I'm absolutely thrilled with the reviews this story has received. I cannot thank you enough for your support.

This chapter is a little different to the others. It's centred on Marie, but it's not really from her point of view as much.

Please enjoy the next instalment of:

Blessed

Chapter Eight

My Wish

Hello! Mah name is Marie Darkholme an' ah've come t' know a terrible secret! After mah aunt Irene moved back to Mississippi, the Xavier's took me in. I soon learned that the Xavier family lives with a curse! Thirteen members (three o' whom ah live with) are each possessed by the vengeful spirit of an animal from the Chinese Zodiac! They transform into their chosen animal whenever a member of the opposite sex embraces them, or when they become weak!

Life is very exciting at the moment, but ah realise that the curse is not what it seems. There's still so much ah don' know about it, but somehow ah get the feelin' ah shouldn' make it mah business … f'r now at least …

Ah wonder what will happen this time?!

~~~~ xx ~~~~

Marie Darkholme … she doesn't think like most people. She readily accepted the fact that we could transform into animals. She's had to live in a tent on her own … who knows how lonely she must have been. And yet … she's always smiling …

It's been two months since she's started living with us now. But there's still something I haven't quite grasped …

Home Sweet Home ~~~

'We're not going back!' shouted Remy. 'You t'ink someone who left home f'r four months would go back t' dat place jus' 'coz it's New Years?'

'If I went home to attend the banquet, there would have been no point in me having left,' said Joseph.

'Oh dear, oh dear,' Hank sighed.

For the past week and all this morning Hank had been trying to convince the two boys to go back home for New Years, after all, it was expected of them. But with each passing day they seemed more and more reluctant to return home. He had finally gotten them into the living room together, and he somehow had to find a way to get them to attend.

'What's wrong?' asked Marie as she entered the room holding a washing basket. She was wearing a woolly green dress and dark brown tights, her hair tied up in a bobble with two white streaks farming her face. 'Ya've been arguing f'r a while now.'

'These two over here refuse to go back to the Xavier estate for new years,' explained Hank, pointing to the two boys who were looking away disdainfully.

'You're too old t' b' tattling!' said Remy.

'Ya not goin'?' asked Marie as she took a seat next to Remy, who shuffled as far away as possible on the couch. 'But Hank tol' me that the New Year's festivities are a major event f'r the Xavier family.'

'Indeed,' said Hank. 'It's the biggest celebration of the year for us. Everyone – the whole family – gathers and comes to celebrate. And the most important part is the Zodiac banquet.'

'Zodiac … banquet?' said Marie, obviously not having been told about that part.

'Yes,' replied Hank. 'The banquet can only be attended by those who are possessed by the Zodiac spirits. The Zodiac member representing the New Year must dance before the rest of us. This year it'll be the cow. Oh! But Joseph's dance a year ago was beautiful!'

'Don't tell her about that,' Joseph snapped, folding his arms and leaning back into the couch.

'It mus' b' wonderful!' Marie exclaimed. 'A banquet jus' like the legend!'

'Hmph! It's got notin' t' do wit' me,' said Remy, resting his head on his hand. Marie looked at him curiously. 'De cat can go t' de celebration, but not t' de banquet.'

'W-Why?' sheasked.

'It was decided along time ago that the cat couldn't come,' said Hank. 'That's just like the legend too, I guess.'

Marie frowned sadly. 'But…'

…the Rat left on his own without waking up the Cat, an' was elected as one of the twelve Zodiac Animals. An' that was the reason why cats are not one of the twelve animals.

'Look,' growled Remy, having noticed her expression and becoming oddly irritated, 'it's no big deal so ya don' have t' go pullin' a face like dat. 'M not sayin' I won' go home jus' 'coz I can' go t' some stupid banquet.'

'Never mind that,' said Joseph. 'If we went to the banquet, we'd have to spend the first three days of January at home, right? During that time, Miss Darkholme will be left alone.'

'What?!' shouted Remy, turning to her suddenly which made her jump. 'Ya not goin' t' ya Aunties or ya friends f'r New Years?!'

'W-Well Irene is goin' to Hawaii f'r New Years, an' ah don' wanna bother mah friends an' their families,' said Marie.

'Ya gonna b' all alone f'r New Years?' asked Remy somewhat gloomily.

'That's what I just said,' Joseph sighed.

'Shut up, ya damn rat! Dis is de first I heard about it!'

'That's because you only listen to your own voice and ignore what anyone else is saying.'

'You –!'

'Thank ya f'r thinkin' o' me,' interrupted Marie, knowing their argument would spiral out of control. 'It makes me happy. But ah'd feel terrible 'f ya missed out on such a wonderful celebration on mah account. An' it's been a while since you've seen ya parents, right? 'M sure they're anxious f'r ya t' come home. Please go an' enjoy the New Years with ya family. Ah'll take good care o' the house while you're aw –' Her face abruptly dropped in horror. 'Oh no! Ah left the bath water runnin'!' Marie remembered as she clumsily stumbled out of the room.

Remy rolled his eyes. Typical fillie.

Hank observed both the boys as they contemplated. He felt himself thanking Marie for being here. Thank goodness, now I have someone who can manipulate them for me without realising! He laughed to himself but no one paid attention.

'I think, I'll go back then,' said Joseph after a while, Remy agreeing.

'Since she puts it dat way…'

They both stared at the carpet. I'm sure she'll be alright. If she insists this much then it must be true. After all New Years is just another holiday.

