Chapter Twenty-Four: Eve of Christ

 

            *It was nearly six thirty, and already the sky was filled with the blackened snow clouds as they lay a think blanket of white flakes upon the frozen ground. Inside the warm house, a woman sat at a vanity table, trying to decide how to fix her hair.

            “Momma, you look beautiful that way.” Was her son’s opinion.

            “Thank you Ben, but you know I never wear my hair completely down.”

            “Why not?” The little boy asked.

            “Well, I just don’t.”

            “Momma, are my Uncles coming tonight?”

            “No, they are not. But you get to meet your Uncle Sam. He’s very nice.”

            “Was he the one that was at Grandma’s home?”

            “Yes, that was him.”

            “I liked him, he had games! Like Uncle Duo!” The little boy sat up and jumped off the bed from where he had been sitting. “I’m going to say bye to everyone!” And before his mother could respond, he was racing off down the hall. The mother simply laughed and tuned back to her mirror. Children made everything so easy. They wanted things to be simple, and they were innocent to their words and the concepts that fell from them. She wished deeply she could regain her missing childhood. So much had been lost, and now there was no way to possibly regain it. But that was the result of her one, life-altering mistake. Next time she wouldn’t make such a mistake. But there was no next time. She sighed. See? She had made such a simple thing as innocence into a big mess, complicated it in ways it need not be complicated. Serena shuddered.

Everything rested on tonight. She, Ben, and her ‘husband’ were joining her family for Christmas Eve dinner. She knew the traditions of her own home well enough, she was not worried in the least bit over that aspect of the night. Serena was more petrified that her parents, especially her father, would see through her ‘marriage’ with Hiiro and have a fit. But that wouldn’t happen unless Hiiro fell through. That night when he had asked if she trusted him she had said yes. But now… everything was beginning to take its toll. This was her last chance to decide whether or not she could fully give herself to him. She shuddered to think of what would happen if she learned she could not.

“Leave it down.” A cool and monotonous voice rang out from the deep shadowy reaches of her room.

“But I never…”

“Tonight is a time of change. Change your ‘tradition’ and wear it down.” The voice echoed in response.

“Getting cryptic and philosophical I see.” She mocked him. He smirked in response.

“And here I though you enjoyed my talking.”

“Touché sir Hiiro.”  She stood and curtsied to him He took the time to let his eyes wander and then linger over her attire for the evening. Donned in a full-length and very tight velvety red dress, the neck was scooped so low he wondered if the only reason her father would decide he hated him was because of the scandalous way he let his ‘wife’ dress. Her long golden hair cascaded down her back in a torrent of honey colored waves and curls. Light glitter and no other make up highlighted the natural beauty, though it was apparent without, and the tall red sandals gave her a high, confident and poised appearance. This woman was no ordinary woman. She was a goddess walking on the Earth, and he intended to keep her as long as he possibly could.

Serena noticed his wandering eyes and blushed a deep shade of red. His actions in turn inspired her to take full advantage of the quiet moment. He was, as they say every so often, dressed to kill. Hair still as wild as ever, she could see he had made an effort to harness it. Black slacks that fit to a tee. A tight, long sleeved black cotton shirt and over it was placed his favorite leather jacket. She could see the gun holsters beneath his jacket and sighed.  He was going to meet her insane father and he was carrying his guns. Either he was the smartest person she had ever met, or the dumbest. Smart to defend himself, dumb to provoke an attack in the first place.

“You should leave your guns here.”

“Hnn.”

“I know you never go anywhere without them, but if you take off your jacket, where will you hide them? My father will have a coronary if he sees them, my mother will faint, and they will both never speak to you again.” She told him smirking at the thought.

“And Sam?” Hiiro asked.

“Well, at least you’d have one friend in the family.” They looked at each other and she broke into giggles while he simply grinned. Removing his jacket, he slipped the holster from his shoulders and flung it onto her bed. Taking one gun out, he hid it from sight and then replaced his jacket.

“Ready.”

“But… where did… how… you’re impossible!” She stuttered at him when she couldn’t figure out where he had hidden his gun.

“No, I’m an assassin. You’re not supposed to be able to see my weapon, it’s in the job description.” He smirked and she feigned a frown.

“Well then, all mighty assassin, let’s be on our way, shall we?”

“I’m driving.”

