The day has finally arrived. At 2 in the morning, Angie’s abode was in full blast. She was running up and down the plight of stairs like Usain Bolt. inside her room, she counted her luggage, two pieces of suitcases and a carry-on pouch. The items that are to be donated have been sent through a courier ahead of time, leaving them a few things that can be easily stashed in their luggage. On her bed are several pieces of paper -- travel checklist, travel documents, letters of intent, names of all the orphans and program.

“Honey, we are going to be late,” Mr. Hernandez shouted at the two ladies downstairs. He was the designated driver of the family for the day, sending them off to the airport. The original plan was for Mr. Hernandez to tag along with his wife visiting different charitable institutions. But because of work, he had to stay behind and fly the following day. He was grateful that Angie has been converted and now onboard in helping those in need.

“Yeah...coming,” Angie yelled back shoving her cosmetic pouch and passport in her red Anello carry-on backpack. She grabbed her Burberry Trench coat, placed them on her Louis Vuitton luggage and carry them down the stairs. The third trip going down and up the stairs in her dark brown boots left her feet sore, panting and out of breath. At the bottom of the stairs, she put her jacket on top of her black warmer and a beige turtleneck sweater. It was an hour's drive to the airport, could have been shorter but the snow made the road slippery and her dad was cautious enough not to cause an accident.

Lindsey was waiting at the airport, two suitcases in tow wearing a burgundy winter parka, black jeans and matching burgundy boots when the Hernandez’s arrived. From afar, Mr. Hernandez recognized her as stood out from the rest of the crowd in her flashy clothes that no Winter could ever dull. Shortly after, Vince arrived with Tony and Ashley. Vince and Tony wore camouflage winter jackets paired with Ashley who was in dark grey winter parka. He introduced them to the rest while Angie's dad was in his car dropping off the two ladies.

At -10°, the chilly daw made them scurry inside the airport which was warmer than outside. They were bound to leave at 6 am in the morning, Canadian time. Angie handed them their boarding pass and list of their duties when they reach the orphanage. "Not a moment to lose," she winked.

The flight from Quebec to San Diego took a grueling 9 hours without a connecting flight. Taking a flight first thing in the morning was their best option to keep up with all the arrangements. They were scheduled to visit the orphanage on the 28th of December and fly back the following day because of the year-end party set on the 30th. With the three-hour difference, Angie organized everything in a way that will now blow off any of their pre-scheduled appointments.

Lindsey, Angie, and Mrs. Hernandez sat next to each other at the premium class, with Angie on the aisle seat. Adjacent to her was Vince, seated next to Tony and Ashley. Everyone hit the snooze as the plane took off exhausted for having to wake up in the wee hours of the morning. All, except for Angie.

As the plane took off, she pulled out her laptop and checked their itinerary and program for the kids in the orphanage. She rubbed the dark circles on her eyes which she has nurtured several nights of sleep deprivation. Staring at the screen, she felt her heart racing 10 miles an hour. She couldn’t recall drinking coffee earlier that morning but she was palpitating. At first, she thought that it was mere fatigue from the charity event they hosted, but it should have faded away after a day or two. Neither was it about Christmas. Her heart fluttered yet in a good way. This was different. She felt a gnawing disturbance she could not wrap her fingers into.

“Angie, are you okay?” she heard a faint whisper from her left. Turning her head, she saw Vince, his face aghast. He tilted his head and tapped her arms, which made her jerk for a moment. Angie nodded and smiled in response. She didn’t want to worry anyone, so she turned off her laptop, put on her eye patch, and pretended to sleep, but her mind was elsewhere.

Not before long, her body succumbed to her body's calling. Angie pulled an all-nighter checking everything multiple times rehearsing the flow of events in her mind that she didn’t notice the clock strike 12 midnight. Soon enough, her mind dozed off into the abyss.

"Thank you for flying with us, have a lovely day." The captain's voice echoed in the aircraft prompting everyone up.

It was 2 in the afternoon, California time when they arrived at Newark Liberty International Airport. California was at 16°C which Angie loved. She called herself “cold-o-phobic” and would often escape the harsh winter season of Canada traveling to more temperate or tropical regions.

A black van stopped in front of the group with the name Holiday Inn Resort Hotel on it. A man in black uniform climbed down the van, greeted them and assisted in tucking their luggage in the vehicle.

“Let’s go,” Angie blurted, taking off her coat and climbing up the van.

Tony and Vince, together with the guide and porter, helped the ladies load their suitcase in the van. The women climbed and sat comfortably, peeling off their winter clothes, which were not fitted to the warmer climate in San Diego.

“Are you guys hungry?” Mrs. Hernandez asked the men and women in the van.

“Yes, we are, Mrs. Hernandez,” Vince and Lindsey chimed in at the same time, sending the lot in laughter.

“Okay, kids, let’s meet at the lobby quarter to 6 and find a good restaurant nearby. No one should be absent,” pointing her fingers around her companions like a teacher, “No one is excused. Dinner is on me tonight.” The group cheered on after hearing her speech like teenagers on an excursion.

As if on queue, all of them spoke simultaneously, “thank you, Mrs. Hernandez,” sending them all to another bout of laughter.

