10 Chapter 9: Scarlett

Scarlett woke up later than usual. She spent most of her time in her room, resting. Activity in the building was growing, but she hadn't had a chance to see what the fuss was about. It was still winter time, nearing the end of the year.

She knew of celebrations, but never participated. Slaves did not participate in any fashion other than being gifts themselves. She remembered one year, when she was 16, she www given to an older vampire by his wife. She spent a few months with him until he was done with her.

Oh.. the holidays.

Scarlett fiddled with her shirt sleeve, sitting up in bed, propping herself up. There was laughter outside her door. She moved to get up, just in time for a knock.

"W-Who is it?"

"Justine."

"C-come in."

Justine came in, smiling from ear to ear. She had a small box wrapped in colorful paper, a bow to top it off. She stood in front of Scarlett and handed it over. Scarlett took the box, then shook it gently. "What is..?"

"You have to open it to find out. That's apart of the fun."

"...is everyone g-getting..?"

"Yes. It's a traditional human holiday called Christmas. I'm sure you've been apart of celebrations. Vampires.. like to sometimes be like humans, ya know? They want to blend in sometimes."

Scarlett nodded her head, repeating, "Christmas," to herself. She smiled and tore open the paper. It took her a little bit, as the gift was well wrapped. A small, silver box sat in her hands. She glanced over to her friend before opening it, revealing a beautiful gold necklace. It was a locket, heart shaped. Inside was a picture of her and Justine.

"It's so... when you go back to Jax, you'll have a piece of me with you." Justine explained, watching her friend's face carefully. "Do you like it?" Scarlett took the necklace from the box and put it on. She spun the chain around so the latch was hidden.

A tear fell down Scarlett's cheek. "I-I've never.. ever g-gotten something l-like.." she swallowed, "like this b-before. Thank y-you." She then enveloped Justine into a hug, arms wrapped around her neck tightly. They embraced for a moment, before pulling away from each other.

"Come on, I think a few others have something for you too." Justine took the werewolf's hand, leading her outside into the main room. In one corner, a large tree was decorated with lights and ornaments. Some were plastic, some were glass, and some were photos. The star at the top was lit too. She had only seen a Christmas tree a few times in her life. Lights hung from the ceiling, a festive red rug was rolled out, gifts stacked by the tree. Despite not having much in the first place, they really knew how to celebrate.

Scarlett was amazed by the decorations. She took a moment to enjoy the lights and the ornaments... and the rug was so soft. She looked down at her bare feet, wiggling her toes on the rug. Soft indeed.

A few people came up to her and handed her gifts, some she didn't even know well. They were all sizes, including a rather heavy box. Children ran up to her, giggling and laughing and also giving Scarlett something too. Most of them were drawings or hand-made cards. Despite the material things she got, receiving gifts from the children was the best part.

❧

Later that evening, Scarlett unwrapped all her gifts. It was mainly new clothes and a few knick-knacks for her to have. A few sweaters and shirts, a dress and a pair of jeans. This was the most clothes she's ever had to her name.

The heavy box, although, was calling her name. She was reluctant to open it, but not because she was scared, but because she was nervous. She tried shaking it but the object didn't budge. Making a face of determination, she got to work unwrapping it.

Through layers of paper, it was bubble wrapped. She tore off the bubble wrap, being careful to not harm the object. It was black and heavy. Once the bubble wrap was off, she opened the box. It was a hand-carved jewelry box, one that she could use in the future. It had her name carved in the top. On the bottom it was signed by the group member that made it.

She hugged it close to her chest. It was just a box, yes, but it was *her* box. Her box where she can put *her* things.

She set it on the nightstand by her bed, then folded her clothes and put them away in the wardrobe. Part of her felt bad, as she didn't even think to get anyone a gift—let alone know that she was getting some. She didn't even think that they would celebrate, that the day would just go by.. but, she was happy. If only Jax were there to spend it with her, it would be the icing on the cake.