December 22-December 25 (Friday- Tuesday, Christmas Day)

Amy came stumbling home, yawning as her hand connected to the door. The snow had done her a grievous injustice. The Nor’ Easter storm, which had left 9 inches of fresh powder on the county, had hit harder than anticipated. Amy was forced to work a triple shift of 8a-4p, 4p-12m and 12m-8a with virtually no sleep. Her two relief nurses could not dig out of the storm and the roads were barely plowed and therefore, impassable. Amy had little choice but to stay, as per the Mandating Policy and the requirement of 24hr nursing for the Residences in the Agency she worked for.

Erin met her at the door, her cheeks and nose a bright red from shoveling out the driveway and the adjacent walkway. “Oh, honey, you look exhausted. There is some hot coffee, fresh brewed and waiting for you. I am so sorry you couldn’t get home last night. If I had a car, I would have found a way to make it in, just to relieve you.”

Amy threw down her keys, shaking off her coat and scarf on the daisy welcome mat, just inside the door. “There wasn’t anything you could have done. They declared a state of emergency around 11pm last night, so no vehicles could have been on the road besides Emergency vehicles and road crews. I got a little sleep and thankfully, they reopened the roads around 5am.”

“Is it alright if I take your car or do you want me to call a cab? I have to get in there by 9.” Erin slipped her mittens on.

“Yeah, just be careful. Some patches of Main Street are still a mess. I think I am going to skip the coffee and go straight to sleep. Did Billy call?” Amy slipped off her boots and jacket. “Maybe I will go for a shower before bed. I stink.” She grumbled.

“Yeah, Billy called while he was at the premiere to say he was thinking of you. Most of it is on the answering machine. I told him you were snowed in at work. He said he will call you tonight. Apparently Billy, Dom and Lij are going to Orlandos house for dinner. I cant believe Lij is making a stop over like that during the Christmas Travel rush. Doesn’t he have a family of his own?” Erin laughed.

“Time runs differently for people who have the time and the money.” Amy slid her feet onto the linoleum, nearly coming out of her socks as she walked. Her hair was a tangled mess and she looked all together disheveled. “Anything else I need to know about before I hit the shower and you head out to work?”

“The locksmith came. I left the copy of the keys to the top and bottom on the kitchen table. I have the second set on me. That’s really it.” Erin slid her beret on, her hand at the door knob. “Orlando called me. Gotta run. I will hopefully see you later.” Erin darted out of the door and into the snow. Though most people hated the very idea of snow, Erin as a winter baby, loved it. She found it beautiful and invigorating. The whole was world covered over in a thick white blanket. The earth looked almost pure. It reminded her of one of her favorite movies, “Legend.”

“Hey, what? You damn imp! I want details when you get home. If your next shift nurse comes in, that is.” Amy yelled out of the door, sidestepping the puddle of melted snow on the floor. Erin was waving, as she threw the car in reverse, spun the front tires out and whipped the E-Brake to cut the sharp turn onto the road, before slipping it into drive. “Cut that shit out with my car.” Amy grumbled. Every winter Erin was under the impression she was the Mario Andretti of snow packed roads.

Locking the door, Amy stumbled into the bathroom and took a shower before sending herself off to a well deserved rest.

“Now you boys just slide on in. There is room for all of us, if you don’t mind getting snuggly close.” Sonia laughed. “So, how was the premiere?” Her car was too small to fit herself, Sam, Orlando, Billy, Dom and Lij. But somehow, they managed at a great cost of dignity. Orlando, Dom and Billy were seated in the back of her sedan, Lij spread out like a dead lump of wood across their laps.

“It was great, mum. Lots of press and screaming fans. It was intense. Some rather well endowed girl even gave her bra to Billy to when he came around to sign autographs on the red carpet. I dare say his face was the same color.” Orlando laughed.

Lij tried to make himself comfortable, balancing on the bony legs of his friends. “This is what I get for changing travel plans at the last minute. If you hadn’t reminded me, Orli, I would have been homeward bound.” Lij grumbled. “But for Sonia, I would make any amends to my schedule.”

