Black Demon's Witness (Black butler fanfic)

Chapter 61: Matilda's Wish

All was silent in the room as my eyelids lifted, allowing my sight to come in focus. I rolled onto my left side and sighed, closing my eyes again. The sunrise was dim; clearly I had woken up earlier than expected. As my eyes opened, a pair of big brown eyes was peering at me from the edge of the bed. I rose quickly from my position and realized the pair of beautiful eyes belonged to Matilda. She raised her head and smiled, making her cheeks rise. "You're up!" She exclaimed and ran to the front of my bed, spinning in circles and giggling. I sighed, blowing a few strands of my hair form my face. My hair was a mess and half the sheets were toppled onto the floor. I rubbed my eyes and rested my feet upon the floor. "Matilda?" I called, and she sat onto the bed next to my side. "What are you doing up so early?"
Matilda swung her legs and looked up at me with a smile. "I wanted to ask you if we can put up the Christmas tree!"
My heart felt as if it had stopped, and my body stiffened in surprise.
"Ch-Christmas.." I stammered the holiday's name. Matilda nodded and placed her hands on my right leg. "We must! We must!" She cried. "We always decorate the tree and bake delicious sweets every year!" Matilda suddenly grew quiet and stood from the bed, shaking the mattress. Her eyes stuck to the floor, and her hands were held behind her back. She looked as if she was trying to say something, but she didn't open her mouth. Not wanting her to be sad, I smiled and patted her on the head. "Shall we go ask Daddy to help?" I asked. Her eyes lit up and she squealed happily. "Yes!" Matilda opened the door to my room, and someone was standing outside, her hand in knocking position. Mei Rin shrieked from surprise, and Matilda stopped in her tracks, crying out as well. Both of their sudden appearances had frightened the other, and Mei Rin shook in her shoes. I stood from the side of the mattress and sighed.
"Oh no!" Mei Rin cried and kneeled down to Matilda. "Oh, Lady Matilda, I'm so very sorry, yes I am!" She hugged Matilda and Matilda began to quiet down from her comforting embrace. I patted Matilda on her head, and she looked up at me, tears staining her cheeks. I wiped her eyes and smiled. I turned to my closet nearby and unhooked my white robe, quickly pulling it on over my gown. "Let's go talk to Sebastian now." I suggested and grabbed a hold of Matilda's hand. Mei Rin bounded to her feet and stood in front of us, blocking our way. "That's what I came to inform you Madame!"
"What is it?"
"Madame Maddie and Sebastian would like to show you something!" Her face burned red as her smile grew, and my heart began pounding at her words. What could they possible have to show me?
I carried Matilda in my arms as I followed Mei Rin into the dining hall.
What was so special?
What would be beyond this hall?
What might I see?
Suddenly as we came into the dining hall, lights were shining as bright as the sun, making my eyes wince. Matilda jumped out of my arms and ran to the center of the dining room. As my vision came into focus, I could make out the red, blue and gold ribbons that were set on top of the fireplace. Four vanilla and peppermint scented candles were lit on the dining table, and the ceiling was covered with hanging crystallized snowflakes. The heart of the manor was shape shifted into a holiday crazed wonderland, and Matilda twirled in the middle of he room, her night gown flowing with her movements. I was at a loss for words as the sight of bright lights overwhelmed me.
"What do you think?" Maddie asked. She wore a red coat with white fur along the rims, and her heels were a dark crimson red color. "We managed to finish it for everyone in the manor to see." Maddie smiled at the dashing shimmers and sparkles of red, blue and green that danced to every nook and cranny of the room. The gasps of surprise tempted me to turn around, finding the maidens admiring the decor in amazement. Matilda patted Maddie's soft coat, and Maddie kneeled down before her. "It's beautiful, Aunt Maddie!" Matilda exclaimed and smiled happily as Maddie patted her head. "I'm honored that you love it."
Suddenly, a tall figure of black and red appeared and my attention fell upon him. "Do you like the decor, Jae?" He asked. The sight of his handsome face made me smile, feeling as happy as ever. "I love it." I replied and glanced at Matilda, who was dawdling about with the maidens ever so gayly. "This is the first Christmas I've had without my parents. It's unusual, but I suppose a new year with Matilda is a step up."
Maddie ran over and placed a soft, bright red hat upon the butlers head and the expression of surprise overcame him. The cotton tip of the hat fell over his right eye, and he forced a smile onto his face. I held the tip of the hat between my index finger and thumb and flicked it behind his head. "You look ready to sing a carol." I joked and Sebastian chuckled. "It appears so."

Matilda suddenly cried out and all of our attention was thrown onto her. She ran to me and Sebastian, hopping up and down like a rabbit. "The tree! The tree! How could you forget?" She asked and pulled on my gown.
The tree.
Maddie gasped and clapped her hands together as if remembering something. "How could we possibly forget the most important rule of the holiday?" She wrapped her right arm with my left and smiled. "We must decorate the tree! We must!"
I nodded and turned my gaze to Sebastian, who was bowing respectfully. "As you wish, Madame Jae."