Chapter Twenty Five
Felicem natalem Christi - 'Merry Christmas'
December 25th 1988
00.01 am
Darkness often refines our senses, heightens all our fears and passions and often leaves us thinking about life and its endless possibilities. Henry lay on his back staring up into the ceiling, he was in his old room in Pittsburgh, the room was pitch black but he could feel all the memories that surrounded him. Some good memories, some sad ones but memories that shaped him into the man he is today nonetheless. Henry always came home for Christmas and this year was no different, to be surrounded by family and loved ones this time of year was a gift in itself. He glanced at his alarm clock on his bedside table and smiled as the red numbers shone through the darkness of the room '00:01'. He turned on his side and smiled as he ran his hands up and down a sleeping Elizabeths arm
'Merry Christmas Babe' he whispered
'Hmm, Merry Christmas Henry' she murmured responding to his touch and snuggled into his side a little more. He wrapped his arms around her and settled down to sleep himself.
'You're the best gift' he lowered his tone as he pressed his lips onto her cheek. Elizabeth had dropped back off to sleep in the warm and comfort of his arms meaning she didn't hear him, but that was ok; there were something that didn't need to be heard, only felt.
Several hours later and Christmas Day in the McCord family house hold was in full swing; presents were exchanged and opened, the drinks were flowing as they awaited that infamous Christmas dinner. Elizabeth was upstairs freshening up and taking a moment to herself, she heard the bedroom door knock and smiled to herself assuming it was Henry
'you don't have to knock' She called and turned around
'Oh sorry, I thought it was your brother' she blushed a little as Marueen laughed at her
'No I'm much better looking, I just came to see how you were?' She closed the door behind her, Elizabeth smiled at the kindness she was being shown, she really did feel accepted by them all.
'I am ok thank you'
'Are you sure? It's just I noticed you came up here when Erin and Shane started to talk about their childhood christmases and well expecting a child has put my mind into a different perspective and well; I can only image how difficult a day like today must be' maureen spoke carefully not wanting to upset Elizabeth
'It's ok honestly, Everyday is difficult, but I have a family right here now and that's what your brother taught me'
'well at least he is good for somethings' maureen laughed and teased Elizabeth
'How are you?' She walked over to maureen and hesitantly lifted her hand to touch her tiny bump that was beginning to appear, maureen nodded and Elizabeth ran her hands across her stomach; a warmth ran through her hand sending tingles through her body, something she had never felt before
'We're good, thank you for the gifts for the baby, it was very kind of you and Henry'
'Arh, well your brother couldn't resist, there was something about 'My uncle is the best' written across a tiny baby grow that turned him into a three year old' she laughed
'Do you ever think you and Henry will have children?' She asked, Elizabeth cleared her throat a little before answering
'Maybe, we haven't looked that far ahead, we've only been in a relationship for a few months, were just enjoying being a couple, plus we don't really know what our future looks like, what with him potentially being deployed in less than a year' she smiled and noticed how Maureens face looked confused
'What?' Elizabeth asked
'Nothing, I just thought Henry had a meeting about his deployment and knew the details'
'Oh yeah he had the meeting but they didn't give him any information, its silly really but when he finds out we will work it out, It will be fine' Elizabeth explained as she began to slip a jumper on.
'Come on, let's go and join the family, that's what Christmas is about' Elizabeth reasoned and Maureen smiled following Elizabeth out of the bedroom and back downstairs.
Once Elizabeth walked back into the lounge Henry stood to his feet almost immediately; he had sent maureen up to check on her and make sure she was ok, he figured she might have opened up to her a little more, like last time. He walked over to Elizabeth and walked her backwards into the hall way by her arm
'Henry?' She quizzed
'I have something for you' he reached into his pocket and pulled out a key with a red bow stuck to the front of it
'Whats this?' She looked puzzled as she took the metal from his hand an inspected it closer
'Its a key to my place, you don't need to keep using the spare anymore, that's yours, come and go as you please, but please don't go too much' he smiled at her
'Oh henry, this is wonderful, thank you babe' she reached up on her tip toes and wrapped her arms around his neck drawing him in for a lustful kiss. Her tongue sinful invaded his mouth as the passion between them sparked, henrys hands lingered on the lower of her back, slipping down to grip her behind and pull her in closer too him, she moaned softly into his mouth before stepping back and biting her lip
'I cannot wait to get you home later tonight and show you your gift' she winked, she ran her hand over his length in a teasing manor as she walked away from him, swaying her hips knowing he was watching, she turned her head around and winked at him again, enjoying the look of a seduced Henry. She allowed her mind to wonder to the evening that was going to approach them soon, just an evening of her and Henry.
Elizabeth walked off into the kitchen and joined Mary, Henry watched in awe as his girlfriend and mother conversed and laughed. Mary had never gotten along with anyone that Henry had brought home, friends nor girlfriends so to watch her enjoy spending time with Elizabeth was one of the greatest compliments and signs of approval he could receive. Henrys thoughts were interrupted by Maureen pulling on his jumper behind him and dragging him back into the hallway where he previously was with Elizabeth.
'Maureen what the hell?' He whispered annoyed as he straightened his jumper out
'you haven't told her' she pointed towards Elizabeth
'Told her what?'
'About your deployment, she just mentioned it to me, Henry you're playing with fire' she warned him. Maureen was often known for being rude towards others but she was fond of Elizabeth as she could see she made her brother happy, and despite how much Maureen and Henry dislike one another he was always going to be her brother and she wanted to see him happy.
'Leave it' he groaned and tried to walk away but she pulled him back
'Henry, you need to tell her, don't lie to her any more' she spat at him and brushed past him as she walked off.
Henry cupped his face in his hands and groaned inwardly. He took a few shaky breaths and pulled himself together. He headed back into the kitchen and joined everyone, his arm slipping around Elizabeths waist and protecting her; just like he thought his lie was doing; protecting her, but in the truth of it all when the day fades away and darkness comes too fall we forget just how dark, cold and lonely it can get. We forget that the marks humans can leave are too often scars; how these simple little things can turn into big things, just like how a tiny drop of rain in the dead of the night can turn into a thunderstorm which certainly marks its territory for all to see.