Dionte

The six of them are seated around her living room as their typical meeting has begun. This time, everyone is present, with the old man being the last person to join the team. And Dionte is the one to get him caught up on everything that they've learned so far.

Luis adjusts his glasses on the bridge of his nose, an outward sign that he smells trouble in their plan.

"To sum it up, the two of you are going to take a trip to the asylum to see if this woman knows anything? Who's to say she'll be in the right mind to even hold a basic conversation? And why do you think she was put there in the first place?"

"I understand it doesn't sound like the most ideal way to spend the short window we have, but we're running out of options..."

Even if the woman couldn't have the curse uplifted from herself, there might still be something Maggie knows that will help. He prays she does, at least, as they're down to a little over a week before New Year's.

The noisy television does nothing to relieve the tension, but a loud clap of the hands turns everyone's heads to the homeowner.

"Well, since we're sitting ducks until then, why don't we celebrate? The holiday is just around the corner, and we could throw a little Christmas celebration." Chantel places her hands on her hips at the crickets in the room. "Come on, it'll be fun! I know not all of us have plans on Monday."

"B-But I'll be going with my grandparents to house in the morning," Jun-Seo shares, though this doesn't ruin her holiday spirit.

"Then we'll just have it in the evening when we're all available. Oh, we could even do a little gift exchange so we'll each have something to open!"

Her violet eyes sparkle with excitement that matches a child's, and her bubbly attitude is a tad contagious. Still, the latter suggestion has his arms crossed in uncertainty about blindly following her lead.

"A party wouldn't be so bad, but I'm not sure about a gift exchange. I mean, what can we expect to find in only two days?"

To his surprise, Dionte receives a light jab to his side, throwing off his once firm pose on the couch.

"Relax, Mr. Grinch," she teases, and of course, she's aware this isn't about the money. "I'm not saying for us to get anything extravagant. Just a small trinket to spread the joy of the season. We can keep things simple and buy for the person that was next to join the group: You'd get my gift, I'd get Jun's, and so on."

When she puts it that way, it's not such a bad idea... Since Chantel is the Santa putting this in motion, he doesn't imagine she'll be picky with whatever he picks out for her. Her persuasive words have the hesitance of the other four melt like snow during an early spring.

"I think it could be sorta fun," the youngest among them admits, the blonde beside him nodding.

"Why not? I do owe Luis a present after the ding-dong-ditch stuff, and a party is better than sitting like a bump on a log."

A wide grin tugs at Chantel's lips as all members give their participation. "Well, if we're all in agreement, the celebration will commence at seven o'clock sharp. Make sure you aren't late."

...

It's late evening when Dionte walks through the door with a shudder. The heat instantly helps warm him from the low outside temperature, removing his coat and hat. He peeks inside the bag that contains his chosen gift, hoping this isn't a duplicate of something she may already own. I'll have to wrap this up tonight.

After attending church service with the sisters, he visited the store--a few stores to find Chantel a present. The shop keeper insisted these were popular, and it should match her style.

"Hey, Dionte! Welcome back."

The greeting has him jump quickly, hiding the plastic bag behind his back.

"Where did you run off to?"

"I just had to make a few stops, but the icy roads had buses..." his voice trails off, only now noticing the disastrous state the living room is in. There are tangled lights, blow-up characters, and large candy canes among other things scattered across the normally spotless floor. "It's like the North Pole in here..."

"Hahaha, I just went scavenging through the closet for our Christmas decorations. Usually, I do this on the first of the month, but I was out of town then. That and a mutual rude awakening zapped the holiday spirit out of me the past few weeks."

It goes without saying she's referring to the nightmares, and the joyful air has been robbed of him as well.

"But now that we're having a party tomorrow, I've got to make this place more festive. We could really use a hand if you aren't busy?"

He nods, having no qualms about helping contribute. "Sure, what do you need me to do?"

"You can assist my sister with decorating our lovely tree. I'm gonna get this winter wonderland set up before someone trips and hurts themselves."

Dionte obliges, swatting beside the teen who sits on the floor hanging ornaments. These are shiny silver and blue, and the garland and angel topper really bring the tree together.

"I never had a white tree before, but this looks nice. Growing up, I'd go out with my dad and pick a real one that was good and full. I can understand the preference for artificial, though, and those can be dangerous."

They were always careful not to start a fire. However, since he's gotten his own place, he rarely makes time for decorating. It's always pushed off until the last minute, and then he just settles with a little table tree that's packed back up in a week. I guess I really do need to learn how to set aside some downtime.

"Green and red was the year before last's color scheme," Tiara informs, spotting an empty branch to hang another ornament on. "We usually have a different one every year. You see, my sister takes after our dad with this holiday craziness. Mom and I were the ones who would have to reign her in to not go overboard. I'm talking lights blinding to the eyes around our windows and a large floatable sled on the rooftop."

"I can definitely picture that with the holiday tundra surrounding us."

