Ever After

Chapter 36



Home for Christmas



The plans had been set in motion. Doc and Pratt had organized the coven to move to New Orleans. Doc and Pratt would stay at the main house while I visited my father. Lydia, Andrew (her husband), Emma, and Roth would also stay. Riley and Taylor with the other ten coven members would move on ahead of us, and over see the old plantation house being opened up and ready for our arrival in two weeks.

I knew the house there was huge, and that it was built in the 1780’s. Will had spent his early days after leaving the Dark coven there. Doc had said up until about twenty years ago, the coven would spend their winters there, and leave Massachusetts. The grounds surrounding the house had had other homes on it. The other coven members lived in them, as they did not all live in the main house with Doc, Lydia and her husband Andrew.

The Dark coven’s main home was only twenty miles from there. Leo and Vincent were causing major trouble on their last visit, so Doc reluctantly closed up the grand old house and moved the coven permanently.

It was so strange to be home, the whole house was decked out in Christmas lights. I think dad had gone off the deep end when having them put up. I was pretty sure the crew in the space shuttle could probably see our house from space this year.

I tried to be cheerful for dad and Gran, and not eat anyone (not a joke ok). I caught myself eyeing the Fed Ex guy, the day after we arrived when I signed for some packages. It wasn’t because he was hot either. I was craving human blood more and more each day. Pratt or Doc stopped by each evening, to drop off the goods (blood). It made being around humans, mainly my dad and Gran easier. I would never hurt them, but to smell them made me edgy and grumpy not to mention hungry.

Christmas was very quiet, normally dad had tons of his and Sara’s friends over for a huge holiday party, but he cancelled it this year. This annoyed Sara, ever the socialite; her plans for a snowflake dinner and dance were dashed. Dad told us he felt we needed a family Christmas, and wanted to keep things quiet since I was still recovering.

I was happy to hear that. I spent many hours talking to dad, while we visited. I loved him so much, and was so glad we got to come for a visit. I knew this time of year was hard for him, and I wanted to be here and spend time with him. Sara bellowed for the whole day when dad told her the party was off for this year.

I knew she hated having me in the house. I could hear her complain to her friends on the phone about it. She hid it well, and acted like the ever-loving concerned step mommy, when dad was around. When he wasn’t, she gave me dirty looks, and asked when I would be going back to Maine. She reminded me of a pouty three year old.

Christmas eve, they fought like cats and dogs. Dinner was just me, Gran, dad and Sara. It was a delicious meal, and my roast was very rare. Gran winked at me when she brought out my plate herself. It was so nice to not have to hide what I was becoming from her.

Dinner was rather quiet, Gran had told me earlier dad and Sara had a major fight before they got to the dining room. It seemed to me they were fighting all the time and I had only been home just over a week. I wondered what was going on with them. Gran said they had been at each other all fall, and it had got worse just a month ago.

Dad had been told she was having an affair with her yoga instructor for the last six months. I was not surprised, that would be just like her to do that. I had thought she was messing with her tennis instructor last summer too, and I bet I was right! How many private lessons does one chic need, I mean get real.

It was snowing heavily that evening after supper, it felt so cozy in the house. I wished dad and Gran goodnight. Sara had already gone to her room, thankfully. I wanted to have a hot bubble bath and read.

William was coming over in an hour or so. I made the long trek upstairs and I cursed every step. Sayann would be in my room to help me. Dad had hired her through Doc to be my nurse while I was home this time. I heard voices just down the hall and stopped to listen.

“So you cater to her? She is home for one week and you cancel all our holiday plans? Do you know how long it took me to organize the snowflake ball John?” Sara was ranting from the sitting room at the end of the hall where my room was.

I slipped out of my room and placed and ear to the vent on the floor. This was an old house and most conversations could be heard through the air duct vents in the floors. The voices carried very well. I learned that at an early age when trying to find out what dad and Gran were getting me for Christmas or my birthday.

“Sara don’t be so callous, this year is very special. I was not even sure we would have Corrine still with us, after the diagnosis. Doc said it has been a miracle that she has pulled through. I wanted this holiday to be just us.”

“We have an image to keep us John, we are society, and people expect us to have the big parties and events each year.” She argued.

