Death Valley (Desert Children Series #2)

Desert Princess

The nights grew longer and I became dazed and confused. I didn’t buy anything for the others for Christmas yet. I knew I had to get going knowing I only had a few days.

I decided to take a trip out with Rocket so we could get a feeling for what we both wanted. Rocket was interested in things like makeup and clothes. I didn’t know what I wanted. I picked out antiques and some pieces of clothing that seemed to fit me. I chose an interesting knife set for Kobra and a new pocket knife for Poison. I was clueless when it came to Jet but settled on some gun attachments. Thinking of Ghoul made me sad. I wanted to buy the world for him for protecting the Zones even though he might not even be home in time for Christmas.

I spent the rest of my spending money buying knick knacks for Ghoul. I saw him in every pretty glass and shell. He was in the necklaces containing branches in tubes and in the very edges of the shiny blades for sale. I knew it wasn’t fair for me to buy so much for him and so much less for everyone else. But Ghoul was special.

When I was finally done, Rocket made me go with her to get her hair done. While we were there, she suggested I get feathers in my hair.

 

“They stay for a long time!” She exclaimed. “You will love them. I’m paying for it.”

 

Since she insisted, I decided to get the feathers in my hair. The girl at the salon put beads in my hair before sticking in feathers. I watched in the mirror as I sat in the chair. Rocket stood next to me looking excited.

 

“We should have done this for the wedding!” She clapped her hands, jumping up and down.

 

I grinned at her. “Do I look like a desert princess?”

 

“You always have.” She smiled.

 

The next thing I knew I was talking to Ghoul over the radio while wrapping presents.

 

“What are you up to? I hear weird noises.” He asked.

 

“I’m wrapping your presents.” I said and smiled.

 

“My presents? What am I getting?” He asked.

 

I laughed. “It’s a secret. You’ll have to open them when you get here.”

 

He chuckled. “Well, then. Merry Christmas, baby.”

 

“Merry Christmas.” I replied before letting him go and climbing into bed.

 

“I miss you.” I whispered to his side of the bed.

 

There was no response from the cold, made up side. I sighed and pulled the blankets around me. I wished Ghoul was here. I had no idea when he would even come home. Maybe I wouldn’t see him for a long time. It made me worried.

The night was long and cold. I made a cocoon with my blankets to keep in heat. I secretly wished it would snow to make it a real Christmas but living in the desert made things like that almost impossible. I kept waking up thinking I was back at the Victorian house I used to call home where I might just see snow. But alas I was in the motel bed alone.

That morning I was woken by Rocket. She shook my shoulder hard until I opened my eyes. Her cute face was framed by her newly cut hair. She grinned at me.

 

"It's Christmas! Santa came!" She exclaimed and laughed. "He stayed to watch you open your presents."

 

I shook my head and giggled. I rubbed my eyes and put on some of Ghoul's pj pants. Rocket was already in the living room giggling her ass off so I figured she had bought something outrageous for me. I sighed as I walked into the living room. A rather silly looking santa sat in the old worn armchair in the corner.

 

"Ho ho ho!" He yelled and took off his hat and beard.

 

It was Ghoul in a santa costume. I immediately ran over to him and jumped in his lap, kissing his face.

 

"I can't believe you are here!" I exclaimed.

 

I blushed as the others walked in. They were all as surprised as I was. I figured Rocket was behind it knowing that she was usually up to shenanigans. Her face lit up when she saw me enter the room in the first place. I gave her a big smile.

I stayed in Ghoul's lap as I watched everyone open their presents. Everyone loved the gifts I bought them. Ghoul smiled with every gift he opened from me and gave me a kiss. I was having the best day. I had my husband at my side and my friends around me. But before I knew it my world would change once again.

 _____________

I met Frank Iero on Thursday night! 

Leave me a comment and say what you think is going to happen next!