"I've grown numb to it, though I wasn't expecting her to do anything with the nightmares you've been experiencing. Actually, I didn't even want to celebrate the holidays anymore after our parents passed away. It just felt like it would never be the same, but Chantel was the one who pushed for us to still have a Christmas." A nostalgic grin tugs on her lips, and she glances over at the older woman still hard at work. "Despite me acting as a scourge all month long, she did her best to uplift us both on the first one they were gone. Now, I've found contentment in enjoying the day with just the two of us. Even if this year is going to be a little crowded. I know she was being strong for me back then, and it's something I've always admired her for."

The younger sibling's honest words bring warmth to his heart. Their sisterly bond truly is precious, and it would be wise to never be taken for granted. Though thinking about such, his hand freezes with the fragile ornament threatening to crack in his tight grip.

"I wouldn't dare confess it at the time, but I thought it would be fun to have siblings to spend the holidays with as a child. You only have a few more years of school left, so I hope you and Chantel can appreciate every Christmas you're blessed with."

"We definitely will. I'll make room in my schedule to come home for the special days when I'm in college. Although, there are some things I could go without."

Tiara's eyes dart to the noisy source that cheerfully sings along to the stereo. Despite the volume, Chantel's hoarse voice drowns out the singer and causes his exposed ears to cry in misery. His vocal cords couldn't suggest that she simply hum along, but he can't say the same for her clearly annoyed sister.

"Hark the herald angels sing, glory to the newborn king.~"

"You know, your voice doesn't sound very angelic."

"Oh, what was that, little sis?" she questions, feigning ignorance as a playful smirk surfaces. "You want me to sing louder? Don't mind if I do!"

This receives an exaggerated groan from her when Chantel attempts to hit a high note. The sight has a chuckle escape him as they continue putting up the decorations through her nail-biting performance. By the hour they do finish, the space has been transformed to resemble a festive atmosphere out of a storybook. Themed table cloths, reefs hung along the walls, a beautiful activity scene by the fireplace, and more elements adding to the Christmas galore.

"Ugh, I'm exhausted! I'm going upstairs to soak in a hot bath now."

Tiara sluggishly disappears for the bathroom, and the two adults have a seat on the sofa.

"I really like the final product. I know everyone besides Jun will see them when they get back tonight. Still, I had to create the Christmas magic we have here yearly."

"Tiara told me you and your dad were big on decorating. I didn't realize that I missed seeing a house done up with so much effort." He examines the area once more before a frown replaces his smile when noticing the television. Displayed on screen, a holiday program shows a family of four gathered around the table. In particular, one that has two daughters. "I just remembered how Gregory said he was going to be alone for the holiday. It's the first Christmas without not only his wife but also both of his children..."

The twins will still be hospitalized in their curse-induced coma. Whatever grief and loneliness he feels must be immeasurable; nobody desires to spend the 25th of December by themselves. Nonetheless, he can't suggest the obvious before her stopping him.

"I get what you're hinting at, but I don't think that's a good idea. All of us are involved with the twins' condition, in some way or another. Even if it was their choice in the end, that probably won't put him in a jolly enough mood to consider celebrating with us."

"Yeah, I guess you have a point..."

After all, I know personally what everyone has done. He was there in each of their revealing dream states, and only Jun's ended on a good note. Gregory hasn't yet been made aware of the curse, but he must have an idea of who was responsible for his daughters' agony. I wonder if he knew just who I was, would I be included with the rest of them?

...

The festiveness is in full swing with the volume level high inside the William sisters' household. The women are chatting in the kitchen over egg nog and freshly baked cookies, the sweet oatmeal scent lingering in the air. As for the teenagers, Tiara found a board game for them to play, and Jun-Seo's piece reaches home first again. Both girls are rather displeased he won twice in a row, and the laughter from him makes his cataplexy act up. His knees buckle, but this seems to only increase his giggle fit, then challenging him to another round. Lastly, he sits beside Luis on the couch with a classic Christmas movie playing as the two old souls watch.

"It's time for the gift exchange!" Chantel announces, emerging from the kitchen alongside Pravati. "We need to wrap it up before eleven, and Luis was generous enough to adjust his schedule."

The elderly man moves like clockwork; a specific time for each task from sunrise to sunset. That being said, he goes to bed strictly at ten-thirty, but he decided to make an exception for the party.

The six plus Tiara gather around the Christmas tree, the younger sister deciding to watch despite her and Chantel giving their gifts this morning.

"Okay, let's start with our unofficial leader first. What did you get me?"

I never claimed that position, and the gift exchange was her idea to begin with. Still, she has done a lot for them by welcoming the group into her home, so he hands her his very small present.

"I know it isn't much, but Merry Christmas."

Chantel quickly tears off the decorative paper to hold up a flower bracelet twinkling underneath the colorful tree lights.

"You do love flowers, so a store employee helped me pick out one within my budget."

The delayed reaction makes him fear it's not her taste or she already owns it. Thankfully, this is erased by the tugging grin as she tries the jewelry on her wrist.

"This is super cute and a perfect fit too! Thanks a lot, Dionte," she says, not removing the bracelet. "By the way, you were talking, I assumed you settled with an ugly sweater or something. You should give yourself more credit."

