The Christmas House (34 page)

Suddenly a shadow crossed in front of the window and moved in the direction of the front door.

The doorbell rang.

As Michael opened the front door he heard, “Happy Thanksgiving Michael.”

Opening the storm door he said, “Same to you Sharon. How can I help you?”

Sharon lowered her eyes to the ground and sheepishly replied, “I just wanted to apologize to you for being such a fool. I am truly sorry about the way I acted Michael. I just found you so attractive that my desires got the better of me.”

“Sharon, I accept your apology and I am flattered that you find me so attractive but I am not ready for a relationship. I may never be ready for a relationship,” Michael replied.

“I know Michael. I was way out of line. Thanks for forgiving me. Do you think you could invite an old friend inside from out of the cold?” she asked.

“Today is not a good day for me Sharon. It was a year ago I lost my wife and kids. I really don’t feel like having any company right now.”

“I realize what today
is Michael
. That was the reason I decided to stop by. I thought that maybe you could use some company. I guess not.”

“Don’t take it personally Sharon. I just don’t feel up to being a witty and a good conversationalist. I would really prefer to be left alone. I’m sure you can understand how I feel.”

“Sure Michael. I will be on my way. Happy Thanksgiving and try to keep
smiling,” Sharon replied.

“Happy Thanksgiving to you as well Sharon.
Thanks for stopping by. See you around,” said Michael as he closed the front door.

As Sharon walked down the walkway from the house back toward the street, she thought to herself how totally stupid she was when it came to handling Michael. She truly wanted to be with Michael in the worst
way,
unfortunately she went about it all-wrong.

“Hmm, maybe I will surprise Michael by stopping by again on Christmas. I could dress up as Mrs. Santa Claus.
Red velvet robe, high heels and nothing underneath?
Maybe that would bring a smile to his face.”

She frowned realizing she was just dreaming.

“Nah, Arianna must have been one special woman to steal his heart for all of eternity.”

As Sharon pulled away from the curb, Michael watched from the living room window and could see her car drive out of sight. He sighed to himself.

“Maybe I should have let her in. She is beautiful and I am kind of lonely. But she’s no Arianna. I would feel so guilty if I was to get involved with someone else while there is still a chance that Arianna and I will be reunited at Christmas. I just have to hold on to my faith and believe that this Christmas will be the most joyful Christmas of all.”

Chapter Twenty Two- Michael’s Christmas Eve

Chicago, IL

Christmas Eve

5:45 p.m.

The address on the mailbox, clearly read “148”. This home was extremely beautiful. Compared to the other homes on this block, it boasted a freshness that was obvious to the naked eye. Not built over a hundred years ago like the other neighboring homes, this house shined 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 modern as well 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 as if it was truly owned by a grandfather. The walls were covered with very tasteful 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 light oak doorframe and cove molding woodwork was gorgeous. The furnishings in the living room were again 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.

In the kitchen, Michael was dressed extra special for the occasion. Wearing a dark blue pair of dress pants, a light blue shirt and a blue and gold tie, he looked very handsome. He took a sheet of cookies out of the oven and placed the sheet onto the stovetop to cool. He walked to the kitchen table that was covered with many arranged plates of desserts and snack items.
Nothing substantial such as a main course of golden brown turkey or succulent ham was within sight.

Back in the dining room, he unfolded a Pewter colored silk tablecloth and covered the large dining room table. As he pulled and tugged at the tablecloth he gazed at the grandfather clock.

“I’m running behind.”

It was a few minutes to six. He hurried into the kitchen and retrieved trays of cookies from the kitchen and placed them on the dining room table.

As the dining room table became a kaleidoscope of sweets and appetizers he became more and more excited. He placed the last tray of cookies on the table and walked over to the corner of the room that was opposite of the grandfather clock.  He pushed a button and the disc drawer
of a DVD/CD player
slid out. A red LED display flashed “no disc”.  He opened a door of the glass case under the CD player and retrieved a compact disc. He removed the CD from the jewel case and placed it in the CD drawer. The drawer slid back inside the player as he gave the drawer a slight
touch
. He pushed a button and the LED display read Track 1. The CD played through the
hidden
speakers
in the walls and ceiling
. The clear and flawless sounds of “Silver Bells”, as sung by Johnny Mathis filled the room.

“Chime, chime, chime, chime, chime, chime.” Almost in unison with the chorus of “Silver Bells”, the chimes complimented Johnny’s voice and brought the room to life. It was 6:00 p.m. on Christmas Eve.

Michael stood motionless as if he was waiting for something to happen. He only needed to wait a few seconds and then the doorbell rang. He smiled widely and ran to the front door. As he opened the door he was greeted with, “Merry Christmas Michael!”

“Merry Christmas Denny!”

“Sorry I’m late. My plane was delayed due to the weather. Will you look at all this snow,” said Denny.

“I’m so glad you are here. Come in. Let me have your coat. How was the flight otherwise?”

Handing his coat to Michael, Denny replied, “My flight was fine. A little bumpy over the mountains, but otherwise it was great. Am I the first one to arrive?”

