Welcome, everyone, to the final chapter of Mai's Christmas Carol. I hope you've enjoyed this little story. I hope you've been getting all your Christmas shopping done and gotten everything you need to avoid the final rush. But back to the story. In the last chapter, Sebastian Fulheimer and Candice Johnson had some good old-fashioned justice served on them as they were tossed out into a dumpster prior to the police taking them in. Then as the little extravaganza began Mai announced that the proceeds from the event were going directly to the medical fund of Janice Brown's younger brother for his life saving heart surgery.
As the announcement was made on T.V. the Doctors heard and so, with a matching heart available, Justin is about to go into surgery and has asked the doctors to contact the important people in his life. Get ready as the final chapter of Mai's Christmas Carol begins.
Disclaimer; Yu-Gi-OH and all canon characters are strictly the property of Kazuki Takahashi. I'm just borrowing them for a while but will put them away when I'm done. All original characters in this story are strictly my property. Joey Jr. or Jo-Jo is the property of my friend Peach Wookiee. Allyson Wheeler is strictly the property of my friend OmegaRain Productions.
Things backstage were a bustle of activity as the models were being fit into their clothing. Mai walked up to Angelica Norton who looked antsy but eager at the same time. Mai looked at the young woman and said, "Angelica, hon, with Candice gone I'm putting a lot of faith in you, can you pick up the slack for Candice?"
The young woman nodded and answered, "I can, Miss Valentine!"
Mai smirked and nodded in approval. "Well then when the time comes I need you to get out there, strut your stuff, and be absolutely fabulous."
Angelica Norton smiled and chimed excitedly, "Just watch me do my thing!"
Mai saw some of the models heading out for their rounds on the catwalk. Mai looked at Angelica and said, "That's your cue, hon."
The blonde model nodded and walked over to her position. Mai looked around at all the bustle of activity. For all the chaos that was going on things were definitely looking up. Based on the cheering and the camera flashes from outside this Christmas extravaganza was turning into a massive success. Mai then turned and headed outside the backstage to a hallway. Janice was wiping her eyes with a handkerchief Luke had given her. Janice smiled and said, "I don't know how to thank you, Mai."
Mai smiled and answered, "Merry Christmas, Janice, after putting up with all my bullshit this is the least I could do to make it up to you."
On cue a non-descript man ran up to Mai and Janice. "Um…excuse me, Miss Brown, Mr. Alderman?" the man ventured.
Janice sniffed and said as Luke also gave the man his attention, "Go right ahead, honey, what have you got?"
The middle aged man explained. "Ma'am, sir, I just got a call from the hospital, Justin Brown is about to go into surgery."
Janice gasped in surprise. She looked at Mai conflict clearly written on her face. Mai however knew what needed to be done. "Well don't waste time hanging around, hon, your brother needs you!"
The black woman smiled graciously. Luke said, "I'll drive us to the hospital."
Mai smiled and said, "I'll keep your brother in my thoughts and prayers."
Janice smiled graciously before she and Luke Alderman hoofed it out of there. For the first time in a long time Mai was feeling better about herself then she had. And that brought her to one thing she needed to do. She had already made up her mind but now was the time to make her thoughts clear to Joey. Mai headed down the heavily guarded hallway and soon found Joey watching the extravaganza on one of the T.V.s Mai called out, "Joey?"
Joey turned around and smiled. He walked over and took Mai into his arms. Mai felt Joey's lips capture hers and she wrapped her arms lovingly and longingly around him. How she ached to have him close to her. Mai couldn't get enough of this wonderful goofball man, and yes he was a man. Finally they pulled away for lack of oxygen but Joey still held her close. "Been hopin' for a chance to talk with ya'."
Mai asked coyly, "And what might that be about Mr. Joseph Wheeler?"
Joey smirked in wry amusement. "Don't play coy with me ya' tease. You know what I mean!"
Mai gave him a look of mock innocence and said, "Why, Joey, whatever do you mean I'm a model of purity."
Joey laughed and looked around. "Last night said otherwise."
Mai gave Joey a salacious smile. "You were pretty accommodating yourself. So much so that whenever you're up for it, I'd love a repeat performance." She said giving him a wink.
