Chapter Twenty - One

Unum diem ad tempus –'One day at a time'

December 7th 1988

07:02am

Henry outstretched his arms as he woke that morning he rolled over and was surprised to find Elizabeth was not in the bed next to him. He sighed knowing exactly where she was. Henry's attention was drawn to the soft taps at the window. It was snowing again; he watched through sleepy eyes as the soft delicate flakes fell. He climbed out of bed and drew the curtains back a little further to get a full view of the world outside the window. Snow has such a force, such a power within it. It commends the world to stop and take stock of everything that surrounds you. After all when it snow there are two options; you shovel or you make snow angels.

Henry smiled to himself, he grabbed a sweatshirt and made his way downstairs; he was right. As he entered the living room there she was; sat at the coffee table head in the books. He shook his head. She had been studying profusely for days. He walked over to her and slid the book from within her grasp.

'Heyyy' she moaned trying to reach for it back.

'Nooo, Elizabeth you're going to make yourself ill. You've been up at the crack of dawn everyday for the last week' he raised an eyebrow at her as she sunk back into her seat.

'Sulk all you want, you need a break' he closed her book and proceeded to make her a warm drink.

'But I have tests to revise for Henry, I am not as fortunate as you. You get the whole of the Christmas break off, I go straight back to exams' she began to stress, her head sinking in her arms.

'Hey, hey, come on' he spoke softly and walked over to her, he began to gently massage her shoulders before continuing

'You have five weeks off, you just need to pace yourself that is all I am saying'

'But there is one algorithm I cannot work out, I have been stuck on it for nearly twenty four hours I don't have that luxury in the exam Henry, I need to master it and-'

'And enough Elizabeth, let it go. Walk away from the book and come back later. It will still be there'

'I'll just do that one and then I'll put it down'

'No, thats it. Come on. Upstairs, were going out' he practically dragged her from the table and up the stairs to the bedroom.

'Henry it isn't even eight in the morning what the heck?' she looked confused, she was also slightly irritated that he took her math book from her.

'Were going out. If I cant take the book from you then I am taking you from the books. Get dressed. I am going to make us a drink and breakfast. Were going out in half an hour so hurry' His tone was soft but stern, she knew not to argue with him. She held up her hands and admitted defeat.

'Thank you' he smiled and went to leave the room

'Is that it? No morning kiss?' she teased. Henry chuckled softly and walked back to her, he grabbed her by the waist and crashed his lips down onto hers passionately; sucking the life out of her lungs moment by moment. He pulled back and smirked

'Now get dressed Adams' he laughed and left her alone.

Elizabeth descended down the stairs not long after, wrapped up and ready to leave. Henry smiled as he spotted her entering the kitchen, her glow as bright as the fallen snow.

'Right, eat this and drink this, I will be down in a second' he ordered and kissed the side of her head as he walked past. She slumped into the seat and picked at her breakfast and slurped on the coffee waiting for Henry. She smiled secretly over the fact Henry cared so much for her, she had never had that. Her parents never took her head out of the books and she was thankful Henry took the time to help her when she couldn't help herself. Although she would never admit that.

'Right McCord you ready?' Henry chirped coming back into the kitchen also fully dressed. Elizabeth smirked and raised a sharp eyebrow at him

'What?' he looked confused.

'McCord?' she winked and Henry realised his slip of the tongue. Oh shit. His cheeks flushed with colour as her giggles filled the room

'I mean, I suppose if your bother asked me I'd say yes' she teased him

'Oh very funny, move it' he shook off the embarrassment and headed to the front door, she laughed and put her coat around her body as henry opened the door.

'Wow it looks so deep' Elizabeth offered simply.

'It's only six inches' Henry replied

'Hmm funny, as I recall you tend to boast about six inches' she teased. Henry scoffed and tried to hide his laughter. He bent down and picked up a ball of snow.

'Really Adams? Do you want to go there?' he bounced the snow ready to throw it.

