ISMKPG: thirteen

written by: jxnnyl

11:30 pm

Georg looked around the main room as he suddenly realized the sudden change in everything.

Christmas decorations everywhere, well not literally everywhere. The drapes are changed from those heavy ones to light white ones that moves along with the wind. The fireplace has six socks hanging on it and a wreath hanging on the wall above it. And there's a nice tree standing beside the fireplace.

"Maria's sure to be an expert at anything with designs… isn't she?" Margaretta asked as she sat beside him in the couch, "It's been a long time since I saw this room decorated."

"It's kinda refreshing…" Georg mumbled.

"I assume you also bought gifts to our little trip hours ago? Well hardly little but still." Margaretta asked.

Georg nodded as he observed the tree.

It is indeed, done with expert hands.

Unlike others that are either filled with lights or balls, the Villa's tree have a fair amount of snowflakes and balls. There are cottons serving as sash around the tree, looking like snow rather than cotton. And there are few amounts of small bulbs emitting gold lights around the tree.

"Well if you want… you can place it down the tree like the others. And beware of the doorways, the twins planted some mistletoes on the doors near the staff's rooms, kitchens and some other rooms." Margaretta said as she patted his shoulders, "I'll go to check on the cake.."

She stood up and left as Georg just nodded. He leaned back to the couch. Reminiscing his last joyful Christmas which happened a decade ago.

It was celebrated with his family and Agathe in Salzburg, Austria. So far the happiest year of his life. He's contented with his life then, he have a nice girlfriend who's patient with him, he have proud family on his back, a decent rank that's getting higher in the navy and a sustained life.

The year after that started with his mother's death of old age, joining his father to wherever dead people go, his sister's inheritance to all their family fortune since he let her and some few more peaceful happy times after the mourning.

And the year after that is where everything came crashing down to Georg.

At first he didn't get his promised promotion, so he did more hard work to show those in higher ranks that he's worthy to be the Linienschiffleutnant. All his hard work paid off when he got promoted. But the happiness was followed with the death of Warren and Agathe.

And after that- no more happy Christmases for him.

He spent the last nine- or ten- holidays by working, eating a humble meal while drunk people get loud at the nearest bar and exchanging Christmas Cards to her sister who still refused to help him out of his debt.

He can't blame her… it's his problem that he's stuck his head down the grieving water for a very long time despite her efforts to revive him back to reality.

"Admiring the tree?" a voice beside him shook him back to the Villa.

Looking at the woman beside her, Georg have no idea how long is she been there, he smiled as he said, "It's so far the best thing to stare at tonight, aside from the rumored mistletoes.."

"You seemed preoccupied, have I interrupted something?" she asked.

Automatically shaking his head, Georg sighed, "Just thinking how this Christmas became the highlight of my decade.."

"Yep- same goes for me.." Maria mumbled, quickly getting Georg's attention, "The last five Decembers before Dom died, Christmas was hectic, full and… well not that enjoyable to someone like me then.. the next four are not like Christmas at all. I supposed I became an ignorant and neglectful mother. Have I thanked you for your efforts on changing me back to myself, Georg?"

"Countless of times, Maria.." Georg smiled.

Somehow, for the past twelve hours, Georg felt so accustomed on being on first name basis on her. It feels natural and… well natural.

11:40 pm

"So… have the children gave you a hard time this afternoon? Thank you for filling in the quiet time, I just have to talk with the staff about their holidays and such." she mumbled.

"Oh they're just… like other children when it comes to having fun. Curious about anything and wants to do everything." Georg mumbled back, "Especially Martha…"

"Well Martha will be having her first real Christmas this year so it can be expected that she's ten times as curious as how she is on a normal day," Maria chuckled, looking at him in the eye, she smiled, "I don't know how many more times should I thank you for all the things you did."

Smiling back, Georg shook his head, "You don't need to. I just did what I know is right."

"Even if it means your job will be over the edge?" Maria asked, raising her eyebrows.

Georg nodded as he said, "I would care less about my job. I know how it is to live with a grieving mother…. And I wouldn't want them taking the rebellious path to prove themselves to you."

