Welcome to DE Holidays 2021. This story was inspired by the Hallmark holiday movie "Journey Back to Christmas". If you've seen it, you will notice a little familiarity however, there's a lot of originality in the story, too. Eva and I hope you will enjoy it.
Dancing bears,
Painted wings,
Things I almost remember,
And a song someone sings,
Once upon a December
Pearl Harbor, Hawaii
December 7, 1941
The first Japanese dive-bomber appeared over Pearl Harbor at 7:55 AM (local time). It was part of the first wave of nearly 200 aircraft, including torpedo planes, bombers, and fighters. Within a quarter of an hour, the various airfields at the base were subjected to savage attack.
Due to anti-sabotage measures, the U.S. military aircraft were packed tightly together at the Naval Air Station on Ford Island and adjoining Wheeler and Hickam fields, many were destroyed on the ground by Japanese strafing.
At Wheeler Field in particular the destruction was fearful. Of the 126 planes on the ground, 42 were destroyed, 41 were damaged, and only 43 were left fit for service. Only 6 U.S. planes got into the air to repel the attackers of this first assault. In total, more than 180 aircraft were destroyed.
At 8:50 AM the second wave of the attack began. Less successful than the first, it nonetheless inflicted heavy damage. The battleship USS Nevada had sustained a torpedo hit during the first wave, but its position at the end of Battleship Row allowed it greater freedom of action than the other anchored capital ships. It was attempting to get underway when the second wave hit. It was struck by seven or eight bombs and was grounded at the head of the channel.
The battleship USS Pennsylvania was set ablaze by bombs, and the two destroyers moored near it were reduced to wrecks. The destroyer USS Shaw was split in two by a great explosion. Shortly after 9:00 AM, the Japanese withdrew.
Damon's body covers hers and his lips devour every inch of Elena, whispering words of love as they brush and nip and soothe. She pulls him to her, pressing her lips to every part of him that comes close.
"I need you, Damon," Elena purrs in his ear. Her hands slide down to his lower back as her nails dig into his skin. He positions himself and sinks into her. Elena arches her back off the bed, and it's so perfect she can't even describe it.
Damon pauses and his breath is choppy in her ear. She can hear what she does to him, what he feels when they're connected like this. Elena trails her lips over his shoulder and his neck, pressing them to the perfect angle of his jaw. He turns his head and his mouth seeks hers. She breathes him in, wanting all of him.
"I love you, Elena," Damon groans as he starts to move. He sets a slow pace, building the burn a little at a time.
"I love you, too. So much." Elena's words are punctuated by every thrust of his hips. She tangles her legs around his, wanting to feel every part of him. The hair on his legs brushes against her soft skin; his belly rubbing against hers. Her breasts press into his chest as her fingers grasp at the skin of his back.
Elena feels the build intensify with every move he makes, and when he adjusts the angle, she cries out. They both lose themselves to the rhythm he creates. She listens to the sounds of their lovemaking, the rustle of the sheets, their heavy breathing, and their bodies moving against each other.
"Damon," Elena moans his name, sinking her teeth into his shoulder as the waves crash over and sweep her away. Damon cries out her name. She feels every muscle in his body tighten just like hers.
Damon collapses on top of her as the last of the pulsing inside of her wanes. They're both breathing hard, covered in a sheen of sweat. Elena welcomes his weight, loving the way it presses her into the mattress. She feels his love for her in the air around them.
He rolls over, taking her with him. Elena knows she's going to love Damon in this world and into the next.
Elena opens her eyes. Glancing at the clock, she's shocked to see it's close to 12:30 pm. Carefully she gets out of bed so as not to awaken Damon. They had spent the last day escaping from the world, no radio, no trips to the grocery, just the two of them in bed together, enjoying their newlywedded bliss.
With a yawn, Elena slips into her robe before tiptoeing out of their bedroom and into the kitchen. She starts a pot of coffee, pulls a carton of eggs out of the fridge, and flicks on the radio.
"We're interrupting this broadcast to bring you a special bulletin. President Roosevelt is going to address the nation."
Elena stops what she's doing when the President's voice comes over the radio.