“No Sara, you have an image to keep up, one you have tailored yourself might I add. I only work to keep up my family business that my Grandfather started. I don’t nor have I ever set out to be the king of east coast society.”

“It’s good for you to net work, and these party’s are perfect for that.” Her voice hit its typical high-pitched squeak; she always did that when she was upset.

“Corrine needs a quiet environment, not a house full of social blood suckers!” He laughed. “Oh those are you friends, sorry I had forgotten.” I was proud of dad he was being a real jerk to her, I loved it!

“You vile man!” Sara hissed. “You jerk!” I was happy he wasn’t letting her run over him. I had watched her for so many years bully him, and boss him around, this was just great.

“I’m a jerk now? Well how refreshing, if protection of my ill only child from too many holiday guests makes me a jerk well then so be it.” He shot back.

“Corrine has just had one of the toughest years of her life. I think she deserves some special treatment and joy right now. You might try to show her some compassion for once Sara. In all the years we have been married, you have acted like Corrine is a house guest that has over stayed her welcome!”

“I have not. I have tried to be close to her but she is just so odd. I can’t relate to her at all.”

“No of course you can’t, because she would never act like your ass kissing socialite friends daughters, now would she. I have seen them at the country club, being paraded around by their mothers, doing just what they are told. Corrine is a free spirit an individual, and it kills you she is confident in herself.” I smiled, direct hit for dad he was really on a roll here.

“If that’s what you want to call it, where I come from it’s being rebellious and unruly, not an individual. I asked her lots of times to go with me to the club or shopping and she blows me off. Like I have the plague or something.”

“Fine, I do agree she shut you out as she got to be a teen, but you never tried to understand her interests. Corrine loves painting and music, and art in general. I do recall you never complimenting her on her artwork. I only recall you telling her to get the paint off her nails, because it would stain them.”

“Well it was only true, she use to care so little for her appearance back then.” She added sarcastically.

“She was only a child for God sakes Sara!” His voice was raised, and he was really getting angry.

“Just stop with all this now, I fully intend to make Corrine’s visit here as happy and pleasant as I possibly can. Doc told me she needs no stress and minimal exposure to lots of people, since she can’t fight off viruses and so on. They will be taking her back to Maine to begin her physical therapy in another week. If all goes well Doc said she might get to come home for the summer, or do the semester of her senior year in France as she always wanted to do.”

“Well, I heard Doc talking to Gran the other day, and he said she is still touch and go as far as her recovery. Is it wise for you to be thinking she is going to be just fine?” The sarcasm in her voice was clear.

“Enough of this talk. I have things to do.” I heard him walk out of the room and slam the door hard behind him.

I had known their marriage was in a rut for a few years now. I really started to see it my freshman year at college, after Todd’s attack. I was home all the time after that of course so it was hard to miss the fighting. I could feel the tension in the room all the time.

I got to the point I avoided them both when they shared the same breathing room. Dad was taking more business trips and working late in the city. I now knew why, he was avoiding her. I blew off their fight and spent an indulgent half hour in the bathtub. I cringed a bit as I thought back to my lowest point in this very room.

I had almost taken my own life right here. I was so lost and lonely then. William had rescued me in many ways that fall day by the river. I never imagined I could find someone like him, and I don’t mean the whole vampire thing either. He was so caring and kind, and loved me with everything he had inside him.

I got out of the bath, and quickly dried off. The room’s always seemed to have a chill; due to the fact, the house was well over 100 years old and very drafty.

I loved this old house though, drafts and all. My mother had chosen it, when he and my dad first got married.

Dad said they were so in love despite the fact it needed well over $97,000.00 in repairs and renovations he bought it the day they looked at it. It made her happy and he had always tried to keep her that way. I hoped to keep the house in our family forever. I knew dad had in his will, all of it went to me, and I would keep it that way.

I put on my pink sheep pj’s and curled up in bed to watch some TV. I knew that outside somewhere one or more of the Followers guarded the house. Leo could not be trusted, and Doc worried he might try to kill or William. They took turns watching for the dark ones, waiting for them to make any moves.

“I like those pajamas.” A smooth low voice made me jump, as I got lost in an old episode of Desperate Housewives.

