Title: Poisonous Mistletoe

Author: Kimmy

Rating: PG

Disclaimer: I don't own anything. I disclaim. Don't sue!

Email: hibiscus_sweetie@hotmail.com

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Archived: Cover Me and Allies

Spoilers: Counteragent

Summary: Sydney walks along the streets of Los Angeles and sees something that reminds her of what she can't have. A gift is received and hope is in sight. CM Challenge.

Author's Note: PLEASE REVIEW!! To

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Poisonous Mistletoe

by

Kim Phan

I wrap my wool jacket closer around me as I walk down the deserted street. It was usually cold for Los Angeles. Some stores are still open even though it was Christmas Eve. I look at the window displays hoping it would cheer me up, but I knew that probably wasn't possible.

It was sad. Christmas Eve and I was roaming the streets of LA. It wasn't like I had anything better to do though. Francie was visiting relatives in New York. Will had seen Jenny again and was going to a party that she was throwing. Will had asked me to come along, but I didn't want to depress him. Seeing him and Jenny interact again would have been interesting though. I smile the smallest of smiles and continue walking aimlessly down the street.

I wonder if Vaughn was spending his Christmas with Alice. Stop it! Stop thinking about him! I keep saying this to myself, but I can't seem to stop. It's like I'm addicted to him. At one time I had hoped that when this was over, we could be together. It was this foolish dream of mine that kept me going. That dream was shattered the day I met Alice in the hospital. Of course, he had a girlfriend. Why would anyone wait for someone with a dysfunctional family and life in general? The thing is what was supposed to keep me going now?

I sighed as I keep walking, hearing the clicks of my heels hitting the concrete. It was so cool out that I could see my breath in the air. I glance briefly at a window and look again when I notice something. Staring, mesmerized, I didn't notice the single tear that had fallen on my cheek. Soon though, more wet drops start falling and I bring my hand up to wipe away the tears.

I start running. Where? I have no idea. Suddenly I run into something or rather someone. I look up as I brush some tears out of my eyes. It was Vaughn. We stand there staring at each other. I can see anguish and confusion in his green eyes. He probably sees hurt and hopelessness in mine. Before I could know what was happening, he had his arms around me, enveloping in a hug. I felt safe and content for the first time in days. He always had that effect on me though. To make me forgive and forget.

In another moment, he is gone and all I'm left with is a silver box. The warm feeling I had is gone. I decide it is time to head home and make my way around the corner.

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I open the door to my home and head inside. Dropping my purse and the box on the table, I head to my room to change into pajamas.

As I come out and sit down to watch some television, my eyes travel back to the box. I sigh and turn off the television. Putting some wood in the fireplace, I lit a match and start a fire. It warms me up some as I grab the box from the table and sit back down on the couch. Taking the lid off, I find a note on top.

It reads: Someday, V.

Inside the tissue paper is mistletoe and I smile sadly. I think back to what I had seen in the window. There had been a young couple kissing under the mistletoe. When they pulled apart, they had stared at each smiling happily. They seemed so content like nothing could ever tear them apart.

I sigh. As I stare at the bright colors of the flames in the fireplace, I finger the mistletoe in the box. Mistletoe may be poisonous, but love may be more.