~~~~ A few hours later ~~~~

'He sent you to give me this?!' shouted Joseph, absolutely appalled.

Remy was almost rolling on the floor with laughter as he saw what was being held out to Joseph.

A woman with a tuxedo on and a tie stood before him, holding a coat hanger with a beautiful silken robe hanging from it.

'Each Zodiac member has to wear a certain type of robe, remember?' the woman said.

'But, Emma! I've never had to wear such a feminine thing before. Surely you can't expect me to wear this … this …'

'Dress!' laughed Remy.

Joseph growled. 'I won't wear it.'

'Look, mister, I don't care what the hell you do,' said Emma. 'I'm just delivering it to you. If you or any of the other Zodiacs don't like it, you can take that up with Charles. But I doubt very much you will, right?'

'Why does he taunt me?' grumbled Joseph, clenching his fists.

Emma grinned and patted him on the shoulder. 'Hard luck, kiddo - that's the pice you pray for being the favourite. Why don't you go and try it on and see if it looks manly on you?'

Remy showed no sign of evasiveness as he laughed at that comment.

Five minutes later, Joseph trod down the stairs, wearing the dress. Luckily Remy had been summoned by Hank so his embarrassment did not have to go further. Joseph had never felt more contempt for that cat. Emma studied him and then shrugged – it looked alright, she thought.

In the time that Joseph had been changing, Marie had come into the room. She was astonished by how pretty Joseph appeared. But she wasn't sure if she should say that.

'I'm going to take it off,' he said.

'It looks cute,' said Emma.

Joseph turned to look at her and narrowed his eyes. She was a little taken aback. She had known him since she was little and not once had Emma Xavier known him to glare at her like that. As Joseph stomped back up the stairs, Marie decided to go after him.

She followed him into his room – she had only been inside once and it still was as messy as ever. She smiled. Who would have thought the Prince would be so untidy? Marie felt almost privileged she got to see this side of Joseph.

The young boy was sat on his bed, trying to take the robe off but failing. Marie came over to him, but did not sit on the bed beside him out of manners.

'My life is over,' said Joseph with a fierce look, giving up trying to take the robe off. 'What will Charles say when he sees me in this? He knows it'll humiliate me. I don't care what he does to me – I won't wear it.'

'But ya looked really nice,' Marie pointed out. 'Miss Xavier said so too.'

'Guys don't like being called cute,' Joseph said quickly, trying not to sound angry at her. He was not even upset with Emma, yet in that moment he wanted and needed someone to blame for his humiliation.

'Ah'm sorry, a-ah was thinkin' ya looked cute, too,' Marie admitted, looking away a little embarrassed and guiltily.

'I – I didn't want you to see me in this either, Miss Darkholme,' Joseph said, staring at the floor. 'I look like an idiot. I really shouldn't have even tried it on.'

'But … But ah was always really happy when Mama called me cute,' Marie said.

Joseph looked at her. She had rarely mentioned her mother before.

'Because whenever she said that ah was cute, it meant she was tellin' me 'Ah love you'.'

'My little Roguey is sooo cute!'

'Those words o' love made me happy,' Marie smiled. Though … ah won' ever get t' hear her say those words again … She blinked away the picture of her mother's face and looked back to Joseph who was staring at her. Marie blushed over the intensity of his gaze.'Oh! S-So back t' mah point. Ah guess ah'm tryin' t' say that Emma is just givin' you affection, like she's saying she likes you.' Marie scratched her head. 'Ah'm not makin' much sense, am ah?'

