Ever After

Chapter 38



Christmas Dinner



Doc and Pratt arrived shortly before dinner as Gran had told me they would. I knew they needed to make sure I was doing ok, as they did every day. Lydia, Andrew, and Emma came along with them. Will had gone home and hour ago to change clothes; he was to arrive with Roth and the other cousins shortly.

The snow was getting heavier as the dinner hour grew closer. I worried Will would be late or not make it. I knew better, Roth would be driving his giant Hummer; no snow would keep him from a good home cooked meal. Gran was in her glory, as she directed all the kitchen staff, and saw to the meal preparations.

I knew she had been baking her pies herself though. Gran never let anyone do the pie baking for any holiday meal. It had been that way since I could remember. She and Sara had many battles over that. Sara liked to bring in highly skilled dessert or pastry chefs, but Gran would threaten her if she dared to do it.

Sayann was an angel and helped me get ready for the party. I wanted to look really special tonight. It seemed the past few months all I got to wear was pj’s or hospital gowns. I was so over that. It was nice to have a friend caring for me and helping me.

Dad had a home nurse set up when we arrived. Pratt was quick to tell him Sayann was specialized in caring for recovering cancer patients, so dad cancelled the one he had hired. It was critical I be kept away from any “human” medical professionals. If they saw my temp chart or heard my heart rate, they would be calling Ripley’s believe it or not and the National news. I could see the headlines now “THE GIRL WHO SHOULD BE DEAD… LIVES” that would be just great.

Sayann helped me out of the bathtub, although I could walk now, we had to be careful since I was still wobbly on my feet. We washed and curled my hair and put some make up on to give me some “human” color. I found the perfect red dress to wear just right for the holiday dinner.

It had a beautiful satin bow’s on each shoulder, and a matching shawl to go with it. I wore the diamond earrings and heart pendant dad had given me for my Christmas gift just that morning. I of course had on my engagement ring, which I would never take off for any reason. I knew this night was going to be perfect, as long as Sara chilled out.

“You look stunning, like one of those porcelain dolls.” Sayann smiled proudly. Her master skills at makeup and hair were evident on me.

“I thought you said you were studying to be a nurse, not a beautician?” I joked, but was really shocked at how she wrangled a curling iron.

“Oh… well I was, but I spent the first year in beauty school. My parents forced me to go into nursing, so I lied to them and each day instead of attending nursing classes I was learning to perm and cut hair.”

“Oh my gosh, didn’t your parents know?”

“Nope, not for almost a year. I had been paying for it out of my summer job money and getting the mail each day so they wouldn’t see the bill form the beauty college.” I watched her pack up her makeup kit and hair curlers.

“It all worked out great, until one month I forgot to get the mail on the day the semester billing came out. My parents flipped when they found it, and well...” She gave me a wicked grin, and laughed. “I was enrolled in nursing school the next week. I learned to like it, and I was actually at the top of my class before I met that butt head Kyle. You know the story from there.” She frowned looking thought fully at her makeup case.

“Well you’re awesome at it, that’s for sure. I looked like hell when you started an hour ago!”

“No you didn’t Corrine; you just needed some polishing up that’s all. The change is nearly complete in you; your features are even more beautiful than when I met you in the Dark coven house.”

“Thanks.” I smiled.

“I must say, I do like the whole vampire hotness thing, it’s so cool to look amazing all the time.” I laughed as she gave me a wink. “Especially the guys!” Sayann herself was stunning, as I watched her hang up some outfits we decided I shouldn’t wear.

Her long strait hair was lustrous and silky. She wore a black dress, which fit her like a glove and showed of her tiny figure. Her eyes were so dark, it was hard to tell what color, but they were perfectly set, she looked like a super model.

“Do you think Roth will notice me tonight?”

“Are you kidding? He will trip over his own feet when he see’s you in that dress! You had better bring a stick with you to dinner, because you’re going to have to beat him off of you with it!” I laughed. “Do you think my hair looks good?” I asked as I pulled a loose curl.

“Oh yes, it does look great! You are going to need your own stick tonight, William will go crazy!” She smiled.

I felt truly happy right now, it seemed like things were finally getting better around here. I was also really excited to see Beth and Kara tonight. Gran had invited them to come have dinner with us also. I was so surprised it had been weeks since I had seen them, and the last visit I felt so bad we could not talk for long. It would be a full house tonight. I couldn’t imagine anything better than having all the people I loved together for a wonderful Christmas dinner at home.

