The Atham Manor (Slow Updates)

She's a What?

Just like that, the week flew by. School was normal, none of the vampires really still celebrated Christmas or any other holidays due to them seeing an infinite amount of years to come. So it definitely came as a surprise to William and Jenn when I popped up with invites for my Christmas party.

The Friday beforehand, I managed to catch Anika during passing classes. I pulled her aside, handing her the Christmas-themed card. 

Anika held the invitation up with trembling fingers. "You... you're inviting me?"

"Duh." I grinned and pointed to her name spelled out in cursive writing that I actually was very proud of. "It does say Anika."

"I know, I'm just..." She smiled a sad smile, "I can't go."

"Why not?" My happy mood evaporated.

"I'm not good with big crowds..." She said feebly.

I pursed my lips. "Alright."

Her head popped up, "Alright?"

"Alright," I repeated simply. "I don't want to force you. However, aside from the Athams, I only invited six or so more people."

She bit her lip. "I don't want to miss out on your Christmas party... and... if it will make you happy-"

"Yay!" I threw my arms around her and crush her into a hug. "Wear something Christmas-y!"

Anika exhaled shakily. "Okay..."

From then on, the preparation for the party began. Maids and butlers were setting up the Christmas decorations and the tree, much to my chagrin. By the time they were finished, the whole first floor of the manor looked like a Christmas Pinterest page.

Every Atham had dressed to impress. Cassandra wore a short red dress with cream-colored knee-highs, Miriam wore a green body con dress with candy canes lining the bottom and red high heels. Warren wore a white satin button-up with two buttons unbuttoned, red, green, and gold plaid slacks and red suspenders, Calvin wore a brown sweater with a gingerbread man on the side, complemented by white jeans, and Henry wore a blue cotton sweater with black jeans.

Adaline was the most enthused about the party. She dressed in a sexy but classy Mrs. Claus outfit, long red winter coat with white trimming and fur at the top and bottom. Her leather red ankle boots were to die for. Even Mr. Atham wore a Santa Claus-themed suit.

I was going to just wear a Christmas onesie, but seeing the Atham's outfits made me rethink my attire. I chose a black ugly Christmas sweater with the large white words Let It Snow on it. Underneath was a sledding penguin complete in light cerulean blue and white scarf, earmuffs, and skates. I matched the blue color in the sweater with the same blue colored skirt, and flats.

I checked myself in the mirror before adding a light amount of red-tinted gloss to my lips, fluffing my twist-out for more volume and leaving my room.

"You look cute," Miriam grinned as I walked out.

"Why, thank you," I felt a smile tugging on my lips as well, "You look amazing as always."

Miriam laughed with a polite, "Thank you, love," before taking my arm in hers and leading me down the stairs where the family was. It was already seven. People should be arriving at any minute. I was so excited to play all of the Christmas games and movies I had in store.

I barely sat down before the door rang. "I'll get it!" I jumped up and yanked open the door before a maid could. "Michael? Garrick?"

Garrick smiled widely, wavy hair covered by an off-centered Christmas hat. "Hey, Xania, looking good. I haven't seen you since you ran off in a hissy fit."