“Yer makin’ me sick and all, Lij.” Billy laughed, shifting beneath the dead weight of Lij on his lap.

“Yeah, don’t talk about my mum that way. Makes me feel all..uncomfortable. I mean, come on man, its my mum.” Orlando laughed. “No offense, mum.”

“The house isn’t that far away. Grin and bare it, boys.” Sonia cautioned. “And thank you for the sheer charm, Elijah. Its good to see some of you American boys understand the true beauty of an older woman.”

Sam was laughing, until she felt her seat kicked in rapid succession. She turned and punched Lij in the knee, sending a shrill cry from his lips. “It wasn’t me! Damn it Billy stop! OW!”

Samantha shrugged. “Oops. Then let that be a warning shot to whoever is kicking the back of my chair, Boyd.” She shot him a cold, dark eyed look.

Lij looked to Orlando. “How did you survive childhood with a brut like that for a sister. She hits hard!”

Orlando laughed, “It wasn’t easy, but when I got a bit bigger than Sam, the tables were turned. A little gum in the hair can do wonders.”

“Your not funny, Orli. Do you know how long it took Mum to get that out of this mop? Curls and all?” Sam grimaced, running her fingers through her hair, protectively.

Dom was sitting quietly, sandwiched between Orlando and Billy. He could not take his eyes off of Samantha. This was the first time he had the pleasure of meeting Orlandos sister and found himself smitten, in an instant.

Orlando caught it quickly, slamming Dom in the side with his elbow.

“What the bloody hell was that for?” Dom tried to rub his injured side, jostling Lij around. “Damn Elvish tactics. You’ve been hanging around a bit too much with that sprite, Liv.”

“I see you eyeing up my sister.” Orlando raised a brow as Sam whirled around, her dark hair flying all about her shoulders.

“What?” Sam stated.

“Nothing. Um, nothing Sam.” Dom gave Orlando a wide eyed plead to be silent.

“Looks like our little Dom is growing up, Orli.” Billy gushed, batting his lashes like an old fashioned mum. “He’s sweet on this lovely lass. Tell me Lij, do you feel anything stirring or rising on the back of yer knee?”

“Oh Christ, already.” Dom hung his head, a sheepish smile falling over his lips.

Sam looked at him with a smile. “You’re a bit of alright, yourself Dom.” She winked, which sent Orlando, Billy and Lij into fits of laughter as Dom blushed, turning visibly red.

“Oh man, I think something is poking me in the back of the knee. Jesus, I think I am going to sit on Billys lap.” Lij shifted his legs.

“That’s right, little lamb. Come sit on Uncle Billy, good lad.” Billy laughed maniacally, dripping with silly innuendo.

“That’s it, I want out of this car.” Lij was reaching for the door handle as the car was still in motion.

“A little lower and that wont be all your hitting on, man.” Orlando laughed till he felt his stomach convulse. Lij was turning colors, unable to escape.

“Sonia, can I get in the trunk, please? I think I am safer with the bags than with these pervs.” Lij was crying from laughter.

“Play nice back there, boys. I could tell you a few lovely stories of a young, brutally innocent Orlando James and a trip to Kenya. The Tribe wouldn’t take visitors for some time after that incident.” Sonia laughed as Orlando found it was his turn to flush.

“Mum, come on. Don’t do this to me, I was four!” Orlando begged, his voice on the border of whining.

Sonia laughed, pulling up to the driveway. “I will just tell you boys over tea, that’s all. Everybody out of my car.”

Lij dove out of the door the moment it was open. The others followed suit. Lij had agreed to stay the night, though he had to catch the next flight out to LA in the morning on the Concorde.

The rowdy group descended on Maude in the back yard. Orlando sat back against the house, out of view and lit up a cigarette while Billy and Lij rough housed with his beloved pit bull. Dom was chatting with Sam, occasionally glancing toward Orlando, who simply shook his head. Sonia prepared tea and biscuits for her guests in the kitchen. Orlando could here her laughter echo from the opened kitchen window.