Joey couldn't help but laugh. "You're really somethin' else, Mai Valentine, and I'm glad about what happened. But…what about what I asked?"
Mai's face turned serious. Joey released her his face becoming uncertain. Right where I want him. Mai thought.
"Hon," Mai began. "I've had a lot of time to think about this."
And then she pulled him into another kiss. The kiss seemed to last longer. When she finally pulled away and took a breath Mai answered with certainty and a big smile. "And my answer is yes, yes I will come back with you to Domino! I'm tired of running away, being a coward, and pushing away my friends and the man I love. I want to come back to Domino, I want to give us a try."
Joey looked visibly surprised at first as he said, in a hopeful tone. "Ya' will?"
Mai nodded in confirmation. Mai let out a half-squeal half yelp as Joey lifted her up and twirled her around as he whooped in elation before he set her on the ground and pulled her close. "I love ya', Mai Valentine!" He said before taking her lips again.
Mai returned the kiss pulling him close and knowing she would never let him go again. Blissfully happy as they were they never saw the cameraman that had managed to get in and snap a photo of them.
X X X
Mai Valentine-Wheeler sat in the living room of the two story house in Domino city looking at the digital photo book in her hands. Dressed in a long night robe she stared at the picture before her. The cameraman as it turned up had been one of her own company photographers thankfully and not paparazzi. Mai looked on the photo from years ago. Every time she looked on the photo she remembered that wonderful moment in her mind. It had been a moment that reminded her that her decision to come back to Domino with Joey had been the right one. Mai turned her attention to the elaborate ring on her finger which had a diamond and her birthstone being held by an intertwined Red Eyes and a Harpie Lady. Joey had a matching wedding band.
In the five years since her return a lot had happened and because of her decision to avoid that dark future she had seen. Her decision had made her life a hundred times happier. Putting a finger to the digital photo book screen she scrolled to another picture. This one showed her hugging Serenity and it was obvious that Joey's sister was crying. Mai remembered she'd cried too, more in relief than anything else. Serenity as it turned up had learned all about what had happened with Mai, and still genuinely believed her a good person. As a matter of fact all the gang had welcomed Mai back. Tristan had been a little skeptical but Serenity had fixed that.
Mai couldn't help but smile. Serenity it seemed had learned the art of blackmail with Tristan because whatever she'd said on that day caused Tristan to flush several shades of red. Mai scrolled through the pictures. One picture showed her in a very classy wedding gown. On her right side Papa Tony was standing in a tux his hair a little more grey but still looking very dapper. On the other side of him was Giuseppe looking suave in his tux. She had gotten in contact with her surrogate father and brother again after returning to Domino. And now they were closer than ever. The next picture showed Mai in a very fashionable looking long maternity dress. Another picture showed her and Joey sitting in the bedroom with a newborn in pink blankets. Mai couldn't help but smile. Allyson "Allykat" Marie Wheeler was a bundle of energy but had also taken an interest in fashion and clothing. To this Mai positively beamed. She's my little girl. Mai thought.
Mai scrolled through another picture this one showed none other than Justin Brown. The surgery he'd had was successful and, after a year of therapy, he'd returned to the stage, just in time to land the male lead in 'A streetcar named Desire'. That role landed him the Tony award he was kissing in the picture his face streaked with tears. The critics had hailed his presentation as the sort that rivaled Marlon Brando's own performance. You're doing great Justin, just keep at it, thought the wavy blonde.
Mai scrolled to another picture. And this one showed her in another maternity dress Joey holding her close and smiling happily. Also in the picture was a toddler along with a golden retriever, and a Calico cat who was lounging around on the deck. Mai scrolled to another picture. She was in the bedroom and was holding in her arms another baby. This one was wrapped in blue blankets. Joey Jr. or Jo-Jo had been born only 6 months ago but he was also full of energy for a baby. Mai clicked the off switch of the digital photo book and set it down. Mai got up and looked around the living room. The room was covered with Christmas décor and stockings full with all sorts of things. A Christmas tree to the right had various gifts under it. The tree lights were blinking merrily and the atmosphere of the room was vibrant and full of joy.
