The Christmas Cat
Chapter 5
by Vickietori

A/N: YAY!!! I'm feeling sooo much better!!! *cough cough* Well maybe I'm not totally well... Oh well! Thank you sooo much for the reviews peeps! I hated to put that 5 reviews until next chapter thingy on, but I wanted to see your reactions... MWAHAHAHAHA!!!! I never knew piper could be so threatening.... The beginning of this chapter may be a bit boring, but it gets better... don't you worry ^_^ Anyhoozerhankeydoodle, the moment you've all been waiting for... may I introduce... Chapter 5!!! *crickets chirp except for piper who stands up screaming *

Disclaimer: Don't even get me started... I have a shovel, some dirt, and a big back yard Disney! If you try to sue me... I'm prepared *dun dun dun* And if you do, you'll come to find that the only money I get is spent on either a graphic novel or something that has to do with Legolas... or Bernard... or hamsters... ^_^ That is all... for now.

Say Anything- Good Charlotte

Here I am on the phone again and...
Awkward silences on the other end.
I used to know the sound of a smile in your voice.
But right now all I feel is the pain of the fighting starting up again.
All the things we talk about you know they stay on my mind.
On my mind.
All the things we talk about will bring us through it every time.
After time. After time.

Don't say a word.
I know you want to stay.
Just give me a sign.
Say anything. Say anything.
Please don't walk away.
I know you want to stay.
If you just give me a sign.
Say anything. Say anything.

Some say that time changes.
Best friends can become strangers.
But I don't want that, no not for you.
If you just stay with me we could make it through.
So here we are again same old argument.
Now I'm wondering if they will ever change.
When will you laugh again?
Laugh like you did back when.
We'd make noise til 3:00am.
And the neighbors would complain.

All the things we talk about you know they stay on my mind.
On my mind.
All the things we talk about will bring us through it every time.
After time. After time.

~*~

Darkness was all to be found. The once joyous place filled with holly leaves and mistletoe was now colder then a dungeon. The place that was once filled with love was empty... Nothing could be found there. No one could be found there. Everyone was dead, and it was all going to be her fault...

Why did it happen?? asked a floaty voice coming from everywhere. Why did it have to come??

I'm sorry!! screamed Terri. She looked around with her hair severely messed up, blood stains on her pants, and tears flowing down her once rosy and smiling face. She bit her lip and could not hold back.

NO NO NOOO!!!









Terri wake up!! The screaming stopped. All that was black now turned to normal. Terri opened her eyes from a dream she had fallen into. She looked around the room, sweat pouring from her brow. She was lying in her bead in her room, and standing all around her was Bernard, Scott, Carol, and Tomaso. Bernard was sitting in a stool holding her hand in his, trying to comfort her.

B- Bernard?? she stammered uneasily. Santa?? Carol?? Everyone looked down at her with their eyes filled with concern and worry. They all nodded once she said their names.

meowed Tomaso as he jumped onto the bed and walking up Terri's chest to look her in the eyes. Her hoarse breathing stopped, and instantly she smiled, but only Bernard could tell that her smile wasn't the same... It was still filled with fear.

Terri?? What happened?? Why were you screaming?? Carol leaned in closer to Terri and touched her cheek tenderly as if cooing her own daughter. Terri's smile faded and she looked at Carol to Scott and then to Bernard.

It was awful! she said sadly. Everyone was gone... killed! Everything was dark and mournful... She stopped when she saw the expressions on everyone's faces. Now all of them looked as frightened as her. She didn't want anyone to be frightened... she didn't want to worry them. She bit her lip and then tried to make it all better. But it was just a dream! she said trying to smile reassuringly. She grinned trying to make everyone do the same as her.

But are you all right?? You seemed pretty scared... Bernard looked at her with concern filling the cores of his dark eyes. Terri looked back at him, and her heart skipped a beat once she realized her hand was in his. She gulped and continued nervously.

