Hidden Close (Jr. Year)

Chapter 53

Part 53 Of The First Draft

Our holiday break will be a much needed one. I couldn't imagine a happier time than the one I'll have this year during the holiday season. It'll be the first one Perry and I will have together. Now that our half-year anniversary has come and gone, I have only came to love him even more. I don't ever think I'll ever be able to get rid of him, whether we get married or not. He’s just someone that I'd die to be with.

As the holiday break rolled in, Becky came over to help decorate our house. She helped put up the tree, with tassels, and lights everywhere. About halfway through, we took a break per her request. We gathered around for a holiday drink of non-alcoholic eggnog, and she asked me and my mother, shyness showing in her voice,

“Mrs. Jacobson, can I bring my new girlfriend over during the holidays?”

My mom, who was more than happy because of the wonderful time of the year, responded full of zest,

“Of course, Becky! It'll be fun to meet your new friend!”

As our plans became more set, we had several experiences before the holiday fully set in. Carlie, however, remained unusually quiet. When I noticed her sitting in the dark one night, her eyes,  for what visible part I could see, were full of despair. I sat down next to her, coaxing her to speak,

“I’ve been absent for a long time, haven't I, Mindi? I don't remember this town at all.”

I hung my head, afraid to reveal to her the full truth. I managed what I could to Carlie,

“It’s because this isn't the same town you knew.”

Carlie focused on me, her eyes catching mine.

“I've heard your mother try to explain it to me, but I don't understand. What happened to me, Mindi? How long must you all hide this from me?”

I don't know if my mom wanted me to tell her, but I wanted to tell Carlie. I owe it to her. I gathered up my courage, and told Carlie, ever so gently, not wishing to alarm her,

“You’ve been asleep for quite some time. You haven't been conscious for over thirty years. Rest assured, your body hasn’t aged. The worst is over now, so please, do not be afraid. I know my mother has no plans ever on making you  leave.”

Carlie seemed more astonished than she seemed surprised. She asked me, her voice held low,

“Does Serah....I mean, your mom, still love me?”

I wonder what she meant by love her, because I know that my mom will always love her. I smiled, and assured her,

“She’ll always love you, more than you could ever know.”

Carlie seemed satisfied, her emotions and breath finally slowing. She got up, and hugged me, making one final request for the evening,

“Can your boyfriend show me the town some time? A lot has changed here since I was last awake and I want to see it all. Please.”

I had no choice but to gladly agree,

“Of course. We’ll make a day of it.”

It’s so hard to believe that she was once the villain known as Carlita. Now, she's so complacent, tranquil, even. There's nothing like her. Carlie is a mystery and a lost soul. Even still, she is one that I greatly admire. Her heart is jaded and her body scarred, but she simply won't fade away. I got up from my chair, and announced,

“Carlie, I'll see you in the morning. I'm just too exhausted. Sleep well.”

That night, my heart rested with Carlie. My wishes and pleas were all with her. It seems like every night lately my thoughts are with a new person. Even though it is near the holidays many are suffering, and many of those people are our own. Maybe the holidays will bring us all together and mend our painful emotional wounds. I know I have a few I wouldn't mind put away from one day. Maybe, just for one day, I will live like everyone else. Maybe, one day....

The week flew by and we were thrusted right into the holidays. Becky's girlfriend was named Lisa, and she was a quiet girl who seemed more than happy to be with us, despite her obvious nervousness. I tried to engage her in conversation,

“So what year are you in, Lisa?”

She looked down, and then after an awkward pause, answered me,

“The same as Becky.”

“Oh.....do you have any classes with her?”

Lisa was a dark haired girl who was, aside from her horrible fashion sense, a pretty girl. She was dressed in a shabby mid-length black dress, and hid her true beauty behind her medium-sized glasses. Sweat formed on her brow, despite the coolness of the house, and she answered my inquiry,

“We have both third and fourth period together. It's....it’s nice.”

I decided to sit down, realizing that I embarrassed Lisa. She is obviously afraid of who she really is. I'm not sure if she realizes we all know she is gay, as she seems hesitant to express emotion towards Becky in front of us. Whether or not Becky will stay with her remains to be seen. Regardless of all this, I sort of like Lisa, almost attracted to her myself.

This season brings in all sorts of emotions, and passion is one of them. My feelings towards people have sharpened greatly. As my lamia powers solidify more and more, I feel....stronger. It's as if true power is the feeling of raw emotion. It's incredible. As I become more emotionally inclined to care about others I also love Perry more. It's as if this is the power of our mating bond that is squeezing us tightly together. I can't escape him, as I have said. This season, as our love catapults higher into the sky, I wished only to thank him.

“I love you, darling. You make me feel whole...complete.”

His beautiful smile and stunning handsome face drew me into him for a kiss under the mistletoe. After our lips released their lock, he asked,

“So is this what it takes to feel alive?”