"Congratulations on a successful event," Lindsey's face beamed at Angie, flashing her white teeth highlighted with her Rouge Dior red smile lipstick. She tugged her orange velvet coat to wrap her arms around Angie. Her friend was ecstatic and felt the warmth of her embrace in the cold winter day beneath her dark brown oversized knitted sweater.

Her eyes wandered at the deserted venue, with only long tables, clothing racks, chairs, and unsold items. A few hours ago, the place was filled to the brim of people despite the busy holiday schedule of back to back parties.

Angie linked her arms around Lindsey's arms, leaning her brown curls on her shoulders, twisting her feet tired after running around in her brown suede boots. Her heart was about to explode with pride seeing how things came into life within a short period of time. They started the planning on the 13th of December for the Charity Gala that took place on the 20th of December.

Mrs. Hernandez was a great help through her connections to various organizations and establishments. The event organizer Mrs. Hernandez hired rented an enormous white tent. She perched it in a vacant spot in Victoria Park. Snow blanketed the whole park blending harmoniously with the white canopy. In contrast to the dreaded winter, inside was warm and set up in a flea market style. Clothes hung on the rack and on the shelves, accessories such as bags, pieces of jewelry, and shoes on the long white tables and furniture arranged in the middle of the large tent. Food hubs and donation boots were set up at the entrance. Compared to the cold surroundings, inside it was warm, full of hope and generosity that extends to the benefactors of the event.

Angie's staff volunteered to take part in the event despite knowing that this was on top of their personal workload. They scoured the workplace, families, and friends for items they can donate to be sold off in an auction and flea market style. Michael and his staff helped her marketing the event. Both teams designed unique uniforms, with a distinctive logo of an angel reaching out to a child, for the staff and volunteers.

But, not everyone was aboard with Angie's plans. Christine and Jaime smirked and roll their eyes when Angie proposed her schemes. Instead, they volunteered to organize the year-end party and agreed to show up, at the very least, at the venue.

Vince, who was working part-time at the boutique as handyman and messenger, pitched in after receiving the parcels from Nevada. Tony and Ashley also showed up giving their support to him. However, he and Angie's hands were full that he didn't get to introduce them to her. So, he pointed at her and found their expression interesting. Ashley's eyes widened and covered her mouth with her palms. Tony, on the other hand, shook his head, smiled and whistled cooly nudging Vince at the back. Tony and Ashley stared at each other, saying, "a beauty" at the same time, which made all three giggled.

"Honey, you did really well," Mr. Hernandez beamed, his eyes sparkled, embracing Angie warmly. Mrs. Hernandez's eyes were hazy with tears, sniffing away as she too wrapped her arms around the father-daughter tandem. "It had been a long day for the two of you, why not eat at a nearby restaurant?" Mr. Hernandez added.

"That sounds great, dad. Let me gather my stuff."

"Angie, as always-" Michael stepped up, giving her a peck on the cheek and quick hug, "Skookum! I have been holding my tears the whole time," fanning his eyes pretending to wipe his tears. "You're one badass woman!"

"Thank you. You did well too!" Her eyes sparkled and grinned at him.

"Angie, we will wait for you in the car," her dad interjected. "Bring Lindsey and Vince with you."

"Oh, Lindsey is with her family. But, I will look for Vince."

"Okay, see you then."

"Eh?! What's with the face?" Angie asked Michael, who was grinning ear to ear and pursing lips, picking up clothes and shoving them in the container.

"What's with Michael?" He asked, raising his brows.

"Hey, Angie--" a deep husky voice spoke behind them.

"Speaking of…" clearing his throat, gathering the last piece of clothes on the rack. "Let the staff finish this up. I have to go now. Go, girl spread your wings and fly away with your boyfriend," winking at her.

"Shut up," both giggled at the same time.

"Bye, prince charming," Michael announced, pivoted and walked to the exit, sending a flying kiss to the love birds.

"What's that?" Vince asked, squinting her eyes. Angie smiled and shrugged her shoulders.

"C'mon dad is treating us to a meal."

The four of them, the Hernandez and Vince rode the Hernandez' Bentley S 1 Coupe, that Mr. Hernandez adored. He drove to the nearest La Bête Michelin restaurant. It was the family's favorite restaurant who order their usual steak and salad combo. The restaurant's ambiance comforted the exhausted duo, who started it all. Wine liven up the broken spirit of their half-dead body.

The elders grinned at Vince, who they taught was a serious stag. Flaunting his flawless smile and white teeth brightening up his newly shaved face. Vince unconsciously brushed off the locks on his freshly cut hair framing his angular jaw, making him dangerously handsome. The white long sleeve shirt with Angel's logo suited him well. Angie's mom complimented him for his good looks, which resembled Agent Zero of the Wolverine movie. He laughed it off.

Vince gazed at Angie, who looked breathtaking with her brown sweater and all-natural look with few dabs of foundation and coral lipstick and eyeshadow. The way she walked and talked was unlike the girl he has been accustomed to. Different from the nervous girl hiding behind her mom or the fragile lady, he traveled within Nevada. That day, she was bursting with energy running around, talking to volunteers, and giving free fashion consultations to customers. At that moment, he was reminded of the woman she loved. His heart was full of bittersweet memories.

The Hernandez impressed when he mentioned that he was dispatched as an aide to help during disasters like cyclones, tsunamis, and earthquakes. Mrs. Hernandez elated to hear a common ground between herself and Vince.

From then, they talked freely about other things such as the charity gala and orphanage they will be visiting in San Diego, California, on the 27th of December. Mrs. Hernandez called the hospice led by Mother Superior Ana to confirm their visit.

The orphanage housed 70 children ranging from 0 to 19 years old. Some of them abandoned while the rest rescued from abusive guardians. Mrs. Hernandez was disheartened at the news that the place was heavily damaged because of the recent storm. What used to be a four-building compound was only left with three. Children cramped in two buildings, which were suitable only for 40 children. Hearing about the charitable work gave the hospice hope to stand up once again and help more children along the way.

The two pairs left the restaurant an hour later. Their gourmet cravings satiated, and hearts overflowing with love.