Chapter One

 LA, three weeks before Christmas

   It was yet another morning in the relatively cold city of Los Angeles. Though temperatures hadn’t dropped too much, it had been enough to drive humans out of the streets.

   Indoors was the best place to stay. People cocooned in their warm homes, on the arms of their loved ones, in cafés, bars, stores, restaurants…

  The spirit of holidays took over, promised peace, rest and extra time to be with beloved ones, far or close.

   A group of eight women ran through glass doors of The Planet. Their cheeks were red from windburn, hair slightly messed. Smiles glittered in their faces as they sat down on chairs around a big, circular table.

   Though the owner had mysteriously disappeared without notice, The Planet was still a hotspot of human activity. It had been taken over by Kit Porter, a rather close comapanion of the missing woman who had run the place. With the help of some friends, Kit had been able to keep it together and as crowded as ever.

   Bette Porter, Kit’s sister, was always unable to stop the wave of pride that she felt every morning upon seeing that success. She was one of the eight who had just came in. 

   Tina sat beside her, also beaming and taking in her surroundings. She was  as happy as Bette when it came to Kit’s prosperous management of the café they loved so much.

   ‘And the miracle repeats itself.’ Tina said, a hand on Bette’s shoulder.

   ‘If anything ever happens to this place again, I’ll kill Kit. No way will I go back to that café nearby.The coffee’s horrible.’ Alice grimaced at the memory and perched on an empty chair.

   ‘Don’t even mention it.’ Dana sat down, shuddering.

   ‘Oh, my darling, are you cold? I will make you so warm you will sweat!’ Tonya, Dana’s lover, purred in a sickeningly sweet voice and wrapped herself on Dana.

   The other girls glanced at each other, comparing their disgusted expressions.

   ‘Gee, get a room.’ Shane suggested. ‘There’s always the bathroom, if you can’t reach one in time.’ 

   Everyone snickered.

   Robin and Jenny were the last to have a seat. They had started dating a few days ago and were still discovering the depth of their affection. Though no one could miss the way they looked at each other.