"So... change of plans for Christmas, guys. We're going to Fairbrook," Alec announced abruptly during dinner, causing all conversations to come to a halt.
The room fell into a curious silence as Mason exchanged glances with his wife before turning his attention back to his best friend. ""Fairbrook?" he echoed, his tone tinged with curiosity and a hint of suspicion.
The man shifted nervously in his seat, sensing the weight of everyone's attention on him. "Yeah,I just thought it might be nice to switch things up a bit," he explained, his words coming out in a rush as he tried to justify his sudden proposal. "Jay, son, don't you want to see where your father grew up?"
Jayden, sensing the tension, looked up at his father with a mixture of curiosity and apprehension. "I, uh, sure, Dad," he replied tentatively, forcing a smile that didn't quite reach his eyes. He couldn't shake the feeling that his uncle and aunt weren't particularly thrilled about the idea of returning to Fairbrook.
"Keep eating dinner," Mason's eyes narrowed slightly, his gaze fixed on his best friend. "We're going to have a discussion about your sudden desire to take a trip down memory lane."
With that, the adults rose from the table, their expressions tense as they filed out of the dining room and into Mason's office. Muffled voices could be heard rising in intensity before the door slammed shut, leaving behind an uneasy silence in the dining room.
"That was weird," Asher commented casually, reaching for another helping of mashed potatoes. "Why do you think Uncle Alec wants to go back there?"
"He hardly ever talks about Fairbrook," Jayden added, scratching his head in bewilderment as he leaned back in his chair. "Most of what I know about Fairbrook, I learned from Mom. I mean, I'm curious too, but Aunt Sab and Uncle Sonny didn't seem too thrilled about it."
Gabrielle remained silent, her gaze fixed on her older brother who seemed to be staring down at his dinner with a distant expression.
"Isaac," she called softly, breaking the silence. Immediately, Asher and Jayden fell silent as they watched, waiting for his response. "What do you think?"she pressed gently, concern evident in her voice.
"I don't know," Isaac muttered, his head hanging low.
Without hesitation, she rose from her chair and approached him, crouching down in front of him. Her heart ached as she realized tears were streaming down his cheeks.
"Hey, it's okay," she whispered, enveloping him in a comforting hug while shooting a concerned glance at her twin and her boyfriend. "Let it all out."
"I wasn't there, Ellie," he choked out, his voice trembling with emotion. "I wasn't there."
"You weren't where?"
"At their funeral. I wasn't at my parents' funeral."
"You were in a coma, Isaac, you couldn't have been there."
"But then I never went to visit them," Isaac continued, turning to look at Jayden with a mixture of anger and self-reproach. "It's been four years, and I haven't even visited their graves once. Damn it!" he exclaimed, his frustration evident.
"You can't blame yourself for that," Gabrielle said softly, her voice filled with empathy. "I thought you had talked about this with Hannah," she added, referring to her brother's psychologist.
"Yeah, didn't she say something about it being too overwhelming and confusing for you?" Asher chimed in, carefully choosing his words. "No one blames you for not visiting them sooner."
"We were at the funeral, and let me tell you, it was overwhelming," Jayden added with a small smile, attempting to lighten the mood. "Too much press."
"Dumbass," Isaac laughed through his tears, shaking his head in amusement. "Thanks."
"Well, for once, I am actually excited to see the place where you grew up," The brunette said, mustering a smile as she settled back into her chair. "Is it like those quaint little towns in Christmas movies?"
"Ellie, we're not turning our Christmas into a Hallmark movie, okay?" Asher teased, rolling his eyes at his twin.
"Let me dream," she retorted, sticking her tongue out at him playfully and flicking a piece of lettuce in his direction, which landed squarely in his eye.
"Cut it out, you two," Isaac admonished gently, asserting his role as the older brother. "But yeah, Fairbrook's a small town. From what I remember, there's an ice rink, a cozy restaurant, and a few shops. It has that classic small-town charm. Oh, and the school where our parents and I all went."
"What the hell, man? Fairbrook?" Mason's voice exploded with disbelief as soon as they closed the door behind them.
"What? It's not like you've never seen the place. You grew up there for God's sake. We all grew up there," Alec retorted sharply, his tone defensive as he settled into a chair, his arms folding across his chest.
"What are you going to do there? Tell me. Visit your old man?" The dark-skinned man fired back, his tone laced with bitterness.
A surge of anger coursed through Alec's veins, his hands balling into fists at his sides. Without a word, he strode over to his friend and grabbed him by the collar, slamming him against the nearest wall with force.
"Don't you dare," he growled through gritted teeth, his eyes blazing with intensity. "Don't you fucking dare, Mason."
