Miracle at Number 25
It all happened so fast. The touch of her skin on mine was like silk. Her breath was like the warmth of the sun on a beautiful clear day. Then everything
went hard, freezing cold. The Christmas lights slowly burning out on by one. Her body was still. Too still.
I ran my hand down from her lips to her ankles. Feeling nothing but cold. Her blue eyes starring at the ceiling, unmoving. I bit my lip as I carefully moved
of her, wrapping the blanket around my waist. Standing by the sofa, starring at her, not believing what I saw.
“It was not your fault my friend.” I heard him say “She did this to herself.”
“But why Shane?” I asked, fighting the tears.
“Because she was unhappy.”
“Unhappy? Why?”
"Because she had to choose. It was either me or you.”
I swallowed hard “She didn’t need to choose.” I said through gritted teeth. “If she only followed her heart.”
“She tried. But her heart pointed to someone else. If anything Kian, it was my fault.”
I turned my head so I could face him. He was standing in the doorway, both hands against the wooden frame. He was weak, had been for the last few weeks. To say I’m worried was understatement.
“Why would this be your fault?” I asked
“I helped her. She begged me every time and was only satisfied when the pain ceased. I did not like doing it Kian. It lies heavy on my heart. Even more doing so knowing your intensions.”
“Don’t let it play on you Shane. Surely there’s a chance to change her?”
Shane shook his head sadly “I’m afraid not Kian. She made sure this doing will keep her dead. She said she did not want to be un-dead. It was either dead
or alive but nothing in between.”
“ ‘Tis the season to be merry, or so they say. We’ve got guest coming, people to change. We’ll move her body wrapped in blankets to the greenhouse. Only when things are settled shall we deal with her.”
“Shouldn’t her parents know?”
“After the holidays they will. For now they have had a fight and know their daughter is here. Never certain that she’s safe but they accept her company. Now Shane, the blankets.”
Shane nodded and left. I watched him walk up the stairs very slowly, using the banister to help him. Perhaps it is the regret on his heart that is making
him so weak. Seems logical. But I have never seen him regret anything as badly like this.
I took a deep breath and looked at the unmoving body. One tear escaped and rolled down my cheek. Why did this have to happen? Why now?
Her body was now safe in the Greenhow. Shane and I moved slowly, both feeling the weight on our shoulders.
“Did she suffer much pain?” I asked when we got in the kitchen.
“Not much.” Said Shane “But enough to make her scream. I will say now, I’ve been covering her mouth with my hand. Just to stop her.”
I nod once. She did not suffer much tonight. Her face was peaceful, enjoying the contact of our bodies while we moved as one. I was fooled by her expression. Thinking she was coming to an end like I. But no. We did not reach that far.
“We have some decisions to make.” Said Shane, interrupting my thoughts “After we enjoy ourselves, who would take who?”
“We’ll decide when the time comes.” I said “I may ask Byrne to do it for me. I do not think I’m in the state to do it.”
“Byrne goes too far. So does Feehily. It is only you and I who can do it Kian.”
“I’ll supervise him. Tell him when to stop.”
“Why can not you do it?”
Shane looked at me through narrowed eyes. He knew the truth but didn’t know how deep I had fallen. “I am shaken Shane. Under this condition anything could go wrong. I could easily kill without intending to. I do not want to take that chance. Not tonight.”
"As long as it Byrne. He has some more self control than Feehily, though not much.”
I nod and left the room.
Wine glasses being clinked, excited chatter all around. The gentle sound of Dionne Warwick singing ‘It’s beginning to look like Christmas’ in the
background. I slipped away from this festive party and walked down the twisted stone path to the greenhouse. Where it stood, no one knew it was there. No one would look out of the window and see the pile of blankets that wasn’t there yesterday.
I slid opened the door and went in. My slightly shaking hand ran up from her toes to her neck. I stopped. I knew if Shane was stronger he would have read my mind, knew I was here. He would tell me no, to come back to the party. I tried telling myself that. Started to have a small conversation, knowing what Shane would say. However, he could always persuade me easier than I could ever persuade myself.
