Author’s Note
“Mistletoe Mayhem” is the sequel to “Medusa Complex.”
If you enjoy “Mistletoe Mayhem” find out how it all began in “Medusa Complex”
Mistletoe Mayhem
Seven words.
Seven measly words detonated a wave of panic in Belinda’s brain and set her heart like a jackhammer against her ribcage. Panic flooded her nerves, and she shot up from the couch. The serpents in her hair yowled and tugged at her scalp. Belinda turned to face her flatmate, Serena. She coiled her tail around herself, swaying. “Can you repeat that?” Her voice came out like a nervous squawk.
Serena was sprawled on the armchair across the room, scrolling through her phone. Her blue legs dangled over the edge. Seashell anklets jingled as she bopped her bare feet. The water nymph wriggled her ear fins and looked up. “I said, ‘What are you getting Corin for Christmas?’” Her voice trailed off, uncertain.
Belinda could feel her snakes trembling. Her tail rattled uncontrollably, and her mind went blank.
“Belinda, are you okay?” Serena’s voice sounded like it was underwater.
Ringing filled her ears. Her vision turned hazy.
I need to calm down.
Belinda closed her eyes and exhaled slowly. Snakes drooped back onto her shoulders, and she willed her heartbeat to slow. The red haze faded from her sight. She cleared her throat. “A Christmas present? I don’t… I hadn’t really…” She groaned and covered her face with her hands. Her snakes peeped in alarm, kissing her fingers with forked tongues.
“Relax, Belinda.”
The gorgon peeked at her friend from behind her fingers.
Serena sat up and gave her a wide smile. “Don’t get worked up. You don’t even have to get him anything. It was only a thought.”
“No.” Belinda shook her head. Determination flooded her veins. Snakes bounced against her shoulders. “I have to get him something. I can’t believe I forgot!”
“Don’t be so hard on yourself, girl! We just finished our last final this morning.” Serena gestured at the heap of textbooks, study notes, and Chinese take-out boxes still scattered across their dining room table. “You’ve had a lot of other things on your mind.”
Belinda paced back and forth, scales clicking against the tile floor. “That’s no excuse. Corin has been so amazing! How could I forget to get him a Christmas present. What day is it?”
“December tenth.”
Belinda nibbled a claw. “That means I only have fourteen days to find something. What am I going to do, Serena?” she whined. “I have no idea what to get him.”
“Fourteen days is plenty of time,” Serena assured her. “Granada has all kinds of shops. You’ll be able to find a great gift for Corin. Honestly, I think he’ll love anything you give him. That boy is smitten.”
“No!” Belinda flung out her hand. Her snakes hissed and her tail rattled. “This is our first Christmas together. It can’t just be a good gift. It has to be perfect!”
Early the next morning Belinda dragged Serena with her to Corte Ingles, the largest department store in Granada. “They have everything here.” The gorgon nudged her yawning flatmate. “I’ll find something for Corin in no time. Then I’ll treat you to one of those kelp smoothies you love.”
Serena rubbed her eyes and flashed a sleepy smile. “Sounds good.”
Four hours later, Belinda was ready to hurl a mannequin through one of the polished glass windows. She ran her fingers through her hair, snakes nipping her fingers in frustration.
Even Serena was starting to wilt. At any other time, Belinda would be impressed that something like holiday shopping could dampen her flatmate’s effervescent spirit. But too much was riding on the line. After hours of scouring the store, she was no closer to finding a gift than when she started.
“How about this?” Serena’s cheerful question sounded a bit forced. She held up a sleek black container. “It’s charcoal body wash. One hundred percent organic. This stuff’s great for your skin.”
“No.” Belinda waved it away. “There’s no way I’m getting Corin soap.”
“How about a CD? We know he loves music.” Serena held up a shiny cellophane-wrapped square.
Belinda squinted at the packaging. In chunky letters it read, “Pow: Billboard’s Greatest Pop Hits of 2022.” She shook her head. “No way! Corin’s not into pop. He’d probably be insulted. I doubt he listens to anything on billboard hits. He likes indie music. Buying him pop music would be like buying a vampire garlic.”
“Okay, no music. Got it.” Serena’s tone was a bit snippy as she shoved the CD back onto the shelf. Her ear fins flicked forward, and she snatched a hanger off the rack. She turned to Belinda, bubbling with enthusiasm, and held up a grey t-shirt. “Look at this! It’s perfect. It says, ‘I love my girlfriend.’”
“Are you kidding?” Belinda crossed her arms in front of her chest. “That’s the cheesiest thing I’ve ever seen. No one in their right mind would wear that.”
Serena clenched the shirt with webbed fingers. “I saw one of the guys in my class wearing one. I thought it was cute.”
Belinda huffed. “All the more reason not to get it. If everyone’s wearing it, it’s too mainstream. Corin likes things that’re unique.” She tapped a claw against her lips. “Maybe we should be looking in consignment stores.”
“Good luck with that,” Serena muttered.
“What was that?”
The water nymph cleared her throat. “I don’t think there’s a gift on this planet that’s going to live up to your expectations.”
“What’s that supposed to mean?”
“All day you’ve been agonizing over this present, but nothing’s ever going to be good enough. This gift’s too small. Too big. Too cheap. Too flashy. Over and over all day long. You’re making way too big a deal out of it.”
Belinda pressed her lips together. “I can’t help it, nothing seems right.”
Serena patted her on the shoulder. “You’re overthinking it, Belinda. I told you before, Corin would like anything you give him, especially if it comes from the heart.”
Belinda groaned. “You sound like a Hallmark card.”
Serena gestured around the store. “We’ve been here for hours. We must’ve circled the store three times already. If you haven’t found something you like by now, you’re not going to find it here.”
Belinda’s shoulders slumped. Serena was probably right. And if she’d managed to exceed a water nymph’s patience it was probably time to call it quits for the day.