Frowning, Maria sighed, "I never thought my life would turn out like this. My dream job is always to become a teacher… or at least something that'll bring me closer to children. I'm very fond of them- but turns out I forgot many things about myself for the past five years."

Georg observed her as she spoke.

"I guess I was just naive then.. I hoped none of the children inherited that trait of mine, it brought me to almost every trouble I can get myself into and unceremoniously dragged me to this path. The only wonderful thing it got me was that my childhood dream won over my dream job and… I have three children that entered my life earlier than I expected."

Georg felt his heart soften for every syllable she spoke as he can see her eyes glistening with tears.

Awkwardly patting her shoulders, he felt not so awkward anymore when her hands found his hands. Showing her comfort as she took out a tissue on her pocket and dabbed it to her eyes.

"Now I'm sorry for being so dramatic.."

"No need to apologize for expressing out your feelings, Maria.. It'll feel better if you let it out." Georg said.

Patting his hand on her shoulders, Maria looked to him and smiled, "Thank you for listening.."

11:50 pm

Martha bursted in the room as she run and jump straight to Maria's lap, "It's ten minutes before Christmas, mommy!"

Georg's hand immediately flew back to the arm rest, making Maria feel a bit disappointed.

But why? she asked herself… blushing as she realized she wants him to just touch her again.

Georg stood up as he said, "I'll just go get something to put under the tree."

"You got me a gift, Professor Georg?" Martha asked.

Georg smiled as he ruffled her hair, "You'll see later."

Looking at Maria, Georg nodded, his smile not leaving his lips making it look like a smug grin which surprisingly entice Maria.

He left the room as Martha looked at her mother, "Why are you holding hands when I get in, mommy? Does your shoulder hurt?"

Looking at her shoulder where he touched her, Maria turned her gaze back to her daughter as she stood up, picking Martha up.

"Not anymore, darling.. Now let's go see your siblings. We can't let them miss Christmas now can't we?"

11:55 pm

Georg walked back to the main room and placed the gifts under the tree. A certain thing with his name caught his attention as he looked at the box.

To: Georg

Merry Christmas and Thank you..

Frm: M

"Georg! Why on earth are you not in the dinning room? Don't tell me you're peeping on the gifts." Margaretta's voice made him stood up as he shook his head.

"I was just… putting the gifts and.."

Looking at the box on his feet, Margaretta smiled, "Maria will not condone your peeping, Professor Georg… Especially of the gift is from her."

"I was just surprised to see that got me something.." he mumbled as they made their way to the dinning room.

Margaretta chuckled as she patted his back, "If it's any consolation, you have to know that Maria's favorite part is buying and giving everyone presents. She became incredibly generous this year… those people who worked for her are blessed with three days Christmas break.. and it's a miracle to them but to me it's the resurrection of a long lost tomboy who can effortlessly be a lady and a ball of energy and light at the same time."

Smiling as he can imagine Maria on Margaretta's description, he joined her chuckles as she sighed.

11:59 pm

"Watch out for the mistletoe…" Maria's voice made Margaretta and Georg look up as both took a step back.

A small ornament hung os Margaretta motioned Georg to walk in first.

"What will two people do when they're under the whistletoe, mommy?" Martha asked.

Maria and Margaretta exchanged looks, much to Margaretta's amusement becuase she swore she can see a hint of something in her eyes.

"It's mistletoe, Martha.." Frederick said as he and Elisabeth exchanged glances, also seeing the something in ther mother's eyes.

Georg sat on his seat at the other end of the table as his eyes found Maria.

Luckily, Maria didn't have to answer the question because the grandfather clock struck twelve.

12:00 am

"Merry Christmas everybody!" Maria smiled.

Martha stood from her seat as she hugged her mother, same goes for the twins as they exchanged a lot of "Merry Christmas".

"Merry Christmas Professor Georg! Merry Christmas Aunt Margaretta!" Martha smiled as she run to the two.

Georg greeted everyone Merry Christmas and the whole table never got a single moment of silence.

Maria, her children, Georg and Margaretta enjoyed a humble meal after a quiet prayer. It's done with lots of chatters, laughter and anything else as Maria soon asked:

"Now… do you want to eat the cake first before we go meet the staff in the main room to exchange gifts are or we to exchanged gifts first before we eat the cake?"

