Disclaimer: see chapter one
Holiday lights
Chapter 3 : Memories and Mistletoe
Half an hour later, to the second, Susan's bell rang causing her to smile despite herself. Marcus was nice and sweet and definitely too innocent for her she told herself sternly. She was Russian. She didn't deserve any long lasting joy she thought going over her statistics. Standing, she called for entry. Marcus walked in chatty as usual, stopping speechless as he took a look at her. She wore a green leotard with black jazz pants. She wore black heels with her matching cloak that she wore with her freedom fighters uniform. As usual, it held her Ranger pin given to her by Entilzah Sinclair. Her hair was loosely bound, and she held a black purse. As she walked over the cloak flew, displaying her Ranger's belt with her Mineera's emblem and pike, Marcus watched silently as she led him out.
They walked silently through the halls. The crew, who had given up most pretense of a holiday season, had not forgotten their tradition when it came to public decorations. Every year on Babylon 5, decorations went up everywhere, from C n C to the crews mess, the day after Thanksgiving and remained there till January 7th. Marcus wanting to start a conversation, inquired about them. A strange smile came over her as she said dreamily," It was 2257, we were trying to work out holiday schedules, but even with Michael, Jeff and me working it was impossible to let everyone who wanted the Thanksgiving and the day after off free. That Friday, the one after Thanksgiving was hell. People on duty were depressed. Crew moral was at an all time low. All of a sudden Michael rushed onto C n C with boxes of Christmas decorations, singing carols and sucking on candy canes. At any rate his excitement was contagious. Soon the entire station was decorated. Last year everyone expected it. This year we did it just for tradition I guess. " Pausing she said," I must be boring you."
"Not at all." said Marcus hurriedly, terrified she would stop. She had never opened up to him or anyone in front of him. She was the reserved type. He was so excited because she was opening up without hesitation.
"What was it you wanted to ask me?" she said bringing them back to the topic of discussion.
"Well, I know you are Jewish and since this is going to be a Holiday party I was hoping you would help me with some of the traditions and such." Marcus waited her reply with eagerness knowing that this would cause them to spend a lot of time together.
"Sure...eh, OK." Susan replied hesitantly "Great." interrupted Marcus not wanting to give her a chance to change her mind." Tell me about Hanukkah with your family."
Her face was overcome with sorrow, as she thought of her family, all of them dead now. Her voice was unusually husky with emotion. "For days before Hanukkah my mother would be ordering cleaning, decorating , cooking . I remember that the servants would do everything except make latkas and Pecan rolls, and sew my dresses. That Mama always did. Papa and Ganya would have their clothes tailored, but she and I would have matching dresses for each day of Hanukah. She always made the latkas by herself. I remember that my aunts and cousins would shoo their kids away, but she always included me. Our dresses were Russian style, I remember when I was six I used to parade around in it all day with my father snapping pictures. We would light the Menorah, sing , hold services lead by Uncle Yossel, and play games. Until the last few years I always just lit a Menorah and prayed. The last two years Jeff always came with Michael. This year I am all alone, I mean we used to have winter holidays on the low and John knows about my traditions and even participated but he is busy with the baby coming. Michael is tied up completely in Security; I haven't even asked him."
They were at a stand and ordered hot chocolate and biscuits. Marcus looked at her softly, reached out to sweep a strand of hair from her face, and said, "We will spend every possible minute in preparations and make latkas and rolls which rival those of your Mama's. As for Russian dresses, if you wear one I would be honored to take pictures of such a beautiful woman." She blushed somehow knowing he loved her, knowing she loved him. Knowing they were soulmates.
Marcus suddenly looked up and pointed at the mistletoe that hung above them. He leaned in and kissed her firmly yet gently on the lips. He looked into her eyes and said softly, " I love you Susan."
She looked into his eyes, intending to protest, yet finding she could only tell the truth as she said. " I know I love you too Marcus, " as they leaned in again to kiss.
