December Sorrow Chapter: 13

Author's note: I just want to say thank you for all of your kind reviews! Not to mention all the people who added this story to their favorites list, favorite author and story alert! But, there is one reviewer who is needed to be thanked especially! This person has been very kind, with reviews on this story and my new story, Broken. This particular chapter is for you HauntedVampyre! I know I say this a lot, but thank you so much for everything!

…december sorrow….

Today is the day Vaughn. The day you win! Alright, you've been preparing for this awhile now and there is no way you're running around town in a chicken suit!

I woke up early that cool, fall morning day. The sun was out, and there wasn't a cloud in the sky… things couldn't be more perfect.

After, taking care of the animals, and watering the plants, I came in and woke Ushio up. She was sleeping soundly in her bed. I smiled and went over to open the curtains, letting in the golden, autumn sun. Ushio stirred, and slowly opened her dark blue eyes, so similar to her mother's.

"Good morning, Ushio. It's time to get up baby doll."

With a bright smile, she rubbed her tired eyes and rose out of bed.

We practiced, and stretched for at least half an hour. We are so going to beat Alisa!

The drive there was very silent, and I noticed Ushio's cheeks were slightly pink…

I asked her if she was ok to run in the races, and she assured me she was fine. I just hope she'll be alright…

It seemed as if the entire town was at the race today. I spotted Alisa and Elli at the starting line, and jogged up to meet them.

Alisa clapped happily when she saw me. "I'm so glad you could make it, Vaughn. I've picked out the nicest chicken costume that I'm sure you'll love."

"Ha! You're not beating me and Ushio! We've practiced for a month now, and were going to win those gloating rights, just you wait," I scoffed

Everyone gathered around, both racers and spectators. Ushio and I lined up next to each other… both ready to beat each and every person here. She looked up at me sweetly, and held my hand.

"Are you ready Ushio?"

Ushio nodded. "I'm ready, Daddy!"

That's when we heard the gun shot, signifying the beginning of the race, determining my fate, of being forever known as Vaughn: The Chicken Guy.

We ran as fast as we could, running past people, and gaining speed with each passing second. The air gently blew back my silver, and her chestnut brown hair, the cool breeze making the tips of our noses red. Alisa was only a few feet ahead of us, and I could practically taste the victory, or maybe that was just sweat. No matter, I'm still going to win this thing. Not only for the sake of being called Chicken Guy for the rest of my life, but for Ushio as well. I clenched my fists tightly and ran faster; Ushio could hardly keep up with me. Soon, I was right next to Alisa... She gave me a confused look, which made me lose my focus and chuckle. That's when it happened. A damn rock. I wasn't paying attention, and before I knew it, I was flying through the air, landing on the harsh track.

Ushio came running to my side, worry filled in her eyes. "Daddy, are you alright?"

I rubbed my head and picked myself up. It was to late…. The race was over. I'm doomed.

"…Ushio… who won the race?"

"Alisa and Elli."

I fell to the ground once again, trying to decide which was more embarrassing; losing the race like this, or running around in a chicken costume. My eye began to twitch. I. Lost. The. Race?

"!"

Ushio giggled at me, and tried her best to help me up. I eventually stood up, and went over to Alisa, who was indeed carrying a chicken costume.

"Oh, I hope it fits Vaughn!"

I snatched the menacing bird out fit from her hands and angrily put it on over my clothes. Alisa, Ushio, Elli, and even Mirabelle, who unfortunately was watching, laughed so hard they fell to the ground.

"Ha. Ha. Ha. It's SO hilarious. Go ahead laugh it up guys… laugh at my pain."

They must have laughed until their sides hurt when I walked home in that ridiculous outfit. I got plenty of stares, photographs… even an autograph. Goodbye peaceful, old life. Hello, crazy chicken life. The day couldn't possibly get any worse.

…december sorrow

It was dark by the time we got home. The stars could be seen tonight, and they made me think of Chelsea. I closed my eyes, picturing her angelic face smiling up at the sky and asking me ridiculous questions. I could picture it so clearly; it really felt as if she was here with me tonight. When I opened my eyes, Chelsea stood there in front of me, in a breath-taking white gown. She looked over at me and smiled. I knew this had to be some sort of dream, so why did it feel so real? I glanced over at the house, then back to Chelsea. She was still standing there, looking at me with those big, sapphire blue eyes.

"Vaughn, do look at the stars often?"

I stared blankly. This question seemed so familiar…

Chelsea stood there, waiting for an answer, which probably would never come. She tilted her head towards the sky and closed her eyes, letting the cool night air blow her dress back slightly, and I began to wonder if maybe, she was real. Then, I remembered that snowy night. The night she died.

