Chapter 6
“That was good timing.” Shawn said as Belle climbed out of her car at the same time he did. “It’s nice to see you again. What story are you telling tonight?”
“I haven’t decided yet.” Belle said smiling at him. She was enjoying the ornaments that he was giving her. “Shawn, what are you trying to do with the gifts you’ve been leaving in my car?”
Shawn blushed at her question. He’d known she’d seen the gifts but didn’t know if she’d known where they’d come from. “I don’t really know.” He said shrugging his shoulders. “I guess your stories helped me feel not so lonely this year and I wanted to let you know that I did remember them.”
“Lonely?” Belle asked giving him a doubting look. When she’d left for school, he and Jan were getting married. “What about Jan, your wife?”
“Um, Jan and I never got married.” Shawn said looking at her strangely. “I wrote you a letter after you left. Didn’t you get it?”
Belle frowned remembering the letter she’d gotten from him that September. “I threw it out.” She said feeling slightly bad for not reading it. “What did it say?”
“Jan wasn’t pregnant.” Shawn said shoving his hands into his pockets. “When she was hospitalized she lost the baby. To keep me from you, she lied and she was still pregnant.”
“I hope you don’t think that changes everything.” Belle said crossing her arms over her chest. “You still cheated on me with her.”
“You parents didn’t tell you anything that went on here did they?” Shawn asked shaking his head. He’d know that the Black’s weren’t his biggest fans, but he figured that the truth would come out. “Jan and I never slept together. I was covering for Paul Mendez. He raped her that summer and to keep her from having an abortion I said I would be the father and marry her.”
“You weren’t the father?” Belle asked in disbelief. She’d gone all this time hating him because he’d been unfaithful. “I’m sorry Shawn; I don’t have time for this. I have a story to tell.” She turned and headed into the building. Not wasting any time, she took her seat and started talking. “I’ve got the perfect story for you all tonight. I was 15 and at my best friend’s parent had just gotten married…”
***
“Are you sure we should be over here?” Belle asked Shawn as they moved to a secluded area of the pond. “I mean, won’t our parents worry about us?”
“They know you’re safe with me.” Shawn said pulling her along on her skates. “I wanted to get a dance with you where out families aren’t going to make fun of us.”
“Isn’t it a little hard to dance on skates?” Belle asked wondering why she wasn’t feeling cold. “I mean, how are you supposed to move with out falling?”
“Easy,” Shawn said moving to where he’d stashed a small CD player. “I'll play a song and you and I will move around the ice to it. You up for it?”
“Sure.” Belle said turning in a small circle as he set up the music. She’d taken a few lessons as a child and was pretty comfortable on the ice. “Dancing should be a piece of cake.”
“Ice cream cake?” Shawn asked smiling at her as the music started. He smoothly glided over to her and offered her his hand. “May I have this dance?”
“You may,” Belle said taking his hand and allowing him to lead her around the ice. Shawn was pretty good on his feet.
Motel sitting in the dark
Empty room like an empty heart
Love will start but they never stay
They don't look back as they drive away
Maybe I
Fix this broken head light
Feeling the cracks and pain arise
And maybe love will stop here tonight
Belle squealed as Shawn dipped her back, almost touching her hair on the ice. He quickly pulled her up and spun around with her in his arms.
And if she knocks on my door
I’ll give her the key
Just one look in her eyes and I know I’ll be
Everything that she sees in me
More than I ever thought I could be but
These are the days
When all that I can do is dream
But I don't wanna spend forever
living in the in between
I'm stuck here in a place without love
And I just can't let it stay this way
But for now I’m gonna have to face it
These are the days
Gotta use this lonely time
To change the picture in my frame of mind
Outside the window there’s a sunny day
I wanna feel it on my face
You and I
Are out looking for the same thing
And these walls of wondering
Waiting for someone to share this feeling
And if she knocks on my door
I’ll give her the key
Just one look in her eyes and I know I'll be
Everything that she sees in me
More than I ever thought I could be but
“You look beautiful tonight.” Shawn said as he pulled her close. She looked up at him and he could feel her breath on his lips. He pulled away as he felt the urge to kiss her.
These are the days
When all that I can do is dream
But I don't wanna spend forever
living in the in between
I'm stuck here in a place without love
And I just can't let it stay this way
But for now I’m gonna have to face it
These are the days
These are the days between your hopes and fears
These are the moments that are still locked here
There still inside even if she will not hear
Like it or not this is what I got
Ohhh God
Belle closed her eyes as he glided along with her. She felt completely safe in his arms, and knew he would lead her where she needed to be.
