A Tangled Christmas by Lillian Lark

Author:Lillian Lark
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Lillian Lark
Published: 2020-12-05T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter 3

Matthew

There is something about waking up in a warm bed with the woman you love that makes the day start dazzlingly bright. Neither of us needs to sleep but even after Charlotte discovered her synthetic nature, she prefers keeping some natural cycles. She converted me to the wonders of “sleeping” together and I’ve been a sucker for holding her in my arms ever since.

Which is why Charlotte’s absence when I wake is distressing.

The floor is cold under my feet as I leave behind the empty bed. The apartment is quiet and the faint smell of coffee that flavors the air signals that Charlotte has already completed that morning routine. How did I sleep through that?

I find Charlotte on the couch, steaming coffee in hand, staring at the tree. She doesn’t look at the ornaments or the lights. Her gaze is unseeing. It’s eerie to watch this vibrant woman so locked away with whatever memories are playing through her mind.

Is celebrating a holiday worth causing her this pain?

Last night after the short emotional turmoil from the decorations had steam-rolled the both of us, Charlotte had radiated happiness. Everything felt so new and tinged with emotions I didn’t quite recognize. Her teasing while decorating gingerbread houses. The introspective way she smiled while artistically playing renditions of the same songs I’d heard in department stores. Watching her features and body lit by the colorful light of the Christmas tree when our bodies joined.

The brightness of last night made the tears Charlotte shed at the beginning seem like a distant terrible dream.

But facing the grief on Charlotte’s face in the quiet of the early morning creates a pain in my chest.

“Charlotte,” I interrupt her vigil.

Charlotte’s eyes focus on me and the spark that I gravitate toward lights. No longer are her eyes filled with memories. Her soft smile slays me.

“Matthew.”

I’m inexplicably choked up at the simple way she says my name. She’s returned to me through whatever darkness she’s been walking. Returned to me and will stay with me.

“You should have woken me.” My voice sounds gruff.

“You looked so peaceful. For someone who scoffed at the idea of ‘sleeping,’ you sure seem to enjoy it.”

“I don’t enjoy waking up without my wife.” I admit that I sound grumpy. Charlotte must think so because her soft smile breaks into a grin and I can’t help myself from joining her on the couch and pulling her onto my lap.

“Careful!” Charlotte steadies the mug of coffee in her hands before taking a sip and putting it on the side table.

The Christmas tree does look nice from this spot. Just how it looks in one of the many pictures I’d collected when doing my research for decorating.

“You’re already dressed.” Disappointment flavors my words.

We don’t need to go into the office today because it’s Christmas Eve. It’s better to keep as many people happy in our small company as possible. I have the feeling that before I’d surprised Charlotte last night, she had planned on going into the office despite the holiday.

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