It's been about 4 years since I last updated or have written anything in the fanfic world of H.O.N. You always have a reader that comes to your story in what feels like eons and reminds you how important good storytelling is. Or how fun it is to create the alternative universe from one of your favorite book series. Not sure how long it will take to add an actual update with a real chapter but just know that I'm forever grateful to my fellow bookworms for showing me kindness, love, and constructive feedback to help me continue to grow into a writer I aspire to be. I'll need to dig out my old notebooks with the storyline I had in mind - I used to handwrite my creative thoughts onto physical paper if you can believe it lol.

To the reader that fangirls and adds reviews in hopes that the author comes back to finish their amazing work (I may or may not have done that once or twice...) thank you for your courage to reach out. This is for you FanGirl!

XOXO PurpleFlower

Zoey

As I walk back to my room, this giddy feeling inside flows through me. I have to admit that this is probably at the top of the list for best birthday. And because I'm in my own world, for a split moment, I don't even recognize her. "Jane?"

With a sigh, she stops in her tracks. Turning around to face me. Crossing her arms with a knowing smirk on her face (that's unsurprisingly identical to Stark's) she responds, "Happy Birth-mas, Z."

It's my turn to sigh. Mimicking her stance, I quickly change the subject. "I see you're all dolled up."

Seeming slightly impressed at my conversation abilities, I get a short nod. "And I see you're still alive despite your runaway tendencies."

Her hot-and-cold attitude takes me a little by surprise. I'm a bit speechless.

Then Jane shrugs as if deciding that her statement doesn't need an actual follow-up. I was fully okay without continuing the conversation, but now I'm just confused by her response.

I'm about to ask her a followed-up question, but Jane doesn't give me the chance. As if her answer makes any sense, Jane then turns back around and continues on the way to our room. Taking the hint, I don't bother to say a word and follow her.

Just when I get comfortable with the silence, despite her seemingly cold shoulder Jane gives herself away. "I also see you got your birthday gift from Stark already."

Because Jane continues to look in the direction we're walking, I almost miss the small grin that shows face before it disappears again. I can't blame her for acting this way when it comes to me. It's not like a made a good first impression.

I need to clear the air. For Stark's sake. "Jane are we going to have a problem?"

Once again, I'm abruptly stopped in my steps right as I follow behind Jane. She turns back around and faces me. Looking more serious than I've seen her, it's like a whole new person is standing in front of me.

"Since you've asked, I'm just going to put it all out there." Without a second thought, her answer is immediate, short, and to the point. "I haven't quite decided yet on whether or not you're going to have a problem. There's a part of me that wants to like having you around. However, I don't know you. And I don't entirely trust your judgment either. Or you, for that matter. Not after what you pulled."

I should say that I'm not completely surprised by her brutal honesty but that would be a lie. I'm overcome with a big sense of hurt by Jane's words. Despite the short time, it's weird to feel that her opinion really matters to me. And what's even more shocking is that in this second I'm willing to do whatever it takes to prove myself.

"I'm sorry Jane. I'll say it a thousand times. I'll do…"

With a swift raise of her hand, signaling me to stop, she silences me instantly.

"Do you even understand what could have been the worst-case scenario if we wouldn't have made it back when we did?" Not giving me a moment to even consider thinking about it, she continues. "You could have rejected the change. Or worse, gotten us all expelled."

Even though I know this is a now or never situation that I've gotten myself into with Jane, I make matters worse by smirking. "Zoey, you've got to be kidding me here. I really trying to not find you irritating right now."

"You quoted Harry Potter. What was I supposed to do?"

Not even budging from her seriousness she barks back, "There's a time and place."

Annoyed, Jane sighs. "In our world, expulsion equates to death."

That sobers me right up.

"It's only super extreme cases but the vamps have done it before."

"Jane for what it's worth, I really am sorry."

"You don't get it. I basically welcomed you with freaking open arms. I don't do that. But I made an exception for you. I did it for the sake of peace amongst our friends and for Stark. And then you just completely disregarded everyone's feelings and selfishly expected everyone to cover for you. They were worried sick about you. And Stark… don't get me started on the lengths he was willing to go to find you."