"Mr. Vice President, and Mr. Speaker, and Members of the Senate and House of Representatives: Yesterday, December 7, 1941, a date which will live in infamy the United States of America was suddenly and deliberately attacked by naval and air forces of the Empire of Japan."
Elena gasps and runs to the bedroom. Pulling Damon out of bed, she practically drags him to the kitchen. "Listen, America was attacked yesterday!" Elena blurts out breathlessly. "Listen."
Damon stands by the radio listening intently as the President continues.
"The United States was at peace with that Nation and, at the solicitation of Japan, was still in conversation with its Government and its Emperor looking toward the maintenance of peace in the Pacific. Indeed, one hour after Japanese air squadrons had commenced bombing in the American Island of Oahu, the Japanese Ambassador to the United States and his colleague delivered to our Secretary of State a formal reply to a recent American message. And while this reply stated that it seemed useless to continue the existing diplomatic negotiations, it contained no threat or hint of war or armed attack.
It will be recorded that the distance of Hawaii from Japan makes it obvious that the attack was deliberately planned many days or even weeks ago. During the intervening time, the Japanese Government has deliberately sought to deceive the United States by false statements and expressions of hope for continued peace.
The attack yesterday on the Hawaiian Islands has caused severe damage to American naval and military forces. I regret to tell you that very many American lives have been lost. In addition, American ships have been reported torpedoed on the high seas between San Francisco and Honolulu..."
"My God, Elena!" Damon looks at Elena almost in disbelief.
"I'm scared, Damon." Elena sucks her lower lip between her teeth as the President continues.
"As Commander in Chief of the Army and Navy, I have directed that all measures be taken for our defense. But always will our whole nation remember the character of the onslaught against us.
No matter how long it may take us to overcome this premeditated invasion, the American people in their righteous might will win through to absolute victory. I believe that I interpret the will of the Congress and the people when I assert that we will not only defend ourselves to the uttermost but will make it very certain that this form of treachery shall never again endanger us.
Hostilities exist. There is no blinking at the fact that our people, our territory, and our interests are in grave danger. With confidence in our armed forces with the unbounding determination of our people, we will gain the inevitable triumph so help us, God.
I ask that the Congress declare that since the unprovoked and dastardly attack by Japan on Sunday, December 7, 1941, a state of war has existed between the United States and the Japanese Empire."
Damon's stunned. "You know what this means, Elena. We're at war. I'm going to get dressed then I'm going drive to Richmond to enlist."
"Damon, we just got married," Elena protests and turns away, not wanting him to see her tears.
"Elena, I don't want to either but this is something I have to do. The way I see it, either I enlist or I get drafted. I'm going one way or the other."
"I know. I know you're right," Elena agrees reluctantly. Reaching for a dishcloth, she dabs her eyes. "I'll get dressed, I'm going with you..."
"Okay." Damon moves in front of her, raises her chin with his fingers, and kisses her sweetly.
Elena nods and watches as he walks out of the kitchen before she breaks down completely...
A week later, Elena and Damon stand in front of the gates leading to the trains. They're deep in each other's arms, not caring who sees or what they might think. Elena fits her head into the curve of his cheek while tears fall onto his coat.
Damon steps back when the "last call" is announced. He takes her face between his hands and speaks reassuringly. "I love you, Elena."
His thumb brushes her lower lip, and she hears his breath hitch. He's staring into her eyes, and Elena holds his anxious, burning gaze for a moment or maybe it's forever… but eventually, her attention is drawn to his beautiful mouth…
Elena reaches up, pulls Damon down to her, and the rest of his words are lost against her mouth. He kisses her gently, carefully, but it isn't gentleness she wants, not now, not when this may be the last one.
She grips her fists in his coat and pulls him flush against her. Damon groans softly, low in his throat, and then his arms circle her, gathering her against him, and kisses her ardently.
"Come on, buddy, the train's pulling out," comes from beside him as a hand lands on his shoulder.
Damon pulls back. "I have to go. I'll write when I can." He presses another kiss to her forehead, picks up his duffle bag, and follows Niklaus. Damon pauses and waves at her before disappearing inside the train.
