Surprise

[Chris Strongheart]

Dear Stella

It doesn't take being a seer to know that you're angry with me for getting the role of Belle for the bi-school production. And for being close to Brandon during production. Simply, Brandon and I spent one summer together as friends, that's it. And he was sick during the entire time. Don't believe me, ask him. And it's next to impossible to not be close friends with your team. Heh, although, noted exception is Riven, who's not close at all to Sky.

Anyway, getting to the point of this.

I was supposed to visit my mother next month and with a trip to London to sweeten the whole deal. Well, I'm giving you my tickets to go to London. London is one of the top places to get fashion - followed by Paris.

Go, have fun, do a lot of shopping and just enjoy yourself.

yours faithfully
Christine Strongheart, Lady of Lovelylocks

[Stella]

As she read through Christine's letter, Stella's eyes narrowed as she felt an irritation prick over her skin. Throwing the paper back down onto her desk, Stella shook her head in amazement. Did the girl seriously not get it? She didn't like her and it was going to stay that way. A little letter and a couple tickets to go shopping wasn't going to change that. She didn't want anything to do with Christine. At all. As far as she was concerned, both Sky and Christine could go shove it for the amount of heartache they had caused Bloom.

With an indignant "hmph," Stella stood with her arms planted firmly on her hips. Her loyalty to and friendship with Bloom meant more to her than any shopping trip, no matter if it was centered in a shopping mecca. How would it look if she started being buddy-buddy with Christine? It would be like giving Bloom a slap in the face, something she refused to do.

Closing her eyes, Stella took a deep, steadying breath. But it also wouldn't do to go throw a hissy-fit. If Christine was being civil, she could at least do that as well. Sitting down at her desk, Stella pulled out a piece of stationary and began to write:

Dear Christine,

While the sentiment is appreciated, I am afraid that I will have to decline your offer. My schedule is very tight and school keeps me busy. As it is, I am certain that Ms. Faragonda will not approve of me taking leave of school for just any old reason. So, I'm enclosing the tickets you gave me to return back to you; thank you for the thought, but I am sure you can put them to better use than I could.

Sincerely,

Stella, Princess of Solaria