With a firm grip on the blanket, I pulled it of, revealing the face that shall haunt me so. My finger brushing a strand of hair from her eyes. Then
tracing her cheek, her jaw line, her chin. Going up to touch her now blue lips. I swallowed hard, resisting the urge of kissing her.
“I’m sorry my love.” I said in a low whisper, so low that I question myself if I had actually said it. “I did not plan this. I did not know the full
consequences of this. I did warn you. I felt like I was warning myself most of the time. You were so carefree about this. Did not care about costs. Only cared about being with me. I had fallen, yes, but I had no idea how deep. Not until you chose me over your parents. You knew then this was your last week. But I ask you now, knowing I will never know, why? Not why you did this, but why me and not your parents?”
“Because they didn’t understand her.”
I turned my head quickly, angrily and saw Shane leaning against the door with his arms folded.
“What the hell are you doing here?” I asked
“People are looking for you. When Feehily said he did not find you in your room, I knew you would be here.”
“What do you mean they did not understand?”
“Her relationship with us. More importantly, with you. Once her dad put two and two together, he lost it. He banned us both from the house remember?”
“Yes. I thought it was because he hated us.”
“Yes. And also knew very well what we are. Afraid his only daughter, only child, would chose our path.”
“How do you know this?”
“She told me. Told me before asking for the…” Shane trailed of.
I closed my eyes and sighed deeply. Turning my head away from him I though: she would rather tell my best friend than me. Why?
“I’m sorry Kian. You had fallen deeply for her but she could return the deepness of feelings back to you. She saw me more than just a best friend of her
lover.”
His talent really began to irritate me. I clenched my hands into fists and said “You do know there is a thing of too much information? But am I to get this
straight: you two went behind my back?”
“Never Kian! Never once could I love her. She was yours, I know my ground. She teased, I teased, yes, but nothing came anywhere near. I admire her beauty but what man on this Earth wouldn’t? You’re a very lucky man Kian.”
“How long have you been standing there?” I asked, changing the subject.
“Long enough. It’s time Kian.”
I nodded and gently covered her soft and yet cold face. We left the greenhouse, closing the door behind us.
“I don’t know why they chose this night to change.” Said Shane, breaking the silence. “They will be spending Christmas day in pain.”
“It is their Christmas wish Shane.” I said “After tonight Nicky and Mark will live eternity with their loves. One thing I hope for you and Bex.”
“I doubt that very much. I feel our love is floating on very thin ice.”
“If you believe that, then it is true.”
“Meaning?”
“Meaning, if you believe your love is gone then it is. There’s no need to continue torturing yourself. But I believe Bex still loves you and always
will.”
We stopped at the back door and face each other. Concern was on his face. I place my hand on his shoulder and he nodded weakly. We went in and immediately the music, the chatter stopped. There’s no turning back. Not now.
“Shane will deal with Christina, while myself and Nicky will deal with Monique.” I said
I saw the confused faces being exchanged. I knew Nicky and Mark wanted to be there when the change begins. And the change always begins with a bite.
“I am unable to do it tonight.” I explained “I am shaken after recent events, and for that, I do not trust myself. Nicky, you are to change Monique.”
If he wasn’t already white, Nicky would be now.
“You know I can not do it!” Said Nicky in a trembling voice “I am sure to kill her,”
“I will tell you when to stop. Let me tell you a little story. I tried to change the people I loved but always killed them. Shane is my first success
story. Then Mark. Then you. Even Shane shares his fair few. You need to make the mistakes to learn. I trust you. I am sure they do to.”
I nodded in the direction of Mark, Monique and Christina. Christina smiled encouragingly, gently placing her hand on his arm. Mark nodded once, twice,
three times. Monique looked at him with sad eyes but nodded all the same.
“You can do it Nicky.” Said Christina quietly “It’s Christmas after all. A time for miracles, no matter how small.”
“What about you?” asked Nicky, turning to face her and hold her in his arms. “I promised to be there.”
“And you will be. As soon as you do Monique you can join me. As long as you are there for the longest part, it does not matter about the bite.”