“Yes, but the grandfather clock just chimed 6 times, so the night is young. I’ve got my fingers crossed that the rest of the guests will arrive shortly.”

“I am sure they will Mike,” replied Denny as he walked into the house.

“Wow, this is really beautiful Mike. You did a great job. It’s very similar to the old house. Everything looks fantastic.”

“Thanks Denny. I tried to stay as close to the old house as I possibly could, but some changes had to be made due to modern day building codes and restrictions. The decorating wasn’t any easier but I had a lot of help from a few professionals, who recommended certain items,”

“They did a great a job Mike. This place should be on the cover of Better Homes and Gardens. I am just so impressed.”

“Well I hope Arianna and the rest of the guests feel the same way you do.”

The doorbell rang.

“Looks like we’re about to find out,” said Denny.

Michael walked to the front door and stopped. He took a deep breath and looked at Denny. Denny nodded and Michael opened the door.

“Merry Christmas Michael!” shouted one lone voice.

“Merry Christmas Martha!”
Michael exclaimed as he opened the storm door.

“It’s so good to see you. I wasn’t sure what was going to happen this evening,” said Michael as he started to get very excited.

“Merry Christmas Martha!” shouted Dennis as he entered the foyer.

“Oh my God!
You scared the life out of me Dennis!” said Martha. “I didn’t know anyone else was here. It’s so good to see you Dennis. Come here and give me a hug.”

Dennis walked over to Martha and embraced her.

“Scaring the life out of you would be quite the trick now wouldn’t it?” he said.

“Not for the next 24 hours. Wouldn’t that be a kick in the head? Here I just get my life back just a few minutes ago and you go and take it away from me,” she replied.

Michael took Martha’s coat and as he hung it up in the front foyer closet he asked,
“So are the others coming?” Martha looked at Michael and Dennis.

“Well to be perfectly honest I came ahead of the others to see if you were mentally ready for this gathering. We didn’t want to visit you if it was going to be too difficult for you handle. You seem to be in decent spirits. The fact that Dennis is here with you is a great asset. Do you feel you are ready for this experience Michael?”

Michael walked up to Martha and placed his hands on her shoulders.

“I don’t know if I will ever be ready for this Martha. All I do know is that I desperately need to feel the love of my family and friends again. I need to hold Arianna and my children. I have waited so long. It may have only been a year, but it felt like an eternity.”

“Okay, but if you start to feel uncomfortable or stressed, I will dismiss the guests early to spare you further anxiety. Is that agreeable with you Michael?”

“Please Martha, no matter what my state of
mind,
let me have my family back for the full twenty four hours. Twelve months is a very long time to be without the ones you love.”

“People go on living without their loved ones for the rest of their lives. They manage to rebuild their world and start again. Why do you find that concept so difficult?” she asked.

“I guess for the same reasons you found it so difficult as well Martha. You never married. You never started again after losing your family. You of all people should understand the curse as well as the gift that this house bestows upon its dwellers. It is a very magical and enchanted place for a twenty-four hour period each year, but the rest of the year I simply hold my breath and wait until next Christmas. The 364-day curse is well worth the 24-hour gift of life that it shares with all of us for that single day. I can never get on with my life or start anew. If I did, I would sacrifice the magic of the house and lose the chance to see my loved ones forever,” replied Michael.

“And you are willing to live the rest of your life waiting for a single day per year to be truly happy?” she asked.

“I don’t have much choice do I? Either I accept the gift and the conditions that accompany it or I lose the opportunity to be with my loved ones until I too pass onto the spiritual life. How do I explain to a new wife that my deceased wife visits me
every Christmas and stays the night? I can’t have it both ways. It’s one way or the other. I realize that this is a choice that no other living person in the world has the option to make. But if given that option, I am sure that they would decide in a second to live as you did for many years and as I will for many years to come”, he replied.

Dennis joined the conversation.

“I would have to agree with Michael if I were in his shoes. Regardless of the fact that my true biological parents visit this house once every year and I do miss seeing them, it is not the same. I didn’t even know who they were until a few short years ago. But if it were my wife and my kids or even my adoptive parents that perished, I would make the same sacrifice throughout the year for that one 24 hour period of happiness and bliss that would hopefully fill my heart for the other 364 days of the year.”

Martha smiled at the both of them and replied, “You have been thinking about this quite a bit haven’t you Michael? You have realized much quicker than I, what a double-edged sword the magic of this house can truly be at times. You seem ready for this celebration to me thus I see no reason to delay it any longer. Why don’t you get that Michael?”

Michael started to say, “Get wh...” when the doorbell rang.

Michael smiled at Martha and walked to the door.

“Merry Christmas Daddy!
Merry Christmas Dad!”

Crying tears of joy, Michael opened the storm door and yelled back, “Merry Christmas Nicole.
Merry Christmas David!”

Nicole ran into the house and into Michael’s arms. Kneeling down to receive her embrace, he hugged her tightly.

“I have missed you so much my little munchkin.”

David ran into the house and hugged his father as well.

“Dad!
I can’t believe we’re here. We didn’t know if we would be allowed to visit you. I’m so happy to be home again!”