"It's just been a really, really, really…" I sigh and look down. The shame courses through me enough that I don't have the gull to look directly at Jane anymore. "… a really long time since I've had people in my life that actually care about me." I take a deep breath and make eye contact. "I've been on my own for so long that I forgot what it was like to be able to count on someone. Let alone having that person be willing to help me at the drop of a hat, no questions asked."

Her gaze is steady and unnerving. I force myself to finish my thoughts out loud anyway. "I was in a really bad place and you didn't even hesitate to come to my rescue when I texted you. And I have done nothing to earn your trust. I get that."

"But I'm willing to do whatever it takes to make it up to everyone. And for the sake of Stark's happiness…" Sticking my hand out in her direction, I dare to smile.

Jane takes a look between me and my hand. Rolling her eyes, she shakes on it. "For the sake of Stark's happiness."

"You better not make me regret this Zoey. Not a second time. Understood?"

Giving her hand a shake back, I respond. "Understood."

Passing through the lounge area and up to our room, the sight we walk into is everything. Fully done up in Christmas decorations all around the room, my side has been decorated with happy birthday signs in non-Christmas colors. Baby blue, white, black, and gold streamers and balloons cover my bed and wall.

Christmas music starts playing from a stereo as Stevie Rae makes her way out of the bathroom with her biggest smile greeting me. Rushing over to me, she squeezes me into a big hug. "Happy Birthday Z!"

I hold onto her giving her a tight hug back. Letting go, I'm in total awe. "I can't believe you did this for me."

All dressed up, Stevie Rae grabs and pulls on her favorite pair of cowgirl boots. "Of course I would. It's your birthday. Now go and take a shower so that way we can have some good old fashion birthday and Christmas fun."

~ / ~ / ~ \ ~ \ ~

After a relaxing shower, with just a bra and panties wrapped in a towel, I walk out of the bathroom to a full house. The twins are looking through the closet. "Uhhh… Jane, is having your closet ransacked part of your Christmas pact with the twins?"

Making quick eye contact with Stevie Rae, I get a grin out of her. Jane is lying face down on her bed. One of the twins tells Jane to be careful with their work. As I look over to them, the twins beat me to my question. "Zoey your b-day outfit is on your bed."

I also notice the stack of gifts piled next to my clothes. Knowingly Stevie Rae answers my questioning gaze. "We all pitched in and wanted to surprise you. Now Stark did mention that you're not a fan of mashup birthday and Christmas gifts or gifts period, but you're going to have to tough it out. Cause we got ya some anyway."

"Someone's decided to be all assertive. Choosing a bomb outfit and not taking any lip from Zoey…

"Oh, how they grow up so fast…"

"Whatever, yawl. Just keep on being sarcastic if you want to. I'm going be over here enjoin' the festivities."

With the twins having outfits laid out for both me and Jane, it's time to get ready.

With the perfect outfit, the twins make sure everything else measures up. All dressed, they sit me down and start working on our hair and make-up. Making eye contact with me, Steve Rae grins while Erin works on her make-up and Shaunee is doing my hair. "So, what does everyone normally do for Christmas when Stevie Rae isn't planning a Christmas and Birthday party?"

"Most of us go home for the holidays."

"Ooohhh… I'm sorry." Guilt starts to fog over the glowing feel-good feeling that I've had all afternoon.

"Z, there's no need to apologize to them. They've gotten their sacrifice. Turning us into their very own life-size Barbies should suffice. Besides, they're getting the better end of the deal by staying here."

Blushing, Stevie Rae spoke up, "Actually, I asked everyone to stay. I know not everyone has the best family situations, so I didn't want anyone to be alone on Christmas."

"Thanks, Stevie Rae."

With a shy shrug, she smiles at me. I change the subject for her sake. "Shaunee, you done?"

"Just need to clip your hair back on the right side here and done."

"Done," Erin says, completely in sync with her twin.

"Now what."

Excited, Stevie Rae says in a singing voice, "It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas."

In unison, the twins say "And now we party to our heart's content."

The Twins lead them all to a classroom that has been decorated for Zoey's birthday with a Christmas corner for photos.

I know that the end probably feels a little rushed. I plan to have this chapter finished up by the end of next week and hopefully a Chapter 25 by Christmas day. So sorry for the long wait. I hope you enjoy what I have so far.