These are the days
When all that I can do is dream
But I don't wanna spend forever
living in the in between and
I'm stuck here in a place without love
And I just can't let it stay this way (yeah)
But for now I’m gonna have to face it cause
These are the days
These are the days
When all that I can do is dream
But I don't wanna spend forever
living in the in between
I'm stuck here in a place without love
And i just can't let it stay this way
But for now I’m gonna have to face it
These are the days
Shawn pulled her tight against his body as the song ended. Her lips were so close to his. He slowly lowered his lips towards hers, but the change in their orientation caused them to start to fall. Not wanting her to end up on her back in the cold snow, he pulled her back and they both toppled over.
“Shawn, you’re a klutz!” Belle exclaimed as he landed in the snow. She smiled at him and suddenly her lips were inches from his. She swallowed hard, “what are we doing?” Her voice was quiet and husky.
“I think we’re about to kiss.” Shawn replied as she closed her eyes. He started to move his lips over those last few inches.
“Shawn, Belle!” Hope called as she and Bo skated over to the teenagers who were laying in the snow. “Are you two ok?”
“We’re fine,” Belle said as Shawn helped her up. She cleaned the snow up off the skirt of her dress and smiled at the happy couple. “We were trying our hand at ice dancing. You can see how it went.”
“Yes we can.” Bo said looking at Hope with a gleam in his eye. “Are you coming back to the reception or are you staying here?”
“We’re coming.” Shawn said taking Belle’s hand and pulling her away from his parents. “I will find the perfect time to kiss you Isabella Black, and when I do, be ready.”
***
“Did you ever get to kiss?” Noelle asked curiously. She knew she asked a lot of questions, but that was how one learned new things.
“Yes we did.” Shawn replied before Belle could. “But it wasn’t until that summer. We went to Puerto Rico and it happened there.” He smiled at Belle.
Noelle jumped off Shawn’s lap and up onto Belle’s. “Is he a good kisser?” She asked smiling at him.
“I’m not sure.” Belle admitted looking straight at the little girl. “I haven’t kissed any other guys so I have nothing to compare to.”
<><><>
“Were you trying to shut her up or were you telling her the truth?” Shawn asked as he followed Belle out into the night. He pulled his hands up into his sleeves, trying to keep them warm.
“I wouldn’t lie to a child.” Belle said leaning against her car. She’d gotten to her car first so she knew she wouldn’t be getting an ornament tonight. “I’ve only dated a few men in the past few years. I didn’t love any of them.”
“Do you love me?” Shawn asked looking at her with a lonely expression.
“I'll always love you Shawn.” Belle said putting her keys in the door. “But things are different now. We can’t do this again. We need to move on. Listen, I'll be back tomorrow night, we can talk more then. Will you be here?”
“Waiting for you,” Shawn said reaching into his pocket and handing her the box he’d been hiding. “Good night.” He turned and climbed into his car.
Belle stood there and watched him leave. She felt a tug on her heart as his car drove away. Pulling on the bow, she quickly opened the box. Inside was a sliver sleigh ornament with a picture. Belle smiled at the memory. They were on stage, holding hands, looking into each others eyes and singing. ‘Maybe I’m wrong, I do love Shawn. If he loves me, why can’t we try again?’
Chapter 7
“This will be one of my last stories.” Belle said to the children as she rubbed her swollen face. “And I’m sorry if I seem a little slow. I was in a car accident this morning and my face hurts.”
“Are you ok?” Shawn asked as Noelle threw her arms around his neck and sobbed. He smoothed his hand over her shinny blonde hair and whispered reassuring words to her.
“I’m fine, don’t worry about me.” Belle said giving him a smile “My car’s not though. Looks like I get to go car shopping after Christmas. I had to borrow my brother’s car to come here tonight.” She looked at Noelle’s tears and held her arms out to the little girl. Noelle ran to her and crawled up on to her lap. “Don’t worry about it sweetie. I guess this sort of suits my story for tonight. It’s sort of sad.”
“Sad, why’s it sad?” Shawn asked unsure if this one involved him.
“This one happened about 6 years ago.” Belle said looking deep into his eyes. “We were 17 and Shawn’s family had just found out that JT wasn’t their little boy and they were going to have to give him back…”
***
“Are you sure?” Belle asked Shawn as they sat at dot com, the local teen hang out. “I mean JT isn’t your little brother?”
