Group Writing Project #5
Authors Note: I do not own these characters, but rest assured that if I did, I would share them and not keep them locked away like the present owners do. I intend no harm to the characters and plan on returning them when I am done.
Another Note: This story comes in the middle of the beginning of something I’ve dreamt up. If you all like it, the whole thing should start to appear next year.
The Best Gift
by Tabatha
December 24, 1943
London, EnglandTrixie sat at her desk at the OSA offices. It was late in the evening, and one by one all of the others had left. Even though a war was going on, people still found time to celebrate Christmas. Most of the others in the office were going to the pub down the street before heading on home.
"Trix? Are you coming?" Honey asked as she gathered her coat, gloves and bag. "I know that you aren’t feeling very festive right now, but it might help distract you for a little while if you do join us."
"Thanks, but no. I’d just bring everybody down with me. I’m going to finish up here and then go on home," Trixie said, trying to smile at her best friend.
"Just keep in mind that tomorrow is Christmas, a day of miracles. You never know what will happen," she replied, giving Trixie a hug as she walked out the door. "I have faith that he’ll be all right. You’ll see, he’ll be fine."
"I hope you’re right, Honey. I hope you’re right," Trixie whispered after she had left. She reached into her bag to pull out the two pieces of paper that contained her world, a letter and a telegram. Both were tear streaked, and now difficult to read. But that no longer mattered, she had them both memorized.
Dear Trixie
You probably know what is about to happen. We’re beginning to move up now, toward Cassino. It will be difficult, but I know we can take it. I don’t have much time, we’re moving out in just a short time, but I wanted to send this to you, to let you know that I love you more than anything in the world. And that if anything should happen to me, I don’t want you to spend your life alone. You have so much love to give and I am honored that you’ve given it to me. You are always with me, in my thoughts, in my prayers. I pray that this nightmare will soon be over and we can be together again. But if something does happen to me, live, Trixie, live.
All my love, now and forever.
Will
~
Ms. Belden
We regret to inform you that Capt. Regan is missing in action. His last known whereabouts is now under the control of friendly forces. More information should be forthcoming shortly.
Col. Alexander
"Lt. Belden!" Captain Mocha called out as he left his office, causing Trixie to jump. "Are you the last one here?"
"Yes sir. I was finishing up some last minute details before leaving." Trixie replied, quickly stuffing the letters back in her bag, and wiping away her tears. "I’ll be going home in a little bit, sir."
"Aren’t you going to join the others?" He asked, pouring the last of the coffee into his mug.
"I don’t believe so, sir. I’m not really in a celebration type mood."
"Still no word about Capt. Regan, then?" Captain Mocha asked, turning to walk back to his office.
"No, sir. None since the telegram last week." Trixie replied, stacking the folders on her desk. "I’ve been told by numerous people that Christmas is the time of miracles and to not give up hope. But, sir, the telegram is over a week old. Surely, somebody, somewhere must know something."
"Lt., you are part of the army, wheels grind slowly. Give it another week or so. Now, close up and go home. I don’t want to see you here when I leave."
"Yes, sir. Thank you, sir." Trixie sighed and took her bag out of the bottom drawer. She then grabbed her coat, scarf and gloves and left the office. She walked toward the underground, but decided to walk instead. It was only a thirty minute walk from the office to the flat she shared with Honey.
As she walked, a light snow began to fall. The snow was doing its best to hide the scars that were scattered throughout the city. Scars left by falling of from the German Luftwaffe. The empty, destroyed homes that mirrored the empty place inside her. The place that only one person could fill.
As she walked, she thought back to the last time she had taken this path. She and Regan were spending every possible moment together before he left to go to Italy. The held hands as they walked, sharing their hopes and dreams for the future. She remembered the last time she had seen him. She had stood on the train platform, waving as his train pulled out. She could see the bright red of his hair as he leaned out the window, waving as he left. His parting words echoed in her head, I am going to marry you, Trixie Belden. "I didn’t get a chance to tell him yes." Trixie whispered.
Trixie crossed Russell Square and climbed the stairs to her flat. No note, no letter, no telegram. She ran a bath, a three inch, tepid water bath, the only kind allowed due to rationing, and climbed into bed. She heard Honey come in not too much later and feigned sleep when she came walked into her bedroom. The flat became quite, the street emptied as curfew came into effect. Trixie lay in bed, tears falling until she eventually drifted off into a fitful sleep.
December 25, 1943
London, EnglandHoney woke up to an insistent knocking on the door. Hurriedly, she grabbed her robe and ran into the living room. She threw open the door to find Dan with a huge grin on his face. Dan stepped inside and Honey saw why he was grinning. Regan, a cast on his arm and a bandage on his check was standing where Dan had been. He was pale, his freckles standing out in stark contrast to the whiteness of his skin.
"How’s Trixie?" he asked, walking inside the door.
"She’s been very worried about you. There’s been nothing since the last telegram saying that you were missing in action," Honey replied, giving him a quick hug. "I can’t think of a better Christmas present than you. Go on, she’s still asleep."
Regan walked down the hall, followed by Honey. "I’m going to get dressed and go over to Jim and Dan’s apartment. We’re having Christmas dinner there. You and Trixie come over when you are ready, okay?" Regan nodded his head as he quietly opened the door to Trixie’s room.
Softly he shut the door behind him, and crossed over to where she slept. He could see the remains of the tears she had cried streaking her face. He sat down beside her and pushed the hair off of her forehead. She slapped at his hand, and her eyes began to open. She stared up at him and then blinked.
"Oh my God! Oh my God! Will!" She cried, sitting up and throwing herself into his arms. "Oh, God! I have missed you so much. Why didn’t you let me know you were okay?"
"I didn’t know they had sent that telegram until I was on my way home. I thought they had sent the wounded one, not the missing. Oh, Trixie, I’ve missed you so much," Regan said, holding her close. "I love you, don’t you know that I would do anything to get back to you."
"Oh, Regan. I love you so much. You are the best gift anybody could ever have," Trixie said, tears once again running down her cheeks.
The End