When war comes to town.

The Last Christmas.

*December 25th, 1939*

- 182 days before -

The snowflakes settled on the windowsill gracefully, each one different and unique to the next.

It was a frosty Christmas morning in France.

I woke up shaking, no blanket on me at all. I opened my eyes to see two pairs staring into mine.

"She's awake!!" Lucien squealed excitedly.

"GET UP! GET UP!" My Frères chanted.

They then proceeded to jump on my bed till I got up.

"Okay, okay. I'm up! Lets go!" I said.

"Betcha I can beat you two slow pokes." I challenged.

"You're on!" They yelled.

3, 2-...

They were off before I could even say 1.

"CHEATERS!" I yelled.

We made it down to the small, living room after nearly face planting it on the stairs.

"All right, all right. Settle down." Père said.

"Who wants their present?" Mère asks cheerfully?

"In a line, you two cheeky monkeys." She said, beaming at the boys.

"One for you, Lucien annnnd one for you, Marc." Père says, as he passed the newspaper wrapped presents.

The boys tear into their's, wasting no time at all. Acting like their lives depended on having them opened in the next 5 seconds.

Now its my turn.

"Here you go, beautiful."

I'm passed a small, newspaper box. Small enough to fit in my hand.

I unwrap it, slowly, trying to enjoy the moment.

The wrapping falls to the ground and there sits a small, black box.

I open the box and inside sits a gorgeous, silver necklace. This must of cost us a fortune! The necklace has a beautiful locket on it. An amazing, flower pattern was carved onto it.

My thumb opens the locket and inside sits a small photo. A small, black and white photo of the my famille.

I'm lost for words.

"It's beautiful.." I gasp.

"We thought you might like it." Père says with a small smile.

"Thank you, it's so beautiful!" I exclaim.

"Anything for you.." Mère says quietly.

****Later That Day****

Later in the day, our Grands-parents and Tante join us for a Christmas lunch.

//Grands-parents - Grandparents.\\

It's nice, quiet and delicious. The perfect Christmas.

I receive a beautiful black jacket from my Tante and Grands-parents.

"To keep you warm." My Grand-mère smiles, one of her warm smiles only she can give.

Everyone comments on my necklace though. I can't blame them really.

The day goes fairly quickly and by the end of the lunch, I couldn't eat anymore. I was absolutely full.

We danced and sung our hearts out the rest of the time. Not a care in the world. Even Grand-père gave it a go.

They ended up staying till about half six in the evening. After all the relatives left, I went upstairs and lay on my bed.

Getting lost in my own thoughts as I fiddled with the necklace between my thumb and forefinger.

Who knows how long I laid there till I finally got up and decided to do one of my favourite things in the world.

Sitting on the rooftop of course.

I made my way up and stared at the city lights. It was almost hypnotic. The lights flashed and flickered.

This was one of the best Christmas' I had ever experienced with my famille.

Nothing was wrong, it was perfect.

Meanwhile, I was totally oblivious to the fact that this would be our last.