“Thanks, sheep are in you know!” I smiled at him, as he stood in front of my bed. I never heard him come in the room. The whole vampire thing of just popping in still baffled me. He looked so adorable, in his black turtleneck and faded jeans. He pulled off his knit hat and leather jacket and sat down on the edge of my bed.

“It’s really snowing out there.” He grinned, rubbing his hands together to warm them up.

“I never heard you come in?” I tilted my head to the side.

“Do you ever?” He smirked.

“You’re going to have to teach me how to do that you know!” I teased but really meant it.

“Oh I will one of these days. Sara was too busy talking on her cell phone to notice me slip in the front door.”

“Figures, she’s probably talking to a boyfriend of hers no doubt.” I wrapped my hands around my neck and pretended to choke myself.

“Anyway, how are you feeling tonight? You look beautiful.” He leaned in and kissed my cheek.

“Pretty good, Doc stopped by to give me my uh…” I shrugged nervously, feeling weird about the whole craving blood thing. “My unit of supper shall we say?”

“Don’t be bashful; it’s normal, you are simply completing the changing process that’s all.” He looked over at my nightstand at the sugar cookies Gran had baked for me earlier that day. “I see Gran’s been baking?” He eyed the rich buttery pile of cookies.

“All day, she knows I still eat regular food, so she made my favorite. Every Christmas Eve she and I would make up a huge batch of them. I couldn’t stop her today; dad said she had the kitchen smelling of cookies when he got up this morning. I think she froze some for me to take when we leave.” I laughed.

“May I have one?” He batted his long eyelashes at me seductively then looked back at the cookie plate.

“You may. Mr. Darcy you may have whatever you like!” I winked at him giving him a coy smile; he tilted his head and looked at me with a wicked grin of his own.

“Well now that’s quiet an offer.” He gave me an intense stare. “But I’d better stick with baked goods for today!” He picked up a snowflake shaped cookie with white icing and sprinkles, and took a hearty bite. “This is really great!” Oblivious to the piece of icing stuck to his cheek.

“Uh… you have some icing on you!” I laughed. “An iced vampire!” I giggled.

“I do?”

“Yep let me help you with that.’ I was the one giving the wicked grins now. I leaned over and kissed his cheek right next to the tiny dab of icing. “Right there it is.” I smiled. “You are sweet.” I winked at him.

He pulled me closer and kissed me. I was lost in emotions, my head spinning. William’s kisses were intoxicating to me. Each time he kissed me, I seemed to forget my own name. His lips were smooth and gentle as he kissed me deeper; he wound his hand up into the back of my hair and pulled me closer.

I put my own hand into his thick shiny black hair, it felt so soft. I was feeling things I had never felt before, and I loved every minute of it. He and I had very little time together lately, so this made my head spin.

“We should stop now.” Will’s voice broke the mood of the moment, he like myself was breathless. He sat back and closed his eyes, and ran a hand through his hair, trying to compose himself. “I don’t’ want to lose control or anything here,”

“What? Why?’ I snapped, annoyed he had stopped at all. I smoothed my hair back into place and sat back against my pillows dejected.

“It’s just Corrine…”He sighed, taking a deep breath he seemed to be deep in thought, or in pain I wasn’t sure which one.

“You drive me mad. God you do, I just don’t want to cross the line here. It’s not the right time; you are just now getting better. I also believe in being honorable with you. You mean the world to me and I want to do things the right way. I might be old fashioned, but hey I am over 100 years old don’t forget!’ He smirked.

“Oh, well ok I understand that.” I shrugged my shoulders. I was use to other guys, who only had one thing on their mind, and Will was definitely not one of them at all.

“I want us to be married someday, or at least I hope you will say yes when I ask you.” I was speechless, I mean I knew we both wanted to marry each other someday, but we never really talked about it.

“You really do?”

“Of course, are you kidding me? I love you more than anything in this world and would do anything for you. To marry you, and have you as my wife would make me the happiest guy in the world, or vampire in the underworld however you want to look at it I guess.” He laughed.

“Well, it’s just that I’m sort of a mess, I didn’t really figure you wanted to deal with all my issues.” I looked down, thinking of the very hard last year for me.