'No it's not that,' said Joseph. He thought for a moment. 'It's strange – I don't mind it so much when you say it, Miss Darkholme.'

Marie didn't know what to think of that.

'Will you help me take this off?' asked Joseph, pulling on his robe again. 'My hair is caught on a button.'

'Sure.'

Marie stood over him and grabbed each side of the robe. She pulled it up slightly so that Joseph's head disappeared and then found the button he could not undo.

'This dress thing is so complicated. It's as hard to take it off as it is to put it on.'

Marie laughed. 'Ah think it's pretty.' She finally undid the button.

Joseph said alluringly from behind the robe, 'I think it would look good on you, Miss Darkholme.'

'Ahaha. Ah doubt that – it's like a princess dress!' Marie pulled the robe over his head, revealing his blue shirt underneath.

'You're cute.'

Marie was puzzled then looked down to him. She hadn't realised how close she had gotten to him. His face and hers were only inches away from each other. Before she had time to move away, he said, 'On you, Miss Darkholme, I'm sure it'd look very pretty.'

Her cheeks began to go red as he stared at her powerfully with a grin. A few seconds passed before Marie remembered where she was and instantly moved away and folded the robe neatly.

Neither of them said anything.

~~~ A few more hours later ~~~

The moon shone as bright as ever, welcoming the New Year gladly.

After Joseph had apologised to Emma for his rude behaviour – Emma having scorned him and pinched him for it anyway – she returned to the Xavier house, with the robe, and for a few hours the house was at peace again.

Marie had begun cooking for everyone, then remembered she would be alone tonight. Remy questioned her quite harshly if she would be alright, and she repeated time and time again with a smile that she would.

And finally the time came for the three Xavier's to make their way to the main house.

Joseph had settled to wearing a very smart tuxedo that Marie was sure any girl would swoon for, and Remy wore a more formal brown shirt with a loose tie. Hank wore a black coat and underneath a tuxedo too that reminded Marie of a penguin with its bow tie.

Hank and Joseph were outside, and Marie stood in the doorway watching them with a smile as they conversed.

'Hey!' called Remy, Marie knowing he meant her by now.

'Ya can call me bah mah name, ya know,' Marie said turning to him.

'Whatever. Listen, I made sure dat all the taps were turned off. So… So … jus' … jus' …' Remy looked away. 'Oh damn it …' he grumbled and stepped closer to her, gazing into her emerald eyes. 'B' safe, idiot.'

Not knowing why exactly, Marie blushed and nodded silently.

Remy joined the other two, Joseph adding that he would make them all late.

'Remember not t' walk in crowds!' Marie reminded them from the doorstep.

'It's okay,' reassured Hank, 'there aren't many people on the streets at this time.'

'And you be careful to, Miss Darkholme,' said Joseph. 'Lock the door behind us, okay?'

'Ah will.' She smiled. 'Now go on an' get outta 'ere bef'r ya'll are late.'

Hank began to walk down the pathway. Joseph and Remy reluctantly followed, casting a glance behind them to Marie who was waving happily to them.

I'm sure she'll be fine.

She'll be fine…

The streets of Bayville were empty as most people would be at home or celebrating in the centre of town. The air had gotten colder and there was promise for snow to come.

As the three Xavier's walked silently down the street, both Remy and Joseph thought of Marie: the way she had smiled as they set off to the main house.

'Dis one time, she left her window wide open,' said Remy.

'Don't tell me you went in,' said Hank, a few steps ahead of the two boys.

'Like I'd do dat! I saw from de outside!'

'Yeah … Miss Darkholme is pretty careless,' Joseph remarked. 'She daydreams a lot and usually falls over things. She could choke on a grain of rice for all we know.'

'Dat's not funny!'

'Boys, stop fussing over her like mother hens,' said Hank, putting his hands deep inside his pockets. 'It's embarrassing just to listen to.'

'Hey!'

'I know you're worried about Marie, but you decided to come with me, so –'

''M not worried!' said Remy, stomping his feet more fiercely.

'Let's just get to the main house,' said Joseph, trying to make a distance between him and the Cajun.

'Ah!' exclaimed Hank suddenly, stopping. The others also did. 'Now I come to think about it … there was a rumour about a stalker going round. Apparently the new gossip is that he's a bugler too. He sneaks into people's houses and takes all their food.'

Remy and Joseph became tense, one of their eyes twitching.

She's jus' stupid enough to let the bugler in, thought Remy, clenching his fists.

She'd probably ask about his life story, thought Joseph, repeating Remy's action.

Hank chuckled at their expressions. 'Come on you two, if you keep standing there in a daze –'

'Someone will crash into you,' an eerie voice finished.

Hank squealed and the two boys gasped as a young girl with long black hair and a cape stood behind him.

'W-Well if it isn't Tessa,' said Hank nervously.

Tessa glanced at them all with her dark, impassive eyes.

'Why can' she appear like a normal person?' Remy muttered.

'And what's with the cape?' whispered Joseph.

'My, what a coincidence,' said Hank, cheerfully. 'We were just on our way to the Xavier estate.'

'Yes, Marie told me,' said Tessa. Her head dropped. 'So she really is alone this year. Did you not know? Today six years ago, her mother left poor Marie forever.'

Remy and Joseph glanced at each other.

'Her aunt always took her out on New Years, and Marie never had the chance to think about it, but now, she's all alone. This year, she has no one,' said Tessa.

No one … The words stung Remy and Joseph as if it were a physical injury.

'Betsy and I both offered to spend time with her,' Tessa continued, looking down the street. 'She just smiled and told us to be with our families. But … what will become of Marie when she sees all the decorations, the going of the year, and the coming year?'

The wind whistled faintly and the distant figure of Marie waving them goodbye came clearly into Remy and Joseph's head.

Back then when she watched us leave – how did she feel?

Tessa glanced up to the sky, her cloak billowing in the wind. 'She won't be able to help but remember the time she spent with her mother – with Irene too. I wonder how she'll feel.'

As though a lens was put before their eyes, the two boys saw a closer more fixed picture of Marie in their minds as they walked away: her happy smile, yet a deep ache in her expression.

How does she feel right now alone in that house?!!

Remy instantly turned at the same time as Joseph and the two crashed into each other, almost driving Remy to the ground.

'What are ya doin'?!' shouted Remy, pushing Joseph back. 'What's wit' you?! I t'ought you were in a hurry t' see ya precious Charles!'

'Why don't I wrap him up and give him to you?' Joseph retorted, straightening his tie and wiping his self clean as though Remy had something that was infectious.

'I don' wan' 'im!'

For a long moment, the two glared at each other, and then both began to run.

'H-Hey, you two!' shouted Hank. 'Where are you going?'

They both turned round. 'Home!' And ran off into the night.

Hank glanced at Tessa who was watching the darkness with the same blank expression as always. 'Tessa, did you plan that?' he asked.

'I don't care what they do,' she said as she turned away to return home. 'I simply wanted to do something for Marie … that's all.'