            “It’s always the men that have to drive, isn’t it? I remember when my mother wanted to drive somewhere and my father told her no. Every single time I can remember he told he no.”

            “I’m driving because it’s Quatre’s car. I’m under the insurance.”

            “A likely excuse!” He blushed, and she grinned. “So you can blush! And here I thought only normal humans did that.”

            “Get Ben.”

            “He’s my son, I know when I need to get him or not!” She snapped.

            “You’re touchy tonight, and we haven’t even left the upstairs hall yet.”

            “Excuse me for being nervous.”

            “You’re excused.” He smirked. He could see her shoulders become more tense that they already were and her cheeks flushed with anger.

            “Hiiro Yui. Do not start anything with me tonight, I am tense enough as it is.”

            “Relax then.”

            “Yui!”

            “Momma? Why are you yelling?” The two young adults looked down to see Ben tugging on Serena’s dress skirt and near tears.

            “Oh Ben honey, I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to yell. I’m just very scared right now. You know how when you’re scared you yell? That’ what I’m doing right now.” Serena explained, trying to soothe her child’s fears away.

            “But why would you be scared. You’re my Momma, you’re never scared of anything!” The little boy proclaimed. Hiiro switched back and forth between watching Serena and Ben. Ben was the epitome of innocence, and Serena was trying to teach him using euphemisms. He had to give her credit where it was due… what she was doing was telling the little boy the truth through sweet stories though in reality the truth was much more gruesome.

            “Ben, listen to me. Everyone is afraid of something sometime.” Serena told her son, hoping he would understand.

            “But you’re my Momma. You’re not scared of anything ever!” Ben kept insisting.

            “Ben. Your mother is only afraid of taking risks. Tonight she is taking a risk, and she is very nervous.” Hiiro told the little boy, crouching down to his level and patting him on the shoulder.

            “Risks? Oh. Risks. Ok. Let’s go, I’ll race you to the car!” Ben cried out happily as he ran down the stairs and out the front door. Serena turned to Hiiro.

            “How did you know?” She asked him quietly. “I mean, what makes you think I’m afraid of taking risks?”

            “You’re afraid of telling Ben the truth. You’re afraid of telling your parents the truth. You don’t trust me. To do all of those would be to take a risk, and you have yet to take them.”

            “I...”

            “Don’t answer. Just think.”

            “You say that like it’s an easy thing to do.” She dropped her head and rubbed her arms. He stood, then reached out with his hand and brought her head up to eye level.

            “It’s never easy. Nothing ever is. Come on, we’ll be late.”    She nodded and took the hand he offered her. As they walked down the steps and out the door, he remembered something. “And, by the way, I’m still driving.”

>>>)(<<<

            “Serena!” Ilene cried when she saw her daughter step into the kitchen. She hadn’t heard the doorbell ring or  a knock, so she had been unprepared for her daughter’s arrival.

            “Hi Mom.” Serena answered back simply. “Need help with anything in here?”

            “Of course sear! You know I can always find something for you to help with Serena dear. Let me think. I know. You can decorate these cookies!” Ilene brought out a large pan of baked cookies cut into Christmas patterns. She handed her daughter a few tubes of icing and sprinkles and then turned back to her own work.

Serena smiled and shook her head. She should have known better than to ask if her mother needed any help. Every year she had spent with her family it was the same. Every time she asked if  her mother needed help she was given cookies to decorate. It was tradition. Not that she was complaining. She rather enjoyed decorating cookies.

“So tell me, where is that sweet grandchild of mine?” Ilene cooed as she stirred a pot on the stove.

“He’s in the family room with Daddy and Sammy. I think Hiiro’s in there too, but I can’t be sure.”

“You can’t be sure where your husband is?” Ilene looked up slightly amused with her daughter. Serena felt her mother’s intense gaze and blushed.

“Hiiro is a special case. He could be in the family room, sitting and watching Ben with Dad and Sammy, or he could be watching them from the shadows, or he could be watching us from the shadows- there’s really no way to tell until he decides to reveal himself.”

“You’re serious, aren’t you?” Ilene gaped, mouth wide open in shock.

“Very. That’s his job, what he was trained to do, his life.” Serena answered confidently.

“And you allow him to take such risks, knowing that he might never come back home?” Ilene gently prodded her daughter. Serena had to pause. This was what she had been trying to decipher all along: how could she take a chance with Hiiro knowing that there was always the possibility that he might never come back. She had to answer, and make it a good one as well.

