20A/N: Hi all!
So, this idea came from HC247, an awesome fanfics author and a wonderful best friend of mine. Last year, she wrote a collection of stories called, "twelve Days of Wicked," each story having to do with the holiday season in some way or fashion.
Her stories were simply amazing, beautiful and brilliant! She's doing it again this year, so all if any of you are in to the play called, "Wicked," go and check out her stories!
I decided I wanted to write twelve one-shot stories dealing with the Pocahontas characters in a Christmas or winter situation. I am being really general with my ideas so if anyone has any suggestions please do not hesitate and just feel free to let me know.
This is just for fun, since I do love history and I do know that this is historically not correct. I'm putting that in here now. However, if you want to read some fun, thoughtful, happy and yes sad or sweet stories dealing with the Christmas holiday (or winter time in general..), and you've wondered how the Pocahontas characters would react, then these one-shots are for you!
I hope you will all enjoy these, one story will be posted every day until Christmas Eve or day, depending on my schedule and if I can get them all posted. I not only have school and final exams however I am flying home for the holidays!
I thank you all for reading and reviewing ALL reviews mean so much! I do like constructive criticism so no worries on that. Just remember: this is only for fun! I go to school and life is really busy so this is something enjoyable I can do that not only brings fun and joy to me however I do hope it will do the same for whoever reads these.
DISCLAIMER: I do not own Pocahontas nor do I own Christmas.
Flames will be used to light firewood and candles
-…-….-….-….-
"Wait up!"
I shouted as I ran in order to keep up with my friend's sprint through the forest. The fact that she could run so fast in her condition amazed me as she slowed her run and leaned against a snow covered tree as I jogged towards her.
"Nakoma," she playfully chided as if I were a small child, "You know John is expecting us back with the food."
"I'm aware of that Pocahontas," I replied as I sighed lifting the basket filled with some of our dried preserves from its position on my head, "I just simply do not understand what exactly is happening."
Pocahontas smiled as we continued walking at a slower pace, "You mean, no one has told you about Christmas?"
My reply was a shrug as I thought of her question.
"I'm surprised," she said as the wind blew, "I would have thought Thomas would have mentioned it to you."
A slight blush colored my cheeks for Thomas and I had started spending more time together in the last season. At first it had been difficult for me, however if there is one major thing that Pocahontas and her husband John Smith have taught me it is to give any person a chance to see them for who they truly are.
"I think he mentioned it," I answered as Pocahontas's small cabin finally came in to view, "I did not ask about it I just went along with the idea."
I watched as my friend stopped near the door, "Oh Nakoma, it is the most beautiful story! I will ask John to tell it to us once we get everyone settled."
"No," I quickly answered as I placed a hand on her shoulder, "It is fine. Do not worry about it."
"Do not worry about what?"
I jumped as John had swung open the door, a blast of heat from inside the warm house startling me as I shifted the basket of food in my arms.
"Wingapo John," I said with a friendly smile, "How are you?"
"I'm well," he replied as he opened the door wider in order to allow Pocahontas and me to enter the house. I casually walked over to the counter and placed down the food in order to give Pocahontas and her husband privacy as they quietly chatted.
I had just finished unpacking my basket as my best friend entered the kitchen, "Do you need help?"
"No," I responded as I took Pocahontas's load of baskets, "I am fine. You should sit down."
"I'm alright," she said as we began setting out the cornbread, "I asked John to tell us the Christmas story. Thomas should be here soon and then we'll get started."
A frown marred my face as I leaned against the small basin in the corner of the room, "Pocahontas, I told you not to ask him."
"No you didn't," she answered as she softly placed down the plate she had been holding. I watched as she neared me and placed an arm about my shoulders.
"Nakoma, it is a wonderful story. I do not understand a lot of it myself; however you will see what I mean when John reads it."
"What about Thomas?"
"What about him? I am sure he won't mind-"
"No," my voice came out sharper than I would have liked as I cleared my throat, "No, I mean, I he didn't tell me about it. What if he thought I knew? I just do not, I…"
My voice trailed off as I quietly hung my head and sighed. The truth becoming more obvious as I stood in the kitchen. I could hear John setting up the tree in the other room as a knock sounded at the door.