They all agreed to go exchanged gifts first, much to the children's excitement, as they left to see that some staff are already heading towards the room.

The Villa's staff is consist of one housekeeper, one butler, five maids, three gardeners, two security people and three kitchen people including the main chef

Georg all know them as he also formed some bonds with all of them.

Annalise is the well-known housekeeper while Francis is the 'man of a few words' butler.

Three of the five maids are Annalise's daughters, they're Annabel, Annalen and Anna, while the other two are Francis's daughter, Lily, and niece, Daisy.

The three gardeners are very friendly, two old men with competitive attitudes are Frank and Lans, the other one, James, is much like his father who is the butler of the same household. Frank and Lans are like Maria's father figure. Though a big space was betweem them during their grieving period, the past few days served as reconciliation and reunion.

Sidney and Steve, the two security personnel, are Francis' grand nephews and both are also very like their grand uncle.

The culinary staff are those people who are close to the children, second to the maids, as they're sometimes the butt of every prank… Hillary, the main chef, is Annalise's sister and Frank's wife and is always the one with a very rocky mood swings. Janus, her sous chef, is Lan's son and Daisy's husband. The other one is Geraldine, Hillary's daughter and the youngest among staffs.

It can be confusing at first but for two weeks Georg managed to remember everyone's names and who is who's relative or anything.

Georg watched as Martha suddenly stood close beside him, her mother greeted the staff and gave each a hug. Frederick got himself in a conversation with Sidney and Steve while his twin is having a very close bonding, or reunion, with Geraldine.

Georg looked Martha who's observing the men around as she whispered to him, "They look so scary…"

Patting her head, Georg smiled, "Just think that they'll not eat you. Everyone here will never hurt you.. not when you're very cute."

Maria turned to look for Martha and she smiled when she saw her talking with Georg. Turning her gaze to the professor, she can't help but blush.

They look so adorable and if one know better, they must get Georg to be Martha's father.

"Everyone's here already.." Margaretta's sing-song voice shook her out of her thoughts as she smiled, "Okay.. everybody bundle up!"


"Thank you very much, Maria!" some gardeners shouted as Maria chuckled and shouted back, "You're very welcome!"

She closed the family room's door and turned to see the Elisabeth sitting on a stool with her new ukelele while Frederick sat beside her with his guitar.

"Now what are you two doing?"

Martha grabbed her hand as she said, "We're going to sing for you mommy!"

Maria looked at the twins as Martha led her to a seat between Margaretta and Georg and made her way to sit beside her sister.

Elisabeth and Frederick exchanged glances as Frederick started strumming a tune everyone is very familiar of.

Maria began to feel tears forming in her eyes…

"Should auld acquaintance be forgot

And never brought to mind?

Should auld acquaintance be forgot

And days of auld lang syne?"

…. she can clearly remember the days Dominik would sing that, either as a lullaby to the children or a farewell to her whenever he'll have long business trips.

"For auld lang syne, my dear

For auld lang syne

We'll tak a cup o' kindness yet

For days of auld lang syne"

Smiling as she heard Martha vocalize with Elisabeth, she can't help but remember the old times when it's Elisabeth doing that while she's singing and strumming the guitar. Oh how many times they used that song whenever they missed him…

"And there's a hand, my trusty fiere

And gie's a hand o' thine

And we'll tak a cup o'kindness yet

For auld lang syne"

Brushing the small tears that are now falling down to her cheeks, Maria smiled as she also see tears down her daughter's face. Hearing Elisabeth's voice crack on the last note, Maria joined in the last line as she, Martha and Elisabeth slowly sung.

"For auld lang syne"

Maria's hands flew to her mouth as she can't control herself from smiling. Brushing the tears of joy on her face as she motioned her children to carry on.

Elisabeth brushed her own tears and slowly strummed her new instrument. The tune is unfamiliar with the adults as she made eye contact with her twin. As she strummed the last tune, Frederick sung one well known song that Maria knew will bring her to tears again.

"Edelweiss, Edelweiss

Every morning you greet me

Small and white clean and bright

You look happy to meet me"

He looked from his mother to Martha as they blend their voices on the next verse.

