Chapter 1. The Invitation

Sydney sighed as she typed away on her computer. She heard someone laugh and looked over to see Lauren throw her arms around Vaughn.

That's supposed to be me hugging him! She thought to herself.

Sydney shut down her computer and gathered her things. Things had been so different since Lauren, Vaughn and her father rescued her from Lindsay's custody.

For one, Lindsay was dead. She still believed that Sloane was responsible. Sydney still did not trust him. Two, Vaughn was treating her like dirt. Every time she tried to talk to him, he walked away. The only people who seemed to care about her were her father, Weiss and Will.

Will had decided not to go back to Wisconsin, but to stay here in LA. Weiss, being the magic man he is, found an apartment right next door to Sydney.

Sydney smiled at the thought of Will. She was so glad that he was back in her life now. She didn't miss Vaughn as much anymore. That emptiness in her heart was starting to come back.

She walked out to her car and got in. She turned on the radio to 103.5, Christmas music. "I'll Be Home for Christmas" came on. She hummed to the tune and began to sing along. She finally reached her apartments. Sydney turned off her car and went up to her apartment.

She unlocked the door and went inside.

"Hey Syd!"

Sydney looked up to see Will and Weiss in her kitchen.

"What the heck are you guys doing here?" Sydney exclaimed, putting her things on the counter.

She gave Will a quick kiss.

"Making dinner!" Weiss exclaimed.

"What are we having?" Sydney asked. She sat down at the counter next to Will.

"Honey baked ham, mashed potatoes, corn, spiced apples, and homemade eggnog and apple pie." Weiss explained.

"Wow. And you guys made it all by yourselves?" Sydney asked.

"Yeah, we did actually." Will said.

"Cool."

"Oh yeah. You might want to take a look at this." Weiss said. He handed her a white envelope.

It had her name written on the front. She frowned and opened it up.

            Dear Sydney,

I know that we haven't gotten off to a good start, but I would like to become friends if you are. For a chance to do that, I would like to invite you to a

Christmas party that Michael and I are holding at our house. There will be all sorts of people there and I really hope that you will come! It is next Saturday from 5 pm to 10 pm. Feel free to bring any food or friends. Hope to see you there!

Love,

Lauren

PS- Eric Weiss has our address!

Sydney looked up at Will and then at Weiss.

"Is she serious?" Sydney asked them.

"I think she is." Will said.