I came downstairs, with the help of Sayann, and waited in the sitting area for all of our guests to arrive. Dad had on a tuxedo. Apparently, the dinner had been made a formal one sometime that afternoon. It was cool though, I had always loved getting dressed up myself. Doc and Pratt arrived, after basically just leaving from doing my check up a couple hours earlier.

They both had on tuxedos and looked like GQ models, believe me, you never would have had any idea they were vampires. It amazed me to this day, how they all fit right in with human society. I started to wonder how many people you saw out in public were actually vamps too. Lydia and Emma followed them into the sitting room, both wearing black Armani gowns. Lydia’s was trimmed in red satin; she didn’t look a day over 30.

I was ready for Sara to freak out, as she knew Lydia was Will’s real mother, not his step. I hoped she would chalk up Lydia’s extremely youthful appearance to a teen pregnancy, a really good plastic surgeon, or superb genetics. I really couldn’t wait to see her reaction though. This was going to really freak her out.

Sara was a major wrinkle phoebe. She had like 200 kinds of creams in her bathroom to ward off the wicked buggers. Emma looked all of about 25 years old too! Her long auburn hair was pulled up into a stylish bun, her skin flawless as ever. I wondered did unfashionable vampires exist. If they did, I had not seen one in this coven any way.

William came in last, the cousin’s following him. He had on his tuxedo as well, and his jet-black hair slicked back to the side. He reminded me of someone out of the twenties, timeless and sophisticated. Roth, Taylor, and Riley came in followed by Sam. They all looked amazing.

I saw Roth’s eyes go right to Sayann. I was pleased with that, so was she. I saw her give him a shy smile and a wave. Beth and Kara were last, and had on almost the same kind of dresses. It was typical; they were like twins, even when we were younger. Kara’s dress was green and Kara’s was blue. Both dresses were the same style, floor length and empire waist, very pretty. All of Will’s cousins seemed to be appreciating our two female guests.

“You are a vision.” Will whispered into my ear as he kissed my cheek.

“You look edible.” I teased.

“Well now!” He smiled, his brows raised in surprise at my naughty compliment.

Sara as expected wore a very low cut black dress with a red shawl over it. I was surprised to see her cover up the “twins”. They were her pride and joy. It was her thing to show them off, but tonight she was looking more appropriate.

Dinner was served at 6:15 pm, and it smelled insanely good. Gran had outdone herself this year. I just hoped she didn’t wear herself out to much. I smiled at her; she had on her traditional Christmas tree dress. It was red with tiny trees all over it. She had worn it every year for as long as I can remember, it would seem weird to me if she didn’t. She and no one else made all the pies and sweet potatoes. I knew she took pride in baking those, and I loved to eat them too.

It turned out to be a Christmas/ Engagement party as everyone couldn’t stop talking about how wonderful Will and I would be as married couple. I wasn’t sure how, but even our full-blooded vampire guests ate as much as our human ones. I figured most of them had very good human memories of Christmas dinners in their past. It no doubt made eating the human food very enjoyable for them. Every one talked and had a wonderful time. Beth and Kara never even suspected they were in the company of vampires.

The guests disbursed to the living room to relax after dinner was done. Dad had the fireplace going, so it was warm and comfortable. Gran enjoyed telling some embarrassing stories about my childhood. I didn’t mind really. I loved to see her so happy to have an audience, to listen to her talk.

Will was laughing at me when she told everyone about the summer I spent hunting ladybugs. Dad had given me the nickname “bug” ever since then. Lydia joined in and told a few about Will. I knew that she had only been able to watch Will from afar then. I could tell she had to alter the stories as well, due to the fact they all took place in the decade long before even my dad was born. They were still amusing, and Will turned red several times and got some ribbing from his cousins.

It was getting really late now, and Doc recommended I get to bed, and let he and Pratt check on my blood pressure. I hugged Beth and Kara as they headed home. I was sad to see them go, my future was uncertain and I didn’t know when or if I would see them ever again. I said good night to everyone, I was starting to get tired by now and happy to being going to bed.

