𝐂𝐇𝐀𝐏𝐓𝐄𝐑 𝐄𝐋𝐄𝐕𝐄𝐍:
The mistletoe motive
(1970)

CHRISTMAS HAS ALWAYS BEEN CORAZON'S FAVORITE HOLIDAY. When she thinks about Christmas, all she can remember is a household full of joy, boisterous laughter, the wonderful feeling of unity in the community, and, most of all, love.

And maybe because when she was a child, she always received plenty of aguinaldos from her ninong, aunts, uncles, and sometimes from her parent's closest friends, and her inang always advised her to save the coins that she had received in her coconut alcancia—though Corazon also managed to sneak a centavo off of her savings and buy candy, which now that Corazon thought about it, her mother must have known because she's close with the woman who sells the candy.

Then, when she became a teenager, aguinaldos were replaced with paper bags filled with fruits, nuts, and candies since she was too old to receive money, so her younger siblings were left to enjoy the feeling of being gifted money for Christmas. Corazon soon understood why her brothers constantly tried to bribe her to exchange, but she never fell for their schemes.

Even if they were from a prominent family, her inang and tatang never let it go over their heads that they were wealthy and well-established in their community. Her parents always reminded them to be humble and that being arrogant would get them nowhere, gaining and earning respect above all else, never being consumed by material things. Only when Christmas is near do they receive new clothes, shoes, and toys, so Corazon and her siblings are equal regarding new pairs of items. That's why Christmas stood out the most.

Her parents always take several days to prepare their home for Christmas, Corazon always helped with the general cleaning of the entire household, her mother made new curtains for the doors and windows, and their hardwood floors are polished with coconut husk—then they would get scolded because they were racing around the house using the coconut husk.

Her tatang and older brothers would be busy making lanterns hung in the windows and maintaining the lights, starting on the first night of simbang gabi until the new year. These lanterns were far more fascinating than the electric lights of nowadays since they were shaped like stars, flowers, fish, airplanes, boats, and other objects. Some of them even had moving figures inside of them.

Christmas trees weren't really an essential decoration in their home. It has its charm, of course, and Corazon adored decorating them. Alice is the one who informed her more about the Western culture and the American ways of celebrating occasions like Halloween.

But the brass band, goodness, it was a different sort of magical and whimsical.

During the night of Christmas Eve or Noche Buena, the band would stop in front of each house together, their instruments shining in the glory of the holiday lights. The air would be filled with the mesmerizing sounds of trumpets, tubas, and trombones, beckoning neighbors to their windows and doorsteps. Corazon remembered dancing with her siblings in the streets as they followed the vibrant notes and lively tunes, while her parents enjoyed each other's company in each other's tender embrace while watching their children through the window.

Then, on Christmas day, their community church would send the brass band out in the peaceful early morning hours on a mission of harmony: to wake the town from its slumber for the holy mass. The melodious sounds of the brass instruments softly permeated the streets, creating a melodic tapestry that roused the pious from their restful sleep.

After the evening mass, her family always stopped by the corner of the Church with long rows of crude tables and wooden benches standing under canopies of cloth. The wafting scent of Bibingka never failed to tantalize Corazon as they entered the Church, making her stomach grumble and mouth water with the fragrance of the creaminess and sweetness of the coconut milk. The aroma of the banana leaves, which nestle around the bibingka while it cooks, adds a hint of herbal flavor and a natural touch to the overall fragrance. Until this day, Corazon never wanted to forget how warm, luscious, and delectable it was.

Christmas supper was prepared in the early morning, but Corazon missed the taste of lechon or roasted pig. Her tatang always took that task seriously because roasting the pig takes about five hours or more. It's a scrumptious sight, the browning and crisping of the pig as it slowly turned on a long bamboo pole above live coals—she was always the one whom her tatang asked to take the first taste of the succulent, crispy, and savory cut of the pig skin. Then, it's served on the table along with other delicacies that Corazon missed.

How comforting and warm Christmas is. It always manages to make her feel homesick.

So, Corazon promised to constantly remind herself of the good memories of the past — how her family always brought her peace and comfort because they were happy and content before the war. She's grateful that she has those memories and experiences. She always reminded herself that she needed to write every memory in her human life so she could relive and reminisce again, but there were specific memories that she just wanted to remain in the past where they belonged.