Nicky sighed and kissed her on the lips. “Okay. I’ll shall be there no matter what. I was not left alone and neither shall you.”
Christina smiled and buried her head into his chest. As Nicky wrapped his arms around her back, he looked at me and nodded.
Through out the house there were screams. Mark was with Monique, trying to comfort her. Nicky doing the same with Christina.
“Never fun doing it.” Said Shane as he wiped away the blood. “But sometimes you have no choice.”
“No we don’t.” I said “But they do. And it is what they asked for.”
“Did I have a choice? You never told me.”
“You were dying. You begged me to stop the pain. I only did what I knew. Afraid I would fail. However, you were quick to change.”
“Because I was already in pain.”
“Because you were already dead when I bit you.”
He looked at me with an expressionless face. I did not want to tell him, but he wanted to know.
“Will the girls be quick?” Shane asked
“We’ll soon see Shane.”
“If she had asked for the same present, would you have given it to her?”
I starred at him. That was enough for him to drop the towel in the sink and leave the kitchen. If she had asked, yes. But she didn’t. If she had asked,
things would have played out differently tonight.
I lay awake on my bed, listening to the silent house. I heard Mark whisper “Be quiet my love, you need to rest.” Monique giggles under his weight and taped his nose playfully.
“I thought we do not sleep.” she said
“We do. On occasion.”
“I’m too excited to sleep.”
“Maybe this will tire you out.” Mark covered her lips with his own and I pulled away.
In another room down the hall, Nicky had a protective arm around a sleeping Christina’s waist. He was wide awake, his mind going over tonight’s events.
Well done Nicky. I said when I opened a channel with him I’m very proud of you my son.
Do not make me do that again. Said Nicky Especially not at Christmas.
I am sorry. My own mind is troubled right now.
Mind telling me what about?
In due time Nicky. For now, let’s sleep. Enjoy what tomorrow has install.
Nicky closed his eyes and our link was gone. I did not search for Shane, for he was out my reach. Wondering around somewhere in the cold night air. I closed my own eyes and waited for sleep to come.
“Merry Christmas Kian.” Said Mark as he placed a hand on my shoulder.
“Merry Christmas. Managed to get some sleep?” I asked when I put the newspaper I was reading down on the table.
A twinkle came into his eyes when he said “Eventually. Monique does not tire quickly.”
We heard Monique giggle and saw her and Christina come in the kitchen with Nicky behind them. “Merry Christmas guys.” Said Nicky
“Merry Christmas.” Mark and I said together.
“Where’s Shane?”
“Went for a walk last night.” I explained “But he has not returned. To say I’m worried…” I trailed of as we heard the back door open.
Shane joined us but did not say anything. His eyes were droopy and he sniffed. If he felt our eyes on him, he did not show any signs of being
uncomfortable. He shook his head, more in dismay than anything else. The he said “Her house is for sale. Can’t believe that.”
“Who’s house?” Asked Mark
“Bex. Went over there, just to see her. Stopped when I saw the sign. Sat on the wall opposite, starring at her window. Hoping, just hoping.”
“If there is anything you need to know Shane, I am sure she will tell you. Considering it’s the holidays, she will not tell you for she will be afraid to
spoil your fun.” I said
“Forget the holidays! What good is Christmas without the one you love?”
I folded my arms across my chest and starred at him. “Sometimes, being a part can make you love grow stronger.” Said Monique “Look at me and Mark.”
“Remember when I thought Monique was moving?” asked Mark “Turned out it was just her parents moving. She was too shy to ask if she could move in with me. Don’t judge the book by cover Shane.”
“Easy for you to say.” Said Shane
The room fell silent. Shane looked down at the table, playing with his fingers. Christina was leaning against Nicky with his arms wrapped around her
waist. Mark had his arm around Monique’s shoulder while she rested her head on his shoulder. The only sound was our breathing. I broke that with a long deep sigh.
“Considering it’s Christmas, you are a gloomy lot.” I hear her voice say.
My eyes went straight to the back door. My body froze when I saw her. She was the same. Everything about her was the same. Only difference, she was white.
