Kathy and Jennifer

[H/T: adapted from "Kimberly and Mellissa" by Calldy, intended to be slightly slower paced]

“Look I know this party is kind of a work thing but I really need someone there with me.” says Kathy to Jennifer. They were roommates, and had been since college where they both studied accountancy. Kathy had not long started in this new firm, and was now pulling quite a reasonable salary.

“Okay, fine. At least it might give me a way into the firm, if they like me enough. Maybe I'll even get to replace you” replies Jennifer, sticking out her tongue.

“Okay then, its settled. Quick, let’s get ready we only have a hour to get there!” Kathy grins.

Kathy and Jennifer get dressed in some of their finest clothes, and make their way to the address listed.

It is a huge mansion. It must have been worth at least $10 million. The parking lot is full of Mercedes, BMWs and limos. The valet drives her Nissan Micra away to park it among them, smirking as he drives off.

In the building Kathy sees a huge building filled with various Christmas decorations. It is almost TARDIS-like: it seems bigger on the inside. It is probably as big as a school, with multiple rooms and floors going every direction, culminating in a large hall and stage in the centre. The decorations brighten it up, with an array of lights that must have cost a fortune -- and a large tree around 20ft tall.

As they arrive, they are greeted by Jessica. “Hiya, Kathy. It’s super great you could get here!” the festive office manager gushes, welcoming her to the party.

Jessica is a peppy blonde girl, and kind of an airhead. Every time that Kathy had seen her in the office, she seemed to be painting her nails and playing games on the computer. Kathy wondered she was keeping her job.

Jessica turns to a small table in the foyer to open a briefcase, and rummages inside. She turns, holding up a sparkling necklace in each hand. “Here, we have PARTY FAVORS for EVERYONE!”

Kathy looks sceptically at the necklace. A short string of small silver cube beads, each engraved with a red or green letter. It looks like a child's toy. She finds that she can't quite make out the writing on it: it seems fuzzy and distorted. “What does it say?”

“Oh don’t be a party pooper… It’s a super fun secret!” Jessica says, waggling her finger. “Here you go,” she says, reaching around Kathy's neck, underneath her curly brown hair to fasten a necklace. She turns next to do the same for Jennifer.

“Whoopsie," says Jessica, "I almost forgot. This year you get these super cute broaches as well!” she chirps.

She rummages in a basket, and retrieves to pins with Christmas trees on them. The green of the tree complements Jennifer's short, bright red, pixie-ish hair.

“Okay! I think you cuties are all set. Have fun!” She cheers, ushering them in so that she can greet the next people.

Jennifer fingers her necklace as she turns to grin wolfishly to Kathy. “Yeah! I don't know why, but I've already got a good feeling about this part. Let's see if there’s any cute people you can introduce me to!” Jennifer gave Kathy's butt a little squeeze as they turn to a hallway with the sound of conversation coming from it.

Kathy is surprised, but sets it aside as playful excitement as they make their way down the hallway.