The memory of Chelsea came closer to me. She placed her soft, warm hand on my cheek. I bit my lip, trying not to cry; I failed. One tear slipped and rolled down my face. Chelsea noticed, and then kissed me gently where the tear had fallen.

"C-Chelsea."

And just as sudden as she appeared, she vanished, leaving an empty feeling in my heart. I looked up at the twinkling stars, wondering why I felt as if tonight was special. Then, I remembered. Today… is our anniversary. It would have been our 6th year together…

I lowered my head in guilt. I've forced myself to forget this day for five years, and now it was time… to remember again. Time to once again show the only woman I've grown to love appreciation for all those fun times together.

"I'm so sorry Chelsea. Please forgive me."

I walked over to a field of blue magic flowers that reminded me of Chelsea's sapphire like eyes. I grabbed a handful, and started walking towards a place I didn't dare go near for a long time; Chelsea's grave. Her grave stone was underneath Chelsea's favorite tree; the weeping willow.

The old tree stood tall and proud, while its leaves rustled in the breeze. I walked towards the place I tried to avoid most, and saw my daughter, holding a bouquet of orchids and gently placing them down beside the stone. I moved behind the tree, so she wouldn't see me… and I watched her sit down, and begin to talk.

"Mommy, Daddy really misses you. I can tell from the sad looks he gets when see's your picture. Sometimes I can hear him cry at night in his room when he remembers you. Why did you have to go?"

Ushio's eyes became watery, but she quickly wiped them with her sleeves, sniffled, then continued.

"I know Daddy said it wasn't my fault… but I still feel like it is. Would you still be with Daddy if I wasn't born? I'm sorry… then. When Daddy was gone, Gwandma Mirabelle told me Daddy was just sad, and he'd be back. He missed my first day of school. He didn't like me then, and he left… It was my fault…"

I couldn't take it any longer; I ran towards my daughter and hugged her tightly. She was frightened at first, but she eventually began to hug me back.

"Ushio… I'm sorry. Please know nothing is your fault. I'm sorry I was gone… I love you."

Ushio pulled on my shirt and squeezed the fabric; I could feel her tears begin to soak my shoulder.

"D-Daddy… I miss Mommy."

I wanted to say a million things to her. But the words just couldn't come out.

"I know… me too sweetie."

I smiled, and let go of Ushio. "But you know what? I think Mommy would want us to continue to be happy. Like I told her when we met, when you loose something, you continue to look for new and happy things."

I picked myself up, and held Ushio's tiny hand. We set down the flowers we both brought, then bowed our heads in respect.

We walked back to the house, hand in hand. I looked towards the sky and smiled.

I was so stupid. I may have lost Chelsea, but I have Ushio now. And right now, she's all that I need.

…decembersorrow

I tucked Ushio in bed that night, feeling as if a weight had been lifted off my shoulders. I think I've truly recovered from the death of my wife. I can finally move on now…

After Ushio was sound asleep, I went to bed myself. I gazed at my wedding photo, and I wasn't on the verge of tears. I was in fact happy. I will cherish those memories, instead of trying to forget them.

It was about eight years ago when we met. Seven years ago we began to date. Six years ago we got married, and six years ago you died. And today I've finally healed from the pain you left me with, I thought.

I closed my eyes, thinking I could finally go to sleep without worrying about dreaming of the night Chelsea died.

I couldn't have been more wrong.

That same dream I had when Chelsea was still alive cam back...

The house is falling apart, and the two people I loved and cared about the most were leaving. And I was left to die in the broken, shattered remains of all my happiness. The woman waved goodbye, as she walked away. I thought all hope was lost.

Then, the little girl, whose face I didn't recognize, came back and began to help rebuild the house. She helped me up and we worked together to fix the broken house. All of a sudden, the girl froze. She dropped the brick she was carrying, and began to walk away once more. I shouted after her, I even tried running after her. But, I couldn't move. I could only watch the little girl hold the woman's hand, both of them walking away and waving goodbye.

I fell to the ground, only wanting to die; yet knowing death would never come. I looked up to the sky, and watched the snow fall gently on the ground. It kept snowing… and snowing, but it never buried me. It just fell from the sky.

…

I woke up sweating, heart pounding, just like the first time I had this nightmare. For some strange reason, I went into Ushio's room, wondering if she was alright. She was still asleep…

I sighed in relief as I left the room. I wondered into the kitchen to make myself some warm milk. When I looked out the window to see snow flakes falling slowly towards the ground, I shivered. It shouldn't be snowing at this time of year.

Something's happening, and I don't like it.