The Master of Me

Chapter 24

Author’s Note: Thank you everyone who has read any of this story or followed this story chapter by chapter. The winner for the gift ideas is Mckayla Flynn. This young author has a wonderful, completed, short story, I have read titled Sacrifice. If you have a minute to check out that story, I’m sure she would appreciate it. Just as I have appreciated her support and all of yours. I promise this chapter was worth the wait. It's so freaking adorable! Enjoy!

Chapter 24

                Ten days later on Tuesday December 25th, Christmas day arrived. A twelve inch long and two inches wide rectangle shaped parcel with garnet colored wrapping paper and a small, white, bow at the top left corner with a snowflake shaped tag below it that stated in surprisingly legible hand written cursive,

For Alue, with my love – Sterling

        He had placed it there in the previous evening, before going to bed. Alue had spent Christmas Eve with him and his parents at his home. His mother read the same two children Christmas related books to all of them, just as she always did with him growing up. His father strummed carols on the guitar and somehow the movie White Christmas was presented on the television.

He awoke at the break of dawn, showered, dressed in a button, plaid, navy, maroon, &white collared shirt and black jeans, then headed downstairs. There he was surprised with the smell of bacon, eggs, toast and hash browns set at the table. Alue looked up from her crouched position near the base of the tree. She had placed a circular object, approximately twelve inches in circumference wrapped in tan hide, bound with multiple leather strings to form a bow within the center.

“Merry Christmas, Sterling.” She greeted, standing up straight and looked over at him with a smile on her face.

“Merry Christmas, Alue.” He replied his smile growing as he strode over and gave her a hug.

They held each other in that embrace, cherishing the simple gesture for a long moment. Her head rested softly against his shoulder, taking in his clean scent of axe and apple wood. Sterling could feel her long, soft, light brown hair against his cheek and against the hand he placed at the middle of her back. When they released, he took her hand and they walked over to the table and took two seats side by side, as they sat down to eat.

“Thank you for breakfast Alue.” He told her. She nodded and the two ate in comfortable silence until Sterling spoke once more.

“Will you be joining me and my parents after breakfast to go visit my grandmother?” he asked, leaving the choice up to her to come. She had yet to accompany him anywhere, like she used to. She was still suspicious of Vincent doing something that might warrant a search of Sterling’s home, which would inevitably led to her return to ‘him’.

                Alue gave no answer as she gathered her plate and carried over to the sink and turned on the water to wash. Suddenly, Sterling was behind her, his arms wrapping about her gently, hands resting softly against her stomach. Her body tensed up, memories of her past threatening to associate such a warm gesture with something unpleasant. After a moment she relaxed and released the breath she had unconsciously held within her upon hearing Sterling’s gentle voice whisper softly.

                “I will take care of the dishes . . . Please choose, not out of fear, but of your own desire. I will respect whatever you decide.” He told her, gently removing the plate from her hands and took a step back and off to the side to give her some space as he washed. 

            Alue stepped back and thought on his words. When she made up her mind, she walked over to the table and gathered the remaining dishes and carried them over to him.