Chapter 12: Once Upon a December

"Basil, Miss Méndez, wake up!" a youthful voice demanded cheerfully.

"My child let them rest for a while longer. They seem exhausted," another voice (older, but still delicate) answered.

"But they need to wake up. It's Christmas!" the younger one replied. I then felt myself shaking. "Come on you two, wake up!"

"All right, all right, settle down, my dear," a third groggy, but rather low-toned voice answered. I moaned when I began to feel slight movement from above me like someone was trying to move me. "Miss Méndez, you need to get up, dear." I seemed to have mumbled something because it was then that the voice began to chuckle softly. Feeling a warm, gentle touch brush across my cheek, I opened my eyes. At first I was surprised that I was not in my own room, but I then remembered that I had fallen asleep down here. However the net question was who was with me. Looking up, I flinched when I saw Basil just above me.

"Oh…God, I'm so sorry, I just-"

"You're fine, my dear," he assured me, brushing his fingers through my messy hair.

I smiled softly before asking, "What time is it?"

"Half passed nine," another deep, but calm voice replied. At this point, I didn't know which one of us were more embarrassed. That was until Basil hastily stood to his feet.

"My dear fellow," the blushing detective began while his partner's eyes were still fixed on the newspaper in his hands. "It's not what you think."

"Is that so?" Dawson asked, teasing his friend as his smile grew. However, Basil didn't seem to notice the hint of humour in his associate's voice. Neither did I for that matter since my gaze was away from his. "Considering the fact that you have three witnesses you two asleep in each other's arms-"

"Dawson, I swear to you, nothing happened!" Basil exclaimed. "I was keeping her warm."

"Oh? A nice warm fire wouldn't do?"

"You know I would never disrespect any woman in that kind of matter."

"Dr. Dawson, he's telling the truth," I stepped in, feeling that I had to say something. But I quickly became rather confused when he began to laugh.

Lowering the newspaper, he directed his eyes on me. "My dear, I believe you. We all do."

"You do?"

"Of course," Mrs. Judson chuckled as she stepped out of the kitchen with a tray in hand. "We know Mr. Basil well enough that he would never do such a thing unless he planned to place a ring on that hand of yours." I was a bit surprised to hear such a thing, but when I looked up at her, I saw that she was focused oh the now shocked and probably more embarrassed detective.

"Yes…well…," Basil hesitated. Clearing his throat, he slowly made his way towards the staircase. "Ah, if you don't mind, I shall return momentarily." We all watched as he hastily headed upstairs, skipping steps in the process. I then set my gaze back on the two adults left in the room who were now grinning from ear to ear.

It was roughly ten minutes later when Basil returned right as Olivia began to open one of her presents that her father had left for her. With each present she opened, her eyes lit up. And when it came to the ones we got her, she would run and embrace us.

It then came our turn as the four of us exchanged gifts. Thankfully, I had some help from Mrs. Judson when trying to figure out what to get the dynamic duo. Seeing their expressions gave me such relief because the kind of help the kind woman gave me was the idea to simply observe them. I did just that. What I didn't know, however, was that a certain detective was suggested the very same thing.

A few days earlier, I went with Mrs. Judson to the market and for the first time, according to the landlady, Basil decided to accompany us. While walking around, I noticed a small dress shop that sold the most elegant ball gowns that any woman of any century could ever imagine. Excusing myself, I walked over. While I was looking at them, both were carefully observing me. There were two in particular that caught my interest, but only one won my heart.

"Just a moment, dear," Mrs. Judson said, placing the few gifts she had received by her feet. "You still have one more gift to unwrap."

"I do?" I asked confusingly. Looking under the tree, I added, "But, there aren't any-"

"It was far too delicate to leave down here," Dr. Dawson added right as the landlady made her way upstairs. I waited patiently, but with great anticipation, questioning what it was. I was soon given the answer when Mrs. Judson returned with a large bag draped over her arms. Placing it on the couch, I walked over to it and then looking back at her.

"Go on, child," she told me. I hesitated at first before unlacing the long string that kept it closed. Undraping the flaps, I gasped from shock at the sight that was before me. The very same gown I had fallen in love with was a deep Christmas red satin with beautiful beading on the skirt as well as the midsection. The back of the collar was medium length and draped around the shoulders, almost like a shawl. The sleeves were long, but were on a lace that seemed to glitter, reaching my writs. For the moment, I couldn't seem to speak a word as I ran up to both Mrs. Judson and Dawson, embracing them both.

"Thank so much," I finally said to them.

"I wish we could take credit for this, Miss Méndez, but was not us who got this for you," Dr. Dawson replied. Hearing this, I suddenly blushed before I turned to meet the detective who was standing by the couch with soft smile on his face.

"T-thank you, Mr. Basil," I told him softly when I approached him.

"I'm pleased that you like it," he answered, placing a soft hand on my cheek, which caused me to blush a bit more. He obviously noticed for he chuckled lightly.

"I love it. It's simply astounding, I don't think I can thank you enough," I replied in the same tone.

"Your reaction was thanks enough, my dear." I couldn't accept that though. Without thinking, I leaned forward, placing a light kiss on his cheek. Not expecting such a thing, I noticed his cheeks turn slightly red. He stood there in utter shock for a moment or two before chuckling lightly.

"What am I to do with you, madam?" he questioned playfully, resting his hands on my shoulders. I myself could not say anything, for the gentle touch had me speechless.

"I'm…I'm not sure. N-nothing I suppose would be nice." His smile grew as he cupped my face delicately before moving closer to me, assuming, I moved my face toward his as well. However, he moved slightly so his lips were close to my ear.

"As you wish," he whispered. Just the deepness of his voice caused little tremors to shoot up my spine. Moving away from me, he then guided me into the kitchen where the others waited.