December 15th
When Serena bowed out on more Christmas shopping, Belinda turned to the internet for help instead. She googled a list of indie stores and had been meticulously searching through them over the past few days. Today’s choice looked particularly promising. A grunge vinyl shop sounded right up Corin’s alley.
Zeek’s Records didn’t look impressive from the outside. Grimy windows tagged with graffiti made Belinda hesitate in front of the entrance. Paint peeled off the wooden doorway and the sign with the store hours was so sun-bleached it was no longer legible. Could she really find a gift for Corin here?
Belinda pulled her list out of her pocket and unfolded it. She checked the notes she’d taken about the shop’s positive reviews.
“The BEST vinyl shop in Granada.”
“True haven for indie music.”
“Amazing selection of band tees.”
Okay! Belinda slapped her cheeks with her palms. People liked this store. People who knew about music. Even if it looked sketchy, she’d give it a try. She only had nine days left to find the right gift.
Belinda grabbed the doorhandle and entered the shop. She wrinkled her nose. The whole place reeked of musty cardboard and mushrooms. A quick glance around the store gave her a flash of hope. Old wooden crates lined the store, creating narrow walkways between the rows and crammed within each crate were hundreds of records. Band posters and autographed memorabilia coated the walls in a jumbled and somewhat faded mosaic.
She rubbed her hands together and stepped up to the first crate. There was bound to be something Corin would like in here. She reached for a record that caught her eye. It had a woman’s face on the cover, lit by blue and red fluorescent lighting.
“Excuse me.” A nasally voice spoke up behind her. “Can I help you?” The words were spoken with disdain.
Belinda whirled around and came face to face with a pixie. Her skin was fluorescent pink and dark bangs partially covered her face. She had impressive gauges in her ears, heavy eyeliner, and glossy black lipstick.
Belinda smiled at her.
The pixie scowled. Black and teal butterfly wings fluttered on the pixie’s back and Belinda realized that she was hovering in the air.
“I’d like to browse for a bit if that’s okay. I’m looking for a gift for my boyfriend.”
“Riiiight.” the pixie snapped her gum and eyed Belinda like she was something to be scrapped off a shoe. “You’re crazy if you think I’m going to let a gorgon wander around unsupervised.”
“What?” Belinda blinked at her. “No, I’m not here to cause trouble. My boyfriend loves music and I’m trying to—”
“I don’t think we have anything for your kind here.” The pixies wings snapped shut as she landed. She pointed toward the door. “It’s best if you leave.”
“Come on,” Belinda pleaded. “I really need this. I’m trying to get him a Christmas gift.”
The pixie rolled her eyes. “Yeah right. Do you honestly expect me to believe a gorgon cares about Christmas? Or has a boyfriend, for that matter?”
“You’re joking, right?” Belinda stared at her.
The pixie glowered back, unblinking. “Are you gonna leave? Or do I have to call the cops?”
When she reached for her phone, Belinda growled but held up a hand. “Fine, whatever! I’m leaving. Are you happy now?” Her snakes seethed on her head. They bared their fangs, hissing and snapping their jaws.
The pixie flinched.
“Easy guys.” Belinda ran a soothing hand through her hair. She reached for the door while the pixie’s glare stabbed into her back. Belinda heard the lock click behind her as she left.
She skulked down the street, taking twists and turns until her anger was spent. Belinda sighed. Moping around like this would do no good. Zeek’s Records was a bust, but she still had other options. She took out her list and unfolded it. An icy wind blew down the street and tugged the paper out of Belinda’s hand. It went sailing down the street. Belinda chased after it, snakes squealing.
Shoppers turned to stare; a child started crying.
Belinda hurried past.
Her list blew into an alley and tumbled into a shop entranceway getting stuck on the doorhandle. Belinda stooped down and grabbed the paper, brushing it off against her side.
What a night.
She was turning to go when a flickering light caught her eye. Rare Books. The worn halogen bulbs hummed, illuminating the letters in quivering red.
I thought I knew all the bookshops around here.
Her snakes chirruped in delight and yanked her head toward the store. When they all ganged up on her, it could be surprisingly difficult to resist their pull.
Belinda chuckled and patted one on the head. “All right. But only for a minute. We still have more Christmas shopping to do.”
The door creaked open. A cloud of dust rose as she slid down the steps, making her sneeze. She wrinkled her nose and blinked. Then her mouth dropped. She clasped her hands together, fangs nibbling her lower lip.
This. Place. Was. Awesome.
Stacks and stacks of books towered all around her, musty crumbling tombs that must have been hundreds of years old. Belinda took a deep breath, reveling in the smell of old paper.
I can’t believe I didn’t know about this bookshop!
She slipped between the shelves, eyes scanning titles, running her fingers along the spines. In speculative fiction she found Spark, Feathers in the Snow, and Beauty from Ashes, some of her favorite fantasy books! And a limited-edition release of City of a Thousand Tears. That one hadn’t even been released on Amazon yet. How had the bookshop managed to get a copy?
A flash of gold sparkled at the corner of her vision and Belinda turned to a bookcase full of very old books. The name Snargaret Snitchell caught her eye. It was emblazoned in curling golden letters that twinkled in the dim light. Snitchell was a harpy famous for her prolific mythical fiction. She wrote about humans in fantasy realms of the south. This was a first edition of her most iconic work, The Wind Done Gone.
Belinda sighed and clutched the book to her chest. Charlotte Nash was a difficult heroine. Beautiful beyond belief, but selfish and manipulative until the last page. It was a challenging book, but still considered one of the great masterpieces of its time.
“You like that one, dear?” a voice croaked behind her.
Belinda gasped and whirled around. Her snakes all swung in the direction of the voice and screeched.
An old Japanese kappa stared at her with blinking yellowed eyes. The turtle shell on his back gleamed in the lamplight. “That one’s a classic. Been waiting on the right reader to pick it up.”