~~~ x ~~~

Remy and Joseph ran frantically down the streets of Bayville. It did not even occur to either of them that they were running at the same pace, and though Remy would have normally seen this as a chance for a contest, he and Joseph had no room for a competitive thought.

It's been two months since we've been living together. But there's still something I haven't quite grasped.

They both turned a corner and soon enough came upon Xavier land. The house soon came into view, noticing that the living room light was switched on.

I let it slip by me, I never realised because she's always smiling pleasantly.

As they neared the house they could hear Marie's laugh in their heads as they were getting ready to leave. 'Thank ya f'r thinkin' o' me. It makes me happy.'

Even at the smallest things.

They finally understood the sparkle in her emerald eyes that they had mistook for contentment as they walked out of the gate. 'Please go an' enjoy the New Years with ya family.'

They had almost reached the door. And then she tells me what I want to hear most. Kind words. Why didn't I realise? How could I have missed that? So at peace by herself …

No one's like that.

Both Remy and Joseph reached for the door handle... I want to be home! I want to see her!

…and opened it with such force there was a loud bang. Immediately they entered the living room where an astonished Marie was kneeling down at the coffee table, a single tear falling down her cheek. She was speechless.

The two boys panted, not having enough air to speak. Joseph slowly went over to her and reached his hand out, gently touching her cheek where the tear had fallen.

Thank goodness. If we hadn't of realised … we would have left her alone to cry.

Marie could not say a word. It was a surprise to see them there so abruptly, but to see her in such a state … Remy and Joseph collapsed on the floor.

Marie gasped and stood over them. 'A-Are ya okay?!' she asked, panicked. 'S-Shall ah get ya some water?! W-Whay are ya doin' here?!'

'W-We're fine,' said Joseph, out of breath. 'We just … wanted to … watch the sunrise.'

