Dark and light: The Shadows

Chapter 12

She did it once again. In front of a group getting resounding applauses. She wasn't front and center, she was still in the first line though and that made her happy. There were the best dancers in the state, according to anyone she talked to about the dance group, and she could see that in their impromptu dance sessions.

Her family also cheered her on in the third row. They may have been the loudest, shamelessly. The group took a bow and exited the stage. This was the first of many Christmas shows Anya was willing to be a part of. For now, she just wanted to get to sleep. It has been a long day, it was literally almost midnight by the time the show was done. She didn't want to be held up by anyone's congratulations.

They all ended up being the first ones out, devising plans to go to the bathroom earlier than the majority of the audience. They sneaked to their cars instead. The drive back was with as much energy as the other could expel.

They didn't even have time to admire what decorations Storm's and Bella's partners had done. It was after midnight by the time they reached home. They were just knocked out till nearly nine hours later.

Sabrina woke up feeling rejuvenated. It had been a while since she got substantial sleep. Between touring, planning for touring, and just working on things relating to music, it has been exhausting. Less exhausting now than rewarding, thankfully.

She looked to her left, seeing her partner sleeping soundly. She looked so tired and even seemed to be wearing makeup. She looked at how her pyjama set now fit her too. She wondered how many items in her wardrobe would have to be altered.
Bekati shifted and looked straight at Sabrina, who smiled. The smile convinced Brina everything was ok. And she accepted that while Bek ran her hand on her partner's cheek. She only blamed the weather for her hands being so cold.

They readied themselves and got downstairs. Storm was a true kitchen witch because there were only a handful of times when they went down and she wasn't preparing food or brewing some tea. They greeted her and took note of the decorations all around. With the yule log on the dining table, the size of said dining table now made sense. Sabrina and Bekati's hands stayed interlocked as they wandered into the halls. They admired the strings of dried fruit, and the wreath on the chimney. Bekati thought that was just a design until she remembered Yule.
Sabrina let out a delighted squeal and ran over to the decorations on the living room centre table, dragging Bek with her. She picked up a loose mistletoe cluster and held it over their heads. Bekati chuckled and they kissed, then politely took it back from her, putting it back.

They proceeded to admire some more decor, then went to the kitchen. The other house members were starting to make their way downstairs, so the two decided to set out the plates.

As usual, food was laid in a self-serve/buffet manner, and they all settled to eat. The discussion was pleasant, and everyone seemed to be in a generally cheery mood. Bella and Rilen set up a selection of videos that they'd later use to pass the majority of the day.

Movie after movie, with snacks and occasional games occupied them until nighttime. Then came the Christmas stories that they had. Storm had wandered off into the kitchen with anyone who volunteered to help do lunch and dinner prep. They made large amounts so they could reheat food for the following day.

Bekati was getting bored, though. So at 9 pm she got up, saying good night and a Merry Christmas Eve again. She stopped in the kitchen and wished the same to Storm, who was taking a cake out of the fridge.

"You guys wanna try this log cake?" Storm placed a sheepish smile on her face.

Bekati knitted her brows. you guys?

"Yeah, definitely!" Anya chimed from behind her.

"Fuck," Bekati jumped and held her heart. Then extended her hand to receive a slice from her godmother.