A short story on Helen and Lucas' Christmas. Hope you enjoy. Merry Christmas.

Light streamed in through Helens new window. Jerry joked it was an early Christmas present. Anything to make her room warmer would be welcomed with open

arms. Helen rolled onto her back, the bed felt bare, like something was missing. Well, not something, someone, but she couldn't think that way. She was not

allowed to think of her cousin like that.

"Just get used to it Helen" she whispered to herself. Months had past and being without Lucas wasn't getting any easier. It seemed like he wasn't around

anymore, not even invisibly. The dawning thought that the day was actually Christmas Eve appeared when she saw the small tree in the corner of her room. It

was the holidays and now Jerry knew everything about her she was to spend her time at the Delos' with her 'family'. At least Orion would be there, although

she didn't know how she felt about him either, that was a lie. Deep down really Helen knew it wasn't the kind of love she felt for Lucas but she could never be

with him like that.

"Merry Christmas Helen." Noel looked up from the roast she was basting. There was so many pots and pans everywhere Helen tread carefully not to knock

everything over. Mostly everyone gathered around the dining table, since Hector returned everywhere he went his family followed. It was sweet.

"Merry Christmas" someone whispered in her ear. Helen smiled.

"Orion. How are you finding Christmas in the Delos household?"

"Overbearing. But I'm grateful. I'm just not ready to face my father yet."

"I understand. There's too many of them, I don't know what to do with myself." They both laughed, unsure what to do with a big family for Christmas. Ariadne

poked her head up from the table and beamed at Helen and Orion.

"You know you're both standing under the mistletoe." She laughed. "It's a good way to get into the Christmas spirit." Just like Helen thought, the second

Ariadne said those words she found Lucas. His head shot up. He looked pained. Helen blushed. She couldn't back out, but she knew it would hurt Lucas. She

turned to Orion, he squirmed where he stood and bent down to kiss her on the cheek. They both turned awkwardly to stare at the Delos'. Unimpressed they all

looked away, except Lucas whose eyes lingered on Helen's. She was the first to look down.