Elena stands there, watching, tears pouring from her eyes until the train pulls out of the station and is no longer visible...
December 1945
Elena's sitting in the theatre with Caroline. They came tonight to watch Arsenic And Old Lace with Cary Grant and Priscilla Lane. The movie opens with scenes from the War in Europe and includes images of Bob Hope entertaining the troops along with Frances Langford, Jerry Cologna, and many other Hollywood stars.
Sniffing, Elena pulls a handkerchief out of her pocket to dab her eyes. When the camera pans over a man who resembles Damon, Elena picks up her bag and hurries out of the theatre and outside.
"Elena, wait. I'm sorry, I didn't know it would have a war reel." Caroline tilts her head, looking at Elena with a sad smile.
"You don't have to apologize. I'm being ridiculous. I thought I'd be cried out by now. It's been almost a year since...I wanted to spend my life with him and have his babies."
"You loved him, you always will and he's with you, in your heart."
"I know, thank you, Caroline." Elena releases a shuddering breath and forces a smile.
"Oh, look, they're decorating the gazebo. Let's go over there." Caroline links her arm with Elena's, practically dragging her across the street to the town square.
"Good evening, ladies." Mr. Fell greets them from his perch on a ladder.
"The gazebo always looks so pretty when it's lit up for the holidays," Elena mentions, smiling.
"It does but aren't you cold, Mr. Fell?" Caroline asks, hugging herself.
"Yes, but it needs to get done before the storm comes. I can feel it in my bones." Tobias winks at her.
"Oh, there's supposed to be a lunar eclipse. We won't be able to see it if it's blizzarding." Elena sighs, drawing her collar together as a gust of wind kicks up.
"Nope." He shakes his head and tacks up another strand of lights to the gazebo's roof.
"I suppose we should run, you be careful, Mr. Fell," Elena cautions.
"Always am, goodnight."
"Night," Caroline calls behind her as she and Elena head down the sidewalk toward their vehicle...
Elena walks up the three steps onto the porch. The old house belongs in a storybook. The square windows are mullioned and edged thickly in white. The pine trees on either side of the steps are flocked and lit up with Christmas lights.
Raising her hand, she raps on the heavy oak door and waits...
"Elena! How nice to see you. Come on in." Sheila pulls her into the house.
"How are you?" Elena asks, handing the older woman a trayful of homemade cookies as she steps over the threshold.
"It's always hard this time of year and I know it is for you too." Sheila closes the door and points to the living room. "And thank you for these cookies, Elena. Can you sit for a few minutes or are you in a hurry?"
"Sure, I can stay for a few minutes," Elena agrees.
"Have a seat; I'll be right back," Sheila points to the living room, returning in a few minutes carrying a tray with coffee and cookies. "Now, tell me what's bothering you," the older woman says as she hands Elena a cup.
"I can never get anything past you can I?" her heart twists in her chest. "I don't know Sheila. I feel so lost and alone. I miss him so much...it just feels like I have no purpose," Elena admits, letting all her private thoughts spill out.
"It's been two years now...life goes on whether we want it to or not," Sheila remarks as she gives Elena's hand an affectionate squeeze.
"I know. I just wish I could turn back the clock. I still love him so much. I don't want to move on." Elena reaches for a tissue to dry her tears.
"Sweetheart, what happened to Damon is unfair but life is like that sometimes. You have so many people who love you and depend on you. Surely you realize how important you are to them."
"You're too kind, Sheila," Elena deflects. "I need to go now," she says as she stands up, lifts her coat off the hook, and slips it on.
"Alright." Sheila follows her to the door. "You're always welcome here." she embraces Elena in a hug.
"I know. Goodnight," Elena calls over her shoulder as she cautiously walks down the sidewalk to her car.
"And soon you'll find out how important you really are..." Sheila says softly as she pushes her door closed.
Pulling back her hair, Damon nuzzles his nose just behind her ear. "I love being your husband."
"And I love being your wife."
"I love the sound of that," he says, nipping playfully at her earlobe.
Chuckling lightly, Elena closes her eyes and relaxes back into his chest.
"You okay?" he asks after a moment.
"Yeah," she replies softly. "I'm going to miss this; miss you."
