Chereads / Lost in Time; Side Stories & Fillers / Chapter 6 - "End of Year Party"

Chapter 6 - "End of Year Party"

~~This is a combination of Christmas and New Years party combined and is a stand alone chapter with no ties to the main story (or the Halloween story)...aside from the characters~~

"Valen My Love, could you come help me set up table for our guests?" A woman with short and wavy, sapphire blue hair, asked as she was standing on top of a chair, hanging last minute decorations on the wall. Valen walked over to her, lightly caressed her waist, and leaned his head on her back, "Of course Mariella, what would you like me to do first?" Mariella looked down to Valen and bent forward so she could kiss his light blue and grey hair. "I think Wren already started with the desserts, so just ask her. You know how she can be sometimes." Mariella chuckled lightly, turned to face him, then put her arms out for Valen to help her to the floor.

Valen, not missing any opportunity, put a hand on either side of her waist and brought her towards his body, leaving her no choice but to wrap her legs around his waist. She blushed slightly, "Valle, stop being so cheeky with Wren in the same house. You know she-" Valen smirked then rested his head on her chest and nuzzled his face in the softness, *SMACK* "OW!" Wren looked out from the kitchen and saw a bright red Mariella and Valen rubbing the back of his head. "Uh, guys? People are going to be eating in this room, I would like for you to stop being so lovey dove-"

Before Wren could say anything else Valen has quickly closed the distance and carefully but forcefully hugged her; pinning her arms against her body so she couldn't fight him off. "Oh don't act so salty My Child. I was simply showering your mother with all the love she deserve-" *KNOCK KNOCK!* All three of them froze and stayed silent as they looked towards the door. "Whoever that is, sure is early. Valen, will you check the door please?" Mariella whispered as she walked over to Wren who was now removing her flour and grease covered apron.

"Who-Oh hey you two! We are almost done preparing for the party so bear with us," Valen ushered in Michael and Finton, who were dressed less casually than usual, into the warm and dimly lit living area. Wren smiled and scurried over to the living room when she saw them. "Wow guys, looking dapper," she said with a smirk. Michael smiled and nodded, and Finton moved over to Wren and hugged her tightly.

"Oh how I have missed you My Princess," he picked her up and twirled her around in a circle. Causing her curly hair to flutter around her. "Finton put me down! I am not your-OOF" Wren fell to the floor with a thud when Finton suddenly released her. "Alright Bro I'll stop, calm dow-OW, OW! Stop squeezing my hand!" Michael had Finton's hand tightly grasped in his own, "That's enough boys, and Wren. You are all of age now, at least act like it." Mariella said as she came from the kitchen.

They all looked apologetically at Mariella, "Good, now, Finton, come help Valen move these chairs around to the dining area. Michael, you go with Wren and bring some more blankets down for the guests." Mariella winked at Wren, 'Gosh Mom, could you be more obvious?' She thought to Mariella, who just smiled in response. Wren sighed and followed after Michael who was already making his way up the stairs. "Michael, is something bothering you? You seem, I don't know, kind of down today." Wren asked as she was passing blankets down to Michael.

After not hearing anything for a moment, Wren looked back and saw Michael reaching for something in his jacket pocket. Moments later, he held his hand out towards Wren, while holding a small bag and a folded letter. "Michael you know you didn't have to get-" *Just read it, please?* Michael signed to her, and she nodded and began to read the letter. Since the accident, he hasn't been able to speak and relies on sign language and writing to convey his feelings.

Wren smiled sadly as she read the letter, and looked at Michael with tear filled eyes. She then opened the small bag and pulled out the simple silver necklace with a simple stone charm attached. "Put it on for me?" She asked coyly, and Michael carefully walked forward and put the necklace around Wren's slender neck. His hands lingered for a moment on either side of her neck, then he came to his senses and removed his hand and stepped away from her with an apologetic look on his face.

"Michael, do you mean what you said in this letter?" He paused then signed, *Every single word Wren,* She took a deep breath and closed the distance between them. "Michael, I don't blame you for this," Wren moved her bangs away from her face, exposing her slightly hazy and scarred eye. Michael looked away, but she grabbed his face and made him look at her in the eyes. "You did nothing wrong Michael. If anything, you were the one who kept us alive. If you wouldn't have swerved into the forest, we would have collided head on into the other vehicle and we would have died."

Michael looked down, "Please stop blaming yourself. It's been well over a year now. I still have some vision in this eye and I don't have the headaches anymore. Plus, you have picked up remarkably well with-" Michael pulled Wren into a hug, squishing her face into his chest. Wren surrendered and hugged Michael back tightly. "Ichle, ould oo lease et meh gu?" (Michael, could you please let me go?) Michael did as he was told, and was startled by her next move, then quickly closed his eyes and enjoyed the sensation of their lips touching.

Wren broke their kiss reluctantly, "Michael, I have never stopped loving you. Please know, that no matter what, you are the one I want to be with, for the rest of my life. Please try to forgive yourself. It wasn't your fault. Mom and Valen don't blame you, and neither do I. I forgive you..." Wren trailed off, anxious to see what Michael's response would be. *I'm sorry. I will get better. Thank you.* He signed slowly, and Wren smiled.

"Good! Now let's get back downstairs before people get suspicious," she giggled then picked up the blankets and walked downstairs with Michael following close behind. When they made their way downstairs, they saw more of their friends and family had arrived. Wren quickly tossed the blankets aside and ran towards her curly haired friend who just walked in the door. "Aster! Long time no see Buddy!" Wren had a big smile on her face, as did Aster. "H-Hi Wren. I wasn't sure if I could come because my sister had already left, b-but here I am!" His smile was almost contagious and the others around him couldn't help but smile as well.