Belinda’s hand pressed against her heart. “Are you the shop owner?”
The kappa tilted his head and clicked his beak in what Belinda assumed was a noise of amusement. “That I am, my dear. It’s not every being that can find their way to my shop.”
“I thought so!” Belinda smiled. “I’d never heard of this bookstore before.”
The kappa clacked his beak again. “It only appears to those who have a desperate need.”
“I wouldn’t say I’m desperate. I just need to figure out what I should get my boyfriend for Christmas. It has to be perfect, because he’s perfect.”
“Don’t meet too many perfect people out here.” The kappa cackled and scratched his belly. “The only perfect people I know are in books.”
Belinda sighed. He did have a point. Take Charlotte Nash for example. She was beautiful and got whatever she wanted.
Belinda reluctantly lowered the book in her hands. Her snakes grumbled and she gave them a scathing look. “We’re looking for Corin, remember? I already have plenty of books at home.”
The snakes in her hair pouted and turned their faces away, giving her the cold shoulder.
“Take it.” The kappa pushed the book back into her hands. “Consider it a Christmas present.”
“Oh no, I couldn’t.” Belinda protested. “This is a first edition. It must be worth a fortune.”
But the kappa was gone.
A swirling mist enveloped her, and she found herself back in the alleyway, clutching the book. Her snakes tugged against her scalp, squeaking in alarm. “It’s all right.” Belinda ran a soothing hand over the serpents, chucking one under its jaw. “He did say the shop was magic. And we know magic can be unpredictable.” She tucked the book into her bag and checked her phone.
The bottom dropped out of her stomach. She was late for her special Christmas date with Corin! He was already waiting for her by the fountain at Plaza Bib Rambla. They were supposed to meet up and walk along Reyes Catolicos admiring all the Christmas lights.
I can’t believe I’m late again!
She scurried down the alleyway and shot into the street. A mother gnome screamed in alarm as she burst from the alleyway, hugging her children to her chest.
“I’m sorry!” Belinda spluttered. “I didn’t mean to scare you.”
The gnome jabbered at her with wide eyes.
“I really am sorry.” Belinda reached out and the gnome flinched. She drew back her hand. “But I’m really late. I have to get going.”
She charged up the street and hurried to the square where she was supposed to meet Corin. He was leaning up against a lampstand, looking glorious in his punk rock attire. Earrings speckled his pointed ears, chains draped from his wrists and torn jeans. He was wearing a black parka with a white scarf dotted with little green snakes.
Her nerves tingled. A jolt of adrenaline zapped along her spine, making her feel weightless.
The scarf was new. The snakes on it bore a striking resemblance to her serpentine dreadlocks.
Coincidence, right?
“Corin!” Belinda panted as she slid up to him. “I’m sorry I’m late.”
He turned toward her with a smile that sent liquid sunshine through her veins.
“Belinda!” He pulled her into a hug. She could hear the snakes in her hair giving him little kisses.
Her heart flipflopped and all the lights seemed to sparkle brighter. Belinda smiled, fangs poking against her bottom lip.
“I love it when you make that face.” Corin rubbed his nose against hers. “You’re so cute.” He curled his fingers around hers and squeezed. “I’m just thrilled to spend time with you. You’ve been so busy with your finals, I missed you.”
Belinda used her tail to push up and give him a quick kiss. “You’re not too bad yourself.” She tugged at the scarf. “This is new.”
Corin blushed. “I saw it the other day and it reminded me of you. What do you think?”
“I love it.”
Corin hooked an arm around her elbow and the two strolled through the square. Along one side of the fountain, an ice-skating rink had been set up. Belinda watched the skaters out of the corner of her eye. They were laughing, couples huddled together holding hands. Pink-cheeked children and doe-eyed couples.
How cute.
Her chest felt hollow, like someone had opened her up and was carving little pieces out of her heart. They didn’t design ice skates for gorgons with five-foot reticulated tails. And even if they did, all the little kids would probably fall down, screaming in terror if she tried to enter the rink. She skimmed Corin’s profile. He didn’t seem interested in skating, but what if he was pretending not to care for her sake?
Corin glanced down at her, and she pasted on a fake smile. He squeezed her hand, eyes sparkling with excitement. “The city is beautiful! I love all the lights at Christmas. Let’s take a picture together in front of the fountain.”
Belinda’s heart skipped a beat. His happiness was infectious, and she felt a genuine smile turning up the corners of her mouth. “Okay, let me grab my puff pal.” She rifled through her purse, searching for the fluffy white camera. Her puff pal was one of her favorite things. It was a camera the size of her palm, shaped like a little cumulus cloud. Belinda set the camera to hover. It whirred to life and floated above her palm.
Corin wrapped an arm around her shoulder and pulled her close. Belinda breathed in his scent. He smelled like a moonlit wood with dew drops, pine, and sandalwood. She leaned into him, her snakes chittering with delight.
The puff pal beeped, and Belinda caught herself before she could press her nose into Corin’s neck.
How embarrassing.
The last thing she needed was a picture of her openly sniffing her boyfriend. She could feel her face starting to heat up and pressed her palms into her cheeks, willing herself to calm down. “Auto-flash,” she told the puff pal.
The camera circled up into the air. It automatically found the best angle for the shot with fountain in the background. Belinda and Corin smiled at the camera. The puff pal beeped. A warning light blinked the three second countdown.
Snap!
Belinda held out her hand and the camera floated back down to rest in her palm. She tapped the screen. “Looks good. One copy, please.” The camera purred like a mechanical cat and a mini photo slid into her hand. She held it out to Corin.
“Thank you!” He admired the photo then leaned in to kiss her cheek. “You look beautiful.”
Belinda blushed.
Corin tucked the photo into his wallet and took her hand. “There’s something I’ve always wanted to try in Plaza Carmen, if you’re up for something a little more exciting.”
“All right! Lead on!”
