Rush Of Blood

Winter Nights

     “Wow guys, you couldn’t have picked a bigger tree?” Krista asked sarcastically, hands on her hips as she watched the boys struggle to get the tree through the door. “Ha ha very funny babe.” Michael pulled at the tree hard. Seth was on the other side of the door, pushing the tree from behind while Damien pulled on the other side of Michael. “For a bunch of supernaturals you’d think you were stronger.” I teased, earning a glare from the two in the front. “We’re trying to pull it through without breaking it or bringing the house down.” Damien said, focusing on the tree. I giggled, walking over to where Emily stood in the kitchen. Eyebrows furrowed, she stared with frustration at the cookbook, glancing back and forth between it and the ingredients that were sprawled over the counter. “I can’t figure this out! One page is telling me to mix the eggs into the batter and another says to only use egg whites!” She stepped back, crossing her arms across her chest. “Relax...let me see.” I said, moving over to the book. Mix the egg yolk and batter in one bowl and leave the egg whites for the second batch. “Use the yolk on the batter bowl.” I said, smiling. She stuck her tongue out at me, “I so knew that.” I laughed, focusing my attention back at the boys. They managed to pull it in and stand it up, and now it was time to decorate. Krista had gone to get a box of lights and ornaments, and she came down the stairs lugging the box. Michael quickly moved to help her, and set the box on the dining table. Seth and Michael got to work on detangling the lights while Damien and I rifled through the box for ornaments.

     “Ahhhhh!!! Fuck!” Colten screamed, trying desperately not to fall to his knees as he felt his entire body vibrate with electricity. “Come on...just a few seconds...and...done!” Bella said, releasing her electric hold on Colten. He dropped to his hands and knees, breathing exhaustingly. “What the hell is this supposed to do anyways?” He asked bitterly, slowly coming to his feet. “Pain tolerance. Helps you develop an immunity to hate. Do you want to hurt me now?” “A little yeah.” He said. “Alright, next time I’ll double the voltage.” Bella smiled, walking up to Colten as she hugged him. Letting go, she examined him. “I’ve been researching curses...they’re usually tied to objects...do you remember if there was a particular object tied to your curse?” She asked, looking at him. “No...nothing I remember...except...” He pulled the necklace he had around his neck from out of his shirt, holding the ring he had on the chain. “Before she died...I stole this from her. It was the only thing she ever kept close to her.” He unlinked the chain, handing it to Bella, smiling softly as he felt their hands touch. “Bella!” She heard her name being called from the other room, and took the ring to her pocket. “I’ll work on it. I’ll be back okay?” She kissed his cheek softly and sped out of the room. Every time she left she would do that, and every time it would fill his chest with this weird bubbly feeling. 

      Bella walked down the hall, turning into the living room where her six friends were presenting the Christmas tree. “Wow! Guys! You did amazing!” Bella cheered, smiling widely. “Thanks! And considering these geniuses picked a big tree, its really too tall for any of us to put the star on top. Will you do the honors?” I asked, smiling as I held the gold star out. She smiled widely, walking over and taking the star. She hovered up to the top of the tree, placing it on top, and lowered herself. Inspecting the tree, she pursed her lips, hands on her hips. “It’s missing something...I got it!” She flicked her wrist, sending a slim trail of sparkles from her palm to the top of the tree, radiating light from the star itself down to the trunk of the tree, giving the tree a soft glow. The girls and I put our hands on our mouths, completely taken by the tree. “Oh my gosh! Bella it’s perfect now!” Krista squealed, running over and hugging her. 

     We sat by the fire, talking about past Christmas memories. “And then Seth came out with the ‘salmon’ sweater and I nearly pissed myself.” Michael laughed loud, Seth hiding behind Emily blushing hard. “You’re so mean babe.” Krista said, laughing along with him. He stuck his tongue out, which she caught in a heated kiss.”Hey hey, save that for new years.” Damien teased, squeezing me with the arm he had wrapped around me. “So...Christmas Eve is tomorrow! Everyone have their presents?” Emily asked, smiling widely as she had already bought everyone their gifts a week before the trip. Everyone’s smiles faltered as their eyes scattered around the room. “Oh shit...” Michael said, and Krista shot him a look of concern. “No one bought gifts?” Emily asked, frowning. She stood up, smiling, “Emergency shopping spree! The boys go together and the girls go together! One hour to get ready before we head off!” Emily grabbed Seth’s wrist, pulling him up the stairs to their room. Everyone’s eyes were wide as they watched the two run off. “Who showers first?” Michael asked, standing up. “Who said we were taking turns?” Krista asked, laughing as she sped upstairs. Michael stared at the now empty stairway, and in a second, was racing up the stairs. I laughed, standing up as well, “Oh wait! Who’s gonna watch Colten?” I asked. Damien stood, “Maybe by the time we all come back, he’ll be gone.” “I’ll take him with me.” Bella said, now standing at the doorway. “You can’t be serious.” Damien glared at her. “I can control him. Trust me.” Bella said, twisting around and walking to her room.  “I really don’t like this.” He growled, moving his way towards the stairs. I followed after, my hand on his arm trying to soothe him.