This is home. Orlando thought, I could not be blessed with more than what I have in my hand and heart as the holidays fast approach. If I had her, I would be complete. Just nine more days, and if all things go as planned…

Orlando finished his cigarette, palming the butt. “Hey guys, lets have some tea and leave poor Maude to her own devices for a bit. Wouldn’t want her little heart to explode with all this excitement.” He laughed softly, heading toward the door. Orlando was sure to bump Dom roughly on the shoulder with a knowing smile before heading back into the house.

Erin came home just before six. Amy was up and about, cleaning. The entire house smelled of burning candles with an underlying clean odor of bleach and pine sol. The walkway was shoveled free of snow drifts. Erin laughed to herself, stomping the snow from her boots outside before entering completely.

“Hey, wifey. I’m home.” Erin laughed, closing the door behind her.

Amy peeked out from the kitchen, her hair held back with a bandana. “Hey, welcome back. How do the roads look?”

“They are much better than this morning.” Erin shrugged off her jacket and beret, hanging them by the door. “Did you get any sleep, at all, today?”

“I got about an hour. I cant sleep in the daylight. I even tried putting towels over the windows, but the sun and glare are killing me. So, I figured I would clean. Now that your home, I will take a break. You have clean laundry on your bed, folded. I didn’t know where it goes.” Amy plopped down in one of the kitchen chairs.

“Damn, your going to give Martha Stuart a run for her money if you don’t slow down, woman.” Erin laughed, taking a seat across from her. “Any word from Billy today?”

“Yeah, he called just as he was sitting down to have some tea with Dom, Lij, Orlando and his family. Which reminds me, make with the news. I have been dying all day!” Amy laced her fingers over her knee, pulling it closer to her chest.

“What is there to tell?” Erin smiled mischievously.

“Oh, don’t you play that coy shit with me, woman. Gimme details!!” Amy laughed, crumbling up a napkin and tossing it at her.

Erin scooped it up and set it on the table. “Hey, I recycle. That is abuse of nature.” She cleared her throat as Amy shot her a glance. “Alright, don’t look at me like that. Well, he called while I was in the bath yesterday. I thought it was Sean, since he had called before. But, it was definitely Orlando, he was talking about going bungee jumping before the Premiere.”

“More details than that, sugar.” Amy went to reach for another napkin to launch like a missile toward her friend and room mate.

“Alright, just don’t abuse the trees it took to make that napkin. Well, we only talked for a few minutes, nothing very spectacular. I apologized for running off like an idiot that night and for other things, yanno.” Erin cleared her throat. “I told him we found some pictures in a few magazines you had brought home and he gave me his cell phone number. Then, Dom, Billy and Lij showed up and he had to go. Like I said, nothing earth shaking.”

“So how did it feel to hear his voice?” Amy knew her friends mind better than she often let on.

“It felt good, but it felt kinda weird. I felt like I had so much more to say to him. It sorta felt the same way coming from him too. Almost like he was holding back. But then again, I could be delusional. All I do know is that it took almost every push of my will to not scream out how I feel about him.” Erin tried to shrug the sensation off. His voice was still preoccupying her thoughts. His voice is the sound of Heaven calling the rebel angels, home. “Has Billy said anything about Orlando?”

“You mean has Orlando said anything about you to Billy?” Amy cracked her knowing smile. “No, they haven’t really had much time together.”

“So what is Billy doing over at Orlandos’ families house?” Erin got up, pouring herself a glass of orange juice. She motioned to Amy, who passed on it.

“Billy is staying with Dom through the holidays. Billy hasn’t said much about his family, other than his sister. She, apparently, is off on holiday through Christmas and the New Year, so he wont see her till their next break from the movie. But I think Lij promised Orlandos mom that he would stop over on his way home for the holidays. The only nifty twist is that apparently Dom has the eye for Orlandos sister, Samantha.” Amy gave her best impressively intrigued look.

