by Amanda Rose
“Of course, I listened, Mum, but you never told me what they were about,” I tell her.
“Yes, but I think it’s time we have a talk.”
“About?” I reply.
“Before I met your dad, I was madly in love with a man called Harry,” she says, and I don’t know what to say to that. I guessed mum must have dated someone before she met my dad at twenty but nothing serious as she never spoke of it.
“I didn’t know that,” I tell her, leaning back on the sofa.
“I was in law school, and we were doing our final year together when he had a sudden heart attack and died. I loved Harry since we were both fifteen, and we planned our whole life together.”
“Mum, I–”
“Let me carry on and try to explain this. I haven’t said Harry’s name in over twenty years, but I need to tell you this,” she says, and I stay quiet to listen to her.
“Harry was sweet, funny, and very handsome. We just worked together, and we were each other’s first everything.” She takes a deep breath before she carries on speaking, “When he died, I dropped out of school and gave up.”
“Then you met Dad?” I ask quietly.
“Yes, and for a while I tried to be in love with him. I tried to pretend and have the happy family I felt cheated out of when Harry died, but your dad wasn’t Harry to me. He wasn’t even close, and in some ways, I felt I had betrayed Harry by moving on,” she tells me.
“I don’t think Harry or anyone would have felt that way, Mum. You couldn’t have been expected to mourn him forever.”
“But, I did. I still do, and I will always love him, despite knowing he isn’t here. Do you understand that? The kind of love that will always stick with you?”
“Yes, Mum,” I say, wanting to ask about the guys but knowing I can’t. They haven’t followed me or contacted me, so they must not care. I was just some holiday fun to them, and I fell in love with them. I rub my chest as I feel a sharp pain shoot through my heart, and try to change the subject.
“So, you went off the rails?” I ask her.
“Yes. It’s not an excuse for how I was with you because I should have been there. Instead, I used alcohol and men to forget my past,” she tells me.
“I wish you had told me this sooner. Why now?” I ask her.
“Because, when I saw you laughing and kissing Flynn, you looked as happy as I used to remember being, and I freaked out,” she tells me with a small, sad laugh.
“That’s why you went mad?” I ask.
“Well, that and the shock that my lovely, little daughter is sleeping with three men. Three men that are her stepbrothers, but you know what they say about things that are off-limits,” she chuckles, and I laugh a little with her.
“John makes me happy for the first time in a long time, and I think it’s because we have both lost someone we love,” she tells me when we have both been silent on the phone for a while.
“I want to see you more, Mum, and I’m glad you finally found the strength to talk to me and that you have found John. I don’t know what it’s like to lose someone you love like that, but I don’t want to lose you. I want us to be friends, or at least try,” I add in.
“I would like that, too,” she says, sobbing a bit more. My doorbell rings once, and then someone knocks on the door three times.
“I have to go, but can we meet up soon?” I ask her.
“Yes, I will come to you. Bye, Elsie, and I love you.”
“Me too, Mum,” I say, and say ‘bye’ before putting the phone down as I walk to the door. I open the door, and the sight of my three stepbrothers standing in the hallway shocks me enough to drop my phone.
“What . . . what are you doing here?” I ask, and Flynn steps forward, taking my hand and bringing it to his lips.
“We came to get our woman because we love her,” he says as he kisses my hand and pulls me closer to him. I look over at Ezra and Max, who step closer, and then I move away, holding the door with my hand.
“I love you all, too, but how do I know this is going to work?” I reply.
“It’s going to be difficult between us all, but we all want to be here,” Ezra says.
“Not everyone is going to accept us,” I say, holding onto the door tightly, using it to hold myself up as all I want to do is throw myself at them and tell them I want them.
“And, we don’t care. If you say yes, then it’s us. All that matters is us,” Max says gently, and I let go of the door as I speak, knowing I don’t need to think about my answer.
“Yes.”
EPILOGUE
Elise
Five years later …
“Merry Christmas and happy fourth birthday,” I say to the twins, watching as they jump out of bed and run past me out the door. They run so fast that all I get to see is a glimpse of dark-brown hair running past me. I shut the door to their bedroom, smiling as I remember how excited they were when we turned up here two days ago to spend Christmas with the family. It hasn’t been easy, over the years, with my dad refusing to speak to me after we had a fake wedding ceremony, and I declared my love for all of them. I was heartbroken when he wouldn’t come, but John offered to walk me down the aisle, and he has stepped into the place my dad has left. I hoped he would come around one day, but he hasn’t. Dane, or “Uncle Dane,” as my kids call him, is still my best friend and is now friends with the guys, too.
“Whoa, slow down,” I hear Max say, coming out of the room to see him picking Jack up and tickling him as he tries to escape. Jack looks just like Max with his dark-brown hair and the glasses he has to wear. Max laughs as Jack tries to escape again.
“Dad, let me go,” he says wriggling.
Max replies, “Are you going to slow down and not run?”
“But, it’s Christmas, Dad,” Jack laughs as Max tickles him more, and I watch with a big smile.
