It was mid morning of a busy day at the office. Winter was in full gear, and something about the holiday season brought more people in for counselling. It's like all the family obligations were making people act crazy. Oh wait, that might just be me.

Currently, I had a gap between appointments. I made use of the time by mindlessly scrolling through my phone, feet propped on my desk. Suddenly my phone flashed, alerting me my brother was calling. I eagerly pressed the phone to my ear. 

"Hey Jack! What's up?" I greeted him. 

"Just checking up on my favorite sister. Did you want to get together to go Christmas shopping?" he asked. 

"Ah shoot," I said stunned. "Christmas is a week away isn't it? Yeah, we better get on that". I couldn't believe how fast the holiday snuck up on me. 

"Sweet! Hey did you hear about the sickness that has been going around the packs?"

"I heard someone talking about it, but I didn't realize it was a big thing... What do you know about it?" I respond. Jack was usually out of touch when it came to the latest pack news. If he knew something was happening, then it was probably a bigger deal than I first thought. 

"It seems to be spreading, and we don't have a cure. It's been known to kill a few days after symptoms appear. Just be careful Samtha" 

I nodded to myself. "I will. Hey I have to go, I'll catch up with you later Jack! love you," I ended the call. I smiled softly at the nickname he's called me since we were little, "Samtha". It's like my full name was too long so he cut out the middle. It was a weird name, but I loved it because no one else called me by it.

Standing up, I walked out my office, ready to grab my 11:30 clients.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

After work that day, I drove to Alia's. We had this awesome thing going where every other day we'd do lunch at my place, or dinner at hers. We both hadn't found our mates yet, so the company was welcome. Besides, we had practically been inseparable since we met in college while working at the same restaurant. I thought I was the only one to go to college as a 16 year old and when I learned that she too was 16 and a freshmen, I thanked my lucky stars that I wasn't alone. I introduced myself the very first shift we had together. 

As we sat at the dinner table, I noticed Alia had a strange look in her eye. 

"Hey are you okay Alia?" I ask.

"Yeah, I'm fine. I think I'm bored. I mean, I've waited so long for my mate, and now I'm starting to wonder if I even have one" she somberly replied. 

"Oh you have one alright," I reassured her. God, I know how she feels. 

"Okay, but even if I do find him, will he like what he sees? I don't even know anymore," She says.

I'm kind of shocked this is coming from her. She had always been the brave one, the one who seemingly had no worries. She also is insanely beautiful.

"Alia any guy would be lucky to have you. Sometimes I look at you, and I can't believe I have a friend as beautiful as you". I meant what I said; she was a petite brunette with large brown eyes and freckles. And there was no denying the energy from her mate pull was there. 

All the sudden I had an idea. "We need a pick me up. Lets go to the bars" I tell her. 

Alia looks at me begrudgingly. "Are you kidding? It's a Tuesday night, we both have work in the morning"

"Just this one time?" I plead. "come on, we both really need this. AND we don't have to get too crazy.. only a couple of drinks and dancing" My fingers are crossed. I'm normally not the partying girl but for some reason, I desperately wanted to go out. The stress of the past week was building and all I wanted to do was dance it away. 

"Okay, lets do this" she agrees, a slow smile creeping across her face. 

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

In the bathroom all our weapons (makeup, curler, perfume, etc.) were scattered across the counter. In the end, the mess was forgotten while we peered at the results of our efforts.

My red hair tumbled in curls to my waist, large green cat-lined eyes stared back at me. I had black skinny jeans and a low cut purple top (all clothes stolen from Alia as I only had my work outfit with me). Some cleavage peeked through, but I liked to think it was a classy amount. I finished the look with a choker and gold pumps. 

Alia giggled excitedly at me in her red dress and over-the-knee boots. She opted for a bold lip and less eye makeup. 

"Lets hit it" I say. 

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Another chapter for you!! Nothing like a girls night to bring your spirits up. Don't worry though, one or both girls won't be without mates for long ;)

Do your girl a favor and hit the star bellow, it's easy. Also let me know your thoughts and concerns! I'd love to hear from you!