The Christmas House (36 page)

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 glory.”

“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 cabine
t contained a large television
and s
ound
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 going 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.

“Someone else like Sharon? See how well that worked Jack?” said Martha.

“Well you gotta admit she was a real looker.”

“You and your lookers.
Michael is not your typical male bronco bull Jack. He is a very sensitive and caring man. He is a very rare breed,” said Wanda.

“I sure am gonna miss him, but at least Wanda and I are together,” he said.

Wanda gave Jack a big hug and kissed him on the cheek.

“You’re good friends to Michael. He will appreciate your support. Maybe not immediately, but somewhere down the road, he will realize we all did the right thing,” Martha said.

12:01 a.m.

Christmas Day