Mai quietly tiptoed up the stairs to the second level of the house. Mai tiptoed over to a door which had a poster of a cat on it. The cat had a very fierce look on its feline face. The creature was drawn in crayon. Crayon letters on the poster read 'Lair of the Allykat'. Mai opened the door and snuck inside the room. The room was decorated in the fashion of a two year toddler. And there in her little bed sleeping in her bunny pajamas was a little girl with dirty blonde hair who every day was looking more like her mother. And sleeping with her was a Calico cat. Munchkin, as the cat was named, had bonded with the family since they'd brought the cat home from the humane society when the cat had been half grown. Munchkin had a bit of a diva-like attitude but she definitely loved her family. Mai couldn't help but tear up. Every time she stared at this little girl, and her son, it was a reminder of just how lucky she'd been. Not every woman could ever have the kind of luck or success she had. And Mai wasn't complaining after all that she'd seen. Mai bent over and placed a maternal kiss on the little girl's forehead. "Mommy loves you, Allykat," she whispered before gently scratching the cat's head. She then tiptoed out of the room.
Mai left the door ajar just in case Munchkin wanted out. She then tiptoed to the main bedroom of the house and there she saw Joey still asleep in the bed they shared. Mai couldn't help but smile relishing the nights in that bed they'd had together. They had been married for four years and, while they'd had their ups and downs, Joey and Mai had made a committed effort to make their relationship work. And so far they'd handled it quite well. Then Mai's ears picked up the sounds of a tiny voice groaning. Mai whispered, "Sounds like the little man is waking up."
Sleeping in front of the bed was Alex the Golden retriever they'd brought home from the humane society same day as Munchkin. Munchkin tolerated the golden retriever but wasn't afraid to occasionally give him a whack on the nose to let him know who was in charge. Yesterday Joey had been all over the place seeing to her, Allyson, and Jo-Jo. So Mai figured he deserved a chance for some extra z's. So she closed the door to the main bedroom. Mai went to a bedroom decorated in the color blue. Mai entered the room she and Joey had intentionally left open. The six-month old child was indeed waking up from sleeping in his crib. Mai picked up the child and immediately she noticed the baby wince for a moment as if disposing of something uncomfortable then relaxing. Mai smelled the result. "Ooh," she whispered as her nose wrinkled. "Time to change your diaper, sweetie."
She took Jo-Jo into the bathroom and immediately proceeded to change the baby boy's diaper while the little boy cooed and laughed. The boy was proving to be as goofy as his father. But Mai somehow didn't mind. After finishing the diaper change and disposing of the old one in the proper trash can she took Jo-Jo out of the bathroom. Wrapping the little boy up in blankets she hummed softly as she rocked the baby back and forth. Mai smiled at the little boy. Mai quietly and carefully climbed down the stairs and walked over to the living room couch. She took a seat as she continued to hum and rock the baby boy back and forth. The baby responded by quieting down to his usual gurgling and looking around. As preoccupied as Mai was she never heard the soft footsteps coming down the stairs. However she did pick up the chirping, "Meow!"
Munchkin leaped on to the couch Mai was sitting on. Mai looked at Munchkin and asked, "Good morning your majesty and what do you want?"
The self-proclaimed queen of the Wheeler household simply sat down and looked at Mai expectantly. Mai set the baby safely in her lap before gently scratching the head of the cat. To this Munchkin's big golden eyes closed as the tri-colored feline crouched and purred. Mai couldn't help but chuckle. This little diva cat had all the Wheeler household around her one year old kitty paws. And chances were, as he got older, Jo-Jo would be much the same. Mai heard a door open and then something trotting down the stairs. Alex the Golden retriever finished his journey down the stairs and walked over to Mai and her little entourage. Mai chuckled. "Good morning you big galoot." She greeted warmly.
The dog just simply panted and stared up at her adoringly as he wagged his tail. The dog moved to lick Munchkin. The cat in annoyance swatted at the dog in a fashion that said, "Back off, dumb dog, I don't do wet!"