“Sally?” I asked, disbelieving what my eyes saw.
She laughed her sweet, musical laugh. “Why doubt what you see?”
“Because…”
“Because? Don’t be so easily fooled.”
“Sally! I thought you were… We put you out in the…”
“I know. There are such things as miracles.”
“And I suppose this is one?”
“Why don’t you find out?”
Sally held out her hands at arms length. After a while of just staring at her, I stood up and went over to her. I took her hands in mind and immediately
felt the cold. Her lips found mine, I hesitated before I returned the kissed. Quickly it turned into passion, to hunger. But I pulled away and looked in her
eyes.
“How?” I asked “I believed…”
“Someone heard your wish. They brought me back.” Sally said
I shook my head. “You did not want to join us.”
“Not in that way. Not having to choose. If things could go the way Christina and Monique wanted, why did it have to be different for me? Why did I have to
chose? Why couldn’t I have my boyfriend do it?”
“Because he has fallen too deep. The risk of things going wrong was too high. And I thought…”
“Maybe there was a time when I fell for him. But you are the one I love Kian.”
I starred at her. Still unable to believe my love is standing before me. Her now cold hands fitting safely in mine. A small, but yet happy smile gracing her
lips. I resister the urge of touching her all over and squeezed her hands gently.
“Welcome back Sally.” I heard Shane say.
“Welcome back?” Asked Nicky, confused “What do you mean?”
“I’ll explain later. For now lets leave them alone.”
I heard the chair move and footsteps across the kitchen floor. Then all was silent. The gentle sound of our breathing, the soft humming of the fridge was
all there was to hear.
“I can not believe this.” I said, swallowing the lump that had formed.
Sally smiled. Her soft hand gently placed itself on my cheek. Then her finger ran across my lips. She kissed me softly and to quickly pulled away.
“Merry Christmas Mr. Egan.” She said, her eyes twinkling.
Seeing that twinkle in her eyes, pushed all thoughts and doubts aside. Sally was truly standing there, holding my hand, stroking my cheek.
“Merry Christmas my love.” I said and we kissed for the last time before losing all control.
The End.
went hard, freezing cold. The Christmas lights slowly burning out on by one. Her body was still. Too still.
I ran my hand down from her lips to her ankles. Feeling nothing but cold. Her blue eyes starring at the ceiling, unmoving. I bit my lip as I carefully moved
of her, wrapping the blanket around my waist. Standing by the sofa, starring at her, not believing what I saw.
“It was not your fault my friend.” I heard him say “She did this to herself.”
“But why Shane?” I asked, fighting the tears.
“Because she was unhappy.”
“Unhappy? Why?”
"Because she had to choose. It was either me or you.”
I swallowed hard “She didn’t need to choose.” I said through gritted teeth. “If she only followed her heart.”
“She tried. But her heart pointed to someone else. If anything Kian, it was my fault.”
I turned my head so I could face him. He was standing in the doorway, both hands against the wooden frame. He was weak, had been for the last few weeks. To say I’m worried was understatement.
“Why would this be your fault?” I asked
“I helped her. She begged me every time and was only satisfied when the pain ceased. I did not like doing it Kian. It lies heavy on my heart. Even more doing so knowing your intensions.”
“Don’t let it play on you Shane. Surely there’s a chance to change her?”
Shane shook his head sadly “I’m afraid not Kian. She made sure this doing will keep her dead. She said she did not want to be un-dead. It was either dead
or alive but nothing in between.”
“ ‘Tis the season to be merry, or so they say. We’ve got guest coming, people to change. We’ll move her body wrapped in blankets to the greenhouse. Only when things are settled shall we deal with her.”
“Shouldn’t her parents know?”
“After the holidays they will. For now they have had a fight and know their daughter is here. Never certain that she’s safe but they accept her company. Now Shane, the blankets.”
Shane nodded and left. I watched him walk up the stairs very slowly, using the banister to help him. Perhaps it is the regret on his heart that is making
him so weak. Seems logical. But I have never seen him regret anything as badly like this.
