Sam, Rose, Rupert, and Julia gathered together for a big announcement and to discuss their summer vacation plans. Rose began, "So, the big announcement is—oh, wait one second, guys." The others groaned, with Rupert saying, "Oh, come on, Rose. We've been waiting for fifteen minutes!" Rose replied, "Then wait forever," in a teasingly irritated tone.
Sam chuckled, "I'll wait forever." Julia, with a playful smirk, said, "Sure, you do that, Baskie. Meanwhile, we'll just go grab some snacks." Rose interjected, "It's fine; Sam and I are going somewhere. We'll be back in half an hour." Rupert and Julia nodded as Rose and Sam set off.
"Where are we headed?" Sam asked.
"To Sarah's house," Rose replied with a smile.
When they arrived at Sarah's, she greeted them, having packed everything Rose had asked for. "All ready, your honor," Sarah joked.
"Great!" Rose said. "Sam, can you put this in the back seat?"
"Sure, no problem," Sam replied as he loaded the items.
"So, what's in it?" he asked curiously.
Rose grinned. "You'll see."
When they returned, Julia and Rupert had yet to arrive. "It seems they aren't here yet," Sam remarked. "Come on, tell me!"
"Well," Rose began, "starting today, Sarah and I are officially senior fashion designers. We're business partners now."
Sam looked impressed. "Wow, that's amazing, Rose! Congratulations to both of you." He gave Rose a kiss on the cheek, then patted her head proudly. "It's great to see you finding your path."
Rose smiled softly. "Yes, and it's right in front of me," she said, alluding to Sam. He understood and hugged her tightly.
Meanwhile, Sarah was lost in thought, remembering John's unexpected kiss and his rejection. "John… he kissed me like that," she said softly, "but he doesn't have any feelings for me."
Both Rose and Sam looked at her, surprised. "What?!" they exclaimed.
"He's so dead," Sam muttered. Rose assured Sarah, "Don't worry. We'll make sure you and John cross paths again."
"Would you really do that for me?" Sarah asked, touched.
"Of course! You're my best friend, and Sam is your friend too. And Rupert and Julia…"
Suddenly, Julia burst into the room, looking frustrated. "No! This is why you had us waiting? Pathetic! You've lost your mind over her!"
Rose's smile faded, clearly hurt by Julia's words. Sarah, noticing this, stepped in. "Julia, she's your friend. Don't be so hurtful. If my presence is a problem, I'll leave."
Julia scoffed, "Playing the savior, are we?" Sam interjected, "Enough, Julia! Sarah's my friend too."
Rose spoke up calmly. "We're all good friends here. Friends don't hurt each other."
But Julia was unrelenting. "Sam, are you brainless too?" she sneered.
At that, Rupert stepped forward, giving Julia a firm, corrective slap. "Get out, Julia!" he said sternly.
Julia burst into tears, holding her cheek. "I hate you all, especially you, Sarah Samuels!" She stormed out, leaving the group stunned.
"I'm sorry, everyone," Sarah said sadly. "This is all my fault."
"No, it's okay," Rupert replied. "I'll go check on her."
As Rupert hurried to catch up with Julia, Rose called after him, "Ask if she's still coming with us to the village."
"Got it," Rupert said, dashing out.
Back inside, Rose turned to Sam and Sarah. "Alright, time to discuss our plan with John. I'm Sherlock Holmes, and Sam, you're my Watson. We're here to help Sarah win him back!" She shouted playfully, lifting the spirits in the room.
Both Sam and Sarah felt blessed to have Rose as their friend—her optimistic and cheerful attitude always lightened the mood.
Meanwhile, Rupert finally found Julia sitting alone at the park, sobbing. He approached her gently, hugging her. "I'm sorry. I shouldn't have slapped you. If you want, you can slap me back. Just forgive me."
Julia wiped her tears. "I just… I just don't want to see Sarah or any of them. I need a break from everything until summer ends."
Rupert sighed, feeling disheartened. "Alright. But if you change your mind, we'll be at the village. It won't be the same without you."
Julia left for home, and Rupert, feeling defeated, called Sam to let him know what happened. When Rupert arrived back at Sam's house, he told them everything.
Rose sighed. "Well, better luck next time. We can't force her to join us."
Rupert nodded apologetically. "I'm sorry, everyone. This was my fault."
"It's alright," Sam reassured him.
Rose turned to Rupert and Sam, her expression determined. "We're on a mission to make Sarah's summer unforgettable. Let's go over the plan."
"Should we let Julia in on it?" Rupert asked.
Sam shook his head. "Not a good idea. She clearly isn't interested right now."
With Julia absent, the group refocused on making the summer a time of healing, fun, and new beginnings for Sarah.