Christmas in Flowerbud

A/N: 'Kay, here we go.

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"Where do you think you're going, Miss Priss?"

"Shopping!"

"Where?" Daddy called after me as I stepped through the opening in the fence that separated our vineyard from the crossroads. On it hung lengthy strings of Christmas garland with red velvet bows placed periodically on the depressions. Jack and I had put it there. On the front door we'd also put a wreath, and inside was a wonderful tree, decorated by ornaments and lights and a light-up star at the very top.

Smiling to myself, I adjusted the long strap to my purse so that it hung diagonally across my body, over my right shoulder, and stopped to turn and answer him. "The mainland. Don't worry. Mother's already given me the lecture about using my own money."

He gave me a bewildered look, his thick eyebrows quirked and his dark eyes doubtful. "What are you going shopping for?"

"Presents," I replied. "Christmas presents. See you later, Daddy."

I didn't wait for a responsive farewell because I knew I wouldn't get one. Instead I began walking the downhill path to the center of the crossroads, where I continued to go straight, on my way to Ann's.

It had snowed immensely last night so that a thick, heavy blanket was laid out across the entire town, glistening, gleaming, and glowing attractively. It wasn't very wet, just cold, and solid enough so that my booted feet did not sink as I walked. In fact, a soft, but satisfying "crunch" was made with every step. The sun was out today, just partially hidden behind big, poofy gray-white clouds. There was a chill breeze, too, sweeping gently through the village much more gracefully than it had in the past week or so. Then, the wind had been harsh and mean, blowing and screaming cruelly through the streets of Flowerbud.

The knob on Ann's front door was icy and cold, and I feared it would not turn if I tried to twist it. My fear was in vain, however, because the door was opened by a resident from inside. "Morning, Gray," I told him with a happy smile.

"Morning." His reply was dull and sleepy, as though he had just woke up.

"You okay?" I asked him, flicking a strand of disobedient hair away from my face with a very cold hand. Gray motioned with his arm for me to enter, so I shook the snow off my boots and stepped inside.

"Yeah, I'm okay. My joints just ache when it snows like this."

I giggled. "Golly, Gray, you're gettin' old."

He smiled faintly. "Ann's in the barn, but she'll be in any minute."

I nodded, seating myself in a prehistoric lazy chair and pulling the lever so that it reclined. "Ooh," I marveled. "I didn't think it would still work."

"I'm gonna go get in the shower," Gray informed me. "Make yourself at home. There's milk and juice in the fridge if you're thirsty, and we've got so much leftover jerky it's not even funny. Help yourself."

"'Kay," I smiled. He disappeared into the bathroom. I didn't get up, just sat and waited for Ann.

Five minutes passed. Then eight more. Gray came out of the bathroom fully clothed and asked me what I was still doing here. "Waiting for Ann," was my bored reply.

"Want me to go get her?" Gray asked courteously.

"Thanks, but it's okay. I think I'll go see for myself what she's up to." I slowly pushed myself off the chair and prepared myself for the cool air that I knew would be outside.

Once outside, I secured the beanie on my head and was about to start walking to the barn until a shock of orange caught my eye. I looked up to see Ann standing out in the field, near the barn, with who else but my cousin. Smiling, I watched them.

They were talking. Ann rubbed her hands together. I knew she must have been freezing, for her coat was not made for cold winter days, but for nippy autumn evenings, for style and fashion. Silly Ann. I knew she had a proper coat, one that had once belonged to Gray, which was thick and suitable for such a cold day, but did not know why it wasn't being worn.

But wait...It was being worn.

Just not by Ann.

I was startled to see my own cousin wrapped in the jacket, the collar tucked up around his neck, his hands thrust deep into the pockets. I could tell by the look on his face that he felt guilty for wearing the girl's coat while she shivered in the minimal comfort of thin denim jacket. Ew...What was that ugly thing wrapped around her neck?

It was a long scarf, puke green and mustard yellow in color, woven from wool with uneven tassles on the ends. Twice it was wrapped around her neck, but it was so long, it hung down to her belt still.

I realized that the scarf belonged to Cliff. It was I who had stitched it when I was a young girl and given it to him when we were fifteen. I couldn't believe he'd kept the hideous thing, much less that he had given it to a girl, a girl he liked.

