Black Butler FanFic: Black and White Ch. 35

~A Few days later… Christmas Eve~

                I glance up at the clock and check the time. Only a few minutes left before my friends would arrive. This would be the first Christmas Eve that I would be spending with my friends and family. I never would’ve thought that I would be making such a big deal out of this holiday. Well, it wasn’t exactly my choice, but I couldn’t bear to disappoint the people I care about the most. Guess turning eighteen meant I would have to try new things; things I would never expect to face.

                Just before I run out of my room, I check myself in the mirror once more just to make sure everything was in place. I fidget with the same outfit that was suppose to be my birthday outfit. At the last second, I opted out of wearing the clothes Bell got for me for my birthday; I thought it was best just to wear something I was more comfortable with. Plus, the outfit wasn’t exactly my style. But, I couldn’t bear to let a good outfit go to waste as well as disappoint my best friend; I didn’t need to be hearing her whines for the next year. So, for Christmas Eve, I chose to wear the plain brown, long-sleeve dress, which stops just above the knees; taupe leggings and brown over-the-knee socks; and brown leather boots.

    As I finish smoothing over my outfit, I grab the necklace from my bedside table and wrap it around my neck. The necklace itself was a silver chain with my mother’s silver heart-shape locket and father’s blue-stone ring hanging at the end. I’ve would’ve worn the ring in its appropriate place, which was my finger, but my hands were just too small for it to stay in place. The only place it could ever fit was on my thumb, but I was never comfortable with it there. In the end, it would’ve just fallen off my dainty fingers and I might end up losing it forever My hands were much smaller than my fathers, and I never had the time to have the ring fit to my liking. Plus, I just couldn’t bear tamper with something belonging to my father. So, my safest bet was to just leave it latched onto the silver chain, next to my mother’s locket.

                I sigh, realizing to myself that there was nothing else that needed to be fixed. With that, I rush through the doorway and make my way towards the dining room. I wanted to make sure that everything was ship shape. I didn’t want anything to ruin my perfectly good Christmas, especially with the two thorns at my side. If the time had ever come (which, I pray will never come), I want to have some good memories to remember in the end.

                After I rush through the hallways, I, first, walk to the kitchen. After crashing through the door, I notice Aunt Rose taking out her famous pies from the oven. During the holidays, Aunt Rose always made her three signature pies; apple, cherry, and blueberry. Unless I begged very hard, she would only make these treats during the holidays. I could almost taste the sweet pastries and I couldn’t bear to wait another second to devour them. It wasn’t every day that I could eat the best pies I’ve ever had in my life.

                I take in the whiff of the scent as I walk through the room. “Aunt Rose, why do you have torture me for entire year just to wait for your famous pies?” I grasp onto her waist as she carries the desserts to the dining room.

                She giggles. “Oh, quit messing around. I would teach you how to make them if you ever had the time.”

                “But… making the pies is sooo hard. I would rather just eat them.”

                “Then, you’ll just have to wait an entire year to eat them.”

                I groan then slowly slide to the floor, acting like I had just walk through the Amazon Jungle just to get a taste of these pies. Then, I feel a tap on my back. I bring myself off the floor and look at Grell, who was also holding another batch of the pies.

                “If you ever want any, C.L., just make sure to ask me,” he states.

                “You know how to make them?! I thought Aunt Rose was the only one?!”

                He smile. “How do you expect your aunt to make these many pies in a short amount of time? She had no other choice but ask me for help, giving me the recipe in the process.” He places the pies that were in his hand onto the table.

                “Fine. If I ever need you to fix my pie cravings, then I’ll owe you a favor.”

                “Sounds like a deal.”

                I extend out my hand, which he does the same, and we shake hands in order to seal the deal. Then, he walks back into the kitchen to retrieve the rest of our Christmas meal and set them on the table. I walk over to the large Christmas tree residing on the farthest corner of the room. The tree was five meters highs and took up a whole lot of space. Let’s just say that I went a little overboard. But, that didn’t help the fact that there were piles of wrapped boxes under the tree as well, which almost filled every space available from under the tree. Plus, with my friends on their way, the tree and that entire corner will be nothing but filled with boxes.

                I place my arms on my waist and let out a sigh. ‘What was I going to do once all the boxes were placed here? Not to mention, when everything will be unwrapped?’ I thought.

                “C.L.?” I hear Mary say in the distance. I turn my head around only to not find her but instead a large pile of boxes in her place hovering towards my direction. “D-Do you mind helping me?”

                “Woah!” I quickly run towards her then take a few boxes from her hands. “Mary, you know you could’ve just taken two trips instead of bringing all of the gifts?” I walk alongside her then place the boxes next to the tree.

