- Artist Unknown -

There's a special place in my heart that only you can touch -
a place where I can go and feel you near.
Throughout the day I think of you.
I see your smile, hear your voice and in my thoughts you lovingly appear.
The way we love each other makes it hard to be apart
so when I can't hold you in my arms, I hold you in my heart. – By Unknown

 

Part 1: Merry Xmas

 

It was a dark, cold, wintery night. And on that night, everything was eerily silent. Not a sound was heard in the damp, abandoned streets apart from the gushing of snow and wind. It was that time of year again when everyone were indoors, next to the fireplace, celebrating the joyous holiday that was Christmas with their loved ones. Faded chattering and laughter could be heard traveling in the wind. Faint carols and the aroma of warm sweet treats also filled the air. But in all of that happiness, in all of that glee, one figure sat alone on a rocking chair by the window of their two-story house looking out into the shadowy night.

Her eyes were a bright golden yellow with an outlining of brown. They were wide and alert as she scanned the lonely streets of her neighborhood. Her hair was of a dark raven color which glowed under the dimmest of light and flowed down to her back. She was about 5’8 in height and had a voluptuous frame. Her skin was of the palest, smoothest, most beautiful caramel brown.

She was, lovely as he always put it. And every time he spoke that one simple word to her, it made her smile the brightest smile she could muster up. Even after all of this time, every word he uttered pierced her and kept her alert and on edge. There was just always something so captivating and alluring about his voice.

She knew this was some type of obsession, but she didn’t mind because he was just as equally obsessed with her. But now, at the most important time of the year when loved ones were expected to be together, he wasn’t there with her. In fact, she was alone and felt as empty and as deserted as the streets of her neighborhood.

She didn’t know why he chose for them to live there. They clearly didn’t fit in for many obvious reasons and some not so apparent. She always wanted them to live in seclusion, but he always wanted them to be surrounded by others. He enjoyed being around the ‘normals.’ That’s what he called them…their neighbors and everyone else who weren’t like them.

It was a sick thrill, almost like an addiction he couldn’t let go of. He loved being this close to people because it gave him a sense of belonging and placed him on an immeasurable high every time he would inhale all the familiar scents around him.

She loved him, but sometimes he was weird, even for her. They were together for years, countless years, living the best existence they could and she had no complaints…well, that is, until now. Because, here she was…alone…thinking about him and his odd habits, feeling bitter and dejected.

It was almost midnight and he still hadn’t showed up yet. She had been waiting forever for him, his promise of reaching by the crack of the new day weighing heavily on her heart. He never broke his promises to her. No matter how impossible she thought it was for him to keep them, he always came through. So now, she wasn’t only sad, she was concerned, worried even. This would be the closest he ever risked it but he still had time. He still had five minutes. This was his home too. She couldn’t understand what could be more important that was keeping him from being home…with her…on Christmas.

He liked taking trips, going wherever the wind took him. It was part of his nature, part of the explorer in him. But now, she wanted him home.

Glancing at the large grandfather clock resting against the wall, Sasha sighed heavily before gazing at the blazing fireplace. She was impatient as she swayed back and forth on her rocking chair, her bright yellow eyes squinting to see through the falling show outside of her window.

She was without a doubt, fed up of waiting and ready to call it a night. She didn’t care that this would be the first promise he broke to her. She just missed him. But she wasn’t planning on sitting down by the fireplace for the rest of the night.

So, she stood up while brushing her palms down her white robe and stretched lightly, getting ready to head up to their bedroom...

Only, her plans were cut short when a loud howl of wind echoed throughout the house, seeping through the cracks of the front door and window. The trees outside shook violently, depositing a mountain of snow that was otherwise situated on their branches. Then, there was a loud thump before silence took over again.

Cautiously, Sasha’s eyes drifted to the front door as she remained frozen in place. Her suspicions of who it could be making their grand entrance were confirmed when the front door slowly eased open and a dark figure walked in carrying the chill of the night’s air with him.

When the figure slammed the door shut behind him, he dusted off the show from his long black coat and placed down his belongings next to the door.

