Immortal Embrace (16 page)

Chapter Thirty Eight

Staying

Back at the house, I notice white lights hanging in all the trees that line our driveway, all the way up to the house. I walk in and see the biggest Christmas tree I think has ever been in someone’s home. It is standing beautifully in the family room, right next to the fireplace, perfectly placed in front of the huge bay window. Boxes of decorations are lying everywhere. Everyone appears hard at work decorating the house, hanging mistletoe and stringing garland throughout the huge house.

I see Nathanial sliding down the banister of the grand staircase, and he lands right in front of me. He opens his arms to me. “I think this entitles me to a kiss.”

“What do you mean?” I question, with a slightly puzzled look.

He points just above my head, and I look up.

I am standing under a large bunch of mistletoe. I smile at Nathanial. “I guess it does,” I answer.

With his arms around me, he dips me down and plants a big kiss on me, as if he were Fred Astaire. I giggle like a little girl. “Hey, sweetie. Did you enjoy your time with Ebony? How is she doing?” he inquires.

“She is well. We had a lot of fun. I got to hang out with her sister a little too.”

I love it when he calls me “sweetie,” his little nickname for me. It’s so cute. Just seeing him makes me smile, but I really enjoy seeing him in my family’s home, alone with my family, as if he really does belong.

“What time do I have to return you to your parents?” I ask.

“You don’t. I called and explained that Alexander is helping me with something, and I am allowed to stay the night.” He surprises me with a grin.

“Really?” I say with excitement.

“Yeah. They spoke with Elijah and agreed, once he assured them I would be in a room away from yours.”

We all laugh.

“Cool, I get to keep you.” I move back in to his arms.

“Only for forever.” he whispers.

“You can’t live forever,” I said with a hint of suspicion and a dirty look toward Constance.

“I can if I become like you.” He is very blunt.

“And how would your family feel about that? What would we tell them?” I ask.

“They would understand my decision. They are very supportive,” he begins to appeal.

“What about all your plans? Don’t forget about football, college, and well...life,” I argue.

“Things always happen in life that can change a person’s plans,” he rebuts.

I decide it was not worth the argument and ask, “Can’t we just enjoy things a bit before making any permanent life altering plans?”

“Don’t get that pretty little head of yours in a knot. I am just playing with you.

Alexander told me that would bother you. I am really just teasing. I am sorry. I am quite happy to allow the chips to fall where they may.” He looks at Alexander, and they both snicker.

“What is...oh, never mind. I don’t even want to know.” I give Nathanial a kiss and go to put his gift in a safe place.

When I come back downstairs, I grab some ornaments and begin to help with the decorating. The stereo is playing all our Christmas favorites, and we are all dancing around singing and laughing.

Florence comes out of the kitchen and shouts, “I made some homemade eggnog with a little spiced rum, if anyone wants any.”

We all enjoy a glass. Alcohol, in moderate amounts, is another thing that helps to curb our cravings, and everyone knows eggnog is a Christmas tradition. Thanks to our day crystals, we can partake in such traditions and formalities as Christmas dinner, and traditions are very important to our family.

Isaac decides to make a toast. “Here is to friends, family, home, and eternal love.

Thanks to Nate, another of our family has found love and is complete.”

“Cheers!” everyone shouts.

“So Sophia, on Christmas Eve, my family walks the streets of town and looks at all the lights and decorations. Would you be interested in joining us this year?” Nathanial requests with a glimmer in his eyes.

“I would love to. I was also hoping you could sneak over here on Christmas day for a little while,” I request.

“I didn’t really think about it. I just assumed we would be together on Christmas.

I’m sure I can manage some time away,” he states. “We usually get up and check to see what Santa has left us. Dad makes breakfast, and Mom preps for a huge dinner. We sit around and play games like football and such. Then we eat and the exchange our gifts. I am sure I can sneak out after breakfast.”

“I was also hoping to spend the holidays together, but I did not want to be presumptuous,” I explain.

