second chance."

"Robbie, would you do me the honor of being my boyfriend again?"

Ahh the glorious cut off line indicating another end to another chapter.

Hope you all loved it!

Side note: the dove charm is significant because Cat is playing Serena and the dove is symbolic of Aphrodite :D Just incase anyone was wondering.

Leave me a wee review saying what you would like to see!

Don't you all love a wee grand gesture.

Love you all!

xoxo