“Let’s go, Santa has been here, and there’s birthday presents, too!” Emily shouts from the top of the stairs, jumping up and down like an excited bunny. I smile at her as I feel Flynn wrap an arm around my waist, and Ezra walks past us and over to Emily. He picks Emily up and looks back at us.
“We have to wait for Grandpa and Grandma,” he tells her, and she pouts, in a way that usually gets her whatever she wants.
“Well, they best hurry, Daddy,” she says, crossing her arms, and I hold in a chuckle.
“You sneaked out of our bed this morning.”
“I had to pee,” I whisper back, remembering the long night we had all together. Despite being together so long, nothing has changed between us, and I love them all still. We just work together, and the twins make us even closer as a family. I turn when I hear the floor creak, and I see John and my mum walking towards us. We always spend Christmas at our parents, as it was the place we met and the place we all fell in love. We all live in a large apartment in London as I work as a teacher at the local school where the twins are starting this year. The twins were a welcome surprise, but we aren’t sure who’s they actually are. At the end of the day, it’s not really been an issue for us.
“Come on, then,” my mum says walking over, and we all walk down the stairs. I glance over at my mum, seeing her smile at me and loving how I can actually call her a friend now. Since we spoke about Harry and her past, she has been better. Once a year, I go with her to Harry’s grave and wait as she spends some time talking to him. John always kisses her forehead, and she smiles up at him, and I know she loves him in her own way, just like he loves her the same.
“You look beautiful, today,” Flynn says, distracting me, and I look up at him, seeing his slight beard he has been growing and how it suits him. Flynn and all the guys haven’t changed in looks much over the years. If anything they have gotten better looking.
“Compliments for the pregnant woman do work,” I say, and he kisses me, rubbing his hand over my large baby bump. This one was a surprise, too, but I’m excited to meet him or her. At least, this one won’t be born on Christmas day like the twins w
ere. They came four weeks early, and we just about made it to the hospital before Emily came out screaming. I wasn’t shocked to learn I was pregnant with twins when one of the dads is a triplet. Thankfully, this time there is only one baby, and I think this one will be our last.
“Presents!” Jack shouts, wriggling out of Max’s arms and running over to the tree with Emily following. I watch as my mum and John follow them over and try to keep the madness of them ripping all the presents open in some kind of order. It’s really pointless, but funny, to watch. Flynn keeps an arm around me as Ezra walks over, sliding his hand into mine. I lean up and kiss his cheek.
“Merry Christmas,” Max says as he stops in front of me and kisses me gently, holding my head in his hands.
“Merry Christmas,” I reply, watching as my guys walk over to our family, and I know this is perfect.
G. Bailey
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Description
A time where people show compassion and love,
while they search for the perfect gift for their dearest loved ones.
I watched as the children laughed with glee,
their faces pressed against the window as they made a silent plea.
I felt like the Grinch as I stared from across the street,
sipping my gingerbread latte, oh boy, what a treat.
This time of the year when people laughed and cheered,
I hid in the shadows, grieving in fear.
This year, I vowed to change my grumpy ways,
three men available to brighten my day.
The visions continue their quest to be seen,
multiple stories and tales waiting for me to be free.
This Christmas I would keep my gloves on tight,
while I focused on making memories and feeling just right.
My name is Scarlet Sinclair and I'll have lots of fun tonight,
my men are waiting in my bed, so stay tuned, you just might like.
Thank you for reading Visionary Christmas. This was a fun write and it was such a pleasure to be apart of this winter anthology. Special thanks to C.M Stunich and Amanda Rose for being the core foundation of this anthology and for inviting me to take part. Not only are they dedicated writers and designers but they show tons of compassion. Thanks for making everything go smoothly <3 Thanks to Cece Rose, CB Morrigan, Tate James and Aspen Winters for being my writing soul partners (as well as CM) and sprinting with me to get this novella done :D <3 Thanks to my supportive Mother, my Queen Loulou, who'd come into my room and check on me if I was sleeping with my laptop wide open. I'm grateful to have a supportive mother like you. Finally, thanks to my Lord up in heaven for giving me the gift to write and prosper. Without your guidance and protection, I would be nothing.
CHAPTER ONE
"O. M. G! SCAR! SCAR!"
"Either you're on the verge of death or something is on sale if you're screaming my name like that."
I peeked out of the bathroom, wondering if I'd have to make the short trip down the hall in my underwear to check if my one and only best friend was alive.
"Cece?" I called out.
No response. This girl.
I sighed, fixing my bra as I walked out into the hallway and headed to the living room. When I turned my head to the right, I smiled.
Behold: my best friend, Cece Alexandra Rose with an iPad an inch away from her face as she gawks at the screen.
She sat on her white sofa in nothing but a black, tank top and black underwear. At least she wore socks – the black fuzzy pair had dangling puffy balls attached to the ankles, reminding me of snowballs. Her knees were pulled against her chest as her feet rested on the edge of her seat.