Will helped me upstairs. In a 100-year-old house, you don’t have an elevator. That’s not so good when you’re worn out. Will gallantly picked me up as if I were a feather and took me upstairs. I could hear everyone still laughing and talking downstairs. I was relieved they were all getting along.

Sayann waited for Doc and Pratt to finish checking my vital signs, before she helped me get on my pj’s.

“You look good.” Pratt smiled, his nose buried in his charts. “Your heart rate is still a bit slow, but it’s steady so that’s very good. I’d like to see your body temp lower, it has risen since this morning we will have to watch out for infections.”

“We could add some antibiotic to her serum dose Pratt, do you agree?” Doc added.

“Yes, good thinking we will do just that. It won’t hurt anything and it might prevent a bad infection.”

“Sayann, will you note that in Corrine’s chart for us please.” Doc smiled. “Oh and would you go talk to Roth later, he talked my ear off at dinner about you. I do believe he has a crush on you young lady.” He winked at her and laughed.

“I have never seen him act like that and I have known him a very long time.” I looked outside the window, at the oak tree, and there was Roth. It was not his guard duty time; he was watching Sayann through the window. I just shook my head. It was very obvious he liked Sayann.

“Uh ok, I will talk to him as soon as I get Corrine settled in for the night.” She was embarrassed as she busied herself with getting my pajamas ready for me.

Doc went on to tell us that we would leave for New Orleans tomorrow afternoon. I was surprised, I figured we would have stayed at least a few more days. Doc explained Leo’s threats were getting stronger and he was growing impatient with us still being in Cambridge. Roth and Riley and sworn they saw a few of the Dark coven’s vampires looming around the town.

It was possible they were scouting for an attack and Doc wasn’t waiting around to find out. I understood why we had to go so soon now. I would never want to risk innocent human lives. Doc and Pratt excused themselves and headed home. They told me to be packed and ready to go by 12 and they would be here to pick me up then.

Pratt was going to talk to dad before they left as he told me. Pratt smoothed out all the details with dad about the next few weeks of my treatment. The story would be that I was returning to Maine’s treatment center tomorrow.

I was to be there about two more months, and then I might be able to come home for an extended time. Dad was reluctant to agree, but Pratt was very convincing. I didn’t doubt he used his mind changing ability to help dad see things his way. Pratt was sure to tell dad, he could visit me whenever he wanted and I would call him every week.

Doc had given me a sleeping pill. I was having alot of trouble sleeping lately. Will was going to stay with me the whole night as usual. Sayann helped me to bed and Will curled up on the couch as he always did.

I was happy he was staying. I hated being alone. I knew I needed to sleep as much as I could. Tomorrow could End up being a very long day. I curled and listened to the wind howl outside. Will and I went to sleep very quickly.

The next morning was a whirlwind. Gran had come in early to talk to me, and wish me good-bye. It was hard not to cry as she hugged me. I knew it was highly possible I might never see her again after this morning. She was the closest thing to a mother I had ever had, and I thought of her as such.

I was comforted by the fact she had a vision the night before, and it fore told good things and I knew her visions were never false. Gran told me how happy she was about our engagement and our future together. I made her promise when Will and I married she would walk me down the aisle with dad. I was so happy she agreed with tears in her eyes, she said it would be her honor to do so. I hugged with all I had and promised to call her as soon as we got to the plantation house in New Orleans.

Sara and dad came in a few minutes later. Sara seemed chipper and had a stack of papers with her.

“Corrine darling, I got some wedding ideas for you to look over on the plane. I also got a hold of the wedding planner I told you about last night. I think we can book her in about two months for a meeting!”

I could see she was really in to all this. I didn’t know if it was her extending an olive branch, or just her trying to plan the social event of the season. I hoped it was the first, but it was hard to tell with Sara. Too much was going on right now in my life to waste time thinking about it anyway.

“Oh great, I will definitely look them over thank you.” I put on my best fake smile.

“It’s my pleasure; I love to plan things you know. One thing though, the planner did mention you and Will should set a date as soon as you can. It seems all the good reception venues book up fast, some even two years in advance.” She gave a dramatic gasp and put her hand on her heart to emphasize how awful that was. I smiled and shook my head.

“That’s insane two years?” I too acted applaud. “We will call you as soon as we know the date I promise.”

“Now Sara let’s not rush things, we want to get Corrine all better first and then we will get this.” He cleared his throat. “Rather large wedding off the ground ok?”