Mai picked up Jo-Jo as she chuckled. Before the events of five years ago Mai would've never thought she would get a second chance such as this.
But the events of that day all those years ago had made her a better person than she could've ever imagined. Then Mai heard some creaking from upstairs. A few minutes later Joey in his own matching long flowing robe walked down the stairs as he smiled. Even after all these years those big warm brown eyes grabbed Mai. Five years filled with ups and downs but always remaining together no matter how crazy things got for the two. Thankfully Christmas was a day the two could both have off. The dog turned towards Joey his face brightening as he let out a happy woof his tail wagging. Joey walked over and rubbed the dog's head. "Morning, boy." He said.
He sat down on the other side of Mai and kissed her on the lips. "Good mornin' t'you, beautiful."
Mai smiled. "Morning, lover." She said just as warmly.
Joey moved to one of the arm rests of the couch and opened a secret container in it. He pulled out a remote and turned on the radio near the Christmas tree. Christmas music started to play. Mai for her part leaned her head against her husband's shoulder as she bounced the baby boy in her arms. Jo-Jo in turn continued to coo and gurgle. The baby instinctively knew that he was safe and warm. A few minutes later a familiar little girl dressed in her bunny pajamas bounced down the stairs giddily. Mai was continually amazed how this little girl who was in many ways her little girl had so much energy. "Morning Mama, morning Papa!" The little girl chimed sweetly before she started bouncing round the Christmas Tree as she squealed, "Yipee! It's Christmas, it's Christmas!"
On an invisible cue Joey gently took Jo-Jo from Mai as she got up. "Allyson Marie…" Mai called out in warning.
The little girl stopped and turned at Mai's warning. "What have your father and I told you about running and jumping around in the house?" Mai chided.
The little girl sighed and said, "Don't do it while in the house?" she answered in resignation.
Mai nodded and said, "Exactly it's not that we don't want you to run and jump that's good for you. But we don't want you doing it in the house because there's a lot of valuable stuff in here. And some of it might fall off where it was or worse cause you to get an owie and then your father and I would be sad."
Joey smiled and said, "Your Ma's right, sweetheart. We only tell ya' not to run around in the house not t'be mean but because we love ya' and wanna' see ya' be safe."
The girl smiled and answered, "Okay."
Somehow Mai knew the girl understood, Mai sighed in relief because Allyson was turning out to be as well behaved as she. Though Allyson's good behavior was a far departure from the reason Mai had behaved. But then again her parents hadn't exactly been nice to her and her family butler had done his best. Mai smiled, though Allyson was only 2 years old the little girl was already speaking and she was proving to be a highly intelligent little girl. Mai was able to sit back down and said, "Come here, Allyson."
The little girl did as told. Joey handed Mai the baby and said, "I'll see about gettin' the gifts sorted."
Mai watched as the man she loved got up and started sorting out the gifts. Mai looked around at the house, the animals, the little boy in her arms, and the little girl sitting just in front of the couch. This was the something that had been missing from her life whether it had been with her parents or on her own at the house in L.A. The sense of joy and family that could only come from this time of year was only found here. Mai Valentine had been through so much in her life, and now here she was back in the city she had never thought she would see again. She was married to the man she loved…and now a mother.
Mai couldn't believe how luck had finally swung her way, all because one goofy mutt had never stopped looking for her or caring for her. More importantly, having seen what she could've been, Mai had gone out of her way to save her own soul and truly take command of her own destiny, as she should've done a long time ago. And now she was where she belonged…and at long last Mai Valentine now Mai Valentine-Wheeler was finally content with herself and her life.
While even her fabulous looks would fade in time, the love of the family she had created with this blonde-haired man was something that would bring her contentment for the rest of her life. Merry Christmas to all, God bless us every one. Mai thought and couldn't help but chuckle as she turned her attention back to Jo-Jo who was looking at her and smiling in the innocent fashion only babies could.
And so, everyone, Mai's Christmas Carol has finally come to an end. I hope all of you enjoyed this little trek through this little tale. Please leave a comment and let me know what your overall thoughts were on the story. Thank you all for reading, enjoy your Christmas celebrations with friends and family. Merry Christmas and to all to all a good night.