The Christmas House

Chapter Twenty-Two- Michael’s Christmas Eve

The address on the mailbox clearly read “148”. This home was gorgeous. Compared to the other houses on this block, it boasted a freshness apparent to the naked eye. Not built over a hundred years ago like the other neighboring homes, this house stood out without the aid of holiday decorations. The brickwork was immaculate, as was the crystal clear bay window that captured and then reflected the headlights of an oncoming car      The formal dining room featured a dining table made of glass sitting on a black marble pedestal. It looked as if it was just delivered within the last few days. The dining room chairs were also modern, with thick black cushions and upholstered arms. A grandfather clock ticked away in the far corner of the room. Although brand new, the clock still looked like a grandfather indeed owned it. The walls were covered with exquisite silver and black small print wallpaper that had recently been hung. The carpeting was a light beige Berber that looked as if it had never even been stepped upon. The dark oak door frame and cove molding woodwork were gorgeous. The furnishings in the living room were all brand new and distinctively modern. Sleek black leather chairs, brass accent pieces, stylish lamps, and large sofa-size paintings filled the room with a touch of elegance. The interior of the home was just as spectacular as the exterior.

Chapter Twenty-One- Thanksgiving Alone

Thanksgiving Day 148 Festive Lane Lake Forest, IL 6:00 p.m.      It was exactly one year to the day that a gas leak explosion leveled the house on this site, killing five very special people. Michael spent most of the year building a new structure on the foundation of the magical old house. Unfortunately, the decorations that Michael and Arianna accumulated over the years were also destroyed in the fire. Michael purchased just a few items to signify his undying faith in the magic of Christmas.      Having moved out of his apartment and into the house a few weeks prior, Michael became depressed and weary from last year's memories. Visiting the cemetery early this morning, he was overwhelmed with sadness, recalling the family and friends he lost so tragically. He no longer blamed himself for the accident but still felt guilty to be alive when all he loved was gone.

CHAPTER NINETEEN - CHRISTMAS FOR ERNIE

6:00 am   December 25th       “Daddy? Dad? Hey Dad, you awake?” asks the super excited 6-year-old of Harry.       “I am now. Ernie, it’s… what time is it anyway?” Harry stammers and then looks at the clock on his nightstand.       “6 o’clock? Ernie, it’s way too early to get up. Go back to sleep for a couple of more hours,” Harry said.       “But it’s Christmas, Dad. Santa may have already come. We need to go downstairs to see what he brought me,” said Ernie.       “Oh, for heaven’s sake. Okay, but let me make some coffee first,” replied Harry, unaware that Susan has walked into the room.       “I already made the coffee, and here is a cup to get you moving,” said Susan.       “Why are you gaining up on me? I prayed that today would be a better day, but so far, not so much,” Harry stated.       “Come on, Harry, your son, would like to see if Santa brought him any gifts. Let’s go see before Ernie bursts from his curiosity,” said Susan.       Ernie jumps off the bed and runs to the door. “I’ll race you, Dad,” and he’s out of the room in a flash.       “I guess he won. Now, back under the nice warm covers,” said Harry as he lies back down.       “Get up, Daddy! You have responsibilities to your son and the rest of your family as well,” shouted Susan.

CHAPTER EIGHTEEN - TWO SOULS ON DIFFERENT FLIGHTS

Once outside, Caitlin and Rose stood in silence and disbelief. The warm winter night was now hot. Over 100 degrees and the sky was bright with what looked like fire. The sound surrounding them was that of a tornado of fire, filling their ears with a loud streaming freight train-like sound effect. They placed their hands over their ears to block out the sound.       They watched as Jack held Rick three feet off the ground by his neck. Suddenly out of the sky, blended in with the firestorm, came a black chariot. Four black horses with large black wings pulled the chariot through the sky and then landed in front of the house. The chariot was driverless, but the horses knew what to do. They were larger than Clydesdales and snorted dark gray smoke, and made a horrific noise as they stomped their large hoofs onto the street.        In horror, the girls watched as Jack threw their father into the black chariot, and then Jack walked back to the girls.       “I’m sorry, girls, but your father murdered Lindsay. There is no tolerance for a child of God to commit such an act, especially one that has been given many chances to follow God or follow Satan. He will now spend eternity with the one he has chosen to follow. He is on his way to hell,” said Jack.       Caitlin was crying uncontrollably but managed to shout out, “Daddy, we love you! We will miss you! We know you didn’t mean it. Ask God to forgive you!”       Rick replied, “You be good, my little bitches. Mind your mother, the queen bitch. And I did mean it. I just missed your mom and hit Victor’s little whore.”

CHAPTER SEVENTEEN - GUESS WHO’S COMING TO CHRISTMAS

At the front door stood Patrick and Megan McCann, Rick’s parents.        “Patrick! Megan! What are you doing here?” asked Susan.       “Susan? Carin’s sister? What are you doing here?” asked Megan.       “I live here. This is our home. The kids are incredibly happy here. If you are here with a plan of stealing our kids away from us, you are in for the fight of your life. We love these children as if they were our own, and we consider them as such,” shouted Susan.       “Calm down, Susan. We are not here to take the kids. We believe that they are happy to be here with you. Besides, they would have to be dead to come to be with us, and we wouldn’t want that now, would we?” said Patrick.       “Oh, my God. You died?” asked Caitlin.       “Yes, sweetie, a little over a year ago. We both caught the nasty virus that was going around, and we couldn’t recover. First, your grandfather passed, and then I died just a week later,” said Grandma Megan.       “I’m so sorry for your passing. I apologize for yelling at you,” said Susan.       “It’s quite alright, my dear. It shows us that you were the right choice all along to care for the children. We have to admit that we have no idea why we are here, how we got here, or how it is possible to be among the living once again. Can anyone explain this to us?” asked Megan.       “Why don’t you follow me and I will try my best,” said Martha as she took the McCann’s by their arms and into the family area of the home.