Once we finish with the decorating, we finalize our plans for Christmas, and then Nathanial sneaks off with Alexander again. I don’t know what to do with myself right now. I feel so giddy knowing that Nathanial is in the house. I just want to see him and hold him. I know I will get my chance in a while. I know when he’s done doing whatever he’s up to with Alexander; he’ll come and find me. I think I’ll wait in my room and have a little down time. Today was pretty busy, and I still have not had the chance to talk to the family about seeing Caspian and Ebony.

I throw in a DVD of The
Christmas Story
, hoping it will put me to sleep since I’ve seen it a hundred times. It is awkward sleeping so much, as I’ve always needed just a small amount of sleep, maybe ninety minutes a day. Lately, I have been resting more and more, maybe because I found what I was looking for and am completely at peace now. Normally, I spend my nights reading, writing, or learning something new. There is so much to do, so why waste it sleeping? I always joke that I can sleep when I am dead.

***

A few hours later, I hear footsteps heading toward my room, followed by a light knock at the door. “May I come in?” Nathanial asks softly.

“No need to ask.” I sit up and run my fingers through my hair, trying to comb it out a bit.

He walks over and sits on the bed next to me. He brushes my hair out of my face and gently kisses my forehead. “Sorry I woke you.”

“No, I am glad you did. Are you and Alexander finished with whatever you were doing?”

“Yep, and you are not getting anything out of me,” he snickers.

“Okay, I won’t ask,” I huff and fold my arms over my chest.

He lies back, and I snuggle right into his arms. I feel so safe and warm with him, like I am right where I belong.

Nathanial is asleep almost immediately, so I just cuddle up to him. I enjoy watching him sleep. He is so peaceful. I only wish I could see into his dreams. I lie wrapped in his warm embrace, enjoying the aroma that is coming from him. It is so intoxicating and tempting. I fully remember the scent from his stabbing and how bad I wanted him. His scent is imprinted in me now. I can imagine it and almost taste it, but it does not pain me any longer. I can easily get lost within the rich bouquet of Nathanial.

I need to get my mind off of his scent and just enjoy being in his arms with him next to me. I decide to pick up a book; closest to me is a compilation of Hemingway’s work called
The Wild Years
. I recall that it was published posthumously. I always enjoy his work, as it speaks to me in a way others don’t. I just finished reading
The Diary of a
Young Girl
by Anne Frank. I think I like that one because I saw with my own eyes the horrible atrocities committed by the Nazis. I can understand what she went through and felt. I relax and enjoy reading my book while the only man I have ever loved sleeps peacefully next to me.

I finish my book and I snuggle in to Nathanial even closer. It feels so right, yet so wrong to be in his arms. I almost feel like it is wrong to be this happy, this in love. I know I don’t deserve him, so I wonder how I am so blessed to have him in my life. I close my eyes and imagine what it would be like to be a mortal again.

In my mind’s eye, I see Nathanial and me enjoying high school and then college together. After both of us get our post-secondary degrees, we move back to Wenham and find jobs. I imagine if I was mortal, we would then begin to plan our wedding.

Nathanial would ask my father for my hand before proposing, and he would plan the most amazing proposal. A small smile comes across my face at the thought of what could have been if I were someone else, and I continue my daydream a little more. After the most amazing wedding and a tropical honeymoon, we come back and announce to our families that I am expecting. Nine months later, I give birth to a handsome little boy, who looks just like his father. As I imagine this perfect life for Nathanial and me, I feel my face become damp. I can feel the tears streaming down my face like never before. I have always wanted children, a little boy of my own, and I picture him being just as amazing as Nathanial.

I have to stop imagining what never will be. I will never be a mother and never have a happy ending. I am grateful for finding love with Nathanial, and I need to focus on now instead of a future that can exist. Christmas is nearing, and that is something I can be happy about, at least for a little while.

Chapter Thirty Nine

Traditions

It’s Christmas Eve, and we have all been busy with party planning. “I think we have it all covered.” I say to Matilda.