He tugged her hand with a grin. As they got closer, he covered her eyes with his hands and led her forward.
“All right! We’re here.” His voice was laced with excitement. He uncovered her eyes and Belinda gasped.
A giant slide had been set up in Plaza Carmen and people were sledding down. It looked fast and a little scary. But one glance at Corin’s beaming face and Belinda knew she’d do it.
Belinda hardly even noticed the wait in line. She was having too much fun talking with Corin about the modernized version of Persuasion by FaeFlix. When they got to the top of the stairs, she gasped. It was a lot higher up than she realized.
Corin squeezed her hand. “I’ve been wanting to do this together for a while.”
Belinda looked at his hopeful face. His nose and cheeks were pink from the cold, and his piercings glittered, reflecting the Christmas lights. She didn’t want to disappoint him. Besides, how bad could it be?
The attendant, a warty green goblin, set an inner tube on the ramp.
Belinda swallowed. Her heartbeat thrummed in her chest. Her snakes whimpered and curled tightly against her head.
“Come on, Belinda.” Corin tugged her hand. He sat at the back of the tube and patted the space in front of him.
“We can go together?”
“Of course!” Corin laughed. “You didn’t think I’d send you off alone, did you?”
Relief trickled down her spine like warm rain. But it was quickly dashed to pieces by the realization of how close they’d be sitting. She licked her lips, mouth suddenly dry.
“Let’s go, lady.” The goblin pointed a knobby finger at the inner tube.
Belinda glanced back at the line behind her. People were staring. She swallowed. Belinda steeled her nerves and sat on the innertube.
Corin tugged her close. His breath tickled her ear and Belinda’s stomach filled with butterflies. Pressed up against him, she could feel Corin’s heart beating rapidly. She felt his pulse quicken when she looked up at him.
“Ready?” He grinned.
“Yes?” Belinda hoped she was.
The goblin gave them a push and they went rocketing down the slide. Belinda’s heart leaped into her throat, and she bit back a scream. Corin laughed and hollered from behind. It made Belinda smile. He was having a great time and that made her happy too. They zipped down the ramp in a series of twists and turns, finally slowing at the bottom.
Corin helped her up and flashed a dazzling smile. Belinda blinked the stars from her eyes. How had he managed to capture her heart so completely?
Afterward, they went to a café to have churros and hot chocolate. The hot chocolate was so thick, a spoon could rest on its surface. And the best part was the mountain of fresh whipped cream on top.
Corin dipped a churro into his mug. “Want a bite?”
Belinda blushed. “O-Okay.” She twisted her hands together under the table and leaned forward.
Corin reached over with the churro and bopped her on the nose with it.
“Hey!” Belinda protested. Her snakes peeped in alarm. She reached up to wipe her nose and Corin caught her hand.
“Allow me.” His eyes sparkled with mischief and before Belinda could think twice, he leaned forward and kissed her nose. Corin leaned back with a satisfied grin. “Delicious.”
Belinda eeped and covered her face with her hands. Her cheeks burned. She must be as red as a tomato.
The clip-clop of hooves approached their table and Belinda looked up. A beautiful chestnut centaur waved at them. Golden chains wove around her horse’s body, leading up to a very shapely woman’s torso. She was wearing a royal blue crop top, accented with golden bells. Her outfit left little to the imagination.
Belinda frowned. Centaurs never seemed to mind the cold.
The centaur tossed her head, a curtain of ash blonde air cascading over her shoulders like a waterfall. She pranced up to their table with an excited whinny. “Corin! I thought that was you! Are you finally on winter break?”
“Ceres! Long time no see. This is my girlfriend, Belinda.”
Ceres squealed. “Pleased to meet you, Belinda! Corin and I are childhood friends. We grew up in the same forest.”
Belinda took in the powerful female centaur and blinked. Childhood friends? She looked at Corin from the corner of her eye and managed to force out, “Nice to meet you too.” She held out her hand and Ceres shook it enthusiastically.
The centaur looked back and forth between them. “Are you guys on a date?” She slapped her forehead with her palm. “Sorry Cor!” She slugged Corin playfully in the arm.
“No worries, Cer-bear.” Corin laughed. “It’s great to see you. I’m happy I could introduce you and Belinda.”
Cer-bear?
Belinda toyed with the spoon resting on her saucer.
“That reminds me!” Ceres clapped her hands. “Do you guys have any plans for New Year’s Eve? My family’s renting a ski loft in the Sierras for the week. You and Belinda could join us! There’s plenty of room.”
Corin rubbed the back of his neck. “I don’t know, Ceres.” He glanced at Belinda out of the corner of his eye. “Skiing’s not really my thing.”
Belinda could feel her face heating up. Her snakes wilted in a heap down her back. Of course, skiing wasn’t possible when you had a giant serpentine tail rather than legs. Corin was trying to be kind to her. But what if he really wanted to go? Was being with her holding him back?
Ceres pouted. “But you always loved the snow growing up.”
“Yeah, but skiing…” He flashed Belinda an embarrassed look. “I don’t think it’ll work out.”
Belinda’s claws bit into the palms of her hand. She was always a drag, even without trying. She blinked back tears. One of her snakes nudged her cheek, trying to cheer her up.
Ceres sighed. “Well, I guess I’ve interrupted your date long enough. But if you change your mind, the offer’s always there. Mom and dad would be thrilled to see you.”
Belinda fought to keep her expression neutral. Mom and dad? So Corin was even friends with Ceres’s parents?
“Thanks, Ceres. I’ll keep it in mind.” Corin waved as Ceres sauntered away.
Even the way she moved was flirtatious. Ceres turned and blew them a kiss before she exited the café.
“Earth to Belinda.” Corin waved a hand in front of her face. “What’re you thinking about?”
“What?” His question made her jump. She must have let her expression slip. “Nothing.” At his doubtful expression, she flapped her hands. “I’m fine, really. Skiing sounds like fun but…” She looked down.
