“Groundhog Day? I love this movie. It’s a classic,” I say. He agrees, and we both laugh.
We pile the pillows to prop us up a little, get comfy, and began our guest list, starting with the most obvious first:
ELIJAH AND FLORENCE
ISAAC AND CONSTANCE
ALEXANDER AND MATILDA
NATHANIAL AND SOPHIA
“That looks really good together,” Nathanial admits.
ARTHUR AND NIKOLE MCCORD
LUKE MCCORD
MATT BARTON AND EBONY TRIGGS
ELIZA TRIGGS
MS. EDWINA TRIGGS
BEN (FROM FOOTBALL)
MR. WILSON
MRS. HUNT
We will need to get a list of those from the hospital that Constance and Isaac will want to invite, also you need to do one for your buddy’s from football. The invite will include all of their families as well. Now that we have the guest list ready, we can work on the invitation layout. We don’t have much time to plan, as Christmas is just days away, which means New Years is just over a week away and most people probably have plans already.
We work on making up invitations on my Mac and decide to hand deliver them. We play around with a few of the programs on my computer until we find one we like.
After trying various fonts, colors, and background patterns, we decide a classy and formal look is the way to go.
“Okay. I think we can print these off now,” I announce.
“Yeah, I think they look great,” Nathanial replies.
Happy New Year!
Please help us celebrate our first
New Years in Wenham.
at the Pierce family residence
182 Mountain Drive
Six p.m. on December 31
Bring the entire family for
dinner, refreshments, and entertainment.
Children’s room and nanny on hand.
After printing we add ribbons to them, making them as elegant as we can for homemade invitations, before taking them downstairs to show the rest of the family.
“They are really quite lovely. I adore the steel blue paper with the silver ribbon,”
Florence admires.
“Thanks. We’ll add some snowflake and champagne glass confetti and then seal the envelopes with our family seal in red wax,”
Nathanial grabs a small basket sitting next to the sofa filled with magazines. “Can we use this to carry the invites in?”
“Yeah, sure. That will work nicely,” I reply.
“Cool. Sounds like a plan.” he says with one of his killer smiles.
Chapter Thirty Five
The Park
We start to organize the invites in the basket according to address. We have quite a few families to deliver to.
“We should get going and deliver these before it gets too late,” I suggest.
“It may take us a while. We are lucky everyone lives fairly close to one another.”
Nathanial picks up the basket and grabs my hand, leading me out of the room.
I see the rest of my family is busy preparing, so I just tell Alexander we are going to deliver the invites. I am actually a little excited. My family has hosted lavish parties before, but never one with so many mortals. This should prove to be an interesting and new experience for us all.
***
Nathanial and I drive to the school end of town. This will be the best place to start, and we can just walk the streets of the area delivering our invitations. It is a nice evening out, with a slight chill in the air and tiny perfect snowflakes falling from the sky above. Wenham is such a scenic town. It is not as modern as most places are. In the center of the town park, there is a magnificent gazebo with white lights hanging from the roof. The biggest poinsettias I have ever seen line the path from the street and surround the gazebo. Everything about this town feels like home and welcoming. The sun is setting and it is striking. Nathanial and I both stand frozen as we look down the pathway into the park. It is the same park where he was attacked about a week ago. I look up at Nathanial as he squeezes my hand just a little tighter. “Are you alright? We can go another way,” I suggest.
“I am fine. Don’t worry about me. It is just now that I know the truth, and I see the entire attack a whole new way–the right way, just like it happened. I can actually remember it all and see what I never saw before,” he explains as if he is watching it happen. “I look over to where we were and I can picture the vampire ready to attack.
Now I can see Alexander and Mati heading toward us at incredible speeds.”
“Don’t do this to yourself,” I insist.
“Do you see that? There is a man over there behind the tree.” Nathanial stands tall and tries to shield me just as he did the night of the attack.
“Oh my God! I don’t believe it.” If I could have gone any paler, I would have.
“So you see him too?”
“No. I see my brother.”
“Alexander? What is he doing here?”
“No, it’s Caspian. He is here.”
“Well don’t just stand here. Go! I will wait for you.”
I take a few steps forward and just speak aloud. I do not want to scare him away.
“Caspian, I know it’s you, and you can come home. We miss you, and you are always welcome back.” I watch as he turns and disappears into the night once again.
“Caspian…NO! Please don’t leave again!” I shout, to no avail.
Once in a while, I swear I see Caspian. I know he likes to keep tabs on where we are staying. I always hope he comes home to us soon. This has been the closest he has gotten. I have never been able to speak to him like today. Maybe the day of Caspian’s return is nearing. I now know the entire family wishes for him to come back to us.
Caspian making his presence known to me may be something for my family to look into. This is twice in a week that a member of our family has spotted him. I wonder why he is getting closer, and I hope it is because he plans on returning to us soon.
“Are you okay, Sophia?” Nathanial wraps his arm around me.