Erin sat down, shaking her head. “Well as long as they are having fun, that’s what matters, right?”

Amy jolted. “Oh, shit. I almost forgot to tell you. Liv called about noon today. We got the chance to chat for a bit and she is having some kind of New Years Eve celebration in the city. I guess her Dad is having a bunch of people and rented the VIP area of a club out for the night. Viggo is going and I think Lij is going to come also. So, what do you think?”

“I think we are on call that night.” Erin gave her a look. “I think I have had enough of clubs and NYC for the rest of this year.”

“Oh, come on. What the hell are we going to do for the New Year? We are too young to ring it in like old ladies, sitting at home drinking cheap champagne. And besides, its my Birthday that night. I really want to go, but I wont go without you.” Amy reminded.

“Isn’t this Deja’ vu? I recall you saying something about really wanting to go to the Roxy on one fateful night when all this began.” Erin shook her head, looking up at her friend through long fallen burgundy tendrils. “Lets call it a maybe. We would have to plan this right. Lets see if anyone will switch days off with us, though I find it highly doubtful they will. New Years Eve is a Monday night, which is fine. We both work mornings. But Tuesday we aren’t going to be able to wake up and get to work by 8a from the city. So, if we trade off days, there is a chance.”

“Well, Liv did say something about us crashing in the hotel with her, which I guess is right near the club. I have no idea which club it was, she is going to call me back with the details. Come on, you will get to meet Steven Tyler.”

“Throw in Joe Perry and I am on it, come hell or high water.” Erin laughed, hard.

“That was one of the best home cooked meals I have had in longer than I can remember.” Billy complimented Sonia, sitting back in his chair, stuffed with the feast she had created for the lot of them.

“I agree, thank you Sonia.” Dom smiled, taking a sip of his wine.

“Oh, please, just call me Mum.” Sonia winked. “Your all a fellowship and that makes you part of the Bloom brood.”

“Mum? Mind if Dom and I slip out, we are going to hit a movie.” Sam smiled. Sonia nodded as Orlando found his face in shock.

Dom rose, patting Billy on the shoulder. “We will be back in a few hours, then we can get going home. Are you cool with that, mate?”

Billy looked to Orlando and smiled. “Don’t forget to bring protection…” He turned his glance to Sonia. “Ya know, that lass punches like hell and all. Wear some rubber under yer britches.”

Sam shot him a shocked glance. Sonia laughed. “You know, I am not so old that I cant see innuendo flat in my face. I expect you to maintain your respectfulness with Sam. Though, she is aptly able to take care of herself.”

Orlando shook his head, taking a sip of his wine before looking to Samantha. “Don’t let this octopus put his hands all over you.”

“You seem to forget who the older sibling is, Orlando. We will be back later. Ready Dom?” Sam smiled.

Dom walked past Orlandos chair, waving his arms around while making a sucking sound…as though his arms were tentacles. “Right mate, see you later.” He laughed and Orlando chuckled.

Lij took a sip of his green tea. “You know what I don’t get, mum? Why is it that you can cook the most amazing feast and your son here cant seem to make a dish without sea weed and other disgusting additives? Well, that is, when he isnt living out of a tofu container or munching on sweets?”

“Hey, I think I cook quite well thank you. Your just not enlightened, Lij.” Orlando pursed his lips in mock offense.

“Well you see, once upon a time Orlando James wouldn’t even consider eating vegetables. I remember making steak and potatoes with some greens…and this brat would hike up his mashed potatoes and stick all his vegetables under it. He thought he was something sure of slick. Of course, I would flip them back over and make him eat it anyway. Now, he cant get enough of it. Strange twists life takes.” Sonia smiled to Orlando.

Lij laughed, shaking his head to Orlando as though he knew some deeply profound secret about him. Then, lowering his voice to a raspy whisper he cried out, “What’s ‘taters, precious?”

Billy laughed heartily as did Orlando.

“So, Orlando tells me you were given the One Ring before you returned from Australia. That must be the oddest token of your work thus far?” Sonia leaned back, taking a sip of her wine.