“I think you’re right. Things are falling into place,” she responds.

Nathanial got a ride home from Alexander earlier in the day; he wanted some time with his brother. I love how close his family is, especially since so many families today are too busy for one another. That’s not how it is with the McCords. They always make time for family and friends.

***

It is about seven o’clock, time to meet the McCords for a stroll down the streets, I am so honored that Nathanial and his family wants to include me. I make sure I drink before going, to avoid any problems. Everyone is ready to go when I arrive, so we start down the street immediately.

The houses are done up nicely. Every house in town decorated, and it is brilliant.

Food bank donation boxes line the streets throughout the town, and they are overflowing.

“Thank you so much for inviting me. Is the town like this every year?” I ask, imagining this as a piece of heaven. The perfect man is holding me close, and his perfect family is guiding us through a perfect town during the most perfect season of the year.

“Yes, it is tradition for every household to decorate. The town holds a contest every year for the best-dressed house,” Mrs. McCord explains.

“These are amazing. I have never seen a community put so much effort into decorating,” I admit.

“Yes, the holidays are very important around here,” Mrs. McCord replies.

I examine each and every house, and they are all different. Some have thousands of lights, while others have animated reindeer moving to synchronized music. This is so magical, and to experience it with such a wonderful family is a wonder all its own. My every Christmas wish is coming true.

“Sophia, I realize it is short notice, but we would love to have you and your family join us for dinner tomorrow,” Mrs. McCord requests.

“I think that would be wonderful. You do know there are eight of us, right? I don’t want it to be too much trouble.”

“I love to cook. I could probably feed the entire block if I put my mind to it,” she assures me, and everyone nods in agreement with goofy grins on their faces.

I let out a slight giggle and accept the kind holiday invitation on behalf of my family.

“We shall be there then. Thank you so much for the invitation.”

We continue around the neighborhood and make our way back to the McCord residence.

“Would you care to join us for some eggnog, Sophia?” Mrs. McCord invites.

“Yes, I would enjoy that. Thank you.”

Inside the house, Mr. McCord starts a fire, as his wife pours the beverages. I assist her in serving.

“Thank you, Sophia. Your parents should be very proud of you. I believe you are a fine young woman,” she compliments.

“I believe they are. Thank you again.”

“Why don’t you tell us a little more about yourself? Luke mentioned that you told him and Nate you were adopted from Italy?”

“Yes. Alexander, my twin brother, and I were adopted by the Pierce family years ago. We were a little older, so we still remember our biological family. We could not have asked for a better family to join though.”

Nathanial’s mother smiles. “May I ask what happened that they were able to adopt you?”

“Of course you may. Back in Italy, there was a terrible accident that made us available to the Pierces. We were very lucky they found us.” My explanation holds truth, albeit lacking a little detail.

“I bet they believe they are the lucky ones.” She pats my knee.

“So what about your family? What can you tell me about you?” I ask, trying to draw her attention away from my family.

“There really is nothing exciting about us. Arthur and I fell in love about twenty-five years ago. We had known of one another but never spoke until we had English class together.” She smiles lovingly at her husband.

“She had me at hello,” Mr. McCord says, and they both chuckle.

I wonder what is so funny. I think it is sweet.

“Dad, enough with the movie quotes.” Nathanial shakes his head.

Luke smiles. “Sorry, Sophia. Our parents are movie freaks and can turn almost any conversation into some kind of script.”

“Yes, I suppose they’re right about that. In my defense, though, the moment I first heard that line, I knew it described how I felt and still feel about your mother.”

“That is cute!” I smile at the dream of everlasting love.

***

Christmas morning, Nathanial shows up just after breakfast as he promised. Luke drove him and left to go help his mother prepare for the evening dinner for twelve. I would have loved to introduce Luke to my family, but they will meet him tonight. I hold Nathanial’s hand and lead him inside.

He seems to feel very comfortable here. “Merry Christmas, everyone,” he announces.