Her praise over his thoughtful present has his hand rubbing behind his neck with a sheepish grin.

"I'm just glad you like it."

"I suppose it's my turn to give Jun his now." Chantel searches underneath the white tree to pull out a round object. "Honestly, I had no clue what to get you, though this was all my idea. But when roaming the store aisles, I came across something that resonated with me."

Jun-Seo accepts the unknown object from her hands before carefully unwrapping it. He holds up a little snow globe that has a mama bear hugging her baby cub inside of it.

"This is..."

"You mentioned before that your stuffed bear is long gone, right?"

"Y-Yeah..." He drops his head with his dog letting out a whimper. "I asked her if she had seen it, but my mom said she didn't know where I misplaced it. I don't know if that's really true and it wasn't left in the school pool, or if she was dishonest because of an argument we had that morning."

"Well, I get this can't replace it. Still, I hope that snow globe will be a little reminder of your birth mother."

Tears cloud the boy's vision, though prior to a response, his golden retriever pulls a present out. He's about to stop her when the item inside is shockingly nothing but a chew toy.

"Naturally, I couldn't get you a gift and skip your faithful companion."

Chantel ruffles behind the dog's ears, who barks in delight, and a genuine appreciation from the kid marks a second successful exchange.

The circle continuing, Jun-Seo passes his to the woman beside him. He fidgets a bit, seeming more nervous than himself when handing over his present.

"I didn't have much to buy anything, so I decided on a painting..."

The tiny canvas displays a picture of a calming mountain with the sun's powerful glow illuminating the peak.

"You shared that your name meant 'of the mountain' path when we first met, so I went along with that." His cheeks redden, pulling down the tip of his poor boy cap. "I-It's probably childish."

"No," her motherly tone promptly counters. "It's calming to gaze upon. I'm impressed you managed to do this in a mere two days."

"I got started once I went home after our meeting. I'm happy this dried in enough time to wrap it."

Half of the gift exchange has been completed, with three left remaining. Pravati gives her rectangular wrapped object to the blonde next, which resembles a book. Perhaps, Rebekah suspects the same with her nose crunched up while tearing off the wrapping paper. Though the content isn't exactly what he was expecting, her flipping through the blank pages is with softer eyes.

"At your age, I had a lot of stress weighing on my shoulders. Adolescents can face greater challenges with social media causing drama. A diary would be therapeutic to write down your thoughts instead of posting remarks online."

Pravati's explanation is fitting given her career and past history with Kaleigh. She would understand firsthand the toxicity the internet can bring. Rebekah most likely has a lot on her plate; she did recently ditch the fake friends that were holding her back.

"Thanks, I really need this right now."

Setting her lockable diary aside, Rebekah fetches one of the two last presents laying underneath the tree. This has Luis's name written on it, and she passes the gift to him rather stiffly.

"I did say I owe you after the cracked window. I'm not sure this exactly measures to it..."

He opens the lid to the wide gift with a bow on top, only to be met with another box. It's some kind of jigsaw puzzle and a large size at that, being over 1000 pieces.

Rebekah awkwardly fiddles with her sweatshirt zipper, but her casual stance almost tries to mask her worry of a failed present.

"Old people like time-consuming activities to keep themselves occupied. Plus, this was on sale and it seemed scenic by the picture."

Luis scoffs, pushing up his bifocals to get a better look at the moonlit waterfall. "So you're looping all elderly into the same category? What if I feel puzzles are a waste of the short life left in me?"

"T-Then you can just return it with the receipt and pick out something that's actually worth your attention."

"I simply proposed that puzzles might not be to my liking. On the contrary, I enjoy my brain to be stimulated prior to hitting the sack. This puzzle is one I don't have, so I'll put it in line for the next to tackle."

Rebekah's cheeks turn rosy at the confirmation, and the old man retrieves his gift.

"Lastly is my own, so here you go." 

Dionte accepts the mystery bag from his wrinkled hands, not a clue what it could be as he removes the colorful paper. Outside the bag comes a fancy coffee maker with quite a bit of weight to it. It has several buttons that he doesn't recognize; his broken-down model at home is outdated.

"The sole fact I had to go off of was that you're a coffee addict. So, if you're gonna gulp drinks that rot your teeth, at least make your own to pocket some money. Better than baristas that can spit in her drink if you ask them to correct a mistake they made."

"I-I appreciate it but how much did this cost you? It looks expensive but I can't find a price..."

"I took the price tag off. Not your business how much I spent but that I felt comfortable buying it," he grumbles, though there is a kindness in his firm tone. "You aren't gonna leave it to collect dust on your kitchen counter, are you?"

"No, I'll gladly use this and save daily trips to the coffee shop. Thank you."

The evening ends on a peaceful note with everyone satisfied with their Christmas presents. However, he can't help but remember that dangers will come once three A.M. strikes. Additionally, his trip with Chantel tomorrow can answer the single question that holds their future sanity in the balance. Can this curse be cleansed or is it permanent?

A/N Hello, end of another chapter. Things will pick up again in the next update.