I took a deep breath and looked at the unmoving body. One tear escaped and rolled down my cheek. Why did this have to happen? Why now?
Her body was now safe in the Greenhow. Shane and I moved slowly, both feeling the weight on our shoulders.
“Did she suffer much pain?” I asked when we got in the kitchen.
“Not much.” Said Shane “But enough to make her scream. I will say now, I’ve been covering her mouth with my hand. Just to stop her.”
I nod once. She did not suffer much tonight. Her face was peaceful, enjoying the contact of our bodies while we moved as one. I was fooled by her expression. Thinking she was coming to an end like I. But no. We did not reach that far.
“We have some decisions to make.” Said Shane, interrupting my thoughts “After we enjoy ourselves, who would take who?”
“We’ll decide when the time comes.” I said “I may ask Byrne to do it for me. I do not think I’m in the state to do it.”
“Byrne goes too far. So does Feehily. It is only you and I who can do it Kian.”
“I’ll supervise him. Tell him when to stop.”
“Why can not you do it?”
Shane looked at me through narrowed eyes. He knew the truth but didn’t know how deep I had fallen. “I am shaken Shane. Under this condition anything could go wrong. I could easily kill without intending to. I do not want to take that chance. Not tonight.”
"As long as it Byrne. He has some more self control than Feehily, though not much.”
I nod and left the room.
Wine glasses being clinked, excited chatter all around. The gentle sound of Dionne Warwick singing ‘It’s beginning to look like Christmas’ in the
background. I slipped away from this festive party and walked down the twisted stone path to the greenhouse. Where it stood, no one knew it was there. No one would look out of the window and see the pile of blankets that wasn’t there yesterday.
I slid opened the door and went in. My slightly shaking hand ran up from her toes to her neck. I stopped. I knew if Shane was stronger he would have read my mind, knew I was here. He would tell me no, to come back to the party. I tried telling myself that. Started to have a small conversation, knowing what Shane would say. However, he could always persuade me easier than I could ever persuade myself.
With a firm grip on the blanket, I pulled it of, revealing the face that shall haunt me so. My finger brushing a strand of hair from her eyes. Then
tracing her cheek, her jaw line, her chin. Going up to touch her now blue lips. I swallowed hard, resisting the urge of kissing her.
“I’m sorry my love.” I said in a low whisper, so low that I question myself if I had actually said it. “I did not plan this. I did not know the full
consequences of this. I did warn you. I felt like I was warning myself most of the time. You were so carefree about this. Did not care about costs. Only cared about being with me. I had fallen, yes, but I had no idea how deep. Not until you chose me over your parents. You knew then this was your last week. But I ask you now, knowing I will never know, why? Not why you did this, but why me and not your parents?”
“Because they didn’t understand her.”
I turned my head quickly, angrily and saw Shane leaning against the door with his arms folded.
“What the hell are you doing here?” I asked
“People are looking for you. When Feehily said he did not find you in your room, I knew you would be here.”
“What do you mean they did not understand?”
“Her relationship with us. More importantly, with you. Once her dad put two and two together, he lost it. He banned us both from the house remember?”
“Yes. I thought it was because he hated us.”
“Yes. And also knew very well what we are. Afraid his only daughter, only child, would chose our path.”
“How do you know this?”
“She told me. Told me before asking for the…” Shane trailed of.
I closed my eyes and sighed deeply. Turning my head away from him I though: she would rather tell my best friend than me. Why?
“I’m sorry Kian. You had fallen deeply for her but she could return the deepness of feelings back to you. She saw me more than just a best friend of her
lover.”
His talent really began to irritate me. I clenched my hands into fists and said “You do know there is a thing of too much information? But am I to get this
straight: you two went behind my back?”
“Never Kian! Never once could I love her. She was yours, I know my ground. She teased, I teased, yes, but nothing came anywhere near. I admire her beauty but what man on this Earth wouldn’t? You’re a very lucky man Kian.”
“How long have you been standing there?” I asked, changing the subject.
“Long enough. It’s time Kian.”
I nodded and gently covered her soft and yet cold face. We left the greenhouse, closing the door behind us.