“You’re no mess, you’re my angel, and you’re beautiful and smart and so amazing. You are all I have ever wanted, all that I have searched for all these many years. That day by the river was the best day of my life, aside from your injuries of course. I looked into your eyes and found the love and joy I had been missing.” He smiled as he spoke to me.

“I have never looked into another person’s eyes and felt that, especially after I became a vampire. I only ever saw fear and sheer terror, definitely not love. I know I have loved you in another time, as corny as that might sound, but I know it’s true.

“You are my soul mate; to try to live my life without you in it would simply be futile.” He leaned in again and softly kissed my cheek.

“I feel all those things too, William. I always have. I couldn’t imagine life without you, and I don’t want to.” He pulled me into his arms and hugged my carefully.

I leaned my head on his arm so happy and so at peace it was amazing. He pulled back for a second and reached into his pocket. In his hand, he had a small black box. He looked up at me to see my reaction. I covered my mouth for a minute in shock, I sat there speechless.

“Yes it is exactly what you think it is.” His blue eyes sparkled with happiness seeing my obvious shock. We had only just been discussing getting married; I never dreamed he would propose tonight.

“Oh William.” I squeaked out, unable to say much else. I knew I should have expected this, him being the hopeless romantic he was, but I really wasn’t.

“Now as I have seen in countless movies over many… many years. I do believe it is customary to get down on one knee for the next part of this.” He winked at me as he indeed got down on one knee directly in front of me.

“Uh well yes it is.” I said, my voice shaking.

Will took my shaking hand into his own as he knelt before me. He could have been right out of a fairy tale, with his wavy black hair combed neatly to the side. His stunning blue eyes and his perfect cheekbones would deem him a sure fire prince charming to any red blooded American girl. I felt light headed as I watched him.

I admired him as he carefully took the ring out of the ancient looking black box, with ornate carvings on the side. This was no ordinary diamond store ring; this ring had been in William’s family for centuries and passed down to each generation. The huge diamond was set amongst a circle of brilliant red rubies. It was like nothing I had ever seen before in my life. I stared at it in amazement.

“Corrine Elizabeth Whitmore, I have loved you since the day I met you. Would you do me the honor becoming my beloved wife? I want nothing more than to share my life and my love with you forever.” I sighed; his words were touching and heartfelt.

I could see his eyes glisten as he too was overcome with strong emotions just as I was. I felt a tear slide down my cheek. I didn’t bother to wipe it away. My heart was so full of love for this man kneeling before me. Nothing in this world mattered now, everything faded away, as I looked into his eyes.

“Yes William, I would love to marry you. I want to share my life with you and all my love forever.” Will slid the heirloom ring onto my finger, it fit perfectly.

“Gran helped me sneak out one of your rings, so I could get this one the right size.” I had to laugh, so Gran knew Will was going to do this all along. It made sense her wanting me to get to bed early tonight, she was so sneaky.

“It’s so beautiful, how long has it been in your family?” I held out my hand letting the diamonds catch the light from my pink lamp.

“Century’s or so, too many to comprehend really. It was made in Italy. I can’t tell you the year off hand.”

“I have never seen anything so stunning!” I beamed.

“I have,” he got up and sat next to me again, he looked into my eyes and kissed me passionately.”

“Oh you!” I smacked his arm playfully.

“I was going to wait and have a romantic dinner and music, but it hit me, that this moment, just the two of us here was the right time to ask you.”

“This was perfect; I didn’t need dinner and music. I wouldn’t have wanted it any other way.” I laid back into his arms happily. “I love you.” I whispered.

“I love you too Corrine and always will.”

The rest of the evening we watched the classic Christmas movies, It’s a wonderful life and The Grinch who stole Christmas. We both agreed Sara was our own personal Grinch this year. I fell asleep in William’s arms after the last movie. I heard Sayann check in on me. Will told her I was doing fine. My room was locked down after 9 pm and only Gran and Sayann could get in with their keys.

Doc was taking no chances with Leo making all the threats he had against us. It also wouldn’t be too good if dad popped in and saw William in my room. He did really like him, but he was still my dad and I was his only child it wouldn’t be good for that to happen.

Various Followers’ were guarding the outside of the house at all times. I felt bad for them being out in the bitter cold and snow. I had forgotten though, this weather did not bother them. They were all full bloods and immune to freezing, unlike Will and I were as half bloods.