“And to you as well, Nate” Florence returns the gesture.

A smile beams across my face as I watch the man I love walk to each member of my family and hug and kiss them. He really does belong with us and is the perfect fit.

Once the formalities are complete, Constance readies her camera. On the tripod stand she sets the timer to take a picture. “Okay, Nate. Time for one of our Christmas traditions. Every year, we gather in front of the tree and take a family picture.”

“That sounds great. I will take the picture for you.”

“Nate, we want you in the picture. You belong with us.” Florence says, and with a evil look from me, “even if only for a short amount of time,” She adds.

“Well, thanks. I am so glad you feel that way. I also believe I belong.”

The entire family, along with Nathanial, stands in front of our tree, and we smile for our newest Christmas picture.

“Why doesn’t everyone find a seat around the tree so we can open our gifts?”

Florence suggests.

The entire family finds a spot. Matilda and Alexander sit side by side on the floor, as do Nathanial and I. The older members sit on the couch, and Danika is in front of the tree, ready to play Santa.

“Another tradition we have, Nathanial, is that the youngest member gets to play Santa and pass out all the gifts,” Elijah explains.

“You must be relieved to pass on that tradition, Sophia. What? You did it for like a hundred years or something?” Nathanial asks.

“Yeah, something like that. I am glad to sit back and enjoy things a little more now.”

“As much as I want to go first, you are our guest, Nate, so I guess you can start.”

Danika hands him the first gift. “This is from me.”

Nathanial appears surprised that the entire family has gifts for him.

“You shouldn’t be so surprised, Nate. We told you that you are part of this family now, and we exchange gifts in this family,” Alexander explains.

He smiles and rips the paper off the box. A huge grin beams across his face as he pulls out a Patriots jersey and a certificate for name embroidering. “Thanks, Danika.

This is so cool. How did you know I like the Pats?”

“Well, they are the closest football team to Salem, and you are a football nut. It was a lucky guess.” She smile and winks at me.

“Yeah, I kinda am. Thanks so much. I love it,” he says excitedly.

We all take turns opening gifts of clothing, jewelry, and so on. Matilda and Alexander give me the entire Nickelback CD library so I can become more accustomed to Nathanial’s favorite band. I get some really great gifts, but I think my best gift is Nathanial. I really do not need anything more. He is everything I could ever wish for. I look over my shoulder at the man sitting next to me, and I realize again that he is so perfect.

Nathanial is so elated as he opens his gift from Matilda and Alexander. “I can’t believe you got me a designer pair of jeans, shirt, and this great sweater. It is way too much,” he says as he puts the sweater on right away. He looks great in it, not that he needs the help, but the sweater suits him perfectly. “You have got to be kidding me.” he screams. “Season tickets for the Patriots, plus the few games left for this season? I just can’t believe it. This is amazing. Thank you, everyone.” he screams as he begins to jump around like an over caffeinated monkey.

We nearly die of laughter.

“I think we did well!” Constance jokes.

“You did great! I can’t wait to wear my new jersey to a live game.”

“I told my family the New England Patriots is your favorite NFL team and that you have never seen a live game. I knew it would be something you would enjoy. They loved the idea, and we feel so bad that your football season ended early because of our kind.”

“This is the best. Thank you again and again. It could not get any better.”

“Well, Nate, you are not finished yet. This is from Elijah and Florence.” Danika hands him a small box with a small green bow.

He opens it and looks confused. “It is a key, but for what?”

“The other part of your gift is over here. Follow me.” Elijah leads Nathanial to the garage.

We all follow, and I hold Nathanial’s hand, he has a puzzled look on his face and keeps looking at me with a questioning look. I just smile and say, “You’ll see.”

Once the door to the garage is opened and we are all inside, Florence flips the lights on and there, with a big green ribbon, is a shiny new Honda Insight just for him.

“Oh my God! This is way too much. I can’t...you can’t be serious. Your family has been way too generous already.”