She could tell exactly when it clicks for him. Inhaling sharply, his arms tighten around her waist before loosening just enough to turn her around. His eyes are full of concern and understanding.
"Elena, I'll miss you every second of every day. But please understand why I had to do this. A lot of Americans died at Pearl Harbor."
Shooting up on her tiptoes, Elena silences him with a tender kiss, before pulling back and locking her gaze with his. "I do understand and I'm so proud of you." Taking a step back, Elena takes a moment to openly admire her husband. Freshly showered, and wearing nothing but a low-slung towel, Damon takes her breath away. Her eyes follow a drop of water that trickles from the ends of his dark hair, down his well-toned chest, escaping the lean, muscled arms he folds across his chest before it races over his abs and beneath the towel that does nothing to hide the well-defined V of his hips.
Elena curls her fingers around the knot that's holding up his towel and uses it to pull Damon closer once more. Her tongue darts out to divert the flow of another droplet of water down his chest.
Damon's mouth closes over hers while at the same time, she feels herself moving until her backside hits the bed. Elena bounces slightly when his body pins hers to their mattress. His kisses are loud and unchecked, leaving her breathless.
Damon's hips sink and Elena's buck up, and they both gasp. Slow, measured strokes soon gave way to the frantic slap of hips and skin, as Damon drives into her, his grunts drowning out everything else, until he whispers against her mouth, "I love you, Elena Salvatore."
Elena hurtles over the edge, crying out his name, and bringing him right along with her. Collapsing in a mass of tangled limbs, their panting breaths calm to soft kisses, before Damon eventually passes out beside her, snoring lightly.
Raising herself on one elbow, Elena brushes the still damp hair off of his forehead. She wants to imprint every moment with him on her memory...just in case the worse should happen. She knows he'll scold her if she talks like that so she keeps those thoughts to herself.
Although she's filled with trepidation about what lies ahead, she snuggles into Damon's side and lays her head against his chest, letting the sound of his heartbeat lull her to sleep.
When the alarm sounds, Elena lurches upright with a start, her hand flying over her chest to calm her stammering heart. It takes a few moments for the haze to clear before she glances at the clock.
With a sigh, she pushes herself out of bed, gets ready, and drives to the hospital for her work shift.
Elena discards her gown, gloves and washes her hands before exiting the surgical suite. "Whew," she remarks, wiping her brow as she approaches the nurse's desk.
"Everything okay?" Caroline asks, looking up from her charting.
"Yes. He's in recovery now."
"That's good. Um, Oliver was asking about you."
Elena glances at her watch. "He's such a sweet boy. I'll go see him before I leave."
"He is. I hope a good family will adopt him," Caroline agrees, nodding.
"I'll let you get back to work. I have to check on my patient," Elena calls over her shoulder as she walks off.
"It's time to go to sleep," Elena remarks as she finishes tucking her youngest patient in.
"Can you read to me for a little bit?" Oliver looks at her with his big brown eyes.
"How can I say no when you look at me like that?" Elena ruffles his hair.
"Read this one!" Oliver hands her the book.
Elena pulls up a chair, takes the book, and begins to read to the eight-year-old.
ON ROCKY ISLANDS gulls woke. Time to be about their business. Silently they floated in on the town, but when their icy eyes sighted the first dead fish, first bits of garbage about the ships and wharves, they began to scream and quarrel.
The cocks in Boston back yards had long before cried the coming of day. Now the hens were also awake, scratching, clucking,
Cats in malt houses, granaries, ship holds, mansions, and hovels caught the last mouse, settled down to wash their fur and sleep. Cats did not work by day.
In stables, horses shook their halters and whinnied. In barns, cows are lowed to be milked.
Boston slowly opened its eyes, stretched, and woke. The sun struck in horizontally from the east, flashing upon weathervanes—brass cocks and arrows, here a glass-eyed Indian, there a copper grasshopper—and the bells in the steeples cling-clanged, telling the people it was time to be up and about.
In hundreds of houses, sleepy women woke sleepier children. Get up and to work. Ephraim, get to the pump, fetch Mother water. Ann, get to the barn, milk the cow and drive her to the Common. Start the fire, Silas. Put on a clean shirt, James. Dolly, if you aren't up before I count ten...