“Yeah, thanks. It is just so awkward for him to show up now, when my family and I have been discussing finding him. We actually started talking about it since your attack, and to see him here where the attack happened is odd. Alexander believes he was here that night too.” I rest my head on Nathanial’s chest as he holds me.
“That is a little weird, quite the coincidence. Can you tell me more about him?”
“Caspian was great. Aside from the bond Alexander and I have, Caspian was dearest to me. I have always turned to him whenever I needed something. Everyone has always treated me like some fragile little girl, but not him–not Caspian. He was always honest with me. Caspian would share things with me no one else would. He is a few hundred years older than I am and lived like a true vampire for most of that time. He was only able to go out at night. He hunted and fed off humans to stay strong. But Caspian was tired of living like that. He was a perfect fit for our family,” I explain.
“Yeah, the story you told me about Caspian explains so much, especially why you were so reluctant to get involved with me now. Don’t worry, honey. That will never happen to us. I believe in you and know that you are stronger than that,” Nathanial comforts.
“I was not sure if I could resist you. Your scent overpowered me for the longest time. It was all I could think about,” I admit.
“And has that changed?” he questions.
“Yes. You still appeal to me, but ever since the attack, I’ve had the advantage of knowing I can control it. With the open wound and your blood spilling all over me that night, your scent is imprinted in me. I know now without a doubt that I can resist the temptation of your blood,” I say with pride.
We begin to walk further up the path hand in hand, and Nathanial asks, “Do you think Caspian will rejoin your family?”
“Well, we can’t worry about it now. We have a job to do.” I begin to lead the way to our next delivery.
>
It is so much fun running up and down the streets and placing the invites in the doors. I pick up a little of the snow that has fallen to the ground from a large spruce tree towering above us. As I walk toward Nathanial, I slowly reach up and tuck the snow down the back of his shirt.
He begins doing a funky chicken dance, hopping around to try and get it out.
“You’ll pay for that.” He grabs a handful of snow and starts chasing me down the street.
It feels so good to laugh uncontrollably. I lean over the bus stop bench as Nathanial comes up behind me. Grabbing my waist, he picks me up, and a moment later there I am lying on the snow-covered grass. Nathanial falls beside me, and we roll around together, laughing as we play in the white stuff like little kids on a snow day. This is so much fun, I think to myself. Everything about this feels so real, so normal. How is it possible that someone like me is so lucky? To be able to find such happiness–even something that resembles happiness–is a grand feat for my kind. This is unbelievable.
“We better stop horsing around and finish these deliveries,” I say with a giggle.
“Yeah, I think you are right. The next house is just over there.” He points down the street.
Nathanial and I are just about finished delivering the invites to everyone, and then it hits us: Christmas is in two days.
“Oh my gosh. I need to finish my shopping.” I explain.
Chapter Thirty Six
Shopping
Nathanial and I head over to the mall. We pick out a few things for our families and a few close friends. I am enjoying myself, just walking around the mall like two teens in love do. We do a little window shopping, and we even run in to a few of Nathanial’s friends. It is nice to feel part of something after so many years. Being that we do not know each other’s families too well yet, we decide to purchase gifts from both of us as a couple. I pick out gifts for my family, and he picks out presents for his. I encourage him to get his parents something really nice, something they would never expect.
“I don’t think I have ever gotten my shopping done that fast before. You are a shopping machine,” Nathanial jokes.
With a little chuckle, I respond, “I’ve had a little practice.”
We finish our shopping, we decide to head back to the house and wrap the newly purchased gifts.
“Maybe we should pick up some wrapping paper and ribbon before we leave the mall,” I suggest, remembering that we don’t have wrapping supplies at home.
“That may help a little,” he agrees with a chuckle as we head back into the mall.
***
“Sophia, these look too nice to open,” Nathanial compliments. “I perfected my wrapping skills a little while ago,” I joke.
We both have a good chuckle over it.
“I have a feeling you have perfected many things.”
“Well, you know the saying. Practice makes perfect. With all the practice I have had, I’m near perfect at everything.” I wink.
“The only point I will argue is that you aren’t near perfect–you are completely perfect. That’s just part of what I love about you.” He leans in and kisses the corner of my mouth. When we finish wrapping all the packages, Nathanial says, “I need to talk to Alexander. I need him to help me with something.”
“That’s fine because I need to visit Ebony for a bit.” I am sure she can help me find the perfect gift for Nathanial. Ebony and I made plans for a shopping trip, and boy am I in the mood for this one.
“Why don’t you and Alexander do what you need to, and I’ll head over to Ebony’s for a while? Maybe Alexander can drive you home if I don’t get back in time,” I suggest.
“Sounds great, sweetie. Have fun. I love you and will see you later.” He gives me a small kiss and heads toward Alexander’s room; I hear the knock on Alexander’s door.