“I allow him to take the risks because I know he thinks about what is safe and what is foolish. He has a good, cool head on his shoulders and I am confident in his judgment about what is safe or not.”

“Good answer.” Came a deep voice from the shadows. Ilene gasped, but she watched as her daughter never even flinched, just smiled slightly.

“Thank you. So how long have you been there?” Serena asked Hiiro.

“Since you started decorating your second cookie.” Serena looked down to see she was on her fifth.

“Hiiro, you gave me quite a surprise there.” Ilene stuttered as she recovered from Hiiro’s sudden appearance.

“I’m sorry. I intended no ill will.” Hiiro smirked at Serena as he spoke.

            “Oh, that’s fine dear. I’ll be right back, please excuse me.” Ilene forgave Hiiro, then turned and exited the kitchen, leaving Hiiro and Serena alone.

            “May I decorate a cookie?” Hiiro asked her.

            “I don’t know. Has Hiiro been a good boy lately?” Serena chortled.

            “He has.” He smirked.

            “Well then. I suppose he can help with one cookie then… since he’s been such a good boy and all…” From below her, Hiiro stole a cookie and a tube of red icing. He sat on the stool at the counter next to her and bent over, trying to very carefully decorate the cookie.

            Ilene quietly peeked into the room from the door. She watched the small interlude between Serena and Hiiro and sighed. She was so glad her daughter had finally found true happiness with someone. Not an untrustworthy man like Darien had been, but a man who cared deeply for her and their son. Their son. It was funny, she thought, how Ben was their son, yet he looked nothing like either of them. Except his eyes. Ben’s eye could easily be a cross between Serena’s and Hiiro’s. Well, that was enough for her. Clearing her throat, she strolled back into the kitchen.

            “Where did you go Mom?” Serena asked her mother, not looking up form her own task at hand.

            “I went to ask your father a question. Now then, tell me more about yourself Hiiro. Where are you from? Your parents?” Ilene asked politely.

            “My name is Hiiro Yui. I am twenty-two years of age, have brown hair, blue eyes, am 5”6, weigh 135 lbs., and am blood type O-.” He said monotonously.

            “I mean where did you attend school? And your parents?”

            “Mom, Hiiro doesn’t like to speak about his past much.” Serena filled in for her.

            “But I only want to get to now my son-in-law a little better. Is there something wrong with that?”

            “No mame.” Hiiro answered. He glanced at Serena and looked up to face Ilene face to face. “I was born to two unknown people and raised on the streets until I was eight. After that a man named Odin Lowe raised me. He died and another man who called himself J picked up where he left off with me. I was home-schooled, yet when I took the college entrance exam they didn’t except me. They passed me straight through. I had gotten over three thousand on the entrance exam, more than enough to pass college in general. After that I took up my career in law and have been in it since I was seventeen.”  Ilene sat motionless. How could so many unusual and extraordinary things happen to such a young boy?

            Serena too, sat motionless- only for a second though. When Hiiro’s head dropped to his chest and she saw him heave a deep and labored breath, she stood and strung her arms about him. Pulling him into a deep hug, she just stood, allowing him to draw strength from her own. He was so old in spirit, yet so young in life. How could he experience all he had and still have the care for not attitude? She was reminded of a line from the movie Apocalypse Now: “If I had ten battalions of men willing to cut their arms off, I would end this insanity now." Hiiro was one of the men willing to make the ultimate sacrifice, willing to cut off his arm to win the fight.  He had detached himself morally from the issue knowing within his mind that the end would ultimately justify the means. She shuddered at his strength and determination.

            Finished with the short version of his life story, Hiiro dropped his head and breathed in deeply, hoping he would have the strength to hold back his emotions. It was becoming harder and harder each day to contain himself, and he hoped he could hold out just for the rest of tonight in the least. Warmth surrounded him and he leaned into the soft smooth arms of the woman who had changed him so much. They had come so far in so little time that he shuddered to think of what would happen if they had never met, if they had never become so close. Bit by bit she was eating at his defenses and tearing at his brick wall. Soon enough they would be gone, scattered without a trace, and his broken and beaten spirit would be revealed in its true form to her understanding and caring eyes. Only her lack of trust in him was keeping her from destroying his defenses completely, and only when she did decide to trust him would she see the truth. But for now he gathered strength from her arms, hoping he would be at rest soon.