“I don’t know why they chose this night to change.” Said Shane, breaking the silence. “They will be spending Christmas day in pain.”
“It is their Christmas wish Shane.” I said “After tonight Nicky and Mark will live eternity with their loves. One thing I hope for you and Bex.”
“I doubt that very much. I feel our love is floating on very thin ice.”
“If you believe that, then it is true.”
“Meaning?”
“Meaning, if you believe your love is gone then it is. There’s no need to continue torturing yourself. But I believe Bex still loves you and always
will.”
We stopped at the back door and face each other. Concern was on his face. I place my hand on his shoulder and he nodded weakly. We went in and immediately the music, the chatter stopped. There’s no turning back. Not now.
“Shane will deal with Christina, while myself and Nicky will deal with Monique.” I said
I saw the confused faces being exchanged. I knew Nicky and Mark wanted to be there when the change begins. And the change always begins with a bite.
“I am unable to do it tonight.” I explained “I am shaken after recent events, and for that, I do not trust myself. Nicky, you are to change Monique.”
If he wasn’t already white, Nicky would be now.
“You know I can not do it!” Said Nicky in a trembling voice “I am sure to kill her,”
“I will tell you when to stop. Let me tell you a little story. I tried to change the people I loved but always killed them. Shane is my first success
story. Then Mark. Then you. Even Shane shares his fair few. You need to make the mistakes to learn. I trust you. I am sure they do to.”
I nodded in the direction of Mark, Monique and Christina. Christina smiled encouragingly, gently placing her hand on his arm. Mark nodded once, twice,
three times. Monique looked at him with sad eyes but nodded all the same.
“You can do it Nicky.” Said Christina quietly “It’s Christmas after all. A time for miracles, no matter how small.”
“What about you?” asked Nicky, turning to face her and hold her in his arms. “I promised to be there.”
“And you will be. As soon as you do Monique you can join me. As long as you are there for the longest part, it does not matter about the bite.”
Nicky sighed and kissed her on the lips. “Okay. I’ll shall be there no matter what. I was not left alone and neither shall you.”
Christina smiled and buried her head into his chest. As Nicky wrapped his arms around her back, he looked at me and nodded.
Through out the house there were screams. Mark was with Monique, trying to comfort her. Nicky doing the same with Christina.
“Never fun doing it.” Said Shane as he wiped away the blood. “But sometimes you have no choice.”
“No we don’t.” I said “But they do. And it is what they asked for.”
“Did I have a choice? You never told me.”
“You were dying. You begged me to stop the pain. I only did what I knew. Afraid I would fail. However, you were quick to change.”
“Because I was already in pain.”
“Because you were already dead when I bit you.”
He looked at me with an expressionless face. I did not want to tell him, but he wanted to know.
“Will the girls be quick?” Shane asked
“We’ll soon see Shane.”
“If she had asked for the same present, would you have given it to her?”
I starred at him. That was enough for him to drop the towel in the sink and leave the kitchen. If she had asked, yes. But she didn’t. If she had asked,
things would have played out differently tonight.
I lay awake on my bed, listening to the silent house. I heard Mark whisper “Be quiet my love, you need to rest.” Monique giggles under his weight and taped his nose playfully.
“I thought we do not sleep.” she said
“We do. On occasion.”
“I’m too excited to sleep.”
“Maybe this will tire you out.” Mark covered her lips with his own and I pulled away.
In another room down the hall, Nicky had a protective arm around a sleeping Christina’s waist. He was wide awake, his mind going over tonight’s events.
Well done Nicky. I said when I opened a channel with him I’m very proud of you my son.
Do not make me do that again. Said Nicky Especially not at Christmas.
I am sorry. My own mind is troubled right now.
Mind telling me what about?
In due time Nicky. For now, let’s sleep. Enjoy what tomorrow has install.
Nicky closed his eyes and our link was gone. I did not search for Shane, for he was out my reach. Wondering around somewhere in the cold night air. I closed my own eyes and waited for sleep to come.
“Merry Christmas Kian.” Said Mark as he placed a hand on my shoulder.