"You do not want Thomas to think you are an ignorant person."
Her question was a true statement as I silently nodded my head, "Pocahontas, you have been more involved in this culture than I have. I mean, you have been fascinated by it since the first day. I, well, that is to say that I…"
"Nakoma," she softly said as she lifted my head as I sighed, "I had no idea what Christmas was until last year. Before that, I had no clue what a Christmas tree was or the reason for this annual custom. Please my friend, do not be so hard on yourself."
She squeezed my shoulder as I gave a small smile of thanks. Laughter filtered in to the kitchen from the other room as Thomas, John and John's sister Martha chatted.
"Come now," she said as she picked up the plates on the counter, "Come and you can help me serve this cornbread."
"I will serve it," I quickly said as I playfully snatched the items from her hands, "You go sit beside your husband. I know by this time next month you two will not have a moment to yourselves when the baby comes."
Pocahontas's laughter was my reply as I followed her in to the spacious living room.
-….-….-…-….-
"What are you thinking about?"
His soothing voice brought me out of my musings as we sat by the fire later that night.
"Well," I took a breath before continuing, "I was thinking about the baby."
"I know, it is hard to believe that John will-"
"I meant," I began as I gasped, "I meant the baby in the manger. Is that the proper word for it?"
Thomas smiled and lightly kissed my cheek, "Yes, that is what it is called. It is a beautiful thought; it truly humbles me whenever I think about it. He could have been born in a big fancy house and yet he was born in a stable and placed in a manger instead of a cradle."
I cleared my throat as I nodded, "Yes, I thought the amazing part was the angel visiting Mary and the Great Spirit making her become with child."
It was Thomas's turn to nod, "Yes, we call him the Holy Spirit. That is what made Mary become pregnant even though she never shared her bed with anyone."
"Right," I said as I lowered my eyes, "I'm glad John told us the story. I at least know what Christmas is now."
"You didn't know about Christmas?"
Thomas's question shocked me as I realized to late that my ignorance about the day had slipped out. I quickly moved out of his grasp and stood. I could feel the heat of embarrassment flood my cheeks as I stood with my back towards the fire.
'Do not be so hard on yourself.'
Pocahontas's words from earlier that evening flashed in my mind however they did not help. I felt so foolish as I stood with my back away from the man I had so recently begun courting.
"Thomas," I sighed as I slowly turned to face him wiping at my eyes, "I am sorry. You must think I'm some ignorant, I did not-"
"You did not know anything about Christmas until tonight," he softly said as he got to his feet and approached me.
"Nakoma, why did you not tell me? I would love to share and answer any questions that you have about any custom dealing with my culture. You have been so open with your own people's traditions."
Another sigh escaped my lips, "I didn't want you to think…"
My voice trailed off as Thomas gingerly stepped forward and placed his arms around me. I tensed as I felt him gently pull me towards his own body. The man was always so gentle with me as I gazed in his eyes. Instead of mocking or condescending they were filled with understanding and patience.
He smiled as he leaned towards me, his lips making a soft contact with my own. I leaned in to his touch as his warm hand caressed my face.
After a moment he gradually pulled away, "Nakoma, it would be wonderful to sit and talk about our culture's differences. I am sorry I did not share with you more about Christmas. Not only do we celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ; however it is also a time for friends and family to get together, give little gifts and eat."
I laughed as I remembered the evening's delicious dinner as Thomas hugged me again.
"I am looking forward to spending this Christmas with you," I softly said as we sat by the fire once more.
A pause was heard as Thomas squeezed my hand, "I also hope to celebrate next Christmas with you, and the one after that, the one after that…"
I gripped onto his hand as we exchanged nervous grins. I somehow knew, in that very moment, that this would not be the only Christmas that Thomas and I would spend together. I also knew, as his face shown in the firelight and as he leaned to kiss me again that each holiday would be better than the one before it. I could feel the excitement in the air as I realized that with each passing Christmas the memories would become sweet as honey and just as lovely to remember.
For it is the holiday that becomes the perfect time to make memories with the ones that you love.
-….-….-….-End of, "So, this is Christmas?"….-….-….-