'Wait I am confused, am I Adams or McCord?' she continued to wind him up as she shut the door behind her. Henry threw the ball just above her head; it broke on the door and crumbled into her hair.

'HENRY!' she shrieked as he laughed

'Right' she cursed and lunged towards him playfully hitting his chest. Henry wrapped his arms around her and enclosed her into a bear hug. He squeezed her tightly before loosening his grip and looking down at her.

'See, now you're relaxed' he smiled and she rolled her eyes.

'Ok yes, fine you win'

'It's not about winning; it's about protecting and looking out for the person you love'

'Hmm, I love you too Henry' she grinned and slipped her hand into his as they began to walk among the snow. The cold icy air began to whistle around their ears, as they walked hand in hand Elizabeth felt her fingers go slightly numb, but it was a good feeling. She leant her head onto Henry's shoulder, snug inside her many layers of clothing, Henry was right, she was relaxed and nothing can spoil the overwhelming feeling of contentment. She glanced down at her feet as they approached that same river they had passed many times before. Every step she took left a fresh, crisp footprint in the snow, as if she was the only person to have ever been there. The snowflakes continued to fall gently from the sky, reminding her of why she loved the winter. She inhaled deeply.

'I love this time of year, it's so cosy and warm' she smiled and Henry nodded. Words were not needed as they continued to walk towards the town centre, passing the stream of the river as it ran calmly past them. The branches of the trees that surrounded them bowed with the heavy load they carried, bending towards the floor. Everything glistens, as if a fairy has sprinkled her dust over the entire world. Colours are brighter against the pure white blanket that spreads as far as the eye can see. The houses become works of art, with their beautiful undisturbed snowy roofs. Aerials and chimneys become sculptures, taking on new forms. The airs smelt pure and fresh. Everything seems quieter, almost muffled. There is a sense of serenity in the atmosphere.

'Here, lets get a drink' Henry pointed to the cafe on the corner. Elizabeth nodded and followed suit taking a seat at a table whilst he ordered them some drinks.

'Thank you Henry' she smiled 'I didn't know I needed that'

'It's what I am here for, plus it was more for selfish motives, I just wanted some time with you' he laughed and she shook her head

'Well now you got me' she beamed as their drinks were brought over to the table.

'So I was speaking to mom earlier; she wondered if you'd like to join us for Christmas?'

'I would love too, of course I would' she reached across the table and squeezed his hand as her heart smiled.

'Do you think we should get a tree?' she asked We, she said we he thought as her soft innocent words fell on his ears

'We can; we could get a real one maybe? But I don't have any decorations, I don't normally decorate as I head home so' he shrugged it off like it was nothing

'What? Henry McCord you have to decorate, its Christmas!' Henry found himself smiling at how happy she was.

'Ok, its fine we can have a Christmas decoration shopping trip' he smiled and watched as the expression in her eyes changed

'What?' he asked softly, he had a good idea where this was heading.

'We used to buy a new tree decoration each year; I haven't brought a single decoration since their death' she sighed 'It was a traditon' she continued.

'Well the good thing about traditions is that they're passed on through generations so we can follow that family tradition; between you and I we can incorporate the Adams family traditions with the McCords and have out own Adams-McCord family traditions' she smiled softly as her eyes glistened like the snow.

'You always know what to say, Thank you' she whispered

'No need to thank me' he took a sip of his drink and watched as a tear slid down her face.

'Hey it's ok'

'No, no I'm crying because I am happy; really happy Henry' she sniffled. Henry could have sworn his heart was going to burst, a wave of love and devotion ran through him as he reached for her hand, taking it in his, he entwined her fingers with his own and held onto her tightly.

'I've got you.

And he did; that much she knew. Henry had a hold on her just like the snow had a hold of the winter. It was beautiful and glistening and brought you back to the simplest forms of life. The snow has the ability to provoke a response in you that leads you back to your childhood; the coldest of weather leaves you with the warmest of feelings. The kind of warmth that made you want to rejoice and make snow angels.