“No.” Shawn said shaking his head. There had been a dispute over whether there had been a mess up at the hospital and two babies had been switched. “JT is Glen Ribers son and they’re taking him home on Christmas day.”
“Christmas Day?” Belle asked not believing what he was saying. “They’re going to take him on the happiest day of the year? How is that good for a child?”
“I don’t think it is.” Shawn said looking at her with a sad face. “And Isaac Carver is really my little brother. He comes to live with us on Christmas Day too. I don’t think it’s fair. We’ve raised JT since he was a baby and took care of him when he was sick. Why should this man who left JT’s mother get to come and claim him from a happy home?”
“It’s not fair at all.” Belle said giving him a hug. “Why don’t you go home and spend some time with him. I mean, it’s Christmas Eve now. He leaves tomorrow.”
“I wanted to spend some time with you.” Shawn said as he inhaled the scent of her perfume. “I’d planned on us spending the day together then going to mass.”
“You should be with JT.” Belle said smiling at him. “Don’t worry about me. You’ll have me for the rest of our lives if you want. You only have one day left with him.” She touched his cheek and then kissed him lightly. “It wont hurt my feelings to have him chosen over me.”
“I’m not going to choose either one of you.” Shawn said grabbing Belle’s hand and pulling her to her feet. “Come with me. You love JT too and you deserve to spend time with him just as much as I do.”
“I don’t want to intrude on your parents time with him.” Belle said pulling back on his arm. “I’m not really family Shawn. I know you like to think I am, but I’m really not.”
“You are in all our eyes.” Shawn said stopping to look at her. “You know my parents would like for you to be there. And you’re my shoulder to cry on, so you know I’m going to need you.”
“Ok.” Belle agreed reluctantly. “Let’s go make this the best Christmas that little guy has ever had!”
<><><>
“Smile JT!” Belle called as she snapped a picture of the Brady family. They were all gathered in front of the tree in Santa hats. “Great job!”
“Up!” JT called holding his arms out to Belle. It wasn’t often that the girl was around and he wondered why. He touched her soft curls and smiled. “You have pretty hair Belle.”
“So do you.” Belle said giving the little boy a big kiss. “Do you want some more Jell-O?”
“Yes!” JT exclaimed wiggling out of her arms.
“I told you that you were wanted here.” Shawn said slipping his arm around her shoulders. “He loves you too.”
“Look at me!” JT called as he stood in front of a big bowl of Jell-O. “I can bath in it!” He quickly smashed his head down into the red gel and came back up with a huge grin on his face. He was glad to see his family laughing “See? All clean!”
<><><>
“Movie please,” JT said as he snuggled down on the couch between his parents. It was late but he wasn’t quite tired yet.
“Ok.” Shawn said as the phone rang. “Hold it buddy.” He moved and picked the phone up on it’s third ring. “Hello? Yeah, just one second,” He handed the phone to Belle. “It’s for you.”
“Hello?” Belle said taking the phone. “Where are you? Oh no! Yeah I'll be ok. Be careful. I love you too.” She hung up with a sad look.
“What is it dear?” Hope asked as Shawn popped a video in the VCR. “Is everything ok?”
“My parents had to leave for Paris.” Belle said frowning. “Eric and Greta’s baby is on the way. I get to spend Christmas by myself.”
“Why don’t you stay with us?” Bo asked nonchalantly. “That way you’re not alone when you wake up in the morning. We can fix up the guest room for you. Or you can join the slumber party that will take place in JT’s room.”
“I’d like that.” Belle said smiling. “Maybe Shawn could drive me over to the penthouse and I can pick up some clothes.” She sent him a smile, feeling slightly guilty about taking him away from his family.
“Bring over your presents too.” Hope said reaching for the phone. “I'll call your parents and tell them. Leave the biggest ones so they can watch you open them.”
“I will.” Belle said as she and Shawn headed for the door. “Thank you guys for letting me share this with you.”
Shawn smiled as they climbed into the car. “I told you that you were part of the family.”
<><><>
“Morning,” Shawn whispered as he moved his sleeping bag over by Belle’s. True to the words, the entire family had slept in JT’s room, Belle included. “Merry Christmas,” He kissed her softly and chuckled when she jumped.
“Merry Christmas,” She whispered back. She smiled at him and then lay her head on his shoulder. “I can’t believe we slept here all night.”