And so, in a crooked little house at the head of Hancock's Wharf on crowded Fish Street, Mrs. Lapham stood at the foot of a ladder leading to the attic where her father-in-law's apprentices slept. These boys were luckier than most apprentices. Their master was too feeble to climb ladders; the middle-aged mistress too stout. It was only her bellows that could penetrate to their quarters—not her heavy hands.
'Boys?'
No answer.
Elena closes the book when she notices the boy yawning. "That's all for tonight. You need to sleep so you heal and get better."
"Please?" Oliver whines, sticking his lower lip out in a pronounced pout.
"Nope." Elena shakes her head and tucks the book inside the top drawer in his bedside chest.
"Can you read more tomorrow?"
"I won't be here tomorrow but you can read Johnny Tremaine without me." Elena arches an eyebrow.
"I suppose," he mumbles and drops his eyes.
"Oh, Oliver. Don't be so melodramatic!" Elena laughs and as he scoots down in bed. She pulls up the covers and tucks them around his neck. "It's going to get cold tonight."
"Goodnight, Nurse Elena," he whispers just as his eyes fall closed.
Elena stares at him for a few seconds before putting her chair away. She clicks off the lights, pulls his door closed with an almost silent snap.
After slipping on her coat, she says goodbye to Caroline and leaves to drive home.
Elena kneels to arrange the wood, stuffs some kindling underneath the grate, and lights the whole pile with a match. Before long, the fireplace glows with radiant gold flame. She sits down and watches the newborn flames lick the kindling like a hungry kitten. They flicker and dance in shades of orange, red, and yellow. The smoke twists in the draft toward the chimney and within minutes the flames grow ravenous, hungrily devouring the fuel. Soon the smell of burnt wood smoke drifts through the small house like incense.
Next, she puts a record on the Victrola and sits down in his rocking chair. All around the walls are pictures of Damon. Elena closes her eyes, letting her mind fill with his voice. She can hear him teasing her like he's just feet away. She wants to call him softly to see if he can step out of the flames, but this is real life...
While staring into the hearth, and listening to the soft music, Elena's mind begins to drift...
Elena and Damon take their places on the dance floor and wait for the soft flow of music to begin. Once it starts, they each take a step forward and bow. They circle each other, their gazes remaining locked. Damon places his hand on her back, her hand moves to his shoulder and their free hands join.
Together, they dance to the music, their feet in perfect sync with the beating of her heart. As the song progresses, Elena relaxes and allows a small smile to form on her lips.
Damon is looking dapper in his black suit. His eyes, blue as spring rain, are deep and irresistible. One thing is for sure… Elena is one lucky girl to be his date.
Damon turns elegantly, his body in tune with the music. The warmth between them grows more powerful by the second. Elena's heartbeat is growing steadily along with it. Their dance was perfect; everything from their breathing to how their feet move together.
When the song ends, the audiences' applause fills their ears. Elena can't help but smile at him. In this very hour, she wonders why she didn't see it before. Damon is the one for her.
He is perfect.
She snaps out of her musings when a gust of wind makes the shudders rattle. Elena gets up to set another log on the fire and after getting herself a cup of hot chocolate, she sits back down, and her eyes fall on Damon's picture, looking so handsome in his uniform, it was taken before he shipped overseas.
"Mrs. Salvatore?" comes from behind her. Elena's heart immediately sinks to her stomach when she comes face to face with the two uniformed men standing in front of her.
"Can we speak to you in private?" one of them asks.
"What is this about?" Elena asks, her voice is low and shaky-sounding.
"It's about Lieutenant Salvatore."
Elena doesn't have to ask to know what they're going to say next. "Is he...Is he de-dead?" she stammers.
"I'm sorry, mam, he's officially listed as missing and presumed dead..."
Elena's hand flies up to cover her mouth and she turns away as her eyes fill with tears. "If you'll excuse me," she mumbles and hurries off, seeking refuge in the nurse's lounge for fear she might pass out...Moments later, Caroline appears, pulls Elena into her arms, and holds her while she cries...