"HEY, ENOUGH!" Bailey's voice cut through the tension like a knife, her tone firm and commanding as she stepped between the two men. "You're adults for God's sake, and you're supposed to be best friends. Alec, let him go."
Reluctantly, the blond man released his grip, his body tense and coiled with tension as he retreated back to his chair, arms crossed tightly over his chest. "Unfuck you or whatever," he muttered under his breath, his frustration palpable.
Mason rolled his eyes, his own irritation simmering beneath the surface as he shook his head at friend's childishness. "Same here, dumbass," he retorted, his tone dripping with sarcasm as he settled into his own chair, the tension in the room still palpable.
"Okay, great," Bailey interjected, her voice laced with a sense of calm authority as she clapped her hands together, "Now, like the adults that we are, let's talk about why my husband wants to return to our hometown."
"Seth called me the other day," With a few taps on his screen, he located the voicemail and played it for the others to hear.
"Hello, man. I know we haven't talked in a while but... I don't know if you'll hear this, but I want you to know that I'm very sorry for how I reacted when you told me that you were going to take Isaac away. And I... The reason I'm calling is because we're organizing a benefit-type memorial event in memory of Jacob and Sophia. You know, a hockey game, singing contest, and things like about it, okay? If you decide to come, I'd like to talk. Clear things between us. Yeah, eh, goodbye."
"That's... unexpected," Mason remarked, breaking the silence, his voice tinged with surprise.
"So... Fairbrook?" Bailey asked tentatively, her voice carrying a hint of uncertainty as she glanced around at her friends and her husband, her gaze searching for their reactions. "You still have the keys to the house, right?"
"Yes, of course. Don't know if we will fit though."
"That house was huge." Alec recalled with a wistful smile, "I even had my own room. I think they turned it into a guest room later."
"And the children? They're not exactly short, so to speak."
"We'll think about it when we get , do we all agree to go to Fairbrook for Christmas?"
The room fell silent for a moment as everyone exchanged glances, weighing the pros and cons of the idea.
Finally, Sabrina nodded, her expression determined. "I think it could be good for all of us," she affirmed, her voice filled with conviction. "It's been a long time since we've been back."
As the sun dipped low on the horizon, casting a golden glow over the snow-dusted streets of Fairbrook, the small town seemed to come alive with the enchantment of the holiday season. Decorated with care and adorned in the festive finery of Christmas, it was a scene straight out of a movie.
Laughter echoed through the crisp winter air as children chased each other around the town square, their rosy cheeks flushed with excitement. The storefronts lining the cobblestone streets sparkled with twinkling lights and elaborate displays, each one more whimsical than the last. From the cozy bakery with its tempting array of gingerbread cookies to the quaint toy shop filled with enchanting treasures, every corner exuded the magic of the season.
At the center of it all stood a magnificent Christmas tree, its branches laden with shimmering ornaments and strands of twinkling lights. Beneath its boughs, a bustling market bustled with activity, offering an array of handcrafted gifts and delectable treats to delight even the most discerning of shoppers.
But amidst the joyful hustle and bustle, a sense of anticipation hung in the air, as if the town itself held its breath in anticipation of what was to come. And then, as if on cue, the peaceful tranquility was shattered by the sudden arrival of a silver Jeep Wrangler and a black Audi.
As the vehicles glided to a halt, the growing crowd paused momentarily, as if frozen in time. A figure emerged from one of the cars, drawing gasps of astonishment and emotions long buried beneath layers of time. It was a boy, tall and commanding, his presence cutting through the crisp winter air like a blade. He towered over the onlookers, his brown curls tucked beneath a vibrant green cap that contrasted starkly against the snow-kissed backdrop. Dressed in a simple gray sweatshirt that hugged his frame, black jeans, and pristine white sneakers, he exuded an aura of both familiarity and mystery.
But it was his face that truly captured the attention of those gathered. Hazel eyes, flecked with hints of gold, swept over the scene with a mix of curiosity and uncertainty, as he stepped further into the spotlight, his cheeks flushed crimson by the biting cold, the resemblance became undeniable—a carbon copy of his late father.
For those who had known Jacob Hargrave in his prime, the sight of his son was like a ghost from the past coming to life. Whispers spread through the crowd like wildfire, disbelief etched on the faces of some, tears glistening in the eyes of others. The unexpected return to his hometown was something no one could have anticipated
"They're looking," Isaac muttered uncomfortably. He shifted under the scrutiny, a faint blush creeping up his cheeks as he adjusted his cap and ran a hand through his tousled hair.
