Christmas Plans

CHAPTER 19

POV : Clarice

Clara woke up and smiled at her surroundings. She was wrapped up in the arms of Mel with Tamara in a crib. Mrs. Coll, Tamara's nanny, had given it to them after she heard that Tamara didn't have one of her own. Her heart raced at the thought of sharing Christmas Day with Mel. She was holding as still as she could as to not wake her up. Clara could tell it was still early and she could probably go back to bed if she wanted to. Staring at Mel's sleeping face was all she wanted to do all morning. It was the best Christmas gift she could ever have received. The fact she wasn't alone that Christmas was a blessing of its own. She knew how many people didn't have that. Even she hadn't had anyone the year before. She brushed Mel's hair out of her face and smiled lovingly at her. It all happened because of one party. She knew there was one later in the day, but she felt that she would rather spend the day with the people she loved. She felt Mel shift and went perfectly still. Mel grunted and blinked her eyes open. 
"Morning, my love. Why're you up so early?" Her words were slow and tired. She had slight morning breath and her voice was gravelly. Clara kissed her forehead and snuggled closer. 
"Good morning. I just wanted to have an early start to the day. I hoped you would be up later so I could have stayed like that forever." Clara knew she was being overly cheesy. Mel moved her head onto Clara's and closed her eyes again. 
"I wouldn't mind that plan." Then, as if on cue, Tamara started to make noises. Clara sighed and went to take care of her. While she did that, she watched as Mel dragged her way to the bathroom and locked herself in. Clara took a moment to realize all that she had received for Christmas already. She got Mel, Adrian, the flowers, a safe place to sleep at night, a job, a chance to work with flowers, and other small things. It takes losing almost everything to be truly grateful for when others make your life better. She took Tamara out into the library and sat by a fireplace with the fire already burning. It made her wonder how early other servants got up to take care of such things. The fire warmed her thoroughly and she sighed, content. Mel came out to join her after a few minutes. The Christmas tree sparkled with little strands of tinsel and cranberries. She noticed a few presents under it and was confused. 
"Who are those for?" She looked at Mel and saw humor in her eyes. 
"They are for you and Tamara. And before you say it, no. You didn't need to get me anything. You and Tamara are enough of a gift for me." Clara still wanted to argue but Mel got up and grabbed a gift from under the tree. "Here. Open this first." Clara traded it out for Tamara and took the gift. It was a small envelope with a ribbon tied around it. She pulled the ribbon off and carefully opened the envelope. She pulled out the paper inside and gasped when she saw what it contained. She dropped the envelope and clutched the paper with all her might. Mel smiled broadly when she took in her reaction. 
"It is in the next town over. I've seen the one you had before, and, I'm sorry if this is insulting, but it kinda stinks. It is to small and the roof leaks from who knows what! I took it upon myself to cache in a few favors with people and get it for you. We might have to move, only if you want to. We are close enough that you could just ride your horse there everyday, but that's not ideal." She looked down at her feet and Clara shook her head.
"Mel, you are a wonder. I am so lucky to have you. But, this is too much, truly. I can't accept this. I-"
"No. I am doing this for you. You are not turning down this opportunity. I can come with you, too. I mean, if that's what you want. I don't want to impose..." Clara rolled her eyes and embraced Mel. 
"I want you there with me. If I'm going to do this, you sure are going with me." Mel laughed and handed Tamara back. 
"We can go any day. The place is ours and it comes with a studio for us to stay in until we can afford to buy a house." Clara wrapped her arms around Mel again. 
"Thank you, so much. I will repay you someday. I swear to it. I-I will work as much as needed to get the money." Mel shushed her and hugged her back. 
"Don't worry about it. I don't care. I did it so we could start new. Somewhere away from your parents and the knowing eyes of the village." Clara smiled and fought tears of happiness. 
"It will be nice. I won't be as heavily judged if no one knows me or my story. Besides, with a woman like you with me, anyone with any ideas will be scared off." Mel laughed and snuggled back up with Clara. 
"You can open your other presents later. I just want to cuddle now." Clara smiled and shifted so that she and Tamara would be in Mel's arms. 
"That can be my gift to you. Free cuddles all day long." Mel smiled into Clara's hair and nuzzled in.
"I'd like that."

Thank you for reading! I hope you enjoyed and will stay for the last two chapter of Christmas Plans!