Suddenly, I knew what a perfect match the two made. They cared about each other, and not only that, but they took care of each other. Cliff had no jacket, so Ann gave him hers. Ann's neck was bare, so Cliff gave her his scarf.

The thought was so sensationally sweet that a warm, wet tear dripped down my face, past a small smile.

As the two continued to talk to one another, I wished I could hear their words. Ann was laughing, probably at something Cliff had said, and he smiled with a dreamy look spread across his face, one that I read easily.

He was obviously in love.

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By the end of the day, Ann and I were exhausted from lengthy hours spent raiding three different malls and a strip center. We bought so many gifts for so many people that the ferrymen had to help us carry them all to the shore, then Zach showed up to help us get them to our homes.

The sky was dark, full of clouds, lit only by a partly-visible moon when I hugged Ann goodbye. "Wrapping party day after tomorrow," I told her. "We can do it at my place."

"'Kay." She started to unwrap the ugly scarf from around her neck. "Could you give this back to Cliff for me?"

I smiled. "I think he'd like you to have it."

Her cheeks heated up until they were dark pink in color. "Okay," she murmured. "I'll see you tomorrow."

"Good night." I picked up all my bags and started home.

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By the twentieth day of winter, Flowerbud Village was alive with Christmas spirit. Jack had the whole town learning the songs, quoting the sayings, starting the traditions. We had mistletoes above every doorway, red and white candles on every table, lights hung along every rooftop, figures of Santa, reindeer, elves, and snowmen in every yard, and wreaths on every front door. The potion shop dealer dressed his puppies up as reindeer and his grandchildren as elves. People were walking around in Santa hats, with jingle bells on their jewelry. There was talk of a Christmas party the night of the twenty-fifth at Jack's house.

The night of the twentieth, I was at the Moonlit Farm with Ann, Cliff, and Jack, sitting around the fireplace, sipping on hot chocolate, and watching a movie on the television. "I'm excited about Christmas," Ann said, breaking the previous silence except for the noise of the TV.

"I am, too," I agreed. "But I don't think I'll be getting as many presents as I bought for everybody else."

We laughed. Jack said, "You know what's cool? I found out there's like, a festival the night before Christmas. Back home we call it Christmas Eve, and here it's the Starry Night Festival, right?"

"Right," I answered him.

"What's that one all about?" Cliff asked. "Sounds like another romantic one."

Ann blushed herself into silence, so I replied, "It is! You just get together with your significant other, and if you don't have one of those, you get a date, and you sit someplace alone and look at the stars. Somehow, it's always a clear night on the Starry Night Festival."

"This one actually sounds cool," Cliff joked.

I cast a hinting glance from him to Ann, causing my friend to blush all the more and slink down into the cushions of the sofa. I laughed within myself. How could I be so cruel and yet so funny at the same time? For Ann's sake, I turned the topic to Jack. "So, Jack, have you got anybody in mind?"

Ann began coughing, and very unsubtly mixed a friend's name into the act. "Elli!" she coughed through her fist.

"Elli?" Jack questioned, feigning startledness.

"Oh, Jack, come on!" I said. "Don't you like her?"

"Yeah, she's a good friend," he said in reply.

Ann and I looked at each and then back to him. "Please ask her," Ann pleaded.

"Yeah," I chimed.

"Yeah," Cliff said mockingly.

I slugged him playfully on the shoulder and then stood. "I better get home. Mother says she'll set a curfew if I don't start getting home earlier."

Jack and Ann sucked their thumbs, teasing me.

"Oh, hush," I told them. "C'mon, Cliff, we'd better go."

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"So where do you wanna go for the festival tonight?" Kai asked me, tilting his head down so he could look at me. We sat cuddling on the couch in the living room before the television.

My head nestled against his chest, I answered in a low, masculine voice, "The beach!"

He laughed. "How did I know you would say that?"

"Because nobody goes the beach in winter." I moved so that I was sitting further upright, with my head leaning on his shoulder, and his head leaning on my head. "So we can be all alone..."

He laughed and turned to kiss me softly on the lips. The kiss was shorter than I'd wanted or expected because he broke away and said, "The sun's setting. Let's go."