“Shawn!” JT called softly. “Up! It’s Christmas morning!”
“A little louder JT, wake up mommy.” Shawn whispered pointing to where his mother was sleeping in a rocking chair. “Yell her name really loud.”
JT grinned as his brother told him what to do. “MOMMY!” He screeched as loud as he could.
Hope jumped clean out of the chair at the sound of JT’s voice. “What’s wrong?” She asked looking at her little boy. The response was laughter from the three young people. “That’s not very nice you three, I was sleeping.”
“Mommy its Christmas,” JT explained as his father climbed up off the floor and smiled at him. “Ho Ho came last night.” He reached up and his mother picked him up.
“Well then we’d better go down and see what he brought you.” Hope said as they all headed down the stairs. It was a bitter sweet morning for them, but she hoped everything would turn out right.
***
“I know the story has not real ending.” Belle said looking at Shawn’s teary eyes. “But that was a hard Christmas for everyone. JT went to live in Iowa and is very happy. It was hard for his family to say good bye but I’m glad I was there.”
“Do you see him still?” Noelle asked looking up at Shawn. She knew what it was like to have to lose her family and was sad for the little boy.
“I'll get to see him this year.” Shawn said smiling at Belle. “He’s coming after Christmas to see my family.”
“I’m glad.” Noelle said as all the other kids left for bed. “I have a question. Why are you not in love anymore? You had such happy times.”
“It’s complicated.” Belle said coming over and sitting closer to her and Shawn. “But we’re still friends so that’s good.”
“I think you still love each other.” Noelle said shaking her head. “Do you know what my Christmas wish is? I want you two to be happy and with each other. Can you do that? No one needs to be alone on Christmas.”
<><><>
“That was strange.” Belle said as she and Shawn headed out into the night. “She thinks so with such a mature tone. I can’t believe she’s only 5.”
“I know what you mean.” Shawn agreed. Noelle’s request had shocked them both. “But I can’t help but agree with her.”
“I agree with her too Shawn.” Belle said looking at him with a hurt expression. “But I can’t forget what happened. I can’t forget your lies.”
“I know.” Shawn said, his hopes and dreams being smashed. “Listen, I’d love to talk for a while, but I’m on patrol in an hour.” He handed her a box. He watched her open it and smile.
“Thank you Shawn.” Belle said as she looked at the skate shaped ornament. There was a picture of them laying in the snow that Bo and Hope must have snapped. “I have something for you too.” She handed him a box.
Shawn looked at her curiously as he opened the box. It was an ornament from the collection he’d been buying and there was a picture of him and JT in it, taken on that Christmas Eve. “Thank you Belle.” He said in a choked voice. “I love it.”
“Would you like to tell tomorrow’s story?” Belle asked as she watched him stare at the shiny ornament. “I don’t have anymore to tell.”
“I’d love to.” Shawn said smiling at her. He stepped towards her and kissed her on the cheek. “I know the perfect one.” He turned and headed away, leaving her standing there in shock.
Chapter 8
“Good evening.” Shawn said as he waited for Belle at door. “How do you feel tonight?”
“I feel fine.” Belle said blushing. She stood in shock for over 10 minutes the night before then realized her heart was pounding. “Are you ready to tell your story?”
“You know I am.” Shawn said offering his arm and leading her inside. Noelle looked at them funny when he took Belle’s chair. “Alright guys, I’m telling the story tonight. This one happened in 2001, I decided to take Belle up to a favourite spot and tell her something special…”
***
“Shawn where are we?” Belle asked as she heard Shawn stop the truck. He’d insisted in blindfolding her before they could go anywhere.
“Stay right here.” Shawn said climbing out of the truck and hurrying over to her side. He turned and smiled at the work he’d done earlier that day and then opened her door. “Climb out and I'll show you where we are.”
“Out in the cold?” Belle asked as he helped her out of the truck. “I’m going to freeze out here. I’m in a dress remember?”
“You’ll be fine.” Shawn reassured her as he closed the door. “I’m going to take off the blindfold, but keep you eyes closed ok?” Belle nodded as he removed the cloth from her eyes. “Ok, open then.”
Belle opened her eyes to see a snowman standing in front of her. Pinned neatly to the large creature was a simple heart with three words written on it. “Oh Shawn,” She said covering her mouth with her hands.
“I love you Belle Black.” Shawn said taking those hands into his. “I just wanted to show you in a special way.” He kissed her hands before bringing her lips to his in a slow kiss.