                “But, I have to bring down the gifts Finnick and Brad brought as well.”

                “Why don’t they just do it themselves?”

                “They’re getting the firewood, so I said I would lend them a hand.”

                “Right. Well, there’s no need for you to break your neck, so I’ll help you. There are definitely going to be more where those came from anyways.”

                “Don’t I know it.”

                With that, Mary and I begin our continuous routine of bringing down handfuls of wrapped gifts to the large tree. After countless times (that I happen to have lost count of) in bringing the gifts towards the tree, Mary and I finally set down the last of the remaining gifts that were left. By now, the tree was already overstuffed with gifts but that wasn’t going to be the end of it. I knew it was only going to get bigger over time.

                After setting down the last box, I stretch my back, wipe my forehead of any sweat, and let out a sigh of relief. I didn’t know bringing down boxes could be so difficult.

                “Thank you so much, C.L.; I would’ve been taking trips the whole night.”

                “Don’t mention it. Besides, we’re still going to have to make room. The pile is only going to get bigger from here.”

                “Ugh! Please don’t talk about that. I don’t think I’ll be able to manage.”

                I chuckle. Then, just as I barely got a three-second break, the sound of the doorbell ringing echoes throughout the mansion. “I’ll get it!” I yell.

                “Oh, and here I thought I was going to get a break,” Mary exclaims.

                I giggle then rush through the hallways in order to make it to the front door before anyone decided to ring the doorbell again. I reach the front door then grab the handle and quickly open the door. There, I was met with Stephan and Andrew, who were holding there large piles of gifts.

                “Hey you two; come on in.” I move to the side and allow my friends to enter my home. “Mary! I’m gonna need some help here!”

                I swore I could’ve heard her yell from the dining room. As to what she said, I’d rather not repeat them.

~Time Skip~

                After everyone arrived, we were all situated in our designated seats. I was sitting at one end of the table while Tom was at the other. Sebastian was to my left while Aunt Rose was on my right, with Grell by her side. Beside Grell were Luis, Raina, Brad, and Finnick. On the other side of the table, beside Sebastian was Bell, Edward, Stephen, Andrew, and Mary. Most of them brought over their own dishes so the table was completely packed with food. I don’t even know if we were going to finish everything in one sitting. There was probably going to be a lot of left-overs.

                But, it didn’t matter. Just as we all sit down, we get right onto enjoying our dinner. I practically got a little bit of everything onto my small plate. I wanted to at least savor every dish that was brought over for the holidays, but with all the food that was brought, I highly doubt I could get to everything.

    For the majority of the time, we held small conversations amongst each other. That is, until Bell calls my attention.

                “C.L.!” she calls out.

                I turn from my conversation from Aunt Rose towards her, giving Bell my undivided attention. “What is it, Bell?” I ask.

                “Are you doing anything on New Year’s Eve?”

                “I don’t believe so. Why do you ask?”

                “Okay, good. So, none of you are busy.” By now, she was directing towards everyone at the table.

                “What are you talking about, Bell?” Andrew asks. He was just as confused as I was.

                “What? I can’t make sure that everyone here is free that day?”

                “Not if plans change,” Raina retorts.

                “Exactly; so, what is this about? Are you planning something for that day?” Luis asks.

                “Well, it’s kind of a secret,” Bell states.

                “If it’s a secret, how are we supposed to know what we plan to do on that day?” I question.

                “I just needed to know if you guys weren’t busy for the party!” She quickly clamps her hands onto her mouth. She spilled the beans.

                “Party?!” Andrew and Stephen exclaim. Obviously, the two party animals were the first to jump at the chance.

                “You’re throwing a party?” Stephen asks.

                “No; it’s not my party-“

                “Whose is it’s then?”

                “-It’s Alois’s.”

                Right after hearing his name, I drop the utensils in my hand. I bite my lip; the last thing I needed was to lash out, especially about one of the few people I hate the most.

                “Alois…” I start, “He’s having a party.”

                “Yes. And, he wanted me to invite as much people as I wanted, so you guys are the first people I thought of.” Then, she looks over towards Aunt Rose. “You’re invited too, Miss Phantomhive.”

                “Oh, I don’t think it would be appropriate for me to go, Isabella,” Aunt Rose states. Then, she takes a sip of her wine.

                “Don’t be silly! Alois is literally inviting all of London, so you’re all invited!”

                “A party! How exciting!” Mary shouts out.

                “I can’t wait!” Finnick shouts after her.

                Soon after, everyone was agreeing to attend the huge celebration.