They arrived at the hotel an hour later. The warmth of the sun greeted them as they climbed out of the van, making them curse for wearing five layers of clothing underneath. Angie smiled despite the discomfort.

The four ladies stayed in a suite with 2 rooms, while the gentlemen remained in a room with twin beds, both rooms next to each other with a veranda that has a view of the swimming pool and garden. The three young ladies giggled at the sight of the pool and cursed after remembering they didn’t bring any swimsuit. After changing to lighter clothes that suit the weather, they left, leaving luggage and Mrs. Hernandez in their suite. They went down to the bar and ordered sandwiches and coffee.

Angie glanced sideways, “I am glad you are here with us, Ashley.”

“Me too,” Ashley replied, munching on her tuna sandwich.

“I wonder why Vince took so long to introduce you to us,” she added, tossing her hair and sipping her caramel macchiato.

“So, what do you do, Ash?” Lindsey asked, glancing at her, who was stirring her cappuccino with manicured fingernails. She tossed her long straight blonde hair, which complemented her orange dress and white complexion.

“I am a psychologist,” she replied after leaving a red smear on the coffee mug. Glancing at Lindsey, “I love your dress,” wrinkling her nose.

“Thank you. Angie designed this,” brushing her flowing red floral dress. Inside her head, she was astonished at how a psychologist could look so stylish. People working with mentally challenged individuals were often seen wearing white or grey or anything dark which spun Lindsey's curiosity.

“Wow! Really?” Ashley smiled, then she lowered her head while mixing her cappuccino. “My friend, Vicky, used to shop with me. She has an eye for fashion like you two. But yeah, you know what happened to her.”

“I am sorry,” Lindsey held her hand then continued, “We can be your shopping buddies instead.” Ashley’s eyes lit up, Lindsey beamed, and Angie leaned her head on her shoulder.

“We will be the new three musketeers,” Angie replied. “Let’s toss to that!” Clinking their cups with each other.

At exactly 5:45 pm, all six of them were gathered at the lobby under the massive chandelier for dinner. Mrs. Hernandez booked a Mexican restaurant complete with a Mariachi band. Angie and Vince looked at each other, giggled as their eyes met. Knowing that everyone in the group will be leaving the place with a fat belly knowing Mrs. Hernandez’s exquisite taste.

Mrs. Hernandez did not fail them as she ordered almost everything on the menu, not the regular tacos and nachos they are accustomed to. A parade of waiters showed up carrying Pozole, Chiles en nogada, Enchiladas, Mole, Guacamole, burritos, tamales, and rice. And, she even ordered fruit punch as a holiday treat. Tony and Ashley’s jaw dropped at the feast in front of them, gulping as each dish was laid down before them.

“Oh, Mrs. Hernandez, you are killing me,” Lindsey groaned. “You know that I am on a diet,” pouting while looking at the table filled with Mexican delicacies.

“C’mon darling,” Mrs. Hernandez patted Lindsey’s back, “diet is prohibited during holidays. That is a golden rule,” winking at her. Lindsey licked her lips, gazing at Angie with puppy eyes and pursed lips.

“Haha. If I were you, I would not object. You know you will never win against her,” Angie grinned, reaching out for the guacamole. Her mom slapped her hand, automatically saying they should say their grace first. She pulled back her hands, pursing her lips and looking down on the table. Everyone looked at each other, Vince gestured a zipped lip while the others’ shoulders were shaking holding off their laughter with every ounce of strength they had.

“Thank you, Mrs. Hernandez. This was a wonderful meal. I cannot remember a time where we ate this much,” Ashley said, peering over to her husband, Tony.

“Oh! I agree, Mrs. Hernandez. This is definitely a treat. No wonder Vince is getting buff with some extra muscles,” Tony teased, nudging Vince, who was seated next to him.

“Hahaha. You have not tasted her 10 Michelin star cuisine yet,” Vince boasted.

“Ooooh-” Tony and Ashley chimed in.

“I missed your world-class dishes Mrs. Hernandez,” Lindsey added.

“Hahaha. Calm down, children,” Mrs. Hernandez replied with her chin up with a huge smile on her face. “I will make a reservation for you one night in January of 2020,” she added, and everyone cheered at her response.

“Be careful with what you wish for. It will be a life-defining moment.” Angie interjected, making everyone else grinned from ear to ear and say ooh at the same time.

“And not to be a party pooper, but just to remind you that we have a long day tomorrow. You can’t say no, okay?” handing over a sheet of papers to her loyal subjects. “Don’t worry, I will not discuss them anymore. Let’s just enjoy the night.” As if on cue, the mariachi band appeared.

Mexican songs filled the air, pumping everyone in the room from one table to the next. On their table, the men and women clapped their hands, singing some of the verses. For the first time, Angie saw her mom grooving to the beat. Ashley and Tony were also swaying their bodies on the street, feeling the vibe all over their bodies. Suddenly, Tony stood up, offered his hand to Mrs. Hernandez, waiting for her response. She was grinning from ear to ear but glanced at Ashley, who smiled back and gave two thumbs up with her pursed lips.