The Cullen household is filled with merriment and brightly colored Christmas decorations. The fireplace's flames cast a cozy and pleasant light, dancing against walls ornamented with holiday décor. Tinsel and garlands adorned the staircase, while delicate glass ornaments sparkled on the towering Christmas tree, which reached towards the high ceilings. Corazon made sure that the outside of the house had different colors and shapes of parols hung on their front porch. Alice meticulously hung delicate strands of twinkling lights on the ceilings. Rosalie and Emmett decorated the Christmas tree, and each of their personal ornaments was displayed. Rosalie hung Edward's angel ornament at the back of the Christmas tree so that nobody would see.

Edward played a festive tune on the grand piano, filling the air with classical melodies that echoed through the corridors. Esme ensured their presents were wrapped beautifully with satin bows and colorful gift wraps. Jasper arranged a selection of scented candles that filled the air with cinnamon, pine, and vanilla notes, creating a fragrant ambiance that added to the joyous atmosphere. Carlisle, ever the compassionate and generous, assembled different charities and orphanages so that they could joyously spread the Christmas spirit to those who need it.

Corazon had celebrated Christmas with the Cullens for two decades. Yet, it always seemed more special and memorable than the last. But before the Cullens, she celebrated Christmas with Alice and Jasper, and one particular Christmas changed a certain perspective of Jasper.

Christmas of 1946. Alice had asked Corazon to pick a Christmas tree. They weren't bonded and intertwined in each other's life the way they are now. After all, she and Jasper are mere acquaintances. She remembered feeling wary of his presence, and Jasper knew it too; that's why they never stayed in one room without Alice because Alice was the only one who connected them to each other. Until Alice decided to change that.

They resided in Portland, Oregon, at the time, and Corazon didn't mind being tasked with picking a Christmas tree; she hadn't done it before, and she wanted to explore the city. She didn't want to wander around the city alone at night, so Jasper accompanied her because Alice was far too occupied with decorating their house.

To say it was awkward was an understatement of the century; it was an uncomfortable symphony of unease that manifested in every hesitant glance and strained smile exchanged between her and Jasper; small talk was never her strong suit. Eyes darted around, avoiding direct contact as if seeking refuge from the awkwardness that seemed to have settled like a heavy fog; Corazon remembered Jasper trying to ease their presence.

A series of awkward exchanges replaced the usual easy flow of conversations when Alice was present. Each attempt at conversation met with the challenge of tiptoeing around sensitive topics and navigating unfamiliar social dynamics between Corazon and Jasper.

But then Corazon heard music from the Jazz club, and her interest was piqued. She wanted to see it herself, so she asked Jasper if they could. She only got an answer with his curt nod as Jasper followed her in his usual stance of preparedness, hands clasped to his back, shoulders straight, chest a bit puffed. His golden blond hair fell in delicate waves that framed his face. Corazon wasn't blind; she always thought Jasper was way too handsome for his own good.

They didn't enter the Jazz club, Corazon still wasn't comfortable in a space filled with men, so they remained outside. Corazon didn't stop her body's natural reaction when it came to music. It reminded her of the theater that featured Bodabil, which Corazon made her family go to whenever they visited Manila.

She always danced along to the tunes. She moved naturally, navigating the small space with precise steps; she'd forgotten that she had company alone. Eyes closed, lost in the intoxicating melodies, and she laughed for the first time in a while. She was enjoying herself and a feeling she hadn't felt in a while.

She opened her eyes, squinting with mirth with a bright smile. Then she looked at Jasper, who looked at her with quiet intensity in his topaz eyes, Corazon would have melted in his gaze, and she suddenly felt shy and embarrassed; she would have been red as a tomato if she was human, though she can still feel it, the rush in her core, rubbing her hands together as she sheepishly smiled at him.

Then Jasper suddenly extended a hand as an invitation to dance. Corazon's eyes were a mix of uncertainty and intrigue as she contemplated the prospect of dancing with him. Jasper, sensing her hesitation, offered a reassuring smile. His hand extended, patient and inviting, waiting for Corazon to decide. After a moment's pause, Corazon finally relented, placing her delicate hand in Jasper's.

Jasper's warm embrace warmed Corazon, and his firm yet tender grip gave her a sense of security that calmed her initial fears. Jasper led their movements while Corazon allowed herself to be swept away by the enchanting embrace, placing her head against his chest where his undead heart resided. They twirled and swayed, and once again, Corazon was reminded that sometimes, giving someone a chance could lead something to this.