“Oh all right John, it’s just I want it to be perfect for them, that’s all.” She smiled sweetly at him.

It seemed that they were actually getting along, much to my amazement. The next few minutes dad made me promise to call each day, or if I was feeling bad to have Doc call him. Sara gave me a kiss on each cheek, European style, even though she was in no way English. Dad hugged me and kissed the top of my head, and he and Sara headed off to start their day. I was happy they didn’t linger to long. I didn’t want it to turn into a crying fest.

Doc arrived right on time; Roth loaded my bags into his black hummer or his “baby” as he referred to it. I laughed at how often he washed it, and had it detailed. Will said he had it for nearly a year now and it looked cleaner than a new vehicle.

I was feeling pretty good. I ate a small breakfast, and Sayann gave me a unit of blood, which made me feel stronger. I was starting to accept the fact I needed it to survive. I tried to block out where it came from, that was still a major issue for me. If I thought about it too much.

Will arrived with Lydia and Andrew; they too would be going with us. I was so happy to see Will. It had only been a couple hours, but I missed him just the same. The trip to the airport took longer than we would have liked, due to the heavy snowfall the night before.

The plane was Dr.Pratt’s private jet, so we didn’t have to worry about missing our flight at least. Three hours later after the run way was plowed for the second time, and the plane’s wings de iced three times, we got to take off. I dreaded the long flight, but I knew it was something we had to do.

It was nearing five now, and that would put us in New Orleans after dark. The flight was bad, despite Pratt’s veteran pilot of 30 years flying it. The weather was horrible. The wind turbulence was jerking the plane all over, and making us all sick. I got sick three times and Will was looking a little green himself.

I even saw iron man Roth, run to the little pilot’s room a few times, with his mouth covered. Doc and Pratt were fine; along with Lydia and Andrew, I hated them for that darn it all. We finally got to land. God only knows how many hours later, all I knew is it was land and my stomach was not lurching anymore.

I slept on Will, for the entire ride to the coven’s plantation house. It was dark so there was nothing to see and it was pouring down rain, a very cold rain. I woke up when we stopped. I heard Doc talking; we were at a huge metal gate of some sort. It was hard to see it through the rain-streaked windshield, but the words Parker were blended into the metal of the rod Iron Gates.

I saw two very freaky gargoyles perched on top of some stone columns on each side of the massive gate. I had recalled Will saying people were afraid to come out here. That would make me run away too if I didn’t know Doc. Doc was speaking into a little black box, attached to a pole next to the gate.

It was an intercom to the gatehouse. The ancient gates swung open when Doc got done speaking. The long winding drive was lined with what looked like turn of the century gas light posts. They probably were from that time period knowing its residence. I smiled thinking to myself.

Massive oak tree’s all likely over 200 years old lined the drive on each side, covered in the Spanish moss that was so common in the Deep South. The rain seemed to be getting harder, and I was unable to see anything as we drove on. I had to wonder how long the drive was. It had to be a half a mile at least.

“That’s ice.” Doc grumbled. “I had heard a weather report earlier about getting some, but I hoped it wouldn’t hit us.” I wondered why he was mad about it, since we had no place to go really.

“Why is he mad about ice?” I whispered to Will.

“It snaps the power lines down here, and it takes weeks to get the lines repaired. I think he’s worried the ones left to care for the house may not have maintained the generator. If this ice keeps up were going to need it for sure.” I nodded, understanding Doc’s annoyance now. I snuggled closer to Will, as the ice hit the car’s roof harder.

“Are you cold?” He asked rubbing my arm.

“Sort of, I feel like crap.” I groaned with a shiver. Sayann always on medical alert reached up from the seat behind me and put her cool hand on my forehead.

“Fever, no doubt.” She hissed. “Doc she has a fever back here.” I buried my head, great just what I needed another problem.

“I was afraid of that, all those guest’s at dinner, one might have had a bug, and Corrine picked it up.” He said keeping his eyes on the road, the wipers on high so he could see.

“We will start more antibiotic’s as soon as we get her settled, that will fix all that.” Pratt added confidently.

The house was massive, as we pulled up to a covered carport. My mouth fell open, as I looked up at it, it made my house look like a duplex. It was the picture of a typical southern mansion. It looked like something out of a movie or a history book.