    Of course, everyone besides me. I was too busy staring at the flower-filled vase to even join the conversation. Then, I was brought out of my mind when I felt Aunt Rose tap my shoulder. I jump in response then look at her.

                “C.L., dear, are you going to go with us?”

                I open my mouth but no words come out. I look over at everyone else who had the same look of anticipation before looking down at my plate, which was nearly empty.

                “I-“ I was barely able to squeak out. “I’m not sure.”

                “What?! But, you said you were free,” Bell states.

                “No. I said I wasn’t sure!” I shout.

    With that, silence shadowed throughout the room. I look down at my hands only to realize that Sebastian was slowly creeping his own towards mine, trying to grab my hand in order calm me down. But, I quickly snatch my hands away before he had the chance. I slowly rise from my seat. Aunt Rose looks at my direction.

                “If you’ll excuse me, I need some fresh air,” I whisper to her.

    Before I could see her response, I walk away from the table and quickly walk towards the patio. I shut the door behind me and walk towards the stone railing separating the home from the yard.

                Once there, I place my elbows on the stone and rest my head on my hands, letting out an exasperated sigh in the process, then comb my hands through my hair. Clearly, Alois and Claude were planning this for a while now. They needed leverage in order for me to even step foot in Alois’s home. They wanted me to enter the spider’s web. They’ve been doing everything in their power in order to make my life miserable. They want me to comply with their demands, and if I don’t, they just want me to end up in a corner until I do. Sometimes, I just wish I never had these powers or, better, were never born in the first place.

                Before I could continue to savor my time alone, I begin hearing footsteps coming closer towards me. I abruptly turn, thinking it was either Alois or Claude trying to sneak up behind me, but only find Edward just a couple meters behind me.

                He holds his hands up in defense. “Woah! It’s just me.”

                “Sorry… I thought you were someone else.”

                “I didn’t mean to scare you.”

                “It’s alright.” I loosen my tight grip on the railing. “So, what are you doing out here?” I question.

                He scratches the back of his head as he slowly, but surely, makes his way towards me. “Well… uh, I just wanted to give you my gift.”

                “But, we’re going to exchanges gifts in a while.”

               “I know, but I want to give you mine first.” Once he stood in front of me, he moves his hand from his back and reveals the present. In his hands, he held onto a white stuffed bunny with a blue ribbon wrapped around its neck, and in one of its arms, a gold charm bracelet was hanging. The stuffed figure reminded me of a toy as a child.

                “Oh my gosh… It’s looks exactly like Mr. Bunz.”

                “I know.”

                “How did you get this? I can’t believe you remembered about him.”

                “I never stopped forgetting.”

                I look up at him.

                “Ever since you lost him when we were seven, I never stopped looking for one that looked exactly like ‘Mr. Bunz’.”

                “It must’ve taken you ages.”

                “Oh, it has, but for you, it’s all worth it.”

                “What?” I take the stuffed animal just as he clips the bracelet around my wrist. “You didn’t have to do that.”

                “I know, but I wanted to. For you, I would do anything.”

                Slowly, I could feel my cheeks getting warmer.

                “I love you, C.L..” He blurts out just before he uses his hands to clamp his mouth shut. Seriously, he was too much like his sister, but they are twins after all.

                “W-What?” By now, I was blushing bright red.

                He lets out an exasperated sigh. “I love you, okay? I’ve always loved you, C.L.. Ever since we were children, I always knew that I loved you.”

                I grip onto the bunny tighter. My mouth was open but I couldn’t form the words to come out. I mean, what was I suppose to say? I don’t know how I feel; I don’t know what I’m suppose to feel? I know, I’ve known Edward all my life but… what am I suppose to feel? Now, my brain can’t even function anymore! I don’t know what I’m going to say. Words can’t even form in my brain anymore. So, I simply stood there without saying a word, with my mouth wide open.

                “Look, I know that you feel something too. I know that you might feel the same way.”

                “H-How could you possibly know?” I was finally able to spit out.

                “Ever since we danced together during the dance, I could feel that something changed between us. You started to feel something.”

                “B-But… Even if I did feel something… You know I’m dating Sebastian!”

                He breathes out a puff of air. “I know you are, C.L., but that isn’t stopping you from thinking about the feelings you have for me.”

                “But-… I can’t be thinking that because I love Sebastian.”

                He chuckles. “You know, isn’t it funny that the minute you start developing these feelings towards me, and I know they’re there, Sebastian somehow comes in and sweeps you off your feet.”

                I couldn’t give a response.

                “It’s almost like he knew exactly when to come in and proclaim his love towards you. And, POOF! You two are a couple. Just the minute when you start have feelings for the first time in your life, he knew to come for you.”

