Christmas Perfect
Sunday, December 24, 2006
Mal/Freya series. Just a little ficlet to continue on from CHRISTMAS FUTURE as I like giving presents. Sorry if you don't like reading my stuff, but I am grateful to those who do, and I wish them all the most marvellous Christmas.
CATEGORY: FICTION TIMES READ: 3505 RATING: 9.0 (G) SERIES: FIREFLY
River stepped down into the bunk, nervously fiddling with the small package she had in her hands. “Freya?” she asked. “Are you awake?”
The woman in the bed opened her eyes. “River,” she said, smiling, and sat up. “I wasn’t sleeping, just doing what your brother ordered me to.” River stared. “What is it?”
The girl gestured vaguely. “You’re …”
Freya glanced down and realised the sheet had fallen away from her body somewhat lower than she had expected. She lifted it to cover her breast. “Sorry,” she grinned. “I don’t actually own night wear.”
“I’m sure Mal doesn’t mind,” River said, coming a little closer.
“I thought you’d be here before now,” Freya said, pulling her knees up and hugging them. “Everyone else has been to see me already.”
“Congratulating you?”
Freya laughed. “And saying merry Christmas. It’s been … amazing.” She smiled. “So why haven’t you been before?”
River couldn’t look at her. “I couldn‘t. But I … I wanted to say I’m sorry.”
There was a surprised silence for a moment. “What for?”
“Nearly being the cause this didn’t happen.” River stared down at her hands.
“Honey, it wasn’t and could never be your fault,” Freya said firmly. “You didn’t hurt me because you wanted to.”
“I still did.” Two large salty drops splashed onto her wrist.
“Oh, River, don’t cry.” Freya moved forward in the bed. “Please.”
“I wish it hadn’t happened.”
“So do I, but …” Freya reached out her hand. “ Mei-mei , I’m pregnant.”
River looked up and a smile flashed across her face. “I know.”
“I’m pregnant !” Freya repeated with such joy it would have melted even the hardest heart.
The young psychic’s grin widened. “I know!” she said excitedly, all her sorrow from a moment before forgotten. “Here,” she said, sitting down and holding out the parcel. “Merry Christmas.”
Freya chuckled. “Thank you. You didn’t have to, but thank you. Did Mal -”
“Yes, he did.” River lifted her left wrist to show the silver charm bracelet about it, the littl
There was a small picture on the blanket and he picked it up. Now he couldn’t help but grin. The girl certainly had talent, although he’d never, to his recollection, worn a green floral dress. The colour just didn’t suit him. He stood it up against the bulkhead on the table and turned to look at the two women.
Not wanting to disturb them he tugged his boots off and carefully climbed up the end of the bed until he was behind Freya. He pressed his body against hers, feeling her lean back into him even though she didn’t wake, and he wrapped his arms around her. Small fingers entwined with his and he realised a sleeping River had taken his hand. He closed his eyes, the spirit of the season filling him with a sense of calm that had him asleep in moments.
And don't worry about whether others like your story. Write for yourself.
And of course, I adore Mal at the end. Now, about Hank and Zoe ... when is she going to stop torturing that poor man? I loved him admiting his feelings to her. What a great Christmas present!
Have a great holiday!
You can't take the sky from me
Stilll...beautiful work here, Jane0904! I especially loved the Mal moment when he just watches his wife and surrogate daughter bonding with one another. Though I have to admit I don't quite know how to take Mal's comment about never wearing a green floral dress: honest humour at River's seemingly odd artistic projects or barely disguised grief at seeing what his daughter would have looked like? I know what I want it to be...just don't wanna be missing the point;)
BEB
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