Yeah, I'm all right! Just a nightmare... She tried to sit up in her bed with her strength returning to her. Tomaso jumped down from the bed, but stayed with his eyes on the girl almost like he knew what was going on. We all get scary nightmares once and a while... don't we?? Bernard nodded followed by relieved smiles from Scott and Carol. Bernard still gripped Terri's hand, though. He wanted to make sure she was really fine. He guessed it made Terri feel better when she saw everyone smile again. She got out of her bed and walked around ignoring everyone else's presence. She sighed heavily before noticing that everyone was following behind her every step she took. She looked behind her, and turned around immediately. Don't worry everyone! I'm fine... really!

Okay dear, but if you need anything, just let us know, said Carol following Scott out of the room. We'll be here for you! The two of them left not closing the door behind them. But Bernard stayed. He had a very strong feeling that Terri wasn't as she claimed. He knew she wasn't all right.

God bless them... Terri murmured to herself. She smiled and then walked to her snowy balcony and opened the two double doors. She walked out onto the snow with her bare feet. Bernard followed close behind her.

It's like she doesn't remember I'm here,' he thought to himself. Terri stood outside with the light layer of fluffy snow melting below her toasty feet. What is she doing??' Bernard asked himself. From his place beside the bed, Tomaso ran out onto the balcony. He put his paws on Terri's leg, reaching up as high as he could to get her attention. He meowed and Terri's head twitched slightly. She blinked for a second and then looked down and saw the cat.

she said quietly. Bernard saw her lips move, but he couldn't hear the thanks she gave the tabby cat. Tomaso let his paws to the ground again and then trotted back inside with Terri following him. You're still here?? she asked Bernard as she tucked her snow-covered toes into red slippers matching her pajamas.

Are you sure your all right?? asked Bernard again. He told himself over and over that she wasn't, but he knew he would feel better hearing Terri say the same. Terri nodded her head smiling.

I'm sure. Bernard didn't return her smile. He was to worried to do anything else.

he said quietly, hanging his head over slightly disappointed that he didn't get the answer he wanted. He walked to the door without Tomaso following him. He turned around as he stood in the doorway. he called for the cat. Tomaso was beside Terri who was now sitting in the same beanbag as the day before. Tomaso put one of his paws on Terri's knee and meowed lightly. Bernard smiled, for somehow he knew Tomaso was as worried about Terri as he. He turned again to leave the room.

Terri then suddenly called. Bernard stopped again and turned to face Terri now scratching Tomaso's back. What happened?? she asked fixing her eyes on his. She, like Bernard wanted a direct answer.

Good question, replied Bernard. He decided if Terri wasn't going to talk, neither was he. He turned and left the room, leaving behind Tomaso with her. He walked away slowly from the room, feeling no anger he didn't get the answer. He couldn't be angry at her, he had no reason. He was just so concerned more then anything.

~*~

Later, when the skies were dark with night, Terri sat once again at work making more hemp jewelry.

Mom always told me it's good to fix your concentration and energy to work at something like this... she told Tomaso, though she knew the cat couldn't understand. I'm glad I forgot my tarot cards at home though... That takes way too much energy... But, they would be nice to have... She trailed off noticing Tomaso looking at her quizzically. Her fingers stopped threading the durable string and she folded them together under her chin. I remember her... she told Tomaso. I remember home as if I'm there now. She closed her eyes for a second with a smile spreading on her face. The sweet cents coming from the burning candles... She opened her eyes again and looked at Tomaso. The smell of lavender never left the carpet after I spilled her bottle of perfume, she told him scratching his left ear softly and laughing lightly. Too bad it's all gone, eh?? she asked the cat coming to her feet. She walked over to an antique dresser that stood on the other side of the room and looked at herself in the mirror. Oh darn! she said shakily. She took a tissue and quickly hid her eyes in it. When she was done, she looked at Tomaso who watched her every move. I was not crying! she said in an arguative tone.

A moment of silence passed between her and the cat. Yes I'm sure I'm okay... she then said. It's late... let me go to sleep, okay?? No more questions... She smiled at the cat and climbed into her bed, Tomaso curling up on the pillow next to her. She smiled and closed her eyes.