Belinda felt the table creak as Corin leaned forward. He gave her a mischievous grin. “Honestly, I hate skiing. I’ve never been any good at it and there’s a million things I’d rather do instead.”
Belinda forced a wavering smile onto her lips. Did he really mean that? Or was he just being nice for her benefit?
When they got back to her apartment, Corin asked if they could talk for a few minutes.
“Yeah, sure.” Belinda rubbed her arm, nervous. What could he want to talk about?
He sat in her computer chair while she paced back and forth.
“Relax, Belinda,” he chided. “I’m not going to bite.”
Her snakes chittered and she managed a weak smile, twisting her hands. “What do you want to talk about?”
“Wow!” Corin leaned forward. “Did you make all this?”
“What?” Belinda turned to follow his gaze.
He was staring avidly at the photo collage above her bed. Ever since Corin had bought her the puff pal, she’d collected photos from all their dates and arranged them in an elaborate heart-shaped display.
A flush spread across her face. “Ah, you weren’t supposed to see that!” She groaned. Great, now he’d think she was some kind of crazy stalker.
“It’s amazing!” Corin walked over to her bed and leaned in close, fingertips hovering above the photos. “You saved everything. There’s the ticket from our first rock concert. And a seashell from our trip to the beach! And a coaster from our favorite tapas bar!” He straightened and turned toward her. The happiness in his eyes made her feel like she was floating. “This is so cool!”
“You really think so?” Belinda nibbled her lip.
He brushed a hand along her jaw, thumb rubbing her cheek. “That’s what I wanted to talk with you about. I wanted to ask if you were happy with… us. With how things are going.” He looked so nervous and unhappy. It broke her heart.
Belinda gaped at him. Was he serious? “O-Of course I’m happy! More than happy!” She nodded vigorously. “I love spending time with you.”
He let out a sigh and ran a hand through his hair. “It’s just…sometimes you look so sad.”
“No, no, no!” She waved her hands in front of her face. Her snakes perked up in alarm. “That has nothing to do with you.” He gave her a puzzled look. “Really!” She reached out to squeeze his arm. “A lot of times, I wish that I was different. That I was more…normal.” She looked down, biting her lip, but then forced herself to look him in the eye. “I think you’re amazing. The way you find good in everyone, your amazing guitar skills…” She trailed off as she noticed their faces were growing closer.
“I think you’re amazing too, Belinda,” Corin whispered. His words ghosted across her cheek.
Belinda shivered. She closed her eyes and felt Corin gently press his lips against hers. Then he leaned back and tweaked her nose.
“I just wish you could believe that about yourself,” he said.
Her snakes peeped, whirling around her head. Belinda ran a hand through them to calm them down. Her heart was beating a mile a minute. She huffed and sent him a fake glare. “When pigs fly,” she muttered.
“Pegasus might take issue with that,” Corin teased.
Belinda grinned. “I’ve always thought he could stand to be knocked down a peg.”
Corin chuckled. “So, we’re good?”
“Better than good. We’re great!”
“Okay. I’d better get going then. We have a practice session early tomorrow morning.”
Belinda clasped her hands together. “In the caves of Sacromonte, right? With the duende? Your concert is coming up soon. Do you feel ready?”
Corin rubbed his neck. “We’ve been practicing a lot. I don’t know how the acoustics in the cave will be, but whatever happens, we’ll have fun. Katarina said she was going to teach the crowd some flamenco steps.”
Belinda forced a smile onto her face. “That’s wonderful! I’ve always loved flamenco.”
“Thanks for being willing to come.” Corin smiled at her. “I know crowds aren’t your favorite, but it means a lot to me that you’ll be there.”
“I wouldn’t miss it for the world,” she promised.
Belinda walked him to the door where they shared a very sweet goodnight kiss. She waved as Corin walked upstairs. Once he’d gone, she flopped on her bed and threw an arm across her face.
Flamenco lessons?
She looked at her tail with a frown. One more thing that only “normal” people could do. Everyone would probably be staring at her as she sat in the corner, left out. Tears pricked the corners of her eyes.
A bluish glow from within her purse caught her eye. Belinda slithered over and pulled out the glowing book. It was the copy of The Wind Done Gone that the kappa had given her. Belinda curled into bed and flipped open to the first page.
Charlotte Nash was not just beautiful, she was gorgeous…
As she read, her eyes started to feel heavy. After the third time nodding off with the book still in her hands, Belinda stuck a bookmark between the pages and placed it on her nightstand. She slid under the covers and turned off the light.
I wish I could be beautiful like Charlotte Nash…
Her last thought spiraled away as she slipped into a deep slumber.
The next morning, Belinda awoke to warm sunlight tickling her cheek. She sat up and stretched. The clock ticked on her wall, and she stared at it, puzzled. Everything was so quiet. It felt as if the world was holding its breath.
Odd.
Belinda shuffled out of bed and down the hall to brush her fangs. She’d put the toothpaste on and already started brushing when she caught sight of her reflection in the mirror—and screamed!
Staring back at her was a beautiful brunette with glossy ring curls and a cute button nose. Belinda pressed a hand against her check and the reflection in the mirror mimicked it. She tugged on her hair, pulling it in front of her eyes.
Hair, not snakes!
It even smelled good. Like coconut and tropical flowers.
If she had hair instead of snakes, then maybe…
Belinda took a deep breath, scrunched her eyes shut and wrinkled her nose. She tilted her head down and exhaled slowly, opening her eyes. Two petite feet peeked up at her. Belinda wriggled her toes and gasped in delight. She had toes! Turning to face the mirror again, she twirled a ringlet between her fingers. It was so soft and silky. Laughter bubbled out of her. She almost looked like Charlotte Nash…
Wait a minute.
“Belinda, are you oka—AH! who are you?” Serena squawked as she burst into to the bathroom. Her mouth dropped open in alarm.