“It was pretty cool, actually. To be given the one and only, legendary ring. It kinda keeps the character of Frodo with me for life. So long as I don’t start staying up at night and playing with it, obsessively.” Lij chuckled. “We all got a little something though. I am pretty sure they are going to let us keep the weapons we used, since there are so many copies of them for the set. And maybe a few prosthetics for a laugh.”

“I have already told Pete and Fran that I really would love to keep the white daggers and the LothLorien Bow. I did get to keep a replica of the Mirkwood bow I carried through most of the first movie. Think I can snag a few of those Elvish ears?” Orlando laughed, standing and stretching.

“And here I thought ya’d be asking fer that wig of yers. Maybe store it fer some Pantene commercials later on in life?” Billy grinned.

Orlando made a face at him and Lij, about to say something tremendously funny, halted. “Are we smoking?”

“Yeah, outside though. Mum doesn’t like the smell. You joining us, Billy?” Orlando withdrew a smoke from his pack, sticking it behind his ear.

“I will help mum clean up. Least I can do since my best mate abandoned me. Go on.” Billy rose, gathering dishes from around the table.

Sonia smacked his hand away. “You might be part of the brood, but I wont subject you to doing the dishes. I save that for Orlando.” Sonia smiled devilishly. The light she had in her eyes had been one of the many gifts she had bestowed upon her two children. They carried the same mysterious, fun loving gleam in the depths of their eyes.

“I knew I should have gotten you a dishwasher for Christmas.” Orlando shook his head and led Lij outside.

Sonia sat back down as did Billy. “So, we only have a moment while Orlando takes in that filthy habit. I don’t want to pry but I want to know something about this girl Erin. Orlando has told me very little about her. What do you have for me?”

Billy nodded with a smile. “Nice tactic, mum. Are ya sure yer not a journalist?”

“Raising two kids teaches you something about boldness and intrigue. So, lets not beat around the bush and all.” Sonia leaned forward.

“Well, mum. Erin is a great lass, really. She has her head together and all. She is a nurse who works with developmental disabilities, mostly in geriatric. An’ if ya don’t mind me saying, Erin is quite pretty. She is a real woman with some meat on her bones, not like the skinny stick figures parading about the Tele.” Billy looked to the door. “I don’t think she has any family but she has lots of friends, Amy tells me.”

Sonia cut in. “And who is Amy, again? I think Orlando said something about her. Refresh my memory.”

Billy continued, “Amy is her best friend and sort of my girlfriend. Orlando and Erin did not leave on the best terms and all. Mainly since Orli was still engaged. Erin didn’t want to cross any lines out of respect. Then it happened that Jemma called it off, anyway. But that’s it.” Billy took a breath before clearing his throat.

“Thank you, Billy. I appreciate it. And there will be an extra slice of pie in it for you if you don’t mention any of this to my son.” Sonia smiled and leaned back, wondering about this mystery girl, Erin.

“So are you still going to go through with this whole New Years Eve plan of yours?” Lij cupped his hand behind the flame of the lighter, sparking his cigarette to life.

Orlando exhaled sharply in the cold night air. “Yeah, man. Its going to be great. I made Liv promise she wouldn’t tell Amy or Erin. I made her swear she would get them both into the city that night.”

“Well I hope it goes off without a hitch. You know we are due back on the set the day after the New Year. We are probably going to have to leave on New Years day to get settled in before we start filming again. You know Peter.” Lij laughed, shivering slightly. “Well, I called Shannon and she accepted accompanying me to this event. I am sure Amy and Erin will get along great with her. Now, are you sure they are going to make it? I mean, it’s New Years eve and all?”

“I am hoping so. I have Concorde tickets reserved and waiting for Billy, Dom and I. You’ll be coming in from Iowa so your going to have to get yours reserved. Might want to rent a limo that night too. It is going to be hell getting through the city, I am guessing.” Orlando looked to the ground, taking another long inhalation. The embers glowed orange against his features.

