The Christmas House Read online

  “Oh Michael! I would have closed my eyes at that part,” and she smiled.

  “Seriously, you should have other relationships Michael. I am very flattered that you want to remain loyal to me, but I am not in your life on a regular basis any longer. You can’t live your entire life waiting for Christmas Eve but once every year. You have to get on with your life. It would make me very happy if you did.”

  “I can’t. If I do, you won’t come to visit me any more. You will think I don’t need you if I was to be with another woman. I need you more than I ever have Arianna. I will not sacrifice your love and companionship that I hold so dear to my heart if only for one day, just to have a relationship the rest of the year. Besides, what would I tell this new woman? Sorry, but every year for the rest of my life I have plans on Christmas and you’re not invited?”

  “Well, if that was to happen, then maybe it would be better if we didn’t come to visit. Maybe you would be happy enough without us,” she said.

  “No! I have worked very hard to make this happen again. It’s my life and if I want to waste it all year long for one day with you and the kids, then that is my choice,” he replied in frustration.

  “Did you hear what you just said Michael? Waste your life the whole year? That’s ludicrous. You are still young. You have so much to offer another living human being that could love you day after day, everyday. Maybe even have children with her,” she replied.

  As he broke away from her in a bit of a rage he said, “No! Stop it Arianna! I will not give up the one gift I am able to enjoy every Christmas. It’s a very precious gift. No one else in the world is given a gift like this, and you want me to throw it away? I refuse to do that. I love you and the kids far too much to ever give up the miracle of being with you once a year. End of discussion!”

  Arianna stood silently for a moment then said, “Let’s not waste the little and precious time we have arguing about this situation Michael. If you feel that strongly, then I will abide by your decision.”

  “Thank you. I’m sorry. The last thing I ever thought I would do this day would be to argue with you. I can’t believe I just did that. Forgive me. I can’t help that I have these feelings that I do for you and the children. I will love you all for the rest of my life and beyond. I am eternally yours Arianna,” he said.

  Arianna hugged Michael tightly.

  “I know Michael. I love you just as much. I only want to make sure that you are happy, that’s all. If you truly feel that living your life around one day a year will bring you joy and serenity, then I will make it my goal to make that one day the happiest of your life.”

  Michael kissed Arianna deeply and as she returned the kiss, Nicole came running into the kitchen.

  “Daddy, Mommy, come see all of the cookies on the table. They all taste so good.”

  “Nicole, I warned you about eating too much during this visit. You ‘will’ get a tummy ache down here, remember?” Arianna asked.

  “But Mommy, the cookies are shaped like gingerbread men and Christmas stockings!” she shouted.

  “Yes Nicole, they are all very good, but you have to pace yourself honey. Mommy is right. If you eat too much, you will get sick,” Michael said.

  “Okay, but come look, come look!” she shouted as she tugged on their hands and led them to the dining room.

  As they walked into the dining room, they could hear a man say, “Nicki, wanna see me pull off my head?”

  Nicole screamed and then Michael yelled at Uncle Wally who just arrived. Everyone in the dining room laughed at the exchange. This year was a very special Christmas for Uncle Wally and his wife Louise. Their son James was finally allowed to join his family in heaven as well as on this Christmas Day. Michael greeted Uncle Wally and recognized James instantly.

  “James! Good to have you with us. It’s about time you were let off for good behavior,” Michael said.

  “It’s actually more like parole Michael, but I’m not complaining,” James replied.

  The guests were arriving faster by the minute as the doorbell rang non-stop. Many of the guests were filtering through the house and making their way to the family room that was adjacent to the kitchen. As several people started to walk into the family room, Martha was walking out. She was sitting in the family room relaxing when Michael and Arianna had their confrontation in the kitchen just a few feet away. The result of the discussion left Martha perplexed and confused. She remembered how she wasted her life waiting for one day a year when she owned the house. Although she didn’t regret doing so, she did regret not living her life to the fullest the other 364 days of the year as well. As she recalled the best times of her life, she could only remember the time when Michael and Arianna came into it a mere 6 years ago. Her only other memories were of a lifetime of Christmas Eves. The rest of her life was a blur. She wondered if Michael would be able to adjust to such a life. He was so young. He could be so happy if he only learned to combine the miracle of Christmas with the other 364 days of the year.

  As Martha walked into the kitchen a voice asked, “Penny for your thoughts?

  Martha, being deep in thought was startled and replied.

  “What?”

  Michael’s father was standing before her.

  “Seems like you are trying to resolve a problem Martha. Can I be of assistance?”

  “Maybe you can Anthony. Sit down with me and let’s talk.”

  As Martha and Anthony discussed the situation, the guests continued to mingle and proceed into the family room. In the corner of the room opposite a large stone fireplace was a massive fresh cut Christmas tree. Decorated with gold garland and multi-colored ornaments the tree seemed to come alive as the small twinkling lights reflected off the shiny globes hanging off of each crooked branch.

  Every guest that entered the room commented as to how beautiful the tree looked. Even more so, were the comments in reference to the condition and design of the house. Everyone was very impressed with the work Michael accomplished in such a short period of time.