“Serena, it’s me, Belinda!” Belinda skipped over to her and squeezed her hands.
Serena stumbled backwards and bumped into the doorframe with a yelp. “T-That’s not possible…”
“It’s me!” Belinda insisted. “How else would I know that you blow bubbles in your sleep and sing Spice Girls off-key in the shower?”
Serena’s mouth closed with a snap. Her ear fins fluttered in agitation. “It really is you! How did…” She gaped at Belinda’s legs.
“I’m not sure.” Belinda paced the back and forth, stopping every few steps to stare at her toes. She couldn’t stop smiling. “An old kappa gave me a copy of The Wind Done Gone. I went to bed dreaming that I could be like Charlotte Nash. And I woke up like this.” She gestured toward her hair and feet. “It must be a magic book. It’s a Christmas miracle!” She threw herself into Serena’s arms and hugged her flatmate. Tears pricked the corner of her eyes. “I’m so happy,” she whispered.
Serena hesitated a moment before returning the hug. “A magic book? She pulled back and stared at Belinda’s face, studying it intently. Whatever she saw must have convinced her because the crease between her eyebrows softened. “I can hardly believe it. But as long as you’re okay.”
Belinda squeezed her arms and chuckled. “I’m better than okay. I’m wonderful.” Her heart skipped at beat as a new thought burst into her head. Wait until Corin sees!
The doorbell rang and the two girls jumped.
“Who could that be?” Serena asked.
Belinda shook her head. “I’m not expecting anyone.”
They opened the door and there was Corin, hair still mussed from sleep. “Is everything okay? I heard screaming—”
“Corin!” Belinda launched herself into his arms.
He stiffened and gently extricated himself from her grasp. “I’m sorry, do I know you?”
“It’s me, Belinda!” She did a little twirl and curtsied.
“Belinda?” Corin’s voice cracked. “Is it really you?”
“It’s me, Corin!” She reached a hand to brush her knuckles along his strong jaw. “It’s magic. Last night, I wished I could be more like Charlotte Nash and somehow this morning, I woke up looking like her. Isn’t it amazing?”
“Charlotte Nash?” Corin asked weakly. “Why would you want to be like her?”
“Oh Corin!” Belinda clutched the sleeve of his t-shirt. “I’ve never been so happy! Now I can do all the things I never could before. No one’s going to run from me in terror or be afraid of the way I look. I can dance! I can ski! Now we can go with Ceres to the mountains.”
Corin cleared his throat. “Slow down, Belinda. We don’t even know if this is permanent.”
Belinda stopped bouncing and tilted her head. “What do you mean?”
Corin shifted his feet. “Magic is never straightforward. There’s always a cost.”
Belinda’s hand fell away from his shirt, and she stepped back. “How can you say that? Don’t you know how much this means to me?”
Corin held out his hands. “All I’m saying is that we need to be careful. This is…” He eyed her again, shaking his head. “This is really strange. It’s going to take some getting used to.”
Belinda laughed, the noise like tinkling bells. Even her vocal cords sounded a different. She playfully smacked Corin in the arm. “Honestly Corin, how hard can it be?”
December 23rd
La Sombra was a restaurant and nightclub carved out of a cave in Sacromonte. Its low ceiling and rough-hewn walls were whitewashed. Glowing globes of orange light dotted the room, creating an intimate atmosphere despite the crowd. Belinda caught Corin’s eye and waved at him. He was seated on a raised platform with a group of duende musicians. Their squat, lumpy bodies reminded Belinda of uncooked dough, but when they picked up their guitars and started to play, she leaned back into her chair and closed her eyes.
The music was fast-paced and yet soulful. One duende sang in a raspy voice while the other band members kept rhythm with alternating hand claps. The lights winked out and suddenly there was a flash of fire in the center of the room. Katarina the fire nymph flared up. Her skin was a deep red with golden curls of flame as hair. She was wearing a black and white polka dot dress with ruffles and golden hoop earrings. She flicked her fingers and tiny tongues of flame darted out, relighting the globes around the room. Corin strummed his guitar and Katarina began to dance.
Belinda was utterly captivated. Flamenco was so full of passion. Katarina danced with confidence, stomping her heels on the floor, creating a rhythm that held the audience in sway. Belinda pressed her hands against her thighs. She wanted to have confidence like that too. She tapped her toes—TOES!—against the tile floor and grinned. Now that she was a human, anything was possible.
After the formal performance ended, Katarina invited the audience to join her on the dance floor and taught them some basic flamenco steps. Belinda giggled as a handsome sprite scooped her up and twirled her around. After that, everyone wanted to dance with her. She felt like her heart was going to burst. So, this was what it felt like to be accepted.
A flirtatious fairy dipped her low and Belinda shrieked with laughter. But she went abruptly silent as he leaned down and pressed his lips to hers. Belinda’s eyes widened and she jerked her face to the side, breaking contact. The fairy winked at her.
“Let me go,” she demanded. “This dance is over.”
The fairy clicked his tongue but did as she asked.
Belinda glared at him, and he grinned back, flashing white teeth. She turned away and caught Corin’s stormy look from on stage. Belinda winced and looked away. He’d seen everything.
“I’m saying it was an accident!” Belinda stomped her foot as they walked along the cobblestone street toward their apartment building.
“I heard you the first three times,” Corin grumbled.
“Then why does it feel like you’re still angry?”
Corin threw up his hands. “Of course, I’m angry! I watched my girlfriend dance with every guy in La Sombra and then get kissed by one of them right in front of me.”
“I told you! It was an accident. What was I supposed to do, sit in a chair all night, and gaze at you in admiration?”
“Of course not.” Corin shoved his hands in his pockets and looked away. “But the way you behaved tonight, you weren’t yourself,” he said quietly.
“Because I was popular? Because other guys were interested in me for once?” Pressure spiked beneath her forehead. She clenched her hands into fists.