“Merry Christmas. Managed to get some sleep?” I asked when I put the newspaper I was reading down on the table.
A twinkle came into his eyes when he said “Eventually. Monique does not tire quickly.”
We heard Monique giggle and saw her and Christina come in the kitchen with Nicky behind them. “Merry Christmas guys.” Said Nicky
“Merry Christmas.” Mark and I said together.
“Where’s Shane?”
“Went for a walk last night.” I explained “But he has not returned. To say I’m worried…” I trailed of as we heard the back door open.
Shane joined us but did not say anything. His eyes were droopy and he sniffed. If he felt our eyes on him, he did not show any signs of being
uncomfortable. He shook his head, more in dismay than anything else. The he said “Her house is for sale. Can’t believe that.”
“Who’s house?” Asked Mark
“Bex. Went over there, just to see her. Stopped when I saw the sign. Sat on the wall opposite, starring at her window. Hoping, just hoping.”
“If there is anything you need to know Shane, I am sure she will tell you. Considering it’s the holidays, she will not tell you for she will be afraid to
spoil your fun.” I said
“Forget the holidays! What good is Christmas without the one you love?”
I folded my arms across my chest and starred at him. “Sometimes, being a part can make you love grow stronger.” Said Monique “Look at me and Mark.”
“Remember when I thought Monique was moving?” asked Mark “Turned out it was just her parents moving. She was too shy to ask if she could move in with me. Don’t judge the book by cover Shane.”
“Easy for you to say.” Said Shane
The room fell silent. Shane looked down at the table, playing with his fingers. Christina was leaning against Nicky with his arms wrapped around her
waist. Mark had his arm around Monique’s shoulder while she rested her head on his shoulder. The only sound was our breathing. I broke that with a long deep sigh.
“Considering it’s Christmas, you are a gloomy lot.” I hear her voice say.
My eyes went straight to the back door. My body froze when I saw her. She was the same. Everything about her was the same. Only difference, she was white.
“Sally?” I asked, disbelieving what my eyes saw.
She laughed her sweet, musical laugh. “Why doubt what you see?”
“Because…”
“Because? Don’t be so easily fooled.”
“Sally! I thought you were… We put you out in the…”
“I know. There are such things as miracles.”
“And I suppose this is one?”
“Why don’t you find out?”
Sally held out her hands at arms length. After a while of just staring at her, I stood up and went over to her. I took her hands in mind and immediately
felt the cold. Her lips found mine, I hesitated before I returned the kissed. Quickly it turned into passion, to hunger. But I pulled away and looked in her
eyes.
“How?” I asked “I believed…”
“Someone heard your wish. They brought me back.” Sally said
I shook my head. “You did not want to join us.”
“Not in that way. Not having to choose. If things could go the way Christina and Monique wanted, why did it have to be different for me? Why did I have to
chose? Why couldn’t I have my boyfriend do it?”
“Because he has fallen too deep. The risk of things going wrong was too high. And I thought…”
“Maybe there was a time when I fell for him. But you are the one I love Kian.”
I starred at her. Still unable to believe my love is standing before me. Her now cold hands fitting safely in mine. A small, but yet happy smile gracing her
lips. I resister the urge of touching her all over and squeezed her hands gently.
“Welcome back Sally.” I heard Shane say.
“Welcome back?” Asked Nicky, confused “What do you mean?”
“I’ll explain later. For now lets leave them alone.”
I heard the chair move and footsteps across the kitchen floor. Then all was silent. The gentle sound of our breathing, the soft humming of the fridge was
all there was to hear.
“I can not believe this.” I said, swallowing the lump that had formed.
Sally smiled. Her soft hand gently placed itself on my cheek. Then her finger ran across my lips. She kissed me softly and to quickly pulled away.
“Merry Christmas Mr. Egan.” She said, her eyes twinkling.
Seeing that twinkle in her eyes, pushed all thoughts and doubts aside. Sally was truly standing there, holding my hand, stroking my cheek.
“Merry Christmas my love.” I said and we kissed for the last time before losing all control.
The End.