Holiday lights
Chapter 3 : Memories and Mistletoe
Half an hour later, to the second, Susan's bell rang causing her to smile despite herself. Marcus was nice and sweet and definitely too innocent for her she told herself sternly. She was Russian. She didn't deserve any long lasting joy she thought going over her statistics. Standing, she called for entry. Marcus walked in chatty as usual, stopping speechless as he took a look at her. She wore a green leotard with black jazz pants. She wore black heels with her matching cloak that she wore with her freedom fighters uniform. As usual, it held her Ranger pin given to her by Entilzah Sinclair. Her hair was loosely bound, and she held a black purse. As she walked over the cloak flew, displaying her Ranger's belt with her Mineera's emblem and pike, Marcus watched silently as she led him out.
They walked silently through the halls. The crew, who had given up most pretense of a holiday season, had not forgotten their tradition when it came to public decorations. Every year on Babylon 5, decorations went up everywhere, from C n C to the crews mess, the day after Thanksgiving and remained there till January 7th. Marcus wanting to start a conversation, inquired about them. A strange smile came over her as she said dreamily," It was 2257, we were trying to work out holiday schedules, but even with Michael, Jeff and me working it was impossible to let everyone who wanted the Thanksgiving and the day after off free. That Friday, the one after Thanksgiving was hell. People on duty were depressed. Crew moral was at an all time low. All of a sudden Michael rushed onto C n C with boxes of Christmas decorations, singing carols and sucking on candy canes. At any rate his excitement was contagious. Soon the entire station was decorated. Last year everyone expected it. This year we did it just for tradition I guess. " Pausing she said," I must be boring you."
"Not at all." said Marcus hurriedly, terrified she would stop. She had never opened up to him or anyone in front of him. She was the reserved type. He was so excited because she was opening up without hesitation.
"What was it you wanted to ask me?" she said bringing them back to the topic of discussion.
"Well, I know you are Jewish and since this is going to be a Holiday party I was hoping you would help me with some of the traditions and such." Marcus waited her reply with eagerness knowing that this would cause them to spend a lot of time together.
"Sure...eh, OK." Susan replied hesitantly "Great." interrupted Marcus not wanting to give her a chance to change her mind." Tell me about Hanukkah with your family."
Her face was overcome with sorrow, as she thought of her family, all of them dead now. Her voice was unusually husky with emotion. "For days before Hanukkah my mother would be ordering cleaning, decorating , cooking . I remember that the servants would do everything except make latkas and Pecan rolls, and sew my dresses. That Mama always did. Papa and Ganya would have their clothes tailored, but she and I would have matching dresses for each day of Hanukah. She always made the latkas by herself. I remember that my aunts and cousins would shoo their kids away, but she always included me. Our dresses were Russian style, I remember when I was six I used to parade around in it all day with my father snapping pictures. We would light the Menorah, sing , hold services lead by Uncle Yossel, and play games. Until the last few years I always just lit a Menorah and prayed. The last two years Jeff always came with Michael. This year I am all alone, I mean we used to have winter holidays on the low and John knows about my traditions and even participated but he is busy with the baby coming. Michael is tied up completely in Security; I haven't even asked him."
They were at a stand and ordered hot chocolate and biscuits. Marcus looked at her softly, reached out to sweep a strand of hair from her face, and said, "We will spend every possible minute in preparations and make latkas and rolls which rival those of your Mama's. As for Russian dresses, if you wear one I would be honored to take pictures of such a beautiful woman." She blushed somehow knowing he loved her, knowing she loved him. Knowing they were soulmates.
Marcus suddenly looked up and pointed at the mistletoe that hung above them. He leaned in and kissed her firmly yet gently on the lips. He looked into her eyes and said softly, " I love you Susan."
She looked into his eyes, intending to protest, yet finding she could only tell the truth as she said. " I know I love you too Marcus, " as they leaned in again to kiss.