“No.” Corin shook his head. “Something about this doesn’t feel right. I miss your snakes. I miss you, the real you.”
Belinda crossed her arms. “You mean, when I was a monster? Forget it! I’m never going back.” Blood rushed to her head, and she could feel her face starting to flush. “Maybe you want me to stay ugly so you can keep me all to yourself.”
Corin looked at her like she had two heads full of snakes. “Do you hear yourself right now?”
Belinda laughed and flipped her curls over her shoulder. “How’s it feel to be the insecure one for once?”
Corin locked his jaw. He closed his eyes and took a deep breath, nostrils flaring. Belinda could practically see him counting to five in his mind. His eyes snapped open, and his glare chilled her heart. “I’m leaving before I say something I regret.” He turned away.
“Fine!” Belinda huffed. She didn’t need his attitude. Corin was overreacting. Where did he get off, judging her? She was finally getting some attention and he was jealous. How ridiculous.
When she made it back to her apartment, she stormed into her room and slammed the door. Her eyes caught on the photo collage above her bed. Belinda seethed. Looking at pictures of herself as a gorgon made her see red. How could she possibly be smiling when she looked like such a monster?
Belinda tore the pictures off her wall and threw them in the trash.
She was never going back. She’d never be that monster again.
December 24th
Serena had planned a Christmas Eve luncheon. She’d been in the kitchen cooking all day. Belinda sniffed appreciatively. Whatever it was, it smelled divine.
Corin came over around noon, but the atmosphere was still tense between them. He hardly even looked at her. When Belinda couldn’t stand it anymore, she cornered him in the hallway and put her hands on her hips. “Are you still mad about yesterday?”
“I’m more worried than angry.” Corin’s voice shook with emotion. He held out his hands. “It’s like you’re a completely different person. I feel like I don’t even know you anymore.” She scoffed and he shook his head. “What about your snakes? Are they okay? Have you even thought about what’s happened to them?”
A tingling sensation crawled up the back of her neck. She hadn’t thought about her snakes in days. Were they okay? Guilt twisted in her gut, and she let out a shaky laugh. “Relax, I’m sure they’re fine. You worry too much.” She flipped her dark curls over her shoulder. “Besides, it’s nice to have some peace and quiet for a change.”
Corin’s hands fisted at his sides. “I can’t believe you. They’re a part of you, aren’t they? How can you not care what happens to them?”
Belinda stalked up to him and poked him in the chest. “What do you know about it? They’re my snakes. It’s none of your business. And where do you get off acting all high and mighty? Do you have any idea what it’s like to be stared at everyday, everywhere you go, like you’re a monster? People are finally treating me like I’m normal. Why can’t you be happy for me?” Her voice broke on the last word.
“Belinda.” Corin put his hands on her shoulders. “There’s something off about this magic, I can feel it.”
She scowled at him, anger bubbling beneath the surface. Why didn’t he get it?
“Hey Belinda, look! You two are standing under the mistletoe!” Serena called out from the doorway.
Corin sighed and leaned down. Belinda pressed a hand against his mouth. “Not now, idiot! I don’t want to smudge my makeup. This is designer lipstick.”
“I don’t believe this,” Corin muttered. He turned away from her and grabbed his coat. “I’m leaving.”
“Corin, wait!” Belinda ran after him. She caught his shoulder as he was exiting their apartment. “What is your problem?”
Corin flinched at her touch and shrugged her hand off. He turned to face her, violet eyes narrowed in anger. “You just called me an idiot for trying to kiss you, and you have the nerve ask why I’m upset?” His tone was incredulous.
“That’s all? What are you, five?” Belinda laughed.
He threw up his hands. “You don’t get it. It’s like you’re a complete stranger. You’re not the woman I fell in love with.”
Belinda paused.
Had he just said love?
Warmth pooled in her belly. But as his words sunk in, anger seared through her, charring her happiness into a blistering, blackened husk.
“Then you really are a moron!” she shouted. “I’m better than I ever was.”
Corin shook his head. “No, Belinda. This is not an improvement.”
“Are you crazy? I’m gorgeous. Any guy in his right mind would be thrilled to be with me. What kind of freak prefers a monster to a human being?”
Corin’s glare darkened. “Then I guess I’m a freak, because I’ve never thought of you as a monster until today.”
Rage curdled in her stomach. Her pulse throbbed in her ears. And before she could think the better of it, Belinda reached up and slapped Corin across the face.
He stared at her, eyes wide, mouth slightly open in shock. A muscle in his jaw clenched and his expression hardened, like metal shutters being pulled down over a storefront.
A sound like wind roared in her ears and Belinda’s head spun. It felt like she’d just thrown herself off a cliff. She reached for him. “Corin, I—”
“Save it, Belinda.” Corin took a step back, his voice rough. “We’re done.”
The bottom fell out of Belinda’s stomach. Her heart wrenched at the look of betrayal in his eyes.
What have I done?
Corin turned and walked away.
She wanted to cry out, to chase after him and beg for forgiveness. But her body wouldn’t move. It felt like someone had poured concrete down her throat. Her brain buzzed with static.
All she’d wanted was to have an awesome Christmas with Corin, and she’d ruined everything. On Christmas Eve no less.
“Belinda, is everything okay?” Serena called out. “I heard shouting.”
“Yeah, everything’s fine.” Her tone was sweet as saccharin and just as artificial. She winced at the how easily the lie rolled off her tongue. Belinda swallowed back the taste of bile. Everything was not fine. And it was doubtful things would ever be fine again. Panic clawed at her throat. She snatched her coat and keys. “I’m going to get some air,” she called out.
Belinda trudged down the street, oblivious to the people around her. She wandered aimlessly, until the cold nipping at her nose and fingers drew her towards a familiar site, Plaza Bib-Rambla, the location of Corin’s favorite café.