"There's a brand-new, lingerie shop opening in the mall down on Seventh! It's VIP with some of the best collection of brands! Can you believe it?" She practically yelled before glancing my way.
I put my hands on my hips as I gave her my, are you freaking serious, look.
"Don't give me that look! This is serious! A fucking emergency! They're going to have a huge sale." She stressed.
"There's going to be a time where you're actually going to need my help and I'll debate whether to come or not." I pointed out.
She smiled wickedly at me before taking a dramatic overlook of my appearance.
"Damn Scar. You've been working out? Turn around let me see your ass."
I couldn't help but laugh before turning around.
"Dammnnnnnn. Holidays are here and you're looking like a Victoria Secret model. The boys are going to be cheering when they see that plump ass." She praised.
"Uh huh. Are you done sucking up to me? Seeing as you've summoned me, how can I be of service?" I joked, crossing my arms under my breasts as I waited.
"I’d rather suck up than feel your wrath. Listen, this lingerie shop and a whole bunch of places are doing some major Christmas sales. I'm seriously debating whether to go and buy a bunch of stuff now or wait till Boxing Day." She began as she flipped through the digital flyer.
"Hmm. It depends. Do you want to go now when you can still walk in the mall without coming out with multiple bruises OR go when you’ll get run over and potentially murdered?” I questioned.
"Just so you know, there were only three deaths last Boxing Day, and you don't go to the mall and get bruises. I go with Vinzent all the time."
Boxing Day: the time of the year where everyone rushed to the stores to get the best discounted deals - the apparent ‘holiday’ similar to the madness that occurred after Thanksgiving. Let’s admit it. Everyone loved a good deal when they saw one.
I gave her another look.
"Last time I remembered, your six-feet, seven-inch boyfriend is a fucking mountain of muscles, and everyone magically migrates out of his path. I sometimes wonder if it’s unintentional or if they can sense the, don't mess with me, aura from two miles away."
Cece laughed, placing her iPad on the table before facing me.
"You remember correctly, and it has many benefits, especially during Christmas. Just the other day we were at the mall, and the line for Sephora was ridiculous! Vinzent gave the attendant one look, and bam, we skipped the line. I may have gotten a few glares but tough luck. Not my fault my man gets what he wants without even trying." She flicked her curly, blonde locks.
"Evil, I tell you." I commented, shaking my head.
That was my best friend for you. If you weren't a part of her close friend's list, she didn't give a hoot about you or your opinion.
"What are your plans Scar? For Christmas, I mean."
I groaned, turning around to head back to the bathroom.
"I don't know." I called out, praying for her to drop the subject, which I knew she wouldn't. I grabbed my clean nightgown that was resting on the doorknob.
I heard footsteps following me as I made my way into her guest bedroom, which was basically mine.
Cece rarely had guests over, and if she did, they wouldn't be sleeping over without good reason. My best friend was all business when it came to strangers and acquaintances. You either told her what you needed or got the fuck out. Therefore, this large bedroom was mine for the taking.
Now that Jake, my ex-boyfriend, was out of my life I decided to chill with my bestie during the holidays.
I'd brought along my cat, Moonlight, who casually relaxed on the window sill.
He turned to stare at me, trailing Cece as we walked in, tilting his little head before returning to the eventful snowfall happening outside.
"Scarlet Sinclair. You are not going to be sitting at home, locked up in your bedroom this holiday. I forbid it."
I put on my nightgown; the silk fabric felt wonderful against my skin before I made my way to my vanity.
"I do not lock myself up in my room. If you're referring to the "Scar Only" room, it automatically locks when I close the door behind
me. That doesn't count." I retorted, pulling open my top drawer to retrieve my hairbrush. I should get my hair straightened. Something different.
"Don't give me that bullshit. For the past five years, you have intentionally flashed me the sick card to get out of all the amazing Christmas Eve parties, before sulking in your designated room while Jake goes out and gets wasted."
"I stay home because it's annoying to go out. You know the chance of me triggering my gift triples during the holidays. People from all over the world come here and their hands grab objects for no reason. I can't risk it. Thanks, but no thanks." I complained.
Having a gift like mine was a pain in the ass during Christmas.
No thanks. Deal with enough drama at school and work. Don't need my face plastered on all the newspapers or social media as the new, viral, fainting lady.
"I see your point." She argued. Her eyes landed on my bare hands.
"Where're your gloves?" She inquired.
"I don’t need –" I began but she shook her head.
"Where are those buggers, Scar?" She questioned.
"Bathroom. I took them off before showering. I forgot to put them on when I was done."
She nodded before walking out of the room. I closed my eyes; my hand pressed against them as I took a deep breath.
"Meow."
I glanced down; Moonlight sat next to my feet.
"Come here, boy." I cooed, patting my lap before the black fur ball leaped. He took a moment to brush against my hand before settling down; his tail lazily moved around.
"You want to cheer me up, right? I know, I'll be okay." I whispered.
My gift wasn’t the true reason why I didn't dare participate in the festive activities during Christmas. I could easily wear gloves all day and night during this season, and no one would question it.
