The Chance On Christmas

A new addition

It was Christmas. A cold bitter Christmas that everyone wishes to stay inside of their house.

I wasn't one of them.

I was shivering on the street, looking for anything that I can eat. Wearing rags and no shoes made the cold feel much worse than it really is.

I watched miserably as a group of ladies scurried along the path in their winter coats. I wanted to beg for them, but from past experiences, I didn't dare go near them. I didn't want to get chased by a police that the women called upon to chase me.

I shivered as a bitter wind blew past as my blonde hair flew into my face. The smell of Christmas dinner made me water and my stomach growled uncontrollably. I watched as candles inside of people's houses flickered and glowed.

I imagined myself near a candle. It looked beautiful, glowing delicately in the dark. It may not provide a lot of warmth, but it is warm to us poor people.

I bit my lip as I stayed sitting where I was, waiting for someone to accidently drop something so that I can eat it. I watched wearily as I saw some children my age moving to a different location, hoping for a better chance to find something to eat.

I would have done the same. However, I was far too cold and stiff to move. So I stayed and counted the seconds that went by. I took shaky breaths as I watched and waited.

I felt my eyes drooping every so often. The darkness would consume me for a few seconds before I knocked some senses into my brain.

It was far too cold. My teeth were chattering as I looked at my pale skin. Wrinkled like a woman's hand, I looked away from them, ashamed of myself for being so helpless.

I fell to my side, curling up in a ball. I felt myself feel sleepy, but I fought the darkness. For I knew if I closed my eyes, I wouldn't be able to open them ever again.

"Oh my!" I heard a lady's shocked voice. Too numb to move, I stayed still, taking in uneven breaths.

"Ann! Beth! Take her to the carriage. She looks like she will freeze to death." The lady rolled me over so she could see me. She had pretty brown eyes and neatly braided hair. I looked at her and felt myself loosing to the darkness.

"No! Little girl, stay awake! Stay awake!"

I couldn't.

***********************************

I stirred as I felt something that I missed for so long.

Warmth.

I rolled over in comfort before snapping my eyes open. I sat up before feeling slightly dizzy.

"Ah. Little girl, lie down please." The lady, who told me to stay awake, whispered.

I laid on the bed as I watched a man writing something before handing it to the lady. They shook hands as the lady thanked him lots if time.

There was a fireplace opposite of the bed and a desk next to the bed. The window was closed as well as the curtains. I looked up to see a chandelier hanging from the ceiling.

I stared at the lady as she watched me carefully.

"Who are you, Miss?"

She gave me a sheepish smile.

"Elizabeth. Though you can call me Eliza for short." She gave me a gentle smile. "And what is your name, little girl?"

I looked at her shyly before whispering.

"Maise."

"That's a pretty name for a pretty girl like you."

I giggled at her compliment and she smiled as well.

"Here. The doctor said you should drink this." She handed me a cup of the medicine. I sniffed at it and stared at the drink in horror. She laughed at my reaction.

"Yes. It does smell and taste bitter, but it's good for you." I hesitated before swallowing it in one go. I gagged slightly as she chuckled lightly.

"Bitter is an understatement." I grimaced as I could still taste it. She laughed as she gave me a cup of water which I gulped down in relief.

After a few moment of silence, a maid came in and announced that dinner was ready. Eliza clapped her hand in glee like a little girl. I watched curiously and Eliza turned to look at me kindly.

"Come and join me for dinner."

"I-I couldn't." I stammered.

"You can. I'm the mistress here. Anyone that has something against the fact that you will be staying here will have to face me." She declared confidently. I smiled as she held out a hand. I hesitantly took her hand and slowly got out of the bed.

"Here." She said, giving me a sapphire coloured dress.

"But-" I started.

"Ann. Please help her with her dressing."

"Yes madam." Ann bobbed deeply. Eliza smiled as she left the room. Ann came by my side and helped me into the dress and sid my hair into a pretty plait. She gave me some shoes, which felt weird.

Everything felt so weird.

Ann led me through corridors to a massive door. She knocked on it before opening it for me.

I gasped as I saw a long table filled with food that I never seen before. My mouth watered and I took notice of Eliza, who was gesturing me to sit next to her.

Shyly, I made my way to her and sat next to her. Everyone gave me a look of judgement before giving me a genuine smile.

"She's beautiful." One commented.

"The dress suits her perfectly." Another one complimented.

I blushed in embarrassment as everyone complimented me. I looked at my hands as Eliza's voice silenced them.

"I have a proposal for you, Maise." She looked at me intently as I stared at her in confusion. "I would like you to stay in my house. Permanently."

Everyone looked at me expectantly. I nodded my head shyly.

"I will, Eliza."

She hugged me tightly.

"Now I won't be lonely in this house."

I chuckled as she explained to me that I will have classes that will help me in the future. I simply nodded and listened intently.

"Thank you."

She smiled at me.

"I always wanted a little sister, Maise. You are my little sister, Maise."

"And you are my big sister, Eliza." I beamed.

She chuckled as we hugged tightly.

"Let us celebrate a new addition and Christmas." Eliza declared.

We all ate with happiness and joy. Even the maid smiled as they knew they would have a raise or have leftovers from the dinner party. I smiled as everyone talked and laughed at each others' jokes.

I smiled as I realised something.

I have a family.