“But you can. We spoke with your parents, and they agreed to allow us to give this to you. You can’t always borrow your mom’s car, and you need to get to those Patriots games. We stretched the truth a little and explained that this is my car, but I do not like it and it is just sitting here. Now it’s yours,” Elijah insists and adds, “I suggested it would also be a good idea because of the distance between our houses, and I did not want Sophia to be driving you all the time, and being out late alone.”

We all huff and chuckle at that.

“I don’t know what to say. Thank you so much. This is unbelievable! I love the color, I don’t think I have ever seen anything like it before.” Nathanial is in complete shock, and we can all see it on his face.

“It is a pretty neat car. It is a hybrid, and the color is sky blue. We asked for green, but they don’t offer that color, so this was the next best choice,” Elijah says.

“It is great. Thank you. I just don’t know what to say.”

“Let’s go back inside. You still have my gift to open.” I tug at him after he does all the man things like looking under the hood and trying out the stereo.

Everyone heads back inside.

I stand in front of the gigantic spruce tree we decorated just a few nights earlier. I hold a small black box in my hands; it is wrapped with a red ribbon. “I found you less than four months ago, but I feel complete with you around. I want to protect you so that I can treasure you for every possible moment we have together.” I smile and continue,

“This gift is my way of keeping you safe.” I hand him the box, lean in, and give him a small kiss.

He opens it slowly and looks at the contents carefully. “This is amazing! I love it. But I don’t understand. How will a watch keep me safe?” Once again, he looks a little puzzled.

“Ebony and her sister put a protection spell on it. No supernatural power will be able to penetrate the protective field that surrounds you when you wear this, unless you willingly allow it to pass through,” I explain.

“So Alexander can’t read my mind now?”

“Not unless you want him to,” I confirm.

Nathanial puts the watch on his left wrist.

“Okay, Alexander. Try it out.” I order.

Alexander tries to see what Nathanial is thinking, and he trying to show him what he is thinking. The rest of us can see his frustration, and we laugh.

“Nothing. I can’t get a thing.” Alexander says with frustration.

“Okay. Now Nate, do you want him to see what you are thinking?” I suggest.

“There we go. I got it. Yeah, it is pretty cool,” Alexander agrees with what Nathanial is thinking.

“Now just a second. I know you told me about witches, but Ebony?” Nathanial seems a little surprised.

“Sorry. Ebony and her sister are two of the most powerful witches in the world, but things shouldn’t surprise you anymore. Anything is possible, and at this rate, I am not sure how much more you can take,” I reply.

“Yeah, I am starting to see that now. It is all very surprising though. I guess all that talk about her around school is true then”

“Yes, it is all true, but some students paint her being a witch as a bad thing. Her family is very amazing, and I promise you will learn more about them soon.”

He moves closer to me and gives me the sweetest, softest kiss ever. “This watch is amazing, just what I wanted. I love you, sweetie.”

“I love you too!” I sneak another kiss.

“I guess it is time for your gift now.” He smiles excitedly as he walks to the tree and pulls out a small box wrapped in shiny red paper.

I rip the paper off in excitement. I examine the small wooden box. It is the most beautiful thing I have ever seen. Two colors of wood blend together, intertwined like two folded hands, to make the creation. It looks handmade, sculpted from the finest wood. I can even smell the fresh woody scent of the timber. One side has our names engraved in to it: SOPHIA AND NATHANIAL. The other side two words perfectly inscribed: FOR ETERNITY. After admiring the box for a moment, I open the lid. Inside is a small red gem shaped like a heart, a ruby, placed delicately in the center of a white gold setting, just like my necklace and day crystal, but a ring. The gold wraps around into two half circles as if hugging the heart forming the setting of the ring. In the lid of the box is a small note that reads, “I give you my heart to have and protect. All my love, Nate.” I am completely speechless. It is amazing, just like Nathanial.

“Alexander helped my vision come to life. May I help you put it on?” Nathanial asks.

I nod, and Nathanial takes the ring and places it on my left ring finger.