After exchanging gifts, Corazon decided to spend her time on the balcony. Snow was something she was fascinated by at first; it added more to the allure of Christmas, but she couldn't help but think that something was missing. As delicate snowflakes descended from the heavens above, she felt a sense of longing.

She heard Jasper's footsteps behind her, always deliberate and subtle. Her surroundings suddenly clouded with the scent of his perfume, a slight hint of pine, a whisper of eucalyptus, and rich cedar that invaded her senses. It was addictive, intoxicating even, and Corazon always liked the freshness of his scent. 

"Can I join you?" Jasper asks. His voice is a low, velvety cadence, and the softness of his accent that Corazon always swooned for. Corazon only managed to release a hum for an answer as she leaned against the silver railings, hands clasped. She felt Jasper beside her as their shoulders brushed, and she felt a shocking wave of electricity on her skin that she thought she could no longer ignore.

She felt something on her nose; it was cold; she scrunched her nose as she released a soft laugh. Jasper was already looking at her with nothing but pure admiration. He smiled, filled with adoration. She looked towards him with a timid smile as Jasper's hand cupped her chin, wiping the tiny snowdrop with his thumb, and Corazon felt herself suck in a breath. Jasper didn't remove his hand from her chin.

Then Corazon blinked rapidly as she tried to look anywhere but his eyes until she looked up, seeing a mistletoe hanging above them. She sighs, defeating Alice. Jasper looked where Corazon's eyes settled, seeing the mistletoe. Corazon mustered up as she finally looked at Jasper, placing a gentle hand against his chest; Jasper's eyes connected with hers, hand still on her chin that sled to her nape, cupping her jaw.

"Corazon," he utters her name, the syllables flowing effortlessly from his lips like a melodic tune. Corazon is entranced with his touches; it's gentle and safe. He held her delicately, and she liked it. His voice takes on an even softer quality—a whisper that only they share in the intimate space between them. "May I?" Corazon feels her undead heart flutter.

Corazon nodded mindlessly, a hand slipped on her waist, his mouth dipping to brush a sweet kiss over hers. She closed her eyes, and suddenly, her surroundings blurred. Her senses focused on nothing but how his lips felt against hers. She wrapped her hands around his neck, deepening the kiss, as her other hand slid to the back of his head, softly grasping his golden blonde hair on her fingers as she felt him pulling her closer to him, consuming, as if time stood still. She could do this forever. Jasper projected everything that he had constantly been feeling for her. It wrapped Corazon in a gentle cocoon, and she knows it now.

Jasper pulled away and rested his forehead against hers, nose brushing. Their eyes remained closed. Corazon rested her arms around his shoulders as her thumb continually soothed his skin; she felt it again, warmth like the sun that brushed her skin, but this time she felt it in her bones; she liked it; she liked the feeling of being in Jasper's arms. They molded into each other's bodies like two perfect pieces in a missing puzzle.

Corazon slowly blinked her eyes open, looking at Jasper's lips. She whispers softly, "What do we do now?" There was a hint of uncertainty and doubt. Because of what they did, there's no going back. Until Jasper replaced it with his certainty, contentment, and overwhelming adoration.

"I can never be your friend," Jasper mutters under his breath, placing both of his hands on her face as his thumbs smoothed over her cheeks, eyes now open and looking at her with the same intensity that he always does, "After that, I want more than just be a friend. When I look at your eyes, I see you with me. Please allow me to court you, and if you don't see anything beyond it afterward, I can be your friend. I can be whatever you want as long as I'm in your life." His tone is firm and confident.

Corazon slowly pulled away, her breath hitched. The admission was unexpected, but she welcomed the feeling of him. She placed her hand on his cheek, looking at him with a tilted head and a smile.

"Yes. You can court me."

Because Corazon has known for a long time that she wanted Jasper more as a friend.

AUTHOR'S NOTE:

━━ I am establishing a new rule that I won't update any chapters until the previous chapter I posted isn't receiving the amount of attention/hype (comments & votes) I would have preferred, so this time I know that ya'll actually want to read my updates. This might get a weekly update if I am satisfied with the feedback!

━━ I suddenly got the cough two days ago, and my body feels like shit. I have a fever rn so I skipped my first day of class👍🏻 Also, Sinta reached 10K reads yesterday! Thank you so much! Love lots!💖

━━ EVERYBODY STAY CALM!! THE SHIP IS SAILING!!