It was early December, and the cold had already set in. Snow fell heavily every night, covering everything in a soft white blanket. I know it sounds magical, but it's just annoying. Your clothes are wet. Your car won't start. You have to shovel the drive way every morning. The roads are slippery. It really was the most irritating time of the year.

"It's the most, wonderful time of the year," my sister sang cheerfully as she skipped down the stairs. I groaned loudly as I ate my cereal.

"Shut up," I said to my sister. "How can you be so happy? It's so cold."

"It's a little chilly," she responded. "Besides, it's such a magical time of year. Everybody falls in love and it's all about giving. And we celebrate the birth of Jesus who came and died for our sins. It's just wonderful."

I rolled my eyes at her. "It's cold," I repeated.

"We were born in this festive season," she said, her hands on her hips.

"I know. The twelfth of December and the twenty-fifth of December are the only good days in this time of year. Every other day sucks. How can you feel such joy for such a cold and dark time?" I asked her

"It's not dark," she defended. "And I love the winter time the same way you love the summer time."

"Summer time is amazing," I defended. "It's warm. And there's the sun. You can go to the beach and have pool parties and wear anything you want."

"But it's so HOT," Chantel complained. So so hot."

"Summer's better."

"No. Winter is."

"Summer."

"Winter."

"Summer."

"Winter."

"Oh my, gosh!" our brother, Brian exclaimed. "I thought this year was gonna be different."

"Girls," my mom said. "Can't you go one year without arguing over which season is better?"

"Nope," Chantel smiled.

"Yeah," I agreed with my sister. "It's kind of a tradition now."

Ever since we were old enough to have differences in opinions, my sister and I have always disagreed on which season is the best. She says winter. I say summer. We go back and forth every year.

"Can't we just agree that both seasons are great?" my dad asked.

"Nope," my twin and I said together.

"Well, can you take your argument to school?"

"But it's so early," I whined. "And it's so cold."

"C'mon, Chanel," my sister said. "I wanted to get to school early anyways."

"But-"

"Let's go," She insisted, dragging my arm.

We got to school in time to see Drake dropping Skylar off. She hopped out of his car, waved good bye and jogged over to us.

"Well, aren't you guys early," She said as she hugged us.

"Yeah, well," I muttered.

"What's got your knickers in a twist?" Sky asked.

"It's winter," Chantel answered with a smile.

"And?"

"Winter is death in a season," I replied.

"It is not!" Chantel declared. "It's the most wonderful time of the year."

I scoffed. "Whatever."

"Kaitlyn!" I heard Skylar squeal as we neared a bench. She ran towards her and enveloped her in a huge hug.

"Hey, Sky. How you been?" Kate replied cheerfully, though if I should be honest with you, her cheerfulness seemed a bit forced.

"I've missed you like crazy!" Skylar responded.

"Yeah, we've all missed you. We've been calling and texting like crazy. Where've you been? " Chantel asked.

"Just had some business to take care of," Kate replied with a smile.

"Business?" Skylar asked, looking at Kate warily.

I didn't like how Kate said business it sounded evil. Something about Kate seemed off.

"Just some minor stuff," She assured Skylar. "Don't worry about it."

"Ok. Anyways, I was gonna wait until later to tell you, but since Kaitlyn's back at school I can't wait." Chantel said excitedly.

"What is it?" Kaitlyn asked.

"Well..." Chantel told the girls that our mom said we could have a sleepover the night before our birthday, which was the following Wednesday. As long as it was ok with their parents of course.

"I think Drake would be fine."

"Yeah, my mom would be chill too."

"How old are you guys gonna be?" Sky asked.

"Fifteen," I responded.

"Fifteen?" Skylar and Kaitlyn screeched together. Kaitlyn looked like the child who had received a shit-ton of candy on Halloween night. Skylar looked like the kid who didn't get jack.

"Is something wrong?"

"Is something wrong with what, Telle?" Jake asked, draping his arm around Chantel as she blushed at the nickname. He'd taken to calling her 'Telle' now, since they were openly flirting with each other. Even though it had been happening for a couple weeks now, she still blushed whenever he did it. They were adorable.

"My birthday," Chantel responded.

"Oh, yeah, what are you gonna do that day? We could, I dunno, hang out or something?"

Chantel looked at me.

"Go for it 'Telle'," I told her teasingly.

"Bite me," was her response.

I thought I heard Kaitlyn whisper "Gladly," but when I looked at her she just looked really excited for the sleepover.

"I think Drake would prefer it if you guys came over to our house," Skylar said slowly.

"But I thought you said-"

"I know what I said," Skylar cut me off. "When I think about it now I just think that's what Drake would say."

"Okay," I responded slowly.

"We'll run it by mom,' Chantel said.

That's why on Tuesday, after school, Skylar, Kaitlyn Chantel and I were in Skylar's room, eating popcorn and watching movies on the huge T.V in Skylar's room. Drake was working a late shift that night and so wasn't home yet. When it was almost eleven, Kaitlyn asked,

"Hey, what time were you guys born?"

"Well, we were adopted so we aren't exactly sure if it's accurate," Chantel began.

"But the adoption lady said we were born sometime around midnight. Why?"

"I wanted to wake you up exactly when you were born. But that won't be a problem. We won't be asleep before then."

"Umm. Why would you wanna do that?" Chantel asked.

"'Cause it's would have been cool."

Just then, Drake poked his head in. I hadn't even realised that he was home.

"Alright, girls. It's a school night. Lights out."

"Look at you trying to be all parent-y," Kaitlyn commented.

"I'm not even tired," I protested. Chantel snickered.

"Yes, you are," Drake disagreed.

"No. I'm not," I said firmly. Skylar snickered

"Humour me," he told me, furrowing his eyebrows.

I rolled my eyes and covered myself in my sleeping bag. "See," I said. "I'm not" I yawned "tired."

"Good night, girls," he said, and I got to see his smirk before I sank into a dreamless sleep.

Mayne. It's been what? Like a year? I'm so so so so sorry guys. This year was just really hectic for me. I had child ambassador duties, school, researches, prefect duties. Lots and lots and lots of stuff. I'm so sorry I kept you guys waiting so long. I can't believe I've still been getting story followers. I love you guys soo soo soo soo much. Thank you for the PMs and everything. Review and tell me what you think.

-Sophie loves ya :*