“So, what exactly is the deal? Where are we staying? How is this going to work?” Lij exhaled.

“Well, from what I gather from Liv, her dad is renting out the VIP area of Studio 54 for the night, for his friends and such. When I talked to Liv she was trying to decide where to book some rooms. She was leaning toward the Four Seasons, which is ultra posh. Every room is lavish with Jacuzzis and Balconies. The whole works. So that would be a nice atmosphere. And no, not for what your thinking.” Orlando gave Lij a look.

“What, man? I am thinking about myself and Shannon not your business with Erin. Just hope your not expecting any business, if you know what I mean. After what she has been through and all.” Lij tried to make his words sound as light hearted as possible.

“I just want a quiet place I can spend some time with Erin, alone. That is the only thing I want out of this trip to New York. I just want to see her and hold her…I want to make the experience romantic.” Orlando smiled softly.

“You’re a true romantic, Orli. More than you let the rest of the boys see. Your secret is safe with me.” Lij laughed. “Well, whatever the details just get them to me. You have my phone number and email address, right?”

“I would call rather than type on that confounded computer. You know I am something of a technophobe.” Orlando laughed, crushing his cigarette. Lij followed suit.

“So what do you think your Mum is talking to Billy about in there?” Lij felt his bones chilled through with the cursed English weather.

“My mum is a clever lady. She is probably trying to get as much information about Erin as she can from poor Billy. We should get him off the hook but fast.” Orlando smiled, opening the door for Lij as the two stepped into the warm confines of the house.

The days leading to Christmas day came and went until the countdown to the biggest gift giving day of the year was upon the world. Amy and Erin were scheduled to work till the evening. A facility catering to the lives of individuals with developmental and special abilities never closed. The time of year was particularly difficult to watch from the eyes of those who worked in the agency. Most of the geriatric individuals in the residences had no families to give presents to..or at least, none that would own up to having a relative with such limitations. Their only contacts were those paid to be caregivers. Erin could relate. She had no one, save her friends to think of on such a special reflective day.

Such a silence had never been felt in the world around Amy and Erin. The roads were frozen, touched by the icy death grip of a fierce winter. There were no cars on the road, save, theirs. The trees were encased in ice, the world turned into a frozen and barren waste land. The two friends rode home together, reflecting on the experiences of the day, silent and pensive. The spirit of the season seemed to elude both of them. In silence, Amy and Erin seemed to know what each was thinking.

The duo made their way into the house, pausing a moment in the dark to watch the glittering lights on the tree Amy had decorated. The depressive sigh was universal.

“Well, this is the first year its just you and me. So, shall we celebrate the season with some egg nog?” Amy turned, warming her hands as she closed the door behind Erin.

“How about some straight up vodka?” Erin looked to Amy, her dejected heart showing through her eyes.

“Yeah, I second that one.” Amy grumbled, heading to the kitchen. “Hey, we have some messages, wanna come here and listen with me?”

Erin leaned against the wall as Amy poured drinks for both of them, pressing the answering machine button.

Amy, my beloved lass. Its Billy. Don’t tell me yer working on such a holiday? Gads, lass! Well, Dom an’ I are here havin’ a spot of fun, waitin’ fer some dinner. My roast is smellin’ rather splendid. Well, I am thinkin’ of ya and wishing I could spend Christmas morning with ya wrapped in my arms. Call me at Doms when ya get in, lass. Dom piped in. Merry Christmas, beautiful ladies. Love to you both. Billy laughed. I miss ya. Merry Christmas Erin, miss ya too lass.

The next message played.

Amy, its Scott. This is the first Christmas we haven’t been together and I guess I am really understanding what a dick I was to you all these years. Well, you probably wouldn’t call me back anyway so I wont give the new number to you. Just…have a happy holiday.

Amy rolled her eyes as the next message played.

Erin, love. Where are ya on this holiday, eh? Its Sean. Merry Christmas Love. Your in my thoughts. I sent ya a bit o something and I don’t know if you have gotten it yet, with the rush and all. Well, give me a jingle and I hope your holiday is splendid.