'A-An' eat some New Years cakes,' said Remy, equally struggling for air.

Marie went to say something with a forced smile, but then found her self unable to as another tear trickled down her cheek.

Joseph smiled, looking up at her, and Remy seemed at ease.

We're home.

~~~ Xavier's Main House ~~~

'I'm hoooome!' sang Hank as he opened the huge doors that revealed the extravagant hallway. It was decorated with Chinese symbols and words, and the animals of the Zodiac. Ribbons were placed everywhere in a sophisticated manner, and there was the faint sound of music coming from another room.

'Welcome back, Hank,' said Logan walking down the marble staircase that seemed to go on forever. 'Ya late – ya the last one here.'

'Sorry about that,' said Hank.

Logan glanced around. 'Where are Joseph and Remy?'

'Hmm … How can I put this? To be blunt in a modern lingo … they ditched,' laughed Hank.

'Is that something to laugh about?' Logan sighed. 'Charles aint gonna be happy, ya know?'

'I'll talk to him.'

'I can't really blame 'em for skipping though,' said Logan, looking up to the moon. 'Even I have things I can't stand. And sometimes I wanna run away from this place.'

'No, no – this year I don't think it's that they want to run away,' said Hank as he took off his coat and went into the room where the rest of the Zodiac would be waiting.

And somehow, Logan knew exactly what he meant.

'…spring will melt away the snow…'

He smiled and followed.

~~~ Home Sweet Home ~~~

A few hours had passed and the sky was becoming brighter. Marie, now wearing a coat, Joseph and Remy were sat upon the roof, waiting for the sunrise.

'Oh, Tessa came t' ya?' asked Marie.

'Yeah, we met her on the way there,' said Joseph.

Marie smiled. Ya gonna b' the first person ah call this year, Tessa. 'Oh but … is it okay with the rest o' the Xavier's that ya here?' she asked, thinking mainly of the mysterious Charles she had yet to encounter.

'No,' replied Joseph. 'We'll just go and wish them a happy New Year tomorrow or something.'

Probably not, both he and Remy thought.

'Okay, 'f ya sure,' said Marie.

Remy and Joseph looked up to the sky.

Right now, they will probably be finishing the celebration and starting the Zodiac banquet. I wonder if Charles is mad … But I feel strangely relieved. I don't feel an ounce of guilt.

They looked to Marie whose back was to them as she peered out at Bayville.

This time I've considered everything and thought things over about how I really feel and …

'Oh look!' gasped Marie, craning her neck to look at the two boys as she smiled widely. 'The sun's comin' up!'

Joseph laughed at her enthusiasm while Remy hardly looked bothered.

And what I really wanted.

'Have ya decided what ya gonna wish f'r yet?' Marie questioned. 'Ah got mah wish all ready!'

Remy stood up and glanced down at her, and Joseph, still sat behind her stared at her too, Marie oblivious to the attention she was receiving.

And I think it might just be to greet the New Year with her …

'Dis year 'm gonna beat dat damn rat!' Remy shouted to the rising dawn with all his might.

'Yeah, yeah,' mumbled Joseph. 'Even if you had a wish on your side, you'd still loose.'

'Damn you, rat! 'M gonna kick your ass here an' now!'

Marie watched them both as they fought. Though it wasn't exactly a good thing, she found herself smiling.

Thank you.

'End 8/22 ~

It would have been really great if I could have posted this at New Years – oh well. Happy New Year anyway hehe! Oh! And if you wanted to know, the chain of thoughts in italics was both Remy and Joseph's, but I couldn't really put an accent in.

Oh and I know I didn't do Christmas, but I plan to do it in the future, it just didn't really fit in with the story. If you'd like to know though, Marie bought everyone small presents, and Joseph did too (though he only got Remy a card), and Remy only gave Joseph a card because he's somewhat competitive.

Tell me what you think, if you would please.

PLEASE REVIEW so that I know I should continue posting or not!!! =D

Next Chapter!!! Joseph: Being the rat, a lot of Zodiacs and members in the family had a cause to hate me. Being Charles's toy, I always was envied. Didn't anyone realise that being the rat was no privilege? Why do they all envy me when really, I'm the cursed one of all? No one … no one saw me for me until …

Marie: You wanted t' show me somethin', Joseph?

Joseph: I want you to understand me more. I need to show you something … Something no one else knows … my own, personal secret…

Marie: Join Joseph in the next chapter to find out what happens next!