I smiled. "'Kay. Let me go get dressed." I pulled myself up and jogged up the stairs, closing my bedroom door behind me. After peeling off my sloppy sweats and mismatched toe socks, I slid into a comfy, warm pair of jeans and a random tee shirt which I covered up with a slightly oversized navy blue hoodie. My hair was thrown into a messybun, and I slid into the most comfortable pair of shoes I had on my way out the door. "Ready to go?" I asked him.

"Yep." Kai jumped off the couch and hurried to open the door for me.

"Well, thank you, sir," I told him.

"Well, you're welcome, ma'am," he answered with a cute grin. He took my hand and held it the whole way to the beach. We passed the Green Ranch and weren't surprised to see Cliff sitting with Ann on the back fence, waiting for the stars to appear. I smiled to myself. They were cute.

I wondered if Jack had asked Elli to the festival.

Upon entering the beach area, I shed all thoughts of other couples and began focusing my attention on the sky and on the man beside me. We stood for a moment on the sand, side by side, hands intertwined, gazing out at the glistening sea. The last of the sun had just disappeared beneath the horizon. The beach was silent except for the calm licking of the waves on the frosty shore and the calling of nearby seagulls. I looked up at the sky and wasn't surprised to see it void of clouds and of the moon.

Together Kai and I sat down on the cold, frozen sand, scooting close to one another. I covered overlapped his legs with mine and cuddled against him, seeking warmth and quite honestly, a measure of pleasure. The buttons of his jacket were cold on my cheek, so I pushed them aside and nestled my head against his tee shirt. He wrapped his arms around me and I smiled to myself, slinking further down so that I was practically laid out on top of him.

Finally, the first stars began to appear. Within minutes, the dark, empty sky was filled near spacelessly with countless, brightly-radiating orbs of light. The way the glowing dots reflected on the water of the sea moved me to a state of awe.

I was sure there was a God, and felt as though this night had been made just for me.

Minutes passed like cars on a freeway. I felt Kai's hand creep up the back of my jacket, and I didn't hate it. In one smooth, slow motion, he turned, so that I was on my back on the sand and he was positioned above me. I saw his beautiful face before the backdrop of the most beautiful night sky I'd yet to witness and didn't protest when he lowered his lips to mine.

Hungrily he kissed me. His lips moved quickly, recklessly, missing my mouth instance after instance. Finally I placed my hands on either side of his face and slowed him down. In a slow, yet solid kiss I told him how beautiful I felt tonight. I was thankful and yet disappointed when his hands stayed firmly in place underneath my back and on the left side of my face, but such meaningless, rather silly emotions were hidden behind a feeling of pleasure surpassing ANY other night or day I'd spent in this man's arms.

Forever it seemed we lay there, in warmth despite the cold, in happiness despite the minute, lingering feeling of shame. Was there shame to be felt? Was there some guilt to be punished with for kissing a man so...passionately? Or was it passion?

Was it lust?

I didn't know, and at that moment, didn't care. I didn't want to care. Tomorrow was Christmas. Why burden myself with ill feelings? Why sadden the joy I was currently experiencing?

There wasn't a word to describe the way I felt that night, underneath Kai's body. Happy was too severe an understatement, joyful expressed too shallow a love, and lustful was not entirely accurate. I was happy, yes, but to an extent that I felt I would soon burst into pieces. But lustful...?

Yes, perhaps lustful. I wanted Kai. Badly. And in a way, it seemed this was the closest I would get to having him for a very long time. Still there was this nagging, even pestering feeling of wanting more. Time after time I felt the urge to reach for his belt buckle, and time after time I told myself, "It's close enough. It's close enough. Can't you feel it, Karen? Can't you feel the...electricity? The passion? Karen, his lips are as satisfying as anything else he can offer. Why take a step that doesn't need to be taken?" And time after time, I agreed with myself, though there was always a complex emotion rattling its bell in my mind, telling me just to do it. The bell was ignored, because I felt content ENOUGH to last me for tonight.

Finally, his lips parted from mine, tired but reluctant and uncontent. Our breaths collided in clouds of white mist. His deep, mysterious brown eyes looked down into mine, and I wanted to pull him closer, to kiss him violently, but my body was trembling for several a reason. I was tired, exhausted even. We had kissed for a very long time. My jaws ached. I needed open air.