Erin smiled softly at the sound of Seans voice. “He sent me something? Did we get anything?”

Amy smiled. “Yup. Billy and Sean both sent some things and I left them under the tree, all the way in the back so you wouldn’t peek!”

“Oh, you’re a crafty one, aren’t you?” Erin laughed.

Hi Erin and Amy, its Liv. Merry Christmas! I just want to remind you that the party is on for next week and I wont take no for an answer. I will call you again during the week and set everything up with you. So, no excuses. Alright then, Bye!

Amy laughed. “I guess its set in stone then, eh?”

Erin shrugged with a slight smile. “I guess so.” She looked to the message indicator. One message remaining. Against hope, she wondered if that would be a recorded call from Orlando…

Erin, this is Viggo. Just calling to wish you the most spectacular Christmas. You too Amy. Oh, I haven’t let you off the hook for posing for my work, Amy. So, don’t forget. Anyway, Liv tells me you are both coming for New Years. I have presents so, I expect you to be there and ready to ring in the new year. Take care and have a blessed holiday.

Amy looked to Erin. Her eyes were downcast to the floor. “He didn’t call. Im sorry, Erin.” Amy could feel her anguish and looked on, sympathetically.

“Nah, its alright. He has other obligations. We are just friends or something like that, remember?” Erin lied through her teeth. “So, make with the drinks, alright? I want to open presents!”

Amy laughed and handed a drink off to Erin. Erin raced to the tree, flipping on a light as Amy slipped a CD into the player. A barrage of old Christmas tunes assailed them. “Alright, lets go, hand me one and I will hand you one.”

Erin and Amy exchanged presents they had bought for each other for several moments. Each tore into the beautiful wrapping like starving children at a feast. They hugged and exchanged happiness at the bounty they had received, until at last, they were down to a few presents in brown paper.

Erin and Amy opened gifts Billy and Dom had sent to them both. From Dom, Amy and Erin received a bottle of Vintage Champagne. “Holy shit, this must have cost a fortune!” Amy laughed, wondering what Billy had outdone himself with.

“Hell yes!” Erin inspected the bottle with a smile, glancing toward the unwrapped gift from Billy.

Amy could not maintain her composure any longer. She opened the wrapping and stared in amazement. “Oh my god.” A diamond and sapphire platinum necklace was staring at her in a Tiffany Co. box with a swag of Scottish tartan enfolding it. The note attached, read: A jewel could never outshine your beauty, only compliment it. Know that I am thinking of you as you open this and wishing you were here with me. “Erin, holy shit, look at this.”

Erin glanced over and was stunned. “I cant believe it. Oh my god. That is intense…and gorgeous. You have to call him.”

“Open yours first. Come on!” Amy laughed, her eyes lingering on the necklace before her. It was the most lavish gift she had ever received.

Erin tore into hers with anticipation. Billy had gotten her a platinum bracelet. The note attached, read: Since I couldn’t fit Orlando in a box, well, Merry Christmas!

“Oh my god, I have never had anything so gorgeous in all my life. We have to call Billy to thank him and to thank Dom too.” Erin was laughing, studying the gift alongside Amy.

“Wait, you haven’t opened the one from Sean.” Amy was excited, the cordless phone in her grip.

“Alright, alright.” Erin tore into the other brown paper package with a post mark from Northern England. She was speechless as she held it in her hand. A flawless large, clear, Swarofski Crystal Rose with little red blood droplets on the delicately carved petals. The note in the box was scribed beautifully, “A rose of Undying beauty for a beauty that surpasses all equal.”

“Oh, Amy look at this. Sean is just too damn good to be true.” Erin turned the rose to get a better view.

“That is beautiful. Oh god, he is just too romantic.” Amy wished she could recant her words the moment she said them. Don’t encourage her…she doesn’t realize it yet, but Orlando loves her and is within her grasp. Sean is trying to win her over…and doing a damn good job of it all. That is more than I can say for…

“Hurry up and call Billy, I have to ring Sean!” Erin was in awe of her gift, looking to Amy with doleful eyes.

