Dearest Evelyn

-chapter 24-

Christmas morning, I awoke to Geraldine curled at my feet as usual. Feeling me stir, she awoke and stretched, making her way up to my face and licking it once. She then hopped off the bed and sat on my floor, looking up at me and waiting for me to get ready. She could already smell the rotisserie meats roasting from all the way in the kitchens.

I could too, and it was enough to get me up out of my warm, comfy bed. I quickly dressed with the help of one of my maids and went out to meet my friends in the parlor as usual, Geraldine trotting along behind me.

They greeted me with their usual smiles, and I sat between Hector and Gwin, opposite Terrin and Joanna, with Geraldine making herself comfortable under my feet.

“Merry Christmas,” they all greeted. I returned it.

Gwin kissed my cheek in greeting, and I noticed Hector tensing out of the corner of my eye. I busied myself with fixing my plate with bacon, grits and eggs. Joanna poured my glass of orange juice for me. I thanked her and took a few sips.

I tossed a sausage under the table for the patiently-waiting Geraldine and began to wolf down my food. I slowed myself when Gwin cast me a look. I couldn’t be like a boy anymore; I was getting married as a ‘proper’ lady.

I heard Hector stifle a snicker. I nudged him with my elbow. This time he laughed out loud and scraped his remaining eggs onto my plate.

“How dare you insult my appetite!” I hissed.

He only laughed harder. Joanna rolled her eyes.

“Really, Hector, it’s like you’re calling her fat.” She added.

“Yes,” Gwin’s voice dripped with something I hadn’t heard before. He almost sounded protective. “How brutish.”

“Calm down, I was picking. It’s not like she’s actually going to eat it.” He swallowed the last gulp of his mead.

“This early?” I asked, pushing my plate away as the smell of alcohol hit me.

“Of course.” Terrin said. “Gives us energy.”

“Gives you bad breath.” Joanna mumbled. I burst out laughing.

“Well, come on guys, let’s exchange presents!” I chirped. They smiled their agreement and each handed out each other’s presents.

I was to go first, since I was the youngest girl. Then Joanna, Terrin (the youngest boy), Hector and Gwindire.

I unwrapped Joanna’s first. Hers was presented wrapped in a delicate cloth that felt soft to the touch. Within the small, rounded bundle I found an oil burner. She even included small vials of my favorite scented oil. I thanked her and moved on to the boy’s presents.

A hairpiece from Terrin, and a jar of mud as a gag gift as well as a pair of lace gloves from Hector. Gwin said he was saving my present for last. So, I had to wait for that one.

I watched as the others opened theirs; I had given each boy an embroidered sword each with their family’s crest on the hilt, and Joanna a new corset of the latest fashion trend. I had also given her a book of poetry she had been eyeing in the bookstore down in the southern village.

Then, Gwin finally stood up behind me. Joanna was bouncing up and down, and I anticipated that she already knew what my gift was. I didn’t turn around, as was instructed by Gwindire and felt as his hands swooped over my head and I felt cold metal against my neck. I gently reached up as he clasped it around my neck, and felt a tear-shaped pendant of sorts.

As if prepared, Joanna held up her hand-held mirror that I had failed to notice earlier. I stared at my reflection. At first I thought I had a drop of blood upon my throat, but upon closer inspection I found it to be a garnet hanging delicately from a thin, silver chain.