Still I pulled him closer for one final kiss, a short one, though satisfying. And finally, he let himself roll beside me, and together we fell asleep on the shore.

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I woke up in my bed, alone, wearing the same clothes I'd had on last night. The covers of the bed were all tucked in around me, and I felt very warm. I didn't want to get up because I knew the floor would be cold, but then I realized I was wearing a pair of socks. Still I was reluctant.

Suddenly I remembered. It was Christmas morning.

In excitement I leapt out of bed, tossing the sheets aside. I swiftly changed into a pair of large, loose sweatpants and a tee shirt, redoing my hair for safety's sake. I didn't want to scare anyone into a coma. After splashing two handfuls of water on my face and inadequately brushing me teeth, I thundered down the stairs happily.

"Merry Christmas!" I shouted to whoever might've been downstairs.

"Merry Christmas!" replied my mother and father. Kai was not in the room.

"Where is Kai?" I asked them, in a rush remembering every moment of last night and wanting to see him. "And where's Cliff?"

"I guess Kai's still asleep, but Cliff is out," Mother answered.

"Out?" I asked. "Out where?"

"Guess." Mother's eyes filled with sparkles of glee.

"Oh!" I squealed. "Christmas with Ann! How romantic!"

Without another word I knocked on his bedroom door. Two short knocks and a slow twist of the doorknob would surely be enough to let him know I was coming in. I heard no answer but opened the door anyway, closing it quietly behind me.

He lay in bed, buried completely under his covers. I sat down beside his hidden form and leaned on him slightly. Slowly, I pulled the comforter away from his face and wasn't surprised to see a puddle of drool formed on his pillow. I used the corner of a sheet to wipe it away from his mouth.

Waking up slowly, he slurped and opened his eyes. "Morning," I told him, leaning down to gently press my lips against his.

"Mmmm," he moaned in pleasure. "That's the best greeting I ever got." His voice was groggy and funny, his eyes half-open and his smile half-spread. "Good morning."

"It's Christmas, you know."

"Yes, I do know. I hope you don't mind, I didn't get you a present or anything."

I grinned. "You're a funny one. Come on. Let's go to the living room and unwrap!"

He smiled sleepily. "Okay, okay." He sat up and softly placed his covers aside. "Get out of here so I can change. Or you know, you can stay if you like."

Giggling, I replied, "No, that's okay. I think I'll go back with Mother and Daddy."

I emerged from the bedroom to see my parents actually snuggling on the couch. Wow. That was a...change. But I wasn't complaining. It was actually rather cute.

I collapsed into the armchair, and we waited for a few minutes until Kai came out freshly clothed.

Gift wrap was thrown everywhere as presents were unraveled. Nothing extremely special was given. There were handbags, gloves, boots, sweaters, jewelry (including a lovely necklace given to me by Kai), picture frames, mantel pieces, different kinds of room decor. Daddy got an electric saw from Mother.

I thanked my family and boyfriend and gingerly carried my new things upstairs. Looking in the mirror before grabbing the few gifts I still needed to deliver, I fingered the new locket which hung about my neck. In it was a picture of Kai and me, a close-up, lips locked in a loving kiss. The photo was from the Fall Horse Races after the final race. It was wonderful.

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I delivered several presents before heading to the Moonlit Farm. A bracelet for Elli, a pair of earrings for Maria, a series of beautiful romance novels for Popuri, a vase for Granny Ellen, a set of pictures in decorative frames for Anella and May to share, and a pretty lamp for the potion shop dealer's house. To Ann I gave a cute spring jacket and an adorable little trinket box in which to keep her jewelry. To Cliff I gave a new scarf, an attractive one, and a playful, teasing wink.

Finally, to Jack's house I carried a special present, carefully selected, carefully wrapped, carefully carried. I didn't knock on the door because the box I was holding was too big, so I pulled it away just long enough to swing the front door open before me. Regaining my grip, I walked inside the house.

I wasn't surprised to see light in the fireplace and a mug of hot cocoa in Jack's hands. He spun his head around from the Christmas Day Parade on TV to look at me. I was surprised, however, to see that he was alone.