“I love you too.” Belle said in a soft voice. “I always have.”
***
“I know it was short, but sadly, we both have to be in church in 25 minutes.” Shawn said smiling at Belle’s smile. “So I want to wish you all a Merry Christmas and I'll stop in and see you all when I get a chance.”
“Merry Christmas!” The kids called as they hurried to their rooms to get ready for bed.
“Did you think about what I said?” Noelle asked as she followed them out into the lobby.
“We’ll let you know.” Belle said giving the little girl a hug. “Now, you go and get some sleep. There is a special gift under the tree from me for you tomorrow.”
“Thank you.” Noelle said moving to give Shawn a hug. “Think about what I said.” She turned and hurried away.
“Do you think she’ll give up?” Belle asked Shawn as they headed out into the falling snow. “I mean, is she old enough to understand what she’s asking?”
“I think she is.” Shawn said pausing to look at Belle. Making a quick decision he grabbed her and pulled her into a kiss. The same kind he’d given her that night up on lookout point. Belle didn’t pull away and he deepened the kiss. “I still love you Belle. Why can’t we give it another try?”
“Are you going to break my heart?” Belle asked looking up at him with tears in her eyes. “I can’t live through that again.” She rested her head on his shoulder and cried softly for the time they’d lost together.
“You know I won’t.” Shawn said smiling at her head. This is what he’d waited 6 years for. “Do you want to drop Brady’s car off and I'll drive you to mass?”
“Sure.” Belle said smiling at him. She climbed into her car and headed towards Brady’s house. After 6 years she could stop comparing other boyfriends to Shawn Brady because now she had him.
Chapter 9
Christmas 2009
“We did it.” Shawn said as he and Belle headed to their new home. They had gotten married that morning and were off to spend a quiet evening at home before telling their parents about their deciding to elope.
“I know, isn’t it great?” She looked at the thin gold band that encircled her left ring finger. She’d been reluctant at the idea of eloping, but her fathers’ reaction to she and Shawn getting engaged had decided for her.
***
”What do you mean you and Shawn are engaged?” John asked as Belle and Shawn joined them for dinner one evening. “What the hell do you think you’re doing?”
Belle’s head snapped back at her fathers’ words. “I’m trying to be happy.” She said as Shawn took her hand under the table. “A year ago you told be to do something with my life. I have, I went back to start on my full medical degree and I’m settling down.”
“No you’re not!” John bellowed at his daughter slamming his glass down on the table, causing it to shatter. “You will not marry this low life. Look at what he did you in the past. The jerk cheated on you and got another girl pregnant!”
“You know as well as I do that that didn’t happen!” Belle yelled back. She’d kept her head last time this had happened and it hadn’t helped, this time she’d get her point across. “And I love Shawn! That’s all that matters to me. If that doesn’t live up to your standards, I’m sorry.”
“No you’re not!” John screamed at his daughter. “You and your brother are the same. You pick the worst people to marry and you do it to piss me off. Well not this time you little bitch. I’m hauling your trust fund!”
“Go ahead!” Belle screamed as Shawn jumped to his feet next to her. “You’ll find it empty! I turned 25 in October and I had the money transferred that day. It’s all gone. You can’t take that from me like you’ve tried to take everything else in my life.”
“Belle, your father has never taken anything from you.” Marlena said sticking up for her husband.
“Oh yeah?” Belle asked starting to cry. “Why don’t you ask him what he used to do when he didn’t come to bed until late at night? Why don’t you ask him why he didn’t have a sex drive for you at night? Why don’t you ask Brady about what used to happen at night?” She turned to Shawn and cried harder. “Guess what Shawn, when we make love on our wedding night you won’t be the first one to have me. No, my father took that years ago.”
“You deserved it you little hore!” John yelled reaching out for Belle. “And I enjoyed every minute of it. Watch out, or I'll do it again!”
***
“Belle are you ok?” Shawn asked reaching over and taking her hand in his. “You look pale.” He pulled into the driveway of their new home and shut off the car.
“I’m a little worried about tonight.” Belle admitted. She knew that Shawn knew exactly what she was talking about.
“Don’t worry about it Belle.” Shawn said climbing out of the car and moving over to meet her on the other side. “I know what happened was a crime, but I don’t see you as any different now. You’re still the girl I fell in love with in junior high and the girl I'll love for the rest of my life.”