Michael carefully set the blankets next to Mariella, who ruffled his hair slightly, then he walked over to Aster and waved. Aster smiled and quickly went to hug his friend, "I have missed you both so much. Y-you just stopped coming to class a-and...*sniff* I just..." Aster began crying and Wren as well as Michael went to hug him. He was often alone at school and couldn't make many friends, but Wren approached him without hesitation and introduced him to many of her friends, gradually giving Aster the confidence to make his own.

...Some time had passed and more people arrived, filling the cozy house to the brim. Valen and Mariella were sitting on a love seat at the side of the living area, watching everyone in their home, with happy smiles. Wren, Michael, and Aster were chatting most of the night, with others occasionally coming up to them. After dinner was finished, everyone grabbed a blanket and made their way outside to the fenced in backyard. "Okay, so Michi told me they will be lighting fireworks soon, and that they will be even better than last years." Mariella said with a little hop of excitement before snuggling into Valens arms.

Everyone huddle close to each other for warmth, as they quietly talked and looked up into the sky, awaiting the firework show. *BOOM!* Without warning, the fireworks show began. There were many large scale fireworks in brilliant colors as well as smaller more active fireworks that seemed to "swim" in the night sky. *SCREECH! BANG!* Everyone gathered in the backyard had a smile on their face as the firework show continued. *BANG! BOOM! CRACKLE!* The final fireworks created a beautiful and colorful display in contrast with the black night sky. Everyone cheered and hugged and/or kissed their loved ones, which was tradition after the firework show concluded.

Everyone then made their way inside, grabbed the last bite of food or dessert, and left to go back to their own homes. Aster reluctantly hugged Wren and Michael before walking out the door. Leaving only Wren and Michael standing in the living area with Valen and Mariella. "Michael, where is Finton? Isn't he your ride home?" Mariella asked concerned. *I am not sure where he is.* He sighed to her, before reaching to retrieve his phone to text his brother. Shortly after he sent the message *PING!* he received a text and scratched his head awkwardly after reading it, *Do you mind if I stay here tonight? He left already.* He signed, and immediately Valen nodded, "Of course Michael. Just grab the extra mattress from the closet and some of these blankets.

*Thank you* he signed before doing as he was told. Once he left the room, Mariella and Valen both looked towards Wren with a stern expression. She was confused, "Uh, what did I-" "Honey, I know you are both grown and you clearly have feelings for each other, but please, don't do anything you wouldn't want to walk in on Valen and I doing." Mariella said with a slight blush, as Wren's face scrunched up in disgust. "Ew, Mom. I did not want to...Ew! We won't do anything okay? I have respect for you, this house, and myself." She mumbled as she stood up and began walking towards the couch.

"Wren, be mindful, he is still healing and is pretty shy. Keep the door open tonight. As long as you don't push him to his break-" "Oh my gosh, you two! I get it okay? We won't-I won't do anything. Now please, take your cuddly-ness elsewhere. I am going to shower and then go to bed. Love you," She said as she gave them both a hug and walked upstairs. "Heh, did you see how red she was? That was kind of fun!" Mariella said as she kissed Valen and stood up. "Come on Handsome, it's time for us to shower as well," Valen's eyes lit up and he quickly scooped Mariella in his arms and ran with her upstairs.

..."Thank you for my necklace and your words Michael. I hope we can both move forward and be happy." Wren said as she snuggled next to a nervous Michael. He nodded, "If you aren't comfortable on my bed, I can always-" Michael once again pulled her into his embrace before she could finish her sentence. She chuckled, "Goodnight Michael, sweet dreams." She hugged against him and sighed happily. Michael smiled and gently kissed her forehead before drifting off to sleep.

"I am glad so many of our friends came to the party aren't you Valle?" Mariella said as she was towel drying her hair, while Valen was hanging his bath towel. "Of course Mari. It is nice to see everyone after such a long time. I was worried how Wren would be, but she seems to be adapting to this change very well. Now come to bed with me and let us finish where we left off in the shower." He said cheekily as he carefully grabbed her petite body and set her on the bed. "You are such a tease Valle. I love you," she said before kissing him deeply.

*After, 'ahem,' some time*..."You are My Love and she is all of My Life. I don't know what I would do without the two of you." Valen said as he snuggled against the back of Mariella's neck as they lay side by side. Mariella smiled, "I know Honey. It is the same for me. But don't worry, Wren is a strong and capable girl that is handling all this very well." Valen smiled sadly, "It is not just her I worry about Mari. Did you get the test results back? Is the treatment working?" He said in a hopeful tone; Mariella sighed, "I don't want to think of that right now My Love. I just want to spend all the time I have left being surrounded by the people I love the most." She turned around so she was facing him, a tear was running down her cheek, and Valen feared the worst.

"My heart breaks for you Mari, you are so much stronger than I can ever hope to be. I will give you as much as I can in this life, and I will meet you again in our next. Just wait for me okay?" He said softly as he kissed just under her eye. She nodded as more tears fell down her face. He embraced her tightly. "Try and sleep, we have a long day ahead of us." "Good night My Mari," Valen said as he gave her one last kiss. "Goodnight My Valle," she said as she tried to stay positive and ignore the pain in her heart.