Tomaso questioned her sniffing her closed eyelids.

I don't think I'll have any more nightmares, Terri said not bothering to open her eyes again. Now you go... to... sleep... She trailed off and then started snoring lightly. Tomaso didn't fall asleep as instructed. He stayed awake keeping a watchful eye on the girl, waiting for the same nightmare to come back.

~*~

Did you have any more nightmares?? Bernard asked Terri over a hot dish of oatmeal for breakfast. Terri was trying to avoid anyone's eyes that morning. She sat with her eyes fixed on her meal. he asked.

she said softly. No more nightmares... She slowly raised her eyes though she tried not to, and caught Bernard's. She stared at him for a second and then sighed. Actually... I might've had another nightmare... Bernard leaned forward in his chair anxious to hear more.

The same one??

Terri nodded. The same one, she repeated. What do you think of them?? she asked.

They're your dreams... not mine. He took another spoonful of the hot meal and winced. He put down his spoon and opened his mouth fanning his mouth frantically. Terri watched him with an eyebrow raised as if looking at an ancient Aztec ritual.

she asked as Bernard's fanning came to an end. He looked up at her and swallowed.

A little, he grinned. She nodded and used a spoon to get an ice cube out of her water glass. She leaned over his meal and dropped the ice into the soup like treat. he said watching Terri as she made every move without her usual hyperness. She nodded her head and sat back down. I think these dreams are draining your hyperness, he then commented. Terri grunted in agreement and tried her hardest to smile.

Silence passed between the two until Bernard dropped his spoon into his bowl making a loud ding.'

Terri, I can't take it anymore, Bernard said standing in his chair. These dreams are doing something to you, They're taking the cheer out of you! Can't you tell?? They're scaring you to the point where you're not yourself! He waited for Terri's response. She sighed and too put down her spoon.

Tomaso tells me your worried, she finally said softly. Not exactly the answer Bernard was looking for. He frowned and then his eyes grew wide.

Tomaso... told you??

Terri nodded.

~*~

She can understand animals, Bernard told Curtis over a hot cup of Judy's cocoa. The two sat in a private room discussing Terri's situation.

Now I can see why you're so worried about her, joked Curtis. Bernard shot him an serious look through his black locks. Curtis commented like backing away from a fight. How did you find that out??

She told me that Tomaso told her that I was worried about her, he said taking a sip from the cocoa. Curtis thought to himself a second, murmuring to himself. Bernard eyed him looking over the rim of the cup as he drank.

So... she found out from the cat... that you are worried about her??

he said wiping off his cocoa mustache on his sleeve.

Curtis thought for a second more. he then asked. Bernard put down his cocoa on a coffee table. Is she like a... physic??

Yup, matter of fact she is. She inherited her abilities from her mother. He looked at Curtis who had a look of disbelief on his face. It's true, Bernard encouraged. I seriously don't think someone like Terri would joke about that.

I do.

Well you're still upset about the cutie' incidence! I'm worried about her... I mean, she came here as a perky...

Really perky, interrupted Curtis.

Fine, a really perky girl and now she's... different. I haven't seen her smile since her first dream...

Did you ever find out what the dreams meant to her?? Curtis asked taking interest in the subject.

Not yet... All I know is that... she's scared. He stopped a moment and thought to himself, biting his bottom lip until it turned bright red.

You don't think that her dreams might actually happen... do you?? asked Curtis. Bernard snapped his head up and looked at Curtis.

I hadn't thought about that! What if... what if she... GOOD GOD!!! Bernard dropped his cocoa and ran out of the room. Curtis didn't follow. He watched the cocoa spill from the cup and then sighed.

I knew she would be trouble... He took in a deep breath and began to clean the spilled cocoa.

~*~

said Bernard barging into Terri's room not bothering to open the door. Terri snapped her head up from a Tarot card reading she had started. She was sitting on the floor cross legged next to Tomaso and a hot cup of cocoa.

What is it?? she asked looking at him urgently.

