The Death Game

Chapter 20

-Few days later, December 31-

Juliet awoke to soft sheets and the morning light trickling in through the closed blinds. Shedding herself of the remaining glimpses of a her dream, her tired eyes were still shut as she soaked in the warmth of her covers before letting her large brown eyes see the sun's rays entering the silent room. Afraid of letting the cold air of the room steal her from the warmth of her bed, she hid her small body under the heavy covers. Suddenly something next to her moved, wrapping her gently with strong arms. She felt the warmth of his body flowing through hers as he brought her closer to him.

''Morning princess.'' Juliet giggled as Jim opened his tired eyes, ''Did you get enough beauty sleep?''

''I don't need it.'' the man mocked back with a small smile, ''I'm already perfect.''

''Cocky much...'' the girl said as she rolled away from him, ''I should probably go.''

''Why?'' he complained as he rolled onto his back, ''It's cold outside...why are you leaving me alone?''

''Because I hate you.'' Juliet squealed like a child as she jumped on top of Jim, ''No, Sherlock has had a rough couple of days lately...I just want to make sure he's fine.''

''Sherlock Holmes.'' Moriarty sighed as he opened his eyes to look at the girl on top of him, ''Why do you care so much?''

''Be slow to fall into friendship; but when thou art in, continue firm and constant.'' she smiled down at him, ''Socrates.''

Juliet hastily bent down towards the man, giving him a quick peck on the lips before jumping off of the bed and into the cold air of the room. She walked slowly around the room, trying to find her clothes that had been thrown around last night. She grabbed her large black handbag and took out another spare change of clothes. Who wants to wear a short black dress in the morning when it's 0°C outside? She then shoved her dirty clothes inside and shut the bag close.

She tugged at her black knee-high socks as she tried to put them on gently, yet jumping around the room due to her lack of balance. The snow that had made its way inside her bag last night had ruined her favourite top but she smiled. The top brought her comfort of a forgotten life she once had. She grabbed her navy blue woolen skirt and shoved her black combat boots on her small feet. Looking in the large mirror in front of her, she grabbed a tie and a loose piece of hair came floating down, she blew it away from her face; she used to love the small pieces of hair that framed her face...pretty as a picture they used to say. But now it was a hazard, a danger, anything unpractical had to go. She grabbed her navy blue cloak cape coat and hugged it tightly around her frail shoulders. Onward.

''Happy New Year.'' she gently smiled.

And with that, she pulled open the door to the bedroom and made her way out. Her boots making an awful loud noise on the wooden floor, all the way to the front door. Juliet wrinkled her small nose at the cold air from outside that she could feel in the hallway on the other side of the front door. With an air of martyrdom, she wrapped her small hand in her leather gloves and pushed gingerly at the rough wooden door. She crept cautiously into the darkness of the hallway, her leather boots slipping on the marble surface of the floor. She closed the door tightly behind her, leaving Jim Moriarty alone once again.

''С новым годом.'' Juliet repeated with a sigh.

-221B-

Juliet struggled through the icy streets filled with people rushing in and out of stores to prepare tonight's special dinner. The cold wind hitting her straight on her face, blowing her hair in all directions. Turning the corner, she smiled at the sight of the front door of 221B appearing before her. Using her already numb hands, she rang the doorbell, yet seeing as it was already unlocked, she used her small body to wedge open the door. Inside was as calm as the landscape outside, yet the only sound that could be heard was the sound of Sherlock playing his violin. She shivered violently in the draft that was oozing in from under the door.