They had a lot of fun while knowing Charles and Benjamin more, there was a lot going on but they didn't forget the exchanging of gifts. They were all nervous and excited, but it was time. Charles handled a jar with papers on it, each paper has a number 1 to 5 if she has the number 1 she'll be the first to give her a present. After they picked, it was Wanda who stood up and gave the presents to the three of them. They opened the box together and they were in shock, Sol received the latest camera that she was planning to buy. She gave Wanda a hug and was filled with Joy. While Yazmin was surprised by her gift, Wanda said it was a custom-made bracelet that's made of gold and Yazmin thanked Wanda for it. After Yazmin thanked Wanda, she heard Ligaya crying holding the locket with the picture of them inside, and immediately run to her for a warm hug.

"Wanda, it's been 3 months of your courting, aren't you getting tired of me?"

"Ligaya, why would I get tired of you? When everything that I do, everything I see, everything I feel is always associated with you?"

"You've always been sweet, Wanda. You didn't even ask me if I want to be your girlfriend?"

"Yes, the purpose of courting you is to be your lover, companion, and partner for life. But I don't want to pressure you to be in a relationship with me. Have your time thinking about what you really feel about me, let's get to know each other more so we can establish a strong bond. I will always wait for you, my happiness, aking Ligaya"

"I'm done thinking about my feelings, Wanda. I finally made a decision, let's be together forever!" As she made Wanda put a smile on her face

"Forever?"

"Yes, forever" Ligaya said

She gave Wanda the present opened it, and instantly wear the matching bracelets. Besides Ligaya is the next one to give her presents. She gave her presents to her other friends, Yazmin received an expensive watch, and Rina was still pleased even after she said she was fine having no gifts she still received a beret that's cute, it's an additional collection of her berets which is her favorite kind of hat. Sol receives a book from Ligaya that's not published yet, making Sol the 3rd one to read the book of Ligaya is an honor. As Ligaya sat down, Sol stood up and gave the gifts to them, they were all thankful to Sol because of the gifts. It was Rina's turn, she gave the stereo for Wanda and the make-up kit to Ligaya, Yazmin received a Whiskey Decanter which they exactly love. Sol stared at her dumbfounded after receiving nothing, she asks

"Rina, where's mine?"

Charles points the present to Sol using his lips, and Rina watches Sol as she walks to the biggest box near the Christmas Tree. Sol opened the box and saw parts of the telescope, with a look of excitement on her face. Rina reached for another gift for Sol that made her confused again. It was a normal box, inside there was a smaller one and a smaller one, she open again and again until she was opening a wrapper to another, she was pissed off and went to her bag and pulled out a small knife. To open the present, she can't take it anymore.

"What kind of present is this, Rina?" Sol asked

"I didn't even have a thought of giving you a present in that kind of way. I don't know, ask Charles" She gives a judging stare at Charles

"eh..." Charles said while scratching his head

"That's fine, Charles. It's funny that you have a unique idea on how to give the present, it can lose my temper, it can waste my time, but I had a lot of fun and confusion unwrapping the present." Sol smiled to assure Charles that it was alright

After a few seconds, Sol stood up and embraced Rina for giving her a golden bracelet with a rabbit and bear inside it. She saw Rina's wrists with the same bracelet and started to cry.

"Thank you" Sol whispered

This day, the cold and detached Solara really showed off her softer side to everyone, especially Rina. Even though they saw Sol being emotional, they never forget it was Yazmin's turn. Everyone stared at her but she gave them a questioning face until she had a moment of realization, it was her time. They looked at the Christmas Tree but there were no gifts or presents under it, they heard a cough and Yazmin said

"I have no presents to give, I've been busy. So, I'll let you live in the hotel for free!" Their happiness was over the moon but Yazmin add

"Until I'm the manager of this hotel, Rina is about to graduate soon but I will still teach her for a year. Then I will leave and fly to another country." Yazmin said

"What?" Rina was in shock while asking

"Yes, you will be the next manager of this hotel Rina, you should take care of this hotel. Good luck!" Yazmin cheered her cousin up, Rina gave the nod and a smile despite thinking that Yazmin will be miles away from her. She will miss her older cousin that treats her like a real sister

"Let's cherish each moment that we are together!" Ligaya said that made everyone agree.

"How about me?" Charles pouted

"Gosh! Charles, we only gatecrashed here! You still have the guts to ask for a present, aren't you ashamed?" Benjamin said that made the women laugh

"Charles and Benjamin, for the two of you" Sol get her wallet and gave them 10,000 pesos each

"Ate Sol this is too much! No thank you!" Benjamin nicely rejects the money

"I'm just kidding, Ate Sol" Charles laugh

"No, I'm worried actually. That the two of you are not included in this exchange party. You guys might feel out of place and it may be boring for the two of you to come here"

"Ate Sol, seeing my older sister Ate Rina happy especially when it comes from her happiness makes me happy too! Don't worry about it!" Charles said

"How about Benjamin?" Yazmin asked

"Don't worry about me Ate Yazmin, I'm here to make new friends and to know the 5 of you more! Even if I didn't receive any gifts, as long as I made you guys happy I'm fine with it and I enjoyed your company that's what matters to me" Benjamin said

"You're very kind Benjamin, I don't know why are you in a relationship with my little brother" Charles showed a grumpy face after hearing what her sister said

"No, accept this, please. I will never stop until you accept this" Sol insists

In the end, they accepted the money because they have no choice.

As they looked at the clock, it was 12:00 in the morning. Although Christmas day ended, it will always be a memory that has a special place in their heart.

 

after a month.

Unknown Pov

"Thank you," The woman said as she got the envelope from the man

"Solara, after many years I never thought you'll be this beautiful, my dear. I will come back, soon. I miss you."

Sol's birthday is coming, Wanda was planning a birthday surprise for Sol, she was thinking of something special. She went out to buy some food in a local market, near her girlfriend's house. While buying food, someone touched her shoulder. She turn around to see her dazzling girlfriend and gave her a hug.

"Why are you here?" Ligaya asked

"I just want to buy some food, there's no performance for tonight so I also decided to stay with you for today," Wanda said

"You're sweet" while showing her smile

"wait, I just need to buy something here I'll come back," Ligaya said

"sure" But before leaving, Ligaya kissed Wanda on the cheeks and whispered

"wait for me, love" That made Wanda blush

Wanda sat for a few minutes waiting for her girlfriend. She felt bored waiting, so she get some water and drank. While drinking, she heard a woman wearing glasses with a big hat called her name

"Wanda? Are you Wanda Son?"

 

 

 

 

I'm sorry for not updating this one, I thought I will no longer continue writing this story but here I am:)    

-author