"Blossom of snow, may you bloom and grow

Bloom and grow forever

Edelweiss, Edelweiss

Bless my homeland forever."

By the end of the song, Maria can't help but to stand up and hug her children as she give them praises, kisses on the forehead and more praises.

"Oh dear… we made mommy cry!" Martha giggled as she hugged Maria, "We still have one last song to sing…" she pouted.

Maria looked at her youngest as she chuckled, "Oh dear.. I'm so sorry.." she smiled as she went back to her seat, "Carry on.."

The three brushed their tears as the twins exchanged glances. Elisabeth started doing a familiar tune as Martha looked at Frederick. She took out a loud breath as she turned to their audience and sung.

"Somewhere over the rainbow

Way up high

And the dreams that you dream of

Once in a lullaby, oh"

Maria smiled as she watch Martha sing every syllable in perfect sync with Frederick's guitar as Elisabeth's ukelele provide the background.

"Somewhere over the rainbow

Bluebirds fly

And the dreams that you dream of

Dreams really do come true-ooh-ooh"

Elisabeth and Frederick smiled as they hymn in the background, exchanging tunes as the guitar provide the background while the ukelele synced with their voices.

"Someday I'll wish upon a star

Wake up where the clouds are far behind me

Where trouble melts like lemon drops

High above the chimney tops that's where you'll find me"

The twins slowed the rhythm as they both strummed their guitars on the same tune, Marta slowly sung as she ended the song.

"Oh, somewhere over the rainbow

Way up high

And the dream that you dare to

Why, oh why can't I?"

The three clapped as Maria stood to hug her children. Margaretta brushed some small tears in the corner of her eyes as Georg handed her a tissue from the box beside him.

Georg watched the children and their mother smile, cry and hug each other.

Feeling that intense satisfaction that for once in his life, he did something for those people who have no relatively attached to him. Satisfied that his first home-schooled students found themselves back to their mother's arms, that this woman he grew to care and love found her way back to her children's lives.

Wait… did I just- Georg.. you've been having too much wine tonight, he thought.

Maria felt him gaze at them as she smiled. If it isn't for this man.. she will be somewhere nowhere this place, sulking herself to pills while trying to sleep away her sorrows. She will still neglect her role as a mother and drown herself to sorrows and grief.

For once in five years she finally felt someone, who's a complete stranger, care for her well-being as a mother, and not just as an employer, business partner or client. Too bad he only see her in a professional way.

Do I want him to see me in more… unprofessional way? Maria get yourself together, erase that. Erase…. she thought as she looked at her children, Just be thankful that he's there..

"Mommy?" Martha asked, "Can we visit papa to greet him Merry Christmas?"

Maria looked to her children as she register to the twin's shocked and nervous faces that they're completely not expecting her to answer that.

Lifting her youngest up, Maria smiled, "Sure… but we have to sleep first. It's still too dark outside."

Martha hugged her and stifled a yawn as she nodded, "I think I want to sleep beside you mommy."

Maria smiled as she gently patted her daughter's back, "So you'll sleep now?"

Martha let out a quiet 'uh-huh' as Maria looked to the twins and smiled, "Well I think it means we have to finish the Christmas Cake without you.."

Martha automatically looked up as she wiggled her way out of her mother's hug, "I'll eat the cake then I'll go automatically asleep."

Everyone laughed as Maria picked Martha up, "Well I think we should eat that cake now or this lady here will have to move her sleeping schedule."

The twins set their instruments next to the piano, one of the things that move from the attic back to their original place in the house.

Georg and Maria gaze at each other as Martha and Margaretta exchanged glances before observing the two.

"Let's go have that cake!" Frederick exclaimed, breaking the spell, as he stretched his arms.

Elisabeth playfully smacked him as she also observed the thing happening between her mother and their professor.

Maria cleared her throat as she set Martha down and lead their way to the dinning room.


A/N: an update! Merry Christmas and yes it's still Christmas whatever the date is because it's still December (⊙-⊙)... Thank you for the reviews and I hoped you enjoy! I'll try to update again within 24 hours so yah.. Thank you so much! Please r&r and Merry Christmas!