Alone on Christmas.

"Oh, Jack," I said sympathetically. "I didn't know you were going to be all alone on Christmas. I would've invited you to my house. I'm so sorry..."

"No, it's fine," he said.

Liar.

I carefully placed the large box on the dresser on the left wall, afterwards turning back to face him. "Hot cocoa again?" I asked, a sly smile on my face.

He smiled back a little. "Makes me think of you."

How sweet! That Jack...He really was something. "I was thinking of you, too, Jack. While I was shopping."

The boy gave me an odd look. "Tell me that's not a present in that box," he said, his voice disbelieving.

"Oh, but it is, Jack!" I picked it up again and brought it to him, sitting beside him on the couch. I pushed it gently into his hands. "Open it."

"What is it?"

"Open it, you goob!"

He stared into my eyes for a second and then started to unfold the prettily patterned wrapping paper. Underneath he found a sizable cardboard box, which he opened easily. Inside were gigantic wads of protective paper, but once he got through all of those, he gasped at what lay beneath. "Wow," he murmured, pulling it out.

It was a big stone cross. As long as his arm and as wide as his leg, it was absolutely breath-taking. Its surface was not smooth at all, but rugged, bumpy, rough to the touch. Though its shape was defined, it was not by any means a picture of glossy perfection. And that is what I loved about it.

That is what I loved about Jack.

"Karen, it's perfect. I couldn't have asked for hardly anything better." He ran his hand over its uneven surface, finally looking into my eyes. "Thank you."

I returned his gaze with friendly love. Clearing my throat, I said, "And there's also this." I reached into the box to pull out a large picture frame. Photos always held special meaning to me. I loved memories; I loved looking back on happy ones.

This picture had been taken at the Harvest Festival this past Autumn. In it, Jack and I stood in mid-embraces, faces squished against each other for the camera. Our smiles were huge, genuine, goofy. Both of our tongues purposefully stuck out the corners of our mouths, making us look like eight-year-olds posing for "the funny-face picture."

Jack laughed at it. "It's so perfect. I love it." He moved the box to the floor so he could reach out to hug me. I hugged him in return.

"There's also something else I want to tell you," I said to him, looking down to my wringing hands.

"Sure, anything." He smiled, still excited about his gifts.

"I...I think it's time. I want Jesus to be in me, and I want to accept HIS gift this Christmas."

Jack didn't look startled at all. Instead he just took my hand in his and said, "Then you know what to pray. Do you want me to pray with you?"

A tear escaped my eye. I felt overwhelmed, but at the same time overjoyed. Why had I waited so long? The love of God was evident in this world! Why hadn't I seen it sooner? I guessed last night had just tipped me over the edge, what with the stars and the sky and the ocean...and even Kai.

Nodding, I clutched his hand for dear life. "Dear God, I'm really sorry. I've done some very bad things in my life, and I realize now that You love me anyway. And I just want to say..." I looked up at Jack for a moment, who nodded for me to go on. "...that I love You, too. I pray for Your forgiveness in my life, and for Your guidance in...in, um...making me a better servant for You and for everybody else." I paused. Suddenly I began to talk more like I were talking to Jack, except to my Father in Heaven. "You're really, really amazing, God. What You did for me, I'll never, ever understand, and I don't fully want to. I'm not complaining, because I know I can't ever be with You unless that sacrifice has been made. And it has, so I thank You. THANK YOU. You're awesome. In Jesus' name, amen."

"AMEN!" Jack shouted, his smile wider than any smile I'd seen on any man. "AAAMMMEEEENN!" He jumped off the couch and pulled me with him, hugging me tightly in his arms, rocking me back and forth. "Welcome to the Kingdom, Karen," he said in my ear. "It's awesome."

I was awestruck. I felt...good. My life had...a purpose. A purpose it had never had before. "I love you, Jack," I whispered into his ear. "Thank you for showing me God. I can't really thank you enough. I just...love you."

"Karen," his voice was quivering with tears. "I love you more than you can ever know."

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A/N: Okay, I don't know about y'all, but my eyes were getting a little watery near the end, there! I really liked this chapter, so I hope y'all did, too. Please review! Love you guys!