“I love you too.” Belle said as he scooped her up in his arms. “And I can’t wait for a chance to make love to you.”
“Then why wait?” Shawn asked as he took her into the house. “I mean, we’re alone and we have all evening. But if you’d rather wait, I’m patient.”
Belle pulled Shawns’ lips to hers. “I want you now.” She said in a husky voice.
Shawn didn’t waste any time as he carried Belle up to their new bedroom. He easily undressed her and they began to makes slow, beautiful love.
<><><>
“That was wonderful.” Belle said as she lay in Shawn’s arms. “I didn’t expect it to be that wonderful for us.”
“It was wonderful wasn’t it?” Shawn asked holding her tightly. They’d made love three times and he was exhausted.
“Shawn, I hope this is not too soon, but do you want children?” Belle asked rolling over to look at his face.
“You know I want them.” Shawn said kissing her nose. “Why are you asking this now after we just made love?”
“I was thinking more along the lines of adoption.” Belle said hoping she didn’t sound like she didn’t want his kids. “I was thinking that we should adopt Noelle.”
“I think that’s a great idea.” Shawn said sitting up. “I think we should go over tomorrow and talk to Jeannie.” He kissed her hard and smiled again.
“I love you Shawn Brady.” Belle said kissing him again.
“I love you too Isabella Brady.” Shawn said smiling at her. “And I always will.”
Chapter 10 - FINAL
“How is she doing?” Nurse Brenda asked as she checked on the little girl in exam two. She was so young and it was a shame that she was going to die.
“Breathing is harder for her.” Jeannie replied as she stroked the little girls fore head. “Dr. Wesley said her heart will give out soon.”
“I'll check back in a little bit.” Brenda said closing the door.
“Have Shawn and Belle fallen in love yet?” Noelle asked in a soft voice. “Have they found happiness?”
“They’re getting married soon.” Jeannie said smiling at the little girls. No one had ever suspected that her respiratory problems had been cancer and asthma. Now it was too late for them to do anything other than let her die.
“Ok.” Noelle said closing her eyes. “I got my Christmas wish, they’re happy.” She took a deep breath and let it out slow.
Jeannie smiled at the sound of the breath. It was the deepest one she’d taken in ages. But the joy was short lived when no more followed it. Noelle had died at the age of 6. Never knowing real love and never having a family.
***
“Hey Jeannie,” Shawn called as he and Belle walked into her office at the orphanage. They’d put off going to get Noelle because they’d found out Belle was pregnant and wanted to think it over first. Now a month later, they knew that their lives couldn’t be complete with out the little girl who had asked them to try again to love each other. “How are you this afternoon?”
“I’m good.” Jeannie said smiling at her cousin. “What brings you two down here today?”
“We’d like to start proceedings for an adoption.” Shawn said squeezing Belle’s hand. “We’d like to adopt Noelle.”
Jeannie’s face fell at his words. “Oh Shawn, I thought you knew.” She said trying not to cry. She was sure they would have heard the news.
“What?” Belle asked quickly. “Did she get adopted already?”
“No,” Jeannie replied shaking her head. “I’m sorry you two, I have bad news. Noelle’s breathing problems were caused by a cancer of the blood. She passed away over a month ago. I figured you’d have read the notice in the paper.”
Belle burst into tears at Jeannie’s words. “No.” She sobbed to Shawn. They had been so happy to adopt the little girl and now she was gone. “She can’t be gone.”
“I’m sorry guys.” Jeannie said whipping a tear from her cheek. “I was with her when she went. Before she passed, she asked me if you two had fallen in love and if you were happy. I told her yes and she said that her Christmas wish had been granted. I’m not sure what that means, but I’m guessing she was happy.”
“Where is she buried?” Shawn asked trying to console Belle. He took the directions from his cousin and they left the building. Their dreams had been crushed and nothing could fill that void.
***
Shawn led Belle through the cemetery to an area know as the Garden of Angels. They quickly spotted the new grave with its unsheltered stone sticking out like a sore thumb. The two of them crouched down and looked at the writing on the stone.
Noelle Isabella Carol
December 24 2003 – December 24 2009.
Christmas bells chimed as this angel came and went on the cold eve.
Life told a story and none better than that of Belle and Shawn.
Shawn pulled Belle against him and they wept together. Things hadn’t gone the way they’d hoped and now some thing was missing in their hearts. That void could never be filled now. That space was reserved for a special child. A child named Christmas.
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