  Arianna escaped from the dining room area where Michael was talking with his folks. She ascended the staircase to the second floor and was immediately stunned. The narrow hallway of the old house was replaced with a much wider hallway that looked down over the family room. As she walked down the hallway, she stopped at the first room and peaked inside. This was a bedroom that was decorated with a little girl in mind. It was obviously Nicole’s room. She wondered why Michael would decorate the room in this manner. As she looked about the room at the white canopy bed with a pink dust ruffle and pink pillows, her mind wandered.

  “Do you like it?” she heard from behind her.

  “Oh, Michael it’s absolutely precious. But why is it decorated like this?” she asked.

  “This is Nicole’s room. I wanted her to have a room of her own when she visits me, even if it is only once a year.”

  “Well, it’s very beautiful. I’m sure she will just adore it.”

  “C’mon, I’ll show you the rest of the rooms,” Michael said.

  As they walked out of Nicole’s room, Michael took Arianna by the hand and led her to the next room down the hall. As he opened the door, sound blasted out of the room that could literally wake the dead.

  Michael shouted over the music.

  “This is a special room I made for David. It’s a music room! It’s totally sound proof!”

  Arianna placed her fingers in her ears and poked her head into the room. This room had a dormer where the window was placed and thus much higher ceilings than Nicole’s room. The walls were covered with posters and pictures of rock stars and musicians. A large gray pewter drum set sat in the corner. There were 12 different drums to the set as well as 6 or 7 cymbals. Michael’s brother Billy was pounding away on the drums as David was whaling away on his guitar. Arianna stepped back out of the room and Michael shut the door.

  “Ah. Silence once again,” he remarked.

  “Michael, that room is so great! David is in his glo
ry.”

  “I wanted David to be as comfortable as possible when he visits,” Michael replied.

  Michael took Arianna by the hand again and continued down the hall. They passed David’s bedroom, which was tastefully decorated in a football motif. From the wallpaper to the bedding, the room screamed football. As they continued, they looked in at a guest bathroom, a guest bedroom, another guest bedroom and finally came to the end of the hall.

  “This is the master bedroom,” said Michael as he opened the door.

  Arianna walked inside of the room and was completely overcome by its beauty. This room was very large with a separate sitting area that featured a cherry wood desk and two maroon leather tufted chairs. Around the corner was another door that led to the master bathroom that was completely tiled in white marble. A double bowl marble sink was on one wall with full width mirrors positioned above. The other side of the enormous bathroom featured a built in Jacuzzi style tub that was big enough for at least 2 people to sit in comfortably. A separate shower stall with etched glass doors complimented the polished brass fixtures in the shower, tub and basins.

  As Arianna continued to walk past the master bath area, she came upon the most magnificent four poster bed she ever laid her eyes on. A deep cherry wood color frame featured posters that were at least 6 feet tall and carved articulately. The king size bed was adorned with a Hunter green down comforter that totally concealed the plump feather bed beneath it. Matching pillow shams in soft mauves and rose colors coordinated nicely with the color accents of the wall coverings of this room. Matching window treatments of full draperies and padded cornices complimented the bedding ensemble. End dressers of cherry wood with inlaid glass sat next to each side of the bed. An oversized matching tall boy and long frame dresser were also in the room. A brick gas-burning fireplace with ceramic logs was adjacent to the foot of the bed. Even with all of the pieces of furniture present, the room was still clutter free and almost sparse.

  Michael walked over to the fireplace and flipped on a nearby wall switch. A blazing fire appeared under the logs and cast a glow about the room.

  “Is it okay to have the fire lit? I mean, are you afraid of the fire now, since the accident?” asked Michael.

  “No Michael, it doesn’t bother me at all. It’s actually very warm and romantic,” she replied.

  Michael walked over to a large built in cabinet over the fireplace and opened the sliding wooden doors. The cabinet contained a large television and sound system. Michael turned on the stereo. Arianna could hear soft music coming from all areas of the bedroom, but couldn’t see the presence of any speakers.

  “Is there music coming out from under that bed Michael?”

  “Yes, I hid all of the speakers either under something or within the ceiling. There are 12 speakers in this room alone.”

  As the rich tones of the music echoed throughout the room, Arianna sat on the bed and then fell backward onto the mattress. She looked up at the ceiling and saw herself in a mirror.

  “Michael! A mirrored ceiling? Above the bed? How kinky!” she said.

  “Well, if I only get to see you for a single night a year, I’m going to make sure I can see as much of you as I possibly can,” he replied.

  Michael dimmed the lights ever so slightly and crawled into bed with Arianna.

  “It’s been over a year since I have felt the warmth of your touch. I think about making love with you always,” Arianna said.

  “I have been dreaming of this moment for the same amount of time darlin,” he replied and kissed her again.

  “What about the guests Michael? Won’t they miss us? Or worse, won’t they hear us?” she asked.

  “Miss us? Maybe. Hear us, not a chance. I soundproofed this room as well,” he replied as he raised his eyebrows and smiled.