Amy laughed, bringing the phone to her view. Before she could dial, it rang.

“Hello?” Amy jumped, surprised.

“Hello, may I speak with Erin please?” The beautifully crafted cockney accent sang back to her. “Amy? Its Orlando..Merry Christmas, love.”

“Hi Orlando. Merry Christmas to you too. Hang on, Erin is right here.” Amy handed over the phone.

Erin felt a sense of trepidation as she reached for the phone. It had been several days since her last conversation with Orlando. “Hello, Orlando? Merry Christmas.”

“Erin, love. Merry Christmas to you.” Orlando sounded so happy to hear her voice. “How is your Holiday turning out?”

“Well, Amy and I had to work today, but we are celebrating with unwrapping some gifts.” Erin bit her lip, her heart fluttering to match the butterflies in her stomach.

“Oh, anything good?” Erin could hear the smile in his voice.

“Well, we exchanged some gifts we bought for each other…some music, movies and clothes. The usual.” Erin paused. “Billy sent us both some beautiful gifts. He gave Amy a gorgeous sapphire and diamond platinum necklace. He sent me a platinum bracelet. Dom sent us Vintage Champagne. I never expected something like this from either of them. I cant wait to call them and thank them for keeping us in their thoughts. I don’t really put much stock in material things, neither does Amy but what a thought! Oh, and I received something really…well, nevermind..how is your Christmas?”

“I was with Billy in London when he got the gifts for you both. That rat was supposed to put my name on the cards." Orlando laughed, continuing. "He has great taste. Christmas is great here. This is the first year I am really able to spoil my family and all. But what is this great gift your not speaking about?” Orlando sounded intent on hearing the contents.

Erin looked to Amy and leaned back, sipping her drink. “Its nothing, really.”

“Hmm, now your intriguing me.” Orlando laughed.

“Well, Sean sent me this beautiful clear crystal rose with little red blood droplets on the carved petals. It is really breathtaking. So, what about you, what did you get for the Holiday?”

Orlando felt his temperature rise. Well, Sean sent me this beautiful clear crystal rose with little red blood droplets on the carved petals. It is really breathtaking. So, what about you, what did you get for the Holiday? He closed his eyes tightly, trying to block out the thought of Erins fingertips cradling the crystal rose, the smile that must have formed along her lips. I should have sent something to make her equally as happy…Bloody Hell, Sean. How could you do this to me?

Orlando tried to refocus his thoughts, his blood still burning with anger and jealousy. “A few things here and there. I don’t put much stock in pretty gifts.” He spoke through his teeth, his cheek pressed tightly to the phone.

“Are you alright, Orlando?” Erin could sense something was amiss in his speech.

“Right. Fine, love. Well I am pleased to hear of such a wonderful holiday. You are quite well thought of and that brings a smile to my face.” Orlando was anything but smiling. An awkward moment of silence passed.

“Well, I should probably go. Amy is chopping at the bit to get on the phone with Billy. I have some thank yous to make too.” Erin was hesitating. The last thing she wanted was to hang up..but Orlando was not himself and she could feel it.

“Right.” Orlando grumbled. She is going to call Sean and thank him for such a lovely and thoughtful gift. She will tell him how happy something so simple has made her. You have taken Helms Deep, Sean. I set my sights on Minis Tirith. “Well, Happy Holidays and all.”

“Happy Holidays and a happy upcoming new year to you, Orlando. This is going to be your year, I can feel it.” Erin had a somber cast to her voice. “Any New Years resolutions so far?”

“Not yet but I am working on one. Send my good cheer to Amy. Goodbye Erin.” Orlando paused a moment.

“Goodbye, Orlando.” Erin sighed softly and hung up.

Orlando cursed under his breath, throwing himself back on the couch. His thoughts were spinning, his blood set afire. How could I have been so blind sided? Sean has won this round. I wonder now, if it is too late to make my thoughts a reality?

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