Not Your Fairy Godmother

21 - Ebenezer Scrooge, The Grinch and Hans Gruber Celebrate Christmas

Of course Riley Alton Spencer was having a party. Why would he give up an opportunity to socialize? But seeing as Matilda was dressed up as the Grinch, showing up at his door was a bad idea.

From the outside it had looked like Alton was having a quiet evening all to himself. But when the man himself opened the door—with his pink hair tucked under a top hat, and silver glasses catching the streetlight—Matilda had realized that this was a mistake.

Soft, piano music floated out with the warm light of his house. Matilda could spy a couple of people in the inner room, milling about with champagne flutes in their hands. Their clothing was as grandiose as the dark three-piece suit Alton was wearing. A red scarf hung tastefully from his shoulders like the stole of a priest.

"No." He said after giving Matilda only one look and slammed the door in her face. At least, that was what would have happened had Matilda not stuck her foot in the door. The thick soled boot mostly protected her but the force of the door closing still hurt and she let out a yelp in pain, "AAOOWW! You asshole!"

"Go away." Alton said, pushing her foot away with his successfully, then slamming the door again. This time it shut with a click.

"Don't you wanna know why I'm here?" She yelled through the door.

"Sebastian has informed me of your intentions."

Did Bas broadcast this to the entire city?

She held her foot in her hands, Santa Clause bag discarded at the steps. She tried to see if she could put her weight on it. Otherwise she would have to call her broom in full view of everyone.

The door opened a smidge, Alton Spencer peeking out, looking a little chastened. "Are you hurt?"

"You're damn right I'm hurt!" Matilda said angrily. In truth, the foot didn't feel that bad, but if Alton Spencer was feeling guilty and she would milk that for all it's worth.

Alton opened the door wide, looking at her carefully.

"Harrison, bring Miss Merryweather in. Take her to the den and make sure she's not permanently injured. Call Dr. Webster if needed." Alton ordered his butler who appeared by his side out of nowhere. Harrison helped Matilda in, grabbing her Santa bag from her and slinging it across his shoulder.

"Wait." Matilda pulled at the back of Alton's coat as he turned to go back to his guests. "I'd like to speak with you."

"What?" He said, already exasperated.

"I'd like to apologize. For wha—"

"Fine, apology accepted." Alton said with a quick, dismissing wave, "Now Harrison make sure she leaves once she's tended to." The man sounded just like Sebastian when he had initially disregarded Matilda's apology. Matilda was starting to see the similarities between the brothers.

"No, wait, if you could just listen to me."

Behind Alton, Ophelia came up in a beautiful white silk dress. "Alton, what is keeping you so long?" Ophelia gave a lazy glance at Matilda. "Is that a caroler? Or have you come up with some strange entertainment for the evening?" With the last statement, she glanced at Matilda again, this time with distaste.

"Not at all, Phee. This is just some misguided woman asking for directions. I am merely helping her with an injured foot."

"Oh you know never to take in strays and charity cases. Let one in and you might as well let them all in."

Wow, I think I preferred her when she was shy and quiet. "Don't worry, Ophelia." Matilda's smile was almost a sneer. "I won't be here for long. I just need to speak with your brother for a moment if you don't mind."