  **********************************************

  As Michael and Arianna got reacquainted, the guests continued to enjoy their annual Christmas gift of life for a day. Uncle Wally was playing cards with Arianna’s father as Marie and Dorothy picked up glasses and plates that had been left around the house.

  Michael’s father and Martha were still talking at the kitchen table.

  “Well, then you agree that this is a necessary step to take?”

  “Yes, I’m afraid so. I can’t see any other alternative. Michael is going to be very upset, but it’s for his own good. He will never get on with his life unless we take this drastic measure,” Anthony replied.

  “I thought he would be able to adjust better to the situation. After I heard how determined he was to live his life alone except for these Christmas holidays, I just knew we would have to revoke the visiting privileges he has been entitled to all these years. It breaks my heart to have to do this to him, but maybe he will forgive us all someday,” said Martha.

  “When should we tell him?” asked Anthony.

  “Let’s wait until we are leaving tomorrow. I don’t want him to become so depressed or angry while we are all still here,” she replied.

  “I agree. Well I guess I should find that son of mine so we can spend some quality time together since we will never have this opportunity again,” he said.

  “It is for his own good Anthony. The worst thing a living person can do is to stop living before they are even dead. I know. I was just like Michael when I was the only one left living. I too gave up on normal life experiences and lived only for Christmas. I can’t let that happen to Michael. We should tell the others of our decision,” she said.

  “They aren’t going to like it. They look forward to spending this time on earth as much as Michael looks forward to seeing us all. They are really going to miss being able to come here every Christmas.”

  “I know. They are going to be very unhappy about this. Hopefully they will understand and will agree to make the sacrifice knowing how important it will be to Michael,” she replied.

  “What about Arianna and the kids? Should we tell them now as well?” he asked.

  “I don’t think that would be wise. She would surely tell Michael and we don’t want that. Secondly, I am sure she will be against this decision as much as Michael. We will tell her once she leaves the house tomorrow evening,” she replied.

  “I believe Michael and Arianna are upstairs as is David. Nicole has fallen asleep on the couch in the living room. Let’s gather the rest of the guests in the family room and make the announcement,” he said.

  As Anthony and Martha stood from the kitchen table they passed the word that there was a meeting in the family room. All of the guests started to gather to the area. Anthony helped Martha onto a wooden table so she could be heard over the crowd. The room quickly filled up and with the exception of Billy, who was still upstairs with David, all were present.

  Anthony told Martha to proceed without Billy. He would inform Billy of the decision sometime before they departed.

  Martha started to tell the guests of her and Anthony’s conversation. How overhearing Michael and Arianna’s argument forced them to make a very unpopular decision. As she explained the decision, the crowd sighed with disappointment. She assured them all that this was the best decision for everyone and although she was very saddened by this decision as well, it had been made and it was final unless a guest opposed the decision.

  “So, we are all in agreement. We will give Michael back his life and to do so we will sacrifice our visiting privilege for now and forever. Tomorrow as we leave this house, we will be saying good-bye to Michael for the very last time. Until we are completely out of his life, he has no reason to start over,” she concluded.

  The guests reluctantly agreed. Many were crying and hugging, for they did not get to see each other this way in heaven. Souls did not talk or laugh or eat or drink. They communicated spiritually, not physically. They would miss the ability to take back their human form and indulge in human behavior, even if it was only for a mere 24 hours a year.

  Out of the crowd came a question.

  “I take it we are all go
ing to keep this decision from Michael and Arianna,” asked Dennis.

  “Oh my, Dennis. I forgot all about you. Yes, we must not say a word to them or the children,” she replied.

  “I guess this means I won’t be seeing my parents ever again as well?” he asked.

  “I am afraid so Dennis. I am so very sorry. If you wish for this not to happen, you can vote against the decision that has been made. Unless we are a one hundred percent majority, the decision will not be enforced,” she replied.

  “I understand why you have made this decision and I agree with it. I can always see Michael so I do have an advantage over the rest of you. As well, I am human like Michael and I can go on enjoying life as I always have, but I will miss all of you very much,” he replied.

  Dennis and Arianna’s parents came to their son’s side and they each took one of his hands in their own.

  “I think we need to sit down and talk for a while son,” said Arthur.

  “I think that’s a great idea, Dad,” Dennis replied.

  As Dennis and his parents walked out of the family room, Martha made one last statement.

  “Now remember, not a word of this to Michael, Arianna or the children. We don’t want to ruin this time they have to spend with each other by making them angry and depressed about our decision. I will tell them after the rest of you have all departed for the final time.”

  The crowd agreed and they slowly dispersed in small groups. As they departed the family room they discussed the situation amongst themselves. Anthony helped Martha down from the wooden table and onto the floor. As she stood she wondered if her decision was sane. Jack and Wanda approached her from the other side of the room.

  “They aren’t going to like this one bit, you know that,” Jack said.

  “I know Jack, but what choice do we have?” Martha asked.

  “Maybe we are jumping the gun here. It’s only been one year since the accident. Maybe Michael will come around and get used to the idea and finally give into his human needs for affection, love, friendship and desire and start dating someone else,” he said.