                I was practically shaking on the spot. I couldn’t think of any logical way to respond to that because, for the most part, I feel like he may be right. But, now, I just can’t be sure. I simply stood there, without giving Edward the proper response.

                He scoffs then looks back at the door, but just before he left, he glances at me one last time. “Look, you have to figure these things out on your own. You have to figure out what you’re feeling on your own; no one else can help you. And once you figure out what exactly you’re feeling, then figure out who it’s to. This is your decision. I’ll wait for you when the time comes, and if these feelings aren’t towards me, I’ll still love you. I always have loved you for as long as I can remember.” With that, he turns around and walks away from me.

                Just as I was going to reach out towards him, I notice another figure coming at my direction. The figure passes by Edward, and they actually bump shoulders. Then, they glance at each other’s direction before looking away from each other. Then, as I focus my attention away from Edward, I notice Sebastian standing in front of me. Even when he was in front of me, I couldn’t even think of the words to say to him.

                “What’s the matter, Catherine?” Sebastian asks. He uses his hand to tilt my head up and look him in the eyes, but even then, I couldn’t say anything. “Why won’t you say something?”

                I open my mouth but, yet again, no words were coming out. I think the only thing that would eventually come out were tears. I’m so confused that I don’t even know how to respond to anything.

                Then, before he says anything else, he leans down and presses his lips on my forehead. Somehow, that seem to calm me down, but only a tiny bit. Just as he moves away from me, I feel him grab onto my left hand. I look down in time to see place a ring onto my middle finger. The ring itself was a skinny silver band, which happens to fit perfectly on my small finger, and the gem on top was a small, round deep blue stone. In fact, the ring looks similar to that of my father’s.

                With that, I pick up my necklace only to find that my mother’s locket was the only thing hanging from the silver chain. The ring was completely missing from the necklace.

                “H-How-“

                “I managed to take it while you weren’t looking.”

                Once he finishes adjusting the ring on my finger, I take my hand and look closely at the jewelry. “But, how-“

                “I know how much you want be to be able to wear your father’s ring, so I customized it so it could be your own.”

                “I can’t believe you did this,” I softly whisper.

                “I just wanted to do something for the woman I love the most.”

                I wanted to thank Sebastian for the amazing gift, but I couldn’t bring myself to form the words. What was I suppose to say if my brain wasn’t even functioning correctly? Then, before I could even reply, I push past him and run back inside. I run back inside the manor, leaving behind a shocked demon who simply stood there watching me take my leave.

~Time Skip~

                After all the conflict I was a part of, I went inside the manor and tried my best to get back into the festivities, but somehow, I couldn’t bring myself to do it. I couldn’t bring myself to put on a smile if I didn’t even feel the same on the inside. Luckily, time went by quicker than expected, and before I knew it, I was already saying good-bye to the last of the guests. After I shut the door close, I dash from the front door and through the hallways. Then, after going through the dining room, I run across the patio and enter the greenhouse.

                The only way I could ever relax now was by inhaling the sweet smell of Finnick’s prized roses. I knew those flowers would calm my nerves and ease my mind.

                After closing the door, I walk past the row of rose bushes and sit myself on a concrete bench. I place my hands on my lap and inhale the sweet air surrounding me. I scan through the rows of red roses, but quickly spot something out of place. In the group of red roses, a pastel blue spot stuck out like a sore thumb.

                I slowly rise from my seat and cautiously make my way towards the flower. Once I reach the rose bush, I lean my hand in and use my fingers to pinch the stem of the blue rose; then pick up the delicate flower. Once releasing the rose from the bush, a ribbon and small piece of paper plop out from the greenery. The crimson red ribbon was practically a red light for me. I knew that only one person could’ve sent it to me. With my shaking hands, I grab the note hanging on the side.

                On the front, it read, “To: C.L.”. I take in a deep breath then flip the paper over, and on the other side, it wrote, “If you know what was good for you, you would gladly attend Alois’s festivities, unless you want anyone else to suffer the consequences.”

                Before I even had the chance to throw the flower away from me, as if it was a poisonous snake, the front door of the greenhouse squeaks open. “Catherine?” Sebastian speaks out.

                I close my eyes then quickly rip the note away from the rose, drop the flower onto the dirt floor below me then push it aside, place the note inside my bra, and turn to face Sebastian just as he reaches me. I tried my best to keep my face as blank as possible, but my fear was so strong that nothing could conceal it.

                “Catherine, please don’t hide anything from me. What’s the matter?”

                I sigh then smile. “I’m fine. It’s just… I’ve decided that I will be attending Alois’s New Year’s party.”