            “Well then,” Ilene tried to break the solemn mood. “Shall we eat?”

            As the family sat down around the giant table, they bowed their heads in thanks and grace. Soon enough, everyone was digging in, talking, and laughing, even Hiiro, who was making (very small) conversation with Ben and Sammy. The dinner went off without a hitch and by the time everyone was finished and had moved back into the family room for coffee and desert, even her father and Hiiro were almost getting along. Almost.

            “I still don’t see how you could have married my daughter without permission. How?” Kenji asked.

            “In America we didn’t need permission from the parents.” Hiiro told him.

            “I still think you were both too young…” Kenji sighed submissively. What else could he do? Even he, the ‘blind’ father, could see how much his daughter loved this boy and how much this boy loved her. He was distraught at losing his only daughter, his little girl, yet at the same time secretly pleased his daughter had made such a good match.

            “Mom, hey mom, dad, can we open one present now please?” Sammy wanted to know. Ben too, had his eyes open wide, smile on his face, waiting anxiously to see whether or not they could open a gift.

            “I suppose… if it’s alright with your father that is.” Ilene sighed, smiling.

            “Dad? Can we?”

            “Grandpa? Please?” Ben joined in begging. Kenji caved under the pressure pf having two such sweet and innocent kids pleading with him at once.

            “Alright, alright, I guess so.” Sammy and Ben yelped in excitement and ran to grab what they wanted to open. Serena just laughed and Hiiro smirked. He couldn’t help it. He had never had a chance to get into the holiday spirit before, but now that he had it, he was having a great time. He would never admit to it of course.

            “Having fun Hiiro?” Serena smirked at him.

            “Hnn.” Hiiro grunted in response.

            “I knew you would! And just think. If you’re having fun now, wait until tomorrow night!” She smiled a wide happy grin up into his face.

            “Oh? What happens tomorrow night?” He asked smirking. He knew very well there was a Christmas party tomorrow night, but he wanted to be a little difficult for her… couldn’t let her think she could get to him that easily.

            “Hiiro! You know perfectly well what happens tomorrow night!” She mock-pouted, sticking her tongue out at him in the process. “Rei’s party is tomorrow night of course!” She told him anyway, playing into his game. She didn’t really mind, in fact, she rather enjoyed his idea of a joke.

            “Come here.” He growled in a very dark and quiet voice. He grabbed her waist and pulled her into a sitting position on his lap in the giant armchair that sat next to the fireplace in her parent’s family room. Snuggling into his warm body, she rested her head against his chest and listened to his heart beating while she watched her son and brother open their gift.

            Hiiro was warm. He was content. It was a good feeling. He let Serena huddle in close to him while he watched Ben and Sam unwrap their presents. Serena’s parents, his ‘mother and father-in-law’ sitting close to each other on the couch, his ‘son’ and ‘brother-in-law’ on the floor, his ‘wife’ next to him, all in all he was in a lazy and dream like state of happiness. Never had he felt so loved, so wanted and cared for. He loved this new feeling of safety and security. This is how he wished he could feel everyday. The funny thing was, when he was with Serena, he did feel this way.

            “Look Momma! I got a truck!” Ben cried, running to his mother to show her his newest toy.

            “Wow! Who gave that to you?” Serena asked her son, smiling widely at him.

            “Dad did!” Ben cried.

            “And what do you say to him…” Serena let her sentence trail off when she realized what Ben had said. Hiiro had given Ben a present? How could he have… she smiled to herself. Hiiro was Hiiro. He had probably gone out some night and shopped without her knowing. Go figure. Stars, she lo… no! She couldn’t! It wasn’t possible, she just couldn’t. She shook her head, trying to rid herself of the blasphemous thoughts. But they remained…

            “Thank you Dad!” Ben was thanking Hiiro.

            “Hnn.” Hiiro responded. Serena had gone tense in his arms and he wondered why. She had probably been surprised that he had gotten Ben a gift, but she shouldn’t have been this tense. Or this warm and safe… He was losing it; there was no doubt about it. *

 

- Reference to Apocalypse Now- General Kurtz speaking to Captain Willard- This is a very famous movie derived from a very famous book entitled Heart of Darkness, and while I do not believe in disclaimers, this book and movie deserve every once of credit any author owns.  If you’ve read the book or seen the movie, you’ll understand. This stuff is deep folks- really deep.