"You're famous, my boy," Alec remarked with a chuckle, a fond smile playing on his lips as he draped an arm around his godson's shoulders. "But don't worry, they'll get used to it."
Feeling somewhat reassured, he offered a grateful nod, though the unease still lingered in the pit of his stomach. He couldn't shake the feeling of being under a microscope, every step he took seemed to draw more attention from the townsfolk.
"Can we go for a walk?" Jayden piped up suddenly, his eyes alight with excitement as he took in the festive sights and sounds.
"Of course, son. But keep in mind that your mother and Aunt Sabrina want you home for dinner."
"Aye, aye, sir."
With a final wave, the four teenagers set off to explore the bustling Christmas market, eager to immerse themselves in the festive atmosphere and discover all that Fairbrook had to offer during the holiday season.
Seth was in the midst of cleaning some tables when the familiar chime of the local bell rang through the cozy restaurant, drawing his attention. A warm smile instantly spread across his face as he spotted the elderly woman making her way inside.
"Gracie, how are you?" he greeted her warmly, his eyes crinkling at the corners with genuine fondness as he approached her booth.
"Making sure you take care of my restaurant."
"You come every day," he gently reminded her, his voice tinged with affection as he pulled out a small notebook from his pocket. "What are you going to order?"
"A hot chocolate and please, sit with me."
A few minutes later, Seth returned with a steaming cup of hot chocolate accompanied by freshly baked cookies. "It's on the house," he informed as he took a seat across from her.
"Do you think they'll come?" Grace inquired, taking a delicate sip from her cup. "This chocolate tastes amazing."
"I don't know. Alec didn't answer me."
"Don't be discouraged, Seth," the woman consoled him with a sympathetic smile, her eyes radiating understanding. "We all make mistakes."
"I screwed twenty years of friendship, Grace," Seth muttered bitterly, his fingers absently toying with a napkin as he wrestled with his emotions.
Suddenly, the cheerful jingle of the Toussaint's bell sounded once more, signaling the arrival of new customers. Three boys and a girl entered the restaurant, their laughter filling the air as they shed their jackets and took in their surroundings with wide-eyed curiosity.
"Break's over," Grace remarked with a chuckle, nodding toward the lively group.
"Good afternoon, welcome to Toussaint's. My name is Seth, and I'll be your waiter. What can I offer you?" Seth recited mechanically, his attention divided between his notebook and the customers before him. When he finally looked up, his expression shifted from absent-mindedness to utter shock.
"Four hot chocolates, please?" his best friend's son requested with a sheepish smile. "I can tell by your reaction that you knew my parents too."
His face flushed with a mixture of emotions, "Uh, yeah," he stammered, nodding with a forced smile. "Your father and I were best friends. In fact, this very table you're sitting at was our table. It still has our initials engraved on it."
Isaac followed his gesture and indeed, in the corner of the table, he spotted the faint engraving of his parents' initials. He reached out, running his thumb over the letters with a bittersweet smile.
"Wait, I know you. You're Priest," exclaimed a blond teenager beside Isaac, his eyes lighting up with recognition. "I've seen you in several photos with my parents."
"And who are your parents?"
"I'm Jayden. My parents are Alec and Bailey Hayes."
"I'm Gabrielle," the brunette girl chimed in with a shy smile. "And this one next to me is my twin, Asher. Our parents are Mason and Sabrina Taylor."
"Would you mind taking a photo?" Isaac requested, handing his cell phone to Seth with a hopeful expression.
"Yeah, sure," he agreed, taking the phone and capturing a couple of shots before returning it. "I'll go get your hot chocolates."
A few minutes later, he returned to the table, carefully placing four steaming cups and a plate of cookies before the group. "Do you mind if I take you a photo?" he asked, presenting them with a Polaroid camera. "It's a tradition to take a photo of our customers and hang it on the wall."
The teenagers exchanged delighted glances and nodded eagerly. After snapping the photo, Seth smiled, "There's photos of your parents on that wall if you're interested. Feel free to take a look."
"Where on God's green earth is Fairbrook?" Santana exclaimed, her eyes widening in disbelief as she scrutinized the screen of her cell phone. "Can that place even be placed on a map?"
"If Isaac grew up there, I imagine that place exists, San," Brittany chuckled, adjusting her Santa hat and taking in the festive atmosphere of the streets around them. "Look up photos on the internet."
Taking her girlfriend's suggestion, the Latina quickly delved into her search, scrolling through images of her friend's hometown. As she stumbled upon snapshots of Fairbrook, she let out an incredulous noise. "It's a freaking town straight out of a Hallmark movie," she exclaimed, shaking her head in disbelief. "And it has fewer inhabitants than Lima and is better decorated. This is outrageous! Look," she added, thrusting her cell phone in the blonde's face, "an ancestor of Isaac. My goodness, that family has money up the ass."