I brush my teeth and grab a sweater. As I leave, I notice Alexander and Nathanial have moved into the office. They are deep in discussion and being very quiet. I try to hurry by, so as not to overhear what they’re talking about. They pause and wave so I don’t hear anything. They are acting very secretive, and I find myself wondering what they are up to. Easy enough, I brush it off and jump in my car to head to Ebony’s house.
I drive the speed limit today. I am not in a hurry and just want to enjoy the scenery.
The stores are open until midnight tonight for last chance shopping, so we have about four hours to find our guys the perfect gift. I arrive at the manor and walk up to the door.
Ebony is all ready to go.
“May I come in and say hello to everyone?”
“If they were here you could, but they are all shopping too,” she answers.
“Typical women we are.” I laugh.
We get back in the car and go out on our shopping mission. Once we arrive at the mall, we begin the hunt and talk as we look for bargains. Ebony and Matt have been getting closer. I am happy for her. In all my years, I have never had such a good friend.
She is kind, caring, honest, sincere, and extremely loyal–not to mention a very talented witch. I really enjoy having a girlfriend to share things with. We have had a few slumber parties with our sisters–just the usual stuff like pedicures, manicures, and girl talk. It is so much fun, and it is nice to have others around besides just our family for a change.
“What on Earth are we going to get the boys?” I ask.
“I have no idea. We have been up and down this mall, and I can’t think of anything.
They are both so special. We have to get them the perfect gift,” Ebony emphasizes.
“I got it!.” I yell.
“What?” Ebony asks.
“We should get the guys something like a ring, a watch, or a wrist band, and then you can put a protection spell on it to ensure that others’ powers can’t influence them unless they allow them to with full understanding,” I whisper.
“You are amazing. That is perfect. With all the craziness going on around here right now, I would feel better knowing our little mortal boys are protected,” she agrees enthusiastically and reveals, “I have had a sense of evil approaching.”
“What do you mean?” I inquire.
“I don’t know. I just have this feeling that something bad is heading our way and we should be prepared,” Ebony informs me. “You know; like something wicked this way comes.”
“Let’s discuss it with my family later and see if they know anything. But for now, let’s go shopping.” I grab her hand and pull her in my direction.
We start walking to the goldsmith shop. When we get there, the gentleman explains that he makes most of his jewelry by hand, with the exception of the watches, which he can custom order from a friend of his. Both Ebony and I find a few things we like. The store owner places all the items on a black velvet mat so we can have a closer look.
I decide on a nice watch. “I remember Nate telling me one day that he wants to own a collection of nice watches. What better time to start?” I decide. The watch has a silver wristband and a white face, and small emeralds mark each hour. It is perfect.
Ebony decides on a black leather wristband with an attached silver medallion that can be engraved. She chose to have his name put on it in a Celtic script since he is of Irish decent.
We stop at Starbucks, where Ebony gets cafe mocha and I enjoy a double espresso.
“I know the day crystal helps you digest human food, but why are you having coffee? I know you don’t need it,” Ebony inquires.
“Well a few things help to decrease vampire cravings, and caffeine is one of them.
Plus, it’s a great way to spend time with friends,” I explain. “Besides, who can pass on Starbucks?”
Chapter Thirty Seven
Protection
When we arrive back at the manor, we notice that Ebony’s sister and Grams are also back from shopping.
“We have a great idea for the boys’ Christmas gifts,” Ebony announces.
“Really? What?” Eliza questions.
“Because of everything that happened to Sophia and Nathanial at the winter formal, we were thinking of putting a protection spell on their gifts.”
“Look. We picked out some great gifts for them. We tried to think of something they would keep with them at all times.” I pull the gifts out of the bag and show the other ladies.
“Will you help us place a protection spell on these?” Ebony requests.
“Girls, this really is a great idea,” Ms. Edwina says as she goes to the office. She returns with the Book of Shadows.
I’m so excited. This is working out great. If the two sisters do the protection spell together, it will be stronger because of the Triquetra. We begin looking through the Book of Shadows to find the proper spell, and it proves to be simpler than we had expected.
As I reach for the book, it slams shut and moves away from me. “Oh my God! That scared the crap out of me. What just happened?” I ask.
Mrs. Edwina smiles. “That is how a protection spell works. When a family creates their Book of Shadows, the first spell they usually use is a protection spell. It is placed on the book so that the book can never get in to the wrong hands. Only a blood relative or guardian can touch the book.”
“What is a guardian?”
“They are the protectors of good witches, our own personal guardian angel.”
“That is so cool. So no one else can ever touch the book?” I confirm.
“In most cases, no, but there are some occasions where another witch, a warlock, or even a demon finds a way to break the spell. That is why it is so important to keep the book safe. All our family secrets are in this book, and if the wrong entity gets a hold of it, they will be able to destroy our bloodline completely, not to mention wreaking all sorts of other havoc in the world,” Mrs. Edwina warns.