SYNCHRONICITY (The Lone Wolf)

30

Having cancelled their call for pizza delivery, Topher and Judy appeared in the middle of the living room, both wondering if they'd emerged into the wrong place. Around the room, fairy lights flickered softly as the stereo played Christmas carols quietly through the speakers. The dining area table was set for ten people, with linens that looked like they were made of actual gold and silver. Topher did happen to see Sebastian's key ring lying on the top of the antique desk and so he was quite relieved to know that they had come to the right house. Taking a closer look at the papers that were laying neatly beneath the keys, were the travel plans and he noted the date..."Well, now I know why the need for expediency."

"Oh my...Chris," she whispered, "the tree and the hearth..."

Topher smiled with immense satisfaction as he walked over to the magical fireplace, where a cauldron of Wassail was stewing and he inhaled at the contents and closed his eyes, instantly transported back in time in his mind. He stood and noted the bubble lights nestled in between the garland and ribbon. He'd never seen electric lights like those before. He crouched down to look at the brightly wrapped gifts beneath the tree and said he felt bad because they'd left their gifts back at their flat. He looked over his shoulder toward Judy and winced as she nodded. Sebastian walked out of the bathroom just in time to see Topher disappear, leaving Judy alone in the middle of the room, still gazing at all of Alison's decorations; the girl had told her that she'd been busy creating the Christmas look of her dreams and she thought to herself, that if it wasn't Alison's dream Christmas, it certainly could be hers.

Sebastian crept back into the bathroom and emerged into the bedroom, where Alison sat at her vanity, securing the last little bit of her long hair. "They're here," he said quietly. "Toph and Jay...they're here."

He smiled when he saw her face light up and nodded. She stood and turned her back toward him so that he could zip up her little red dress. She turned and smoothed out the fabric over her thighs. "Do I look okay?"

He stared at her in disbelief. "Are you kidding me? You look amazing!"

She lowered her head and smiled. "Thanks..."

His eyes widened. "Too bad they're here already..." He wiggled his eye brows.

"You're silly. Come on, get dressed! Lynn and the fam will be here soon..."

She walked out of the bedroom to find her friend still looking at the decorations.

"So, what do you think?"

Startled, Judy spun on her heels and walked toward her, still looking around. "You really have a flair for this Ali, I mean...Wow..."

"Too much?"Alison grimaced.

"Absolutely not! It's gorgeous! How much of it's magic?"

"Bastian pulled out the fireplace. It was already there, actually. My grandmother Allison made it."

Judy's eyes glistened as she stared into the hearth. "Ohhh...it's beautiful!" She nodded and embraced her friend.

"Where's Topher?"

"He went home to fetch our gifts for you and Bastian."

"Oh, you didn't have to do that..."

"Didn't have to do what?"

"Get us any presents..."

Judy's hands went to her hips. "Did you get us anything?"

"Well...." Alison looked away, then her face lit up and she nodded like a little girl.

"Alright, then!"

Alison pointed. "See that big box in the back?"

Judy nodded. "Yeah?"