"What does it say?"
"Says here, Sir Archibald Hargrave, founder of Hargrave & Co. The company specialized in wealth management, private banking, and investment advisory the years, the Hargraves had diversified their financial empire into realms such as real estate, luxurious hotels and private clubs, the patronage of arts and culture, and even ventured into the world of sports."
The two girls exchanged wide-eyed glances, their expressions reflecting their astonishment. Santana continued to read, her voice trailing off slightly, "Despite their considerable wealth, the Hargraves are a pillar of the Fairbrook community. Their charity events, substantial donations, and scholarships have helped millions of people both statewide and at an international level."
"Wow. Just wow".
"May I know what you were doing?" came the impatient voice of their best friend. She stood by her car, tapping her foot with a hint of annoyance."I've been waiting for you for about half an hour."
"Calm your tits, Quinnifer. We were just catching up with He Who Must Not Be Named."
"Isaac. We talked to Isaac," Brittany clarified with a playful grin, poking her head between the seats. "San has been binge-watching Harry Potter this weekend, and now she's a bit obsessed."
"You know, Quinn? With your knack for manipulation and backstabbing, you'd probably be sorted into Slytherin," Santana quipped from the back seat, a sly smirk playing on her lips.
"I could have you slushied for that comment, Santana."
"And risk Lover Boy finding out? Not a fat chance, Fabray." the brunette taunted, " Oh my god," she cooed in a mock baby voice, flashing a picture on her phone. "Who wants to see a picture of baby Isaac?"
"Where is he?" Quinn asked, her curiosity piqued, as she slowed down at a red light. When the light turned green, she pressed on the gas pedal, eager to get going again.
"In his hometown. Fairbrook, if you know where that is."
Upon hearing the name, the cheerleader slammed on the brakes. Starting the car again, she apologized, "Can you repeat what you said?"
"Fairbrook," Brittany chimed in from the passenger seat, eyeing her friend suspiciously in the rearview mirror. "It's his hometown. You wouldn't know where that place is, do you?"
Quinn bit her lip, feigning ignorance. "Of course not," she laughed uneasily. "Does it even appear on a map?"
"That's what I said," Santana agreed, glad to have Quinn's support. "According to what he tells me, they're paying tribute to his parents and have decided to spend Christmas there. The place is disgustingly idyllic, like something out of a movie."
"I see you found the photo."
Isaac turned his head to look at the woman standing next to him, her gaze fixed on the snapshot he had been examining. He noted a softness in her expression, a fleeting moment of nostalgia or perhaps reflection.
"Do you know who the girl is?" he inquired, his curiosity piqued.
He scrutinized the photo once more. In it, he saw himself seated at the same table where he had sat moments ago with his siblings and best friend. The image dated back to 2005, when he was just ten years old—the year of the accident. Seated across from him was a girl in a white floral dress, her reddish-brown hair cascading around her face, and her vibrant green eyes capturing his attention. She seemed familiar, yet he couldn't quite place her.
"I took that photo myself," the woman revealed, her voice carrying a hint of wistfulness. "My name is Grace, by the way."
"Isaac, but I suppose you already knew that. The girl—do you remember her?"
"Her name was Lucy, and you two were inseparable," Grace reminisced, her voice tinged with both fondness and sorrow. "You always looked out for her, and you spoiled her rotten. That gardenia on the table? You gave it to her."
"My parents let me buy that flower?"
"Your mother was livid, but your father was beaming with pride," the woman recalled with a shrug. "I'm sorry, you know? I'm sorry you lost your parents that way... it was cruel. You were just a kid."
"I have the memories," Isaac tapped his temple lightly, his expression somber. "And the stories people tell me about them."
"You're so much like your father, Isaac."
"I've heard that before," he chuckled softly, his eyes scanning the array of images. "What an impressive collection of photos you have here."
"A picture is worth more than a thousand words," Grace remarked, reaching for the polaroid of him and Lucy and offering it to him. "Keep it."
"I…I can't accept it."
"Do you know why I wrote 'Mr. and Mrs. Hargrave '05' when I took your photo? Seth, at the time, thought it was a jest, but I saw it from the moment I laid eyes on you both."
"What did you see?"
"That Lucy was destined to be the woman you would marry one day."
"But I don't know any Lucy, Grace. At least not like this Lucy."
"Somewhere within that mind of yours, she exists. You just have to find her, promise me you will."
"I'll try, okay?" Isaac agreed, his gaze lingering on the photo before carefully tucking it into his wallet. "I'll try."