A/N: Hi, everyone! Sorry I got busy for a moment there and neglected my updates. I work at a mortuary and once the holidays hit, well, business really starts. But I was wide awake at 2am so naturally, I started to write lol Anywho, please enjoy this next small but lovey dovey chapter : )
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THIRTY-TWO
JOY TO THE WORLD
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Christmas had been some kind of heavenly dream that Lana wanted to live in forever. Oliver took the week of Christmas off work and spent every moment with Lana and of course, Judy. The little kitten was a feisty one; Attacking his ankles every time he walked by and climbed up his leg with tiny ironclad claws. She was such a playful and loving little thing, however, and it was clear how much joy and happiness she brought Lana.
It truly was amazing to Oliver that such a little animal could go such a long way in someone's well being. He saw the change in Lana dramatically before his very own eyes. Judy always uplifted her spirits whenever she struggled with daily tasks or when she had a bout of anxiety. The kitten would wander over and start purring like a motor. Lana would hug her close and the anxiety would cease almost immediately. From a professional standpoint, Oliver was very intrigued at the emotional support little Judy offered without even knowing it.
Alas, Oliver was grateful and didn't mind it much when he found the tuxedo kitten curled upon his pillow almost every night before bed.
Even though Lana was anxious amongst crowds, Oliver wanted to make sure she didn't miss out on any holiday festivities and took her downtown to the town square where they had put up a giant Christmas towards the end of November. Multiple people were out and about that Christmas Eve. There was a Santa Claus stationed by the tree, taking photographs with children.
Lana stopped and eyed him skeptically. She held onto Oliver's arm, a bit nervous but enjoying herself for the most part.
"Would you like to take a picture with him?" Oliver teased softly.
Lana frowned immediately, "Oh, sure. Let me go sit on his lap." She offered.
Oliver laughed and they continued to walk through the square, admiring the multiple Christmas lights and jazz music. It was obvious that many were still Christmas shopping last minute and hustled about with shopping bags and wrapped gifts. Oliver purchased them hot cocoa from a coffee shop and some holiday baked treats to take home.
"I think he likes this." Lana said after taking a sip. She could feel the little one bounce around.
"I'm sure he does." Oliver wrapped an arm around her and they took a seat at an open bench.
A look of concern crossed Lana's face, "Do you think Judy's alright at home by herself?"
Oliver chuckled at this, "Lana, I'm sure she's fine. It's the tree I'm worried about."
Lana sighed and took another drink from her hot cocoa. It was then they heard the sound of collected singing and both looked up to see a small group of nuns walking by, singing Joy to the World as they did. Oliver froze almost immediately as he felt the grip of Lana's hand tighten around his arm. He looked over to her and she was frozen in place. The cup was inches from her parted lips, shaking as her hand trembled. Her eyes were locked on the group of singing nuns as they walked by in cheer.
When Lana saw them coming her way she felt as a bucket of ice cold water had been poured down her back as her face turned hot like molten lava. The ringing in her ear grew louder and louder, blocking out the singing and she felt as if she had lost all control of her body. It felt as if her soul had escaped her and she was left with nothing but fear and darkness. One nun, looked over at her and nodded at Lana with a cheerful expression as she continued to sing with her sisters. Everything became still in that moment and Joy to the World was replaced in her mind by Dominique followed by the buzzing sound of electro shocks.
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"Lana, I am so sorry." Oliver apologized once he parked the car in the driveway of their home and turned the engine off.
Lana placed her hands on her lap, looking ahead at nothing in particular. He was surprised she hadn't fainted then and there. Her hot cocoa sat in the cup holder, unfinished.
It took Lana a moment to collect herself. She took in a deep breath and turned to look at Oliver. She forced a weak smile but failed, "It's not your fault."
Oliver took her hand, it was cold to the touch and kissed it. "You know I'd do anything to keep you safe."
She nodded, "I know."
Oliver brought her hand down and caressed it. "I suppose a gaggle of singing nuns was the last thing I expected to see."
Lana shook her head, "No, Oliver, I'm sorry. I know I shouldn't have been afraid. They never harmed me. I just- I…" She sighed, feeling defeated, "I just panicked is all but I'm fine now."
Oliver nodded. "Let's get you inside where it's warm."
And like magic, the sight of Judy made Lana feel a hundred times better. Lana picked up the little kitten and cradled her like a baby, muttering sweet words to her. Oliver smiled and shook his head as he hung their coats. Lana sure did love that little cat.
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By Christmas morning the nuns had been completely forgotten and the incident seemed like an insignificant bump in the road. It was a simple Christmas but it was one worth remembering. Oliver spoiled Lana rotten that morning and in return she gave him a couple pieces of paper in a manila envelope she had found in the study. He was confused at first and seemed extremely embarrassed but when he realized what it was, he grinned from ear to ear.
She had written him a short story about a man who built models in his spare time. "It's nothing big, it's not even good." She went on, averting her gaze as she held Judy to her chest. They sat on the carpet in front of the Christmas tree. Lana didn't have any money to her name and she didn't want to ask Oliver for any. It felt strange buying him a gift with his own money so she chose to make him something in return.
But Oliver was touched that she had written him a story about himself and his beloved hobby. "I love it." He claimed honestly.
"Really?" Her big brown eyes gleamed with hope and excitement.
"Of course. You're a magnificent writer, Lana. You've always been so."
"I just didn't know what else to get you and it just felt right." She set Judy down and watched as the kitten scampered over to Oliver, pouncing on the crumpled wrapping paper by his leg.
"You've already given me everything I've ever wanted." He said a little bashfully, flipping through the pages with a smile. It was a thoughtful gift and he was extremely pleased that she was moving forward.
Lana smiled too, her eyes on him alone. She'd go through Briarcliff all over again if it meant finding him.