The duo walked to a small space next to their table and started swinging to the beat of the song. Capturing the attention of all the restaurant-goers who stopped eating, cheering, and clapping their hands to the graceful dance moves of the Quebec Mexican dancers, Tony and Angie’s mom. Other couples stood up and joined, one girl was even licking her finger when her partner dragged her to the “makeshift dance floor.” Lindsey couldn’t resist the opportunity and pulled Vince next to the crowd. He froze but gave in after a few coaxing, twirled her around, giving her a dip as the music ends. Ashley high five Angie and both giggled at the thought of Vince dancing. And clapped once more as the four of them sat on the table panting after dancing for a few minutes.

“Oh my-,” Mrs. Hernandez was trying to catch her up chuckling and shaking her head in between, “I feel like I’m in my 20s again only in a 70-year-old woman’s body.”

“Not at all, Mrs. Hernandez,” Ashley replied, tapping her husband’s shoulder. “You look awesome out there! I must be careful though cause you might snag my dance partner who saves me every single time from looking like a dork on the dance floor.”

“Yeah. You better hang on to him tonight while it lasts. Because tomorrow, the true king of the dance floor will dethrone you,” winking at Tony, who placed his palm on his heart feigning a broken-hearted bloke. They wrapped the night after drinking all the fruit punch.

“Thank you, Mrs. Hernandez. It is my honor to be crowned as the king tonight, albeit, it will be a short reign,” Tony replied, bowing his head. “But, kidding aside, my stomach is about to burst with joy right now.” The rest laughed and stood up, holding on and rubbing their stomachs in agreement.

The hotel was only a 10-minute walk from the restaurant, which they all agreed to venture to. Vince offered his arm to Mrs. Hernandez as they walk to the apartment. The three musketeers were giggling from behind, teasing Angie. Tony and Ashley glanced at each other and smiled as it had been more than a year when they saw those smiles from Vince. The guys escorted them to their room before they got back to theirs. Tony comically pulling Ashley’s hands, the rest chuckling and giggling at the sight.

“Aww. My face is hurting now from too much laughing and smiling,” Lindsey opened her mouth, touching her jaws and cheeks.

“Let me apologize in advance if you smell anything bad tomorrow. I think I inhaled too much after laughing the whole night,” Tony chuckled.

As soon as the ladies entered the room, they jumped on the bed feeling sore from the entire day of travel and partying. Ashley was almost crawling out of bed, reaching for her luggage.

“You are a crazy bunch,” Angie’s mom, “but I love it. I have not seen Angie laughing this much for a while.” With that, the ladies packed up for the night as they turned off the lights.

In the stillness of the night, the ruffles from clothes and shuffling of the feet broke the silence. A dark shadow moved across the room to the bathroom. The door creaked, cold breeze passed by, and heavy breathing filled the darkroom. Lindsey peeped through her blanket, trying to make out the shadow she saw, rubbing her eyes to ensure that she wasn’t dreaming. Out of nowhere, a lady appeared dressed in white with hair all messed up covering her face.

“Angie! Oh my god!” Lindsey yelled, “you almost gave me a heart attack.”

“Shhh,” putting her finger on her lips,” I am going out for a walk. I can’t sleep. Go back to bed now.” She put on a shirt, jeans, and coat as she walked out into the night.

The moon cast its shadow on the swimming pool, waving as the water ripple. A cold breeze passed by, but it was tolerable compared to the freezing wind in Quebec. The pool was surrounded by palm trees and bushes lined with torches exuding a warm ambiance. It was as if Angie was being lured to the mild climate. She walked along the pavement, her eyes wandered from the pool, watching the shadow of the moon to the sky filled with stars.

That’s the big dipper, a deep husky voice spoke behind her back. She twirled around, stepped on a foot, bumping herself to the muscular breast of a tall man. Jumping at once, startled by his presence, her foot slipped, body arched, Angie shrieked, her mouth dropped, and she felt like a mannequin folding in without any control. Then, a strong arm wrapped around her body, as swift and soft like silk cushioning her core and served as an anchor preventing heel from facing her demise. Time froze as Angie and Vince find themselves face to face. His arms wrapped around her body, her arms flew in the air, landing on his muscular arms, his feet in a plie position anchoring them on the ground as if they are in the finale of an exhilarating Samba dance. The rustling of the leaves and whooping of the wind bore witness to the blossoming chemistry between the two forms in the cold December night.

Vince and Angie’s body bent with the palm leaves succumbing to the intense chilly wind. Yet the two bodies emitted warmth, melting all the ice with those eyes that had gathered all the energies from the stars. Trying to catch their breath, they harmonize as one with every huff and rising of their breasts.

Slowly, Vince pulled Angie up on her feet. Their eyes fixated on each other, emotions no words can ever express. He brushed her locks away from Angie’s face, trailing his fingers to her jaws and on her lips. She has gained back control of her arms, letting her fingers interlock at the base of his nape. He pulled her closer as she tiptoed to match his height. Their bodies met in the middle, and in the stillness of the night, the two became one.

The night sky responded in glee as shooting stars brighten up the atmosphere. Leaves and trees swayed at the rhythm of the wind. The torches blazed despite the wind.