This time it's a dog's bark that pulls Elena from her memories. Setting her cup down, she goes to the door and opens it to find a Golden Retriever intently watching her. It keeps one of his forelegs doubled up for a long time, readying for its next cautious step.
"It's freezing out here!" Elena reaches for the dog's collar to urge it inside. She shuts the door behind her, stepping back as the dog shakes off the snow from its coat. When he finishes, Elena stoops down to have a look at his collar. Finding a tag, she wipes it off. "So your name is Luath. I bet your owners are so worried about you."
Elena gets up and looks outside. The snow is coming down hard and the tree branches bow with the heavy load they are carrying. Elena first tries to call the owner but can't get through. She wonders if the phone lines are down. Deciding then that the address isn't far from her home, she bundles up and leads the dog into her car.
A sudden gust of wind lifts her hair off her shoulders and blows snow in her eyes. Her breath is pale against the numbing air, she blinks thoughtfully as the frost patiently kisses her face, captivated by the soft, dusty illusions of light that sit heavy on her eyelashes. She looks up at the sky. It's a somber grey save for the band of salmon pink that hovers over the mountains. The dusky grey peaks give the bottom a jagged edge, whereas the clouds above soothe it with charcoal swirls.
Feeling the chill, she pulls her coat tighter around her neck. She nudges the dog into the vehicle and drives out into the storm.
When she arrives, Elena parks the car. Before she can get out, the dog bounds around her and runs into the snow. The icy air whistles around Elena's ears, causing her skin to tingle and sting. Every step she takes leaves a fresh, crisp footprint in the snow as if she's the only person to have ever been there. The air smells pure and fresh. Everything seems quieter, almost muffled.
Elena looks up when she hears a voice.
"Oh, Luath, you're home," a woman exclaims happily. When she stands, she gestures for Elena to come inside. "Thank you for taking care of him. We were so worried."
"I tried to call but I think the phone lines are down," Elena explains and moves to stand by the fire to warm up.
"Yes, I tried to call the police to look for him. I was just about to send my husband out." The woman stoops down again to ruffle the dog's fur affectionately.
"I didn't want you to worry...I really should be going." Elena points to the door.
"The weather is treacherous. Why don't you spend the night? We have a spare room," the woman offers kindly.
"Oh no. My house isn't far; it's on Lafayette Street," Elena explains, drawing her coat collar up around her neck.
"Drive carefully," the lady cautions as she opens the door. She watches through a crack 'til Elena's inside her vehicle.
Elena waves as she backs out and heads down the dark, snowy street.
The snow is deep and treacherous. Elena has a white-knuckle grip on the steering wheel as the car slips and slides down an embankment, coming to an abrupt halt. "You're okay," she mumbles to herself. Trembling slightly, Elena struggles to open the door. She gets out of the car but the snow swirls up all around her. Looking up at the sky, she catches a glimpse of the eclipse before the clouds move and shroud it in darkness again.
Making her way up to the road, Elena stops and looks around. Visibility is poor but she can't see any headlights. Knowing she needs to find shelter or she'll freeze to death, she walks across the road, only then noticing a shed.
Her fingers and toes are numb as she runs for the building. She sighs audibly when she finds the door unlocked. As soon as she pushes the door closed, she releases a breath expelling a puff of frost. Suddenly the ground starts to rumble and shake. Elena has no idea what's happening. She's about to crouch down in the corner when a heavy shovel falls off the wall and knocks her on the head. She staggers backward, her mind swirling, her breaths shallow until she crumbles to the floor, unconscious...
Thanks so very much for reading.
'Once Upon a December' is from the animated movie 'Anastasia".
Thank you, Eva. You're amazing and I love you dearly.
*Beginning in May 1941 and continuing for nearly fifty years, Bob Hope brought his variety show to military camps and war zones to entertain troops with song, dance, comedy, Hollywood stars, and people in the news.
For trivia purposes, Luath was the name of the Golden Retriever in the original 1963 version of Disney's "The Incredible Journey".
We'll see you next time with chapter 2.
"Dreams of Fireflies" will begin next week.
Hope you all have a wonderful day.