As if on cue, smoldering cobalt orbs scanned their surroundings until they found exactly what they were looking for. A sly, almost devious smile played across the individual’s face as he examined his better half.

“Did I, make it on time?” He asked, his voice deep and even. “Sorry I’m late…dinner was a little…challenging tonight.” He mused.

Smirking, Sasha glared at the clock and realized that there were only ten seconds left to spare till midnight.

“You barely made it.” She replied with a small smile and he chuckled lightly as a large grin formed on his face. “But you’re safe.”

In the blink of an eye, he crossed the threshold in a puff of smoke and entered the living room to stand before her, his tall, slender stature hovering over her shorter frame. “Well then, Merry Christmas lovely…” He cooed, leaning down to capture her lips in a soft, affectionate kiss before he pulled away.

“Merry Christmas Justin.” Sasha replied, her smile wide and trance-like as she took in his pale ivory skin and short golden brown curls.

“You know…” he began as he removed his coat and tossed it onto the couch, remaining in his black pants and dark red shirt. “I still don’t get why you like to celebrate Christmas. I mean…”

“It’s one of the holidays that people celebrate Justin.” Sasha replied smartly while rolling her eyes at him.

“Yes, I get that love, but so are Thanksgiving, New Years and the fourth of July and all the other holidays in the year.”

“It’s my favorite one.” She retorted before moving around to sit in front of the fireplace.

Following her, Justin chose his next words carefully as he continued to study the love of his life. “Sweetheart, our kind…we don’t really celebrate these holidays. Every day is like a holiday for us in fact.”

Sighing, Sasha glared at the fireplace blazing bright, wishing she could feel and relish in the warmth it provided. “I know, but sometimes I just want to be normal and do normal things…or at least feel like I am. Christmas is a time to share with loved ones and…” but Justin cut her off as he gripped her hand and pulled her up to stand in front of him.

“Babe, we’re not normal…or human for that matter; so it’s not really our right to partake in these celebrations. I get that you love this time of year, but, we can’t have a large family dinner…we’re the only family we have. We can’t eat all of the things people eat or drink their drinks. Sure the presents are a plus, but what do you give someone who already has everything? We don’t sit around telling Christmas stories or sing Christmas carols. We certainly can’t go to church. We can’t even throw a party because half of our neighbors are afraid of us since they think we’re weird….not that I blame them.” Justin chortled lightly as his blues pierced Sasha’s orbs. His large hand caressed her cheek and he held a soft, amiable stare, knowing this was important to her but not quite understanding it.

“Damn it, Justin I know…I know.” Sasha sighed heavily. “There’s really not much that we can do to celebrate but…I’d still like us to try.”

“And I’m ok with that…” drifting off, he gazed around at all of the decorations she had up. There was a Christmas tree fully decorated with a snow angel at the top. There were socks for each of them with their names on it hanging by the stone fireplace and various ornaments around the house. Justin had to give his wife her props. She was most definitely in the Christmas spirit. He wondered if it was even right…considering their origin. Wasn’t that mocking the whole religious part of the holiday?

Caving, he smiled brightly, his pearly whites dazzling Sasha as she awaited his next statement. “Ok love.” Justin began as he glared at her. “We can try…but tell me this…how exactly do Vampires celebrate Christmas?”

Beaming, Sasha gripped Justin’s hand and pulled him to walk with her up the stairs to their bedroom. “I’m glad you asked. I have, some stuff in mind that we could do. But first, I need to change into something warmer since it’s freezing outside.” She explained.

Finding her statement ironic, Justin couldn’t hold back his laughter any longer. “I don’t even know why we bother. This weather is perfect for us. It’s not like the cold affects us in any way.”

“It’s still nice to look the part.”

“Uh huh, well I can’t wait to see what you have in mind. This should be fun...” Justin chuckled, looking forward to how they were going to spend their first few hours of Christmas this year. He knew they would spend daytime in bed, but when the night returned again, he was sure they’d find something else to do before the official day was over.

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