Terri, you have to tell me what your dreams are about, urged Bernard. I think they might come true. He sat on the floor next to Terri who looked at him with concern and worry. She then sighed and set down a card in her hand. Bernard looked at the dropped card which read death.' He stared at the card being only interrupted by Terri.

Bernard don't look at the cards... look at me. Bernard turned his gaze from the card to Terri, his eyes now filled with even more worry. I don't want to tell you about my dreams...

Terri you have to! I know it's hard for you but...

It's not hard for me! I'm taking this all the fine, you just have to understand I am a physic... not a fortune teller. Bernard thought for a moment, calming down a bit.

Aren't they the same thing?? he asked.

They might be for some people, but not for me. She gathered the cards together and stacked them neatly beside her. I have the ability to... tell when something is about to happen... it doesn't come to me through dreams. There are some times in my life when everything turns upside down... when everything isn't right.

But everything isn't right! argued Bernard.

she asked him raising an eyebrow. Bernard opened his mouth to protest, but shut it once he realized it was true. She was the only thing that wasn't acting normally. Any ways, don't worry about it, Bernard. I promise you... no, I swear to you that nothing will come to destroy the North Pole. Nothing. She looked straight into his eyes, making her last words stick to him like glue. Finally, Bernard nodded his head.

If you say so.

I say so.

So, where did you get the cards?? Bernard pointed to the stack of Tarot cards that Tomaso was now sniffing at. Terri put her finger to her lips.

Shh... I borrowed them. She smiled and then noticed Bernard's further look of confusion. Judy helped me get them. I told her I needed them and so she went and borrowed them from the workshop for me. And Tomaso then delivered them to me. She picked up Tomaso and scratched him on the back, making the cat purr loudly. Bernard watched her for a moment saying nothing.

What is he saying?? he then asked.

He wants to go with you... He feels that his work is... done here?? She stopped scratching the cat and held him up to her face and looked strait into his green pupils. Work?? You don't have any work you silly kitty! she taunted Tomaso in a silly voice. Tomaso meowed and then licked her nose. She giggled a bit and then handed the cat over to Bernard. Bernard was now smiling, reassured with the knowledge that there was still some joy left in the girl.

Now I know why he took to you so well, he commented as Tomaso curled into his arms and falling fast asleep. Terri watched the cat.

Do you think I could... go home?? she then asked. The question hit Bernard hard.



Do you think he'll let me?? Do you think Santa will let me??

Go home?? He didn't answer her question.

I feel as thought all I've been to everyone here is a burden... I feel like all I've done is cause trouble...

Not to me! said Bernard snatching her hands in his. All stopped suddenly as Bernard realized what he had done. He now could feel his cheeks turn red from blushing, but his eyes stayed serious and locked on Terri's.

she said as she felt her own heart race and her cheeks color too. But, I don't want to outstay my welcome... Please, could you just ask Santa if it's all right if I go back?? Bernard hesitated to answer. He realized he didn't want to let her go. He was obviously falling in love. But then, he noticed Terri's look. He could tell that she really wanted to leave.

I'll talk to him, he said dropping her hands and getting up from his place on the floor. Then he left her unhappily. He closed her door behind him and stood outside of it, letting his heart bleed. Then he closed his eyes, and for the first time since Rosie's death, he cried.

Say Anything- continued

Don't say a word.
I know you want to stay.
Just give me a sign.
Say anything. Say anything.
Please don't walk away.
I know you want to stay.
If you just give me a sign.
Say anything. Say anything.

I'm falling. I'm falling. I'm falling down.

Don't say a word.
I know you want to stay.
Just give me a sign.
Say anything. Say anything.
Please don't walk away.
I know you want to stay.
If you just give me a sign.
Say anything. Say anything.
Please don't leave.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

Did I write that?? Did... I write THAT?? Woah, that is not how the chapter was supposed to end... *stops talking realizing everyone is probably reading this* *grins and blushes* Well, anyway, I hope you like!! Thank you peeps! latrz!