Sherlock Season 5: No More Secrets

#12. Christmas

A month passed, and then another. Soon the streets had grown dark and cold, but the sounds of laughter could be heard echoing from the walls of 221B Baker Street. Rosie was exploring the flat and playing her favorite game of "knock the books down", while Charlotte sat quietly close to the fire watching everyone converse in the traditional phrases of Christmas: "Merry Christmas", "Happy Holidays", "Here, this is for you!". She felt it strange that anyone should need a gift more than this one: of friends and family; but she was fine with going along with the tradition. To her though, she didn't need any gifts, for she'd already received the best and only gift worth having: that of family. "Oh, no!", she thought to herself as she ran toward Rosie and picked her up. Rosie had almost knocked a heavy book onto her foot, but luckily she'd gotten to her in time. John huffed out of breath from trying to get to Rosie in time. He put his arm around Charlotte's shoulders, "Thank you, Charlotte. What would I do without you, my dear?", and took Rosie from her.

Everyone was opening presents and Charlotte was so preoccupied with watching them that she'd forgotten to open her own. Sherlock walked over and handed Charlotte a small box. Inside the box was a necklace which read, "If lost please return to 221B Baker St.", and Sherlock and Charlotte smiled at each other. The necklace was something only the two of them understood fully. She had visited him last month and gotten lost. Sherlock was able to find her later that same day with the help of his homeless network, but it became their secret: one in which Mycroft need not know. Charlotte gave him a hug and kiss on the cheek, and then returned to her seat. Mycroft, her bunny, sat by her side dressed in his Christmas best, and was wearing the new hat her brother Mycroft had given her for Christmas. Everything felt so perfect in this moment, and yet there was something which had been troubling her for some time now which still remained on her mind.

When Sherlock walked into his room for a moment Charlotte followed him there and walked to his side. "Sherlock?", Charlotte softly whispered while tugging on his sleeve. Sherlock turned around with wide eyes, "Say that again?". Charlotte shyly spoke again, "Sherlock?", and he got on his knees and grabbed her shoulders. "What is it, Charlotte? Tell me.", he said looking into her eyes. "Sherlock?...She lies because she loves, not because she hates.", Charlotte replied. Sherlock looked at her in confusion, "What do you mean, Charlotte? She who?". Just then they were interrupted by a knock on the doorframe, it was Janine, Molly, and John. Sherlock stood up, "What is it?". "Come on let's have a drink, and I think it's time for you to go to sleep young lady", Janine said. John had already handed Rosie to Mrs. Hudson who was overjoyed to be able to babysit her for the night. Mycroft walked into the room with Charlotte's coat and handed it to her along with her bunny. Sherlock patted Charlotte's head gently, "We'll talk more tomorrow, okay?". She nodded as Mycroft stared at Sherlock with questioning eyes and was answered with a look that let him know his supposition was correct: Charlotte had just spoken! "Come along now, Charlotte", Mycroft said, reaching out for her hand. She smiled at Sherlock and took Mycroft's hand. They walked down to the car and the driver took off toward home. Soon, Charlotte grew tired and rested her head on Mycroft's shoulder. "Mycroft?", Charlotte whispered into the silence of the night, "Merry Christmas". Mycroft glanced down, and put his arm around her, drawing her close. "Merry Christmas, Charlotte", he said as he gently stroked her head..."Merry Christmas".