She stared through the gilded glass windows, watching the couples inside smiling and laughing. Shards of remorse tore through her chest with every heartbeat. She reached a hand to her head and flinched when her fingers brushed against silky curls instead of scales. Belinda blinked back tears.
That’s right, her snakes were gone.
What had happened to them when she transformed?
What if they were hurt? Or worse?
She bit her lip to keep from sobbing.
“Hey gorgeous,” a voice spoke from behind her. “Don’t tell me a knock-out like you is alone on Christmas Eve?”
Belinda whirled around to find three young men approaching her.
“That’s gotta be a crime somewhere,” one of them joked.
Belinda wiped her eyes with a sniffle. “I’m sorry, I’m not having a good day. I think I’ll head home.”
“What’s your hurry?” The first man slung an arm around her shoulder. His musky cologne made her want to gag.
Belinda tried to shrug out from under his arm, but he tightened his grip, pinning her in place. His friend forced an arm around her elbow and the two of them began pulling her toward a side street.
“Don’t worry, sweetheart. We’ll cheer you up. We know a great dance club.” The third man laughed.
Belinda dug in her heels. “Let go of me!” She tried to wrench her arms free, but they clamped down harder.
That does it!
Belinda had never turned anyone to stone before, but these guys were asking for it. Besides, she could always reverse the curse later after reporting them to the police. She took a deep breath and glared with all her might.
“If looks could kill.” One guy laughed.
“Be careful, or your face will get stuck like that,” another teased.
Belinda’s heart stuttered. That’s right. She was no longer a gorgon. She was human and humans can’t turn people to stone.
“Help!” she screamed. Her eyes searched wildly for another person, but the street was deserted. All she saw was a battered dumpster and bags of rubbish.
Suddenly the trash across from her rustled. A dark shape rose from underneath the garbage, straightening to tower over their heads. Belinda shrieked in terror as the shadow lumbered toward them, stretching out a muscular arm. She glimpsed a thick, knobby scar along the wrist, before the shadow hand grabbed the man holding her.
“Let her go.” The voice was quiet but full of authority.
The young man trembled and released her as if she were a hot coal. “I’m sorry,” he stammered. “We just wanted to have a little fun.”
“We won’t do it again,” another pleaded.
The shadow shifted, stepping further into the light. Belinda could make out a man, an enormous and muscular man, dressed like a vagrant, with a coarse mop of hair and a ragged beard. He nodded and the three young men took off down the street.
Belinda couldn’t stop shaking. She looked down at her trembling hands and burst into tears. The stranger shifted his stance and before she could think twice, she threw herself into his arms, sobbing.
He rubbed her back and whispered. “It’s all right, you’re safe. Don’t worry.”
When Belinda calmed down enough to stop crying, she looked up into a smiling face that somehow seemed familiar. “Who are you?” she asked.
The man’s grin widened, and he patted the top of her head. “Let’s get a cup of coffee.”
Belinda eyed him. He was dirty, unshaven, and reeked of garbage. Would a café even allow him inside?
He seemed to read her thoughts because he chuckled and ruffled her hair. “You worry too much, Belinda. I know a good place. Let’s go.” He took her hand and led her from the alley.
Belinda’s legs wobbled and she leaned on him for support. As they walked, she watched him from the corner of her eye. He was so familiar.
How did he know my name?
The stranger led her back through the plaza and into a cozy little café. Belinda hesitated in the doorway, sure the hostess would refuse him entry. But no one batted an eye as the stranger sauntered in and sat at a table by the window. He waved at her, and she slunk into the chair next to him.
Seated on the pink velvet cushion, Belinda dabbed at her eyes with her napkin. Was she dreaming? It felt surreal to be sitting in a bright, clean café just moments after being accosted. But the stranger sitting across from her left no room for doubt. His hulking form looked out of place, sitting on the dainty wicker chair. He seemed to read her thoughts because he smiled and leaned forward with his elbows on the table.
“Why were you out all alone, Belinda?”
Her lip trembled. When she dared to meet his eyes, she met a gaze full of compassion. “I messed up,” she admitted.
“Hmm.” The stranger shifted.
A waiter appeared with two cups of hot chocolate and a plate of churros coated in cinnamon. The smell of the fresh-baked pastries made her mouth water.
“But we haven’t ordered anything yet.” Belinda looked at the waiter who shrugged and walked away. She put her hands on the marble tabletop and glared at the stranger. “Who are you? And how do you know my name?”
“I go by many names.” He smiled at her. “But you haven’t finished answering my question. What happened?”
She sniffled and looked down at her lap. “I don’t normally look like this.” Her eyes flicked up to his and he nodded. “I was born a gorgon.” She studied his expression, waiting for it to transform to one of horror, but he continued to smile at her placidly. Belinda cleared her throat. “I was always worried about my appearance. People avoided me. They judged me solely by how I looked. You have no idea what that’s…”
She trailed off, looking at the man in front of her. He probably did know what it was like. How many times had she averted her eyes from the homeless?
The man reached for his cup of hot chocolate. Belinda stared at his dirty fingernails. He took a sip and grinned. “This place does hot chocolate right. And you’re correct.” He set his cup back down, leaving greasy fingerprints on the porcelain. “I do have some idea of what it’s like to be judged by my appearance.”
“How did you—”
He laughed, a deep, rich sound that drew a smile from her lips as well. “You wear your heart on your sleeve, Belinda. I’ve always liked that about you.” She spluttered and he continued, “So tell me, is being beautiful all it’s cracked up to be?”
Belinda shook her head. “I thought looking different would make life easier, but now everything’s so much worse. Corin hates me. I’m alone on Christmas and I’ll probably be alone for the rest of my life.” A sob tore itself from her chest. She put her face in her hands and wept.
“You’re not alone, Belinda,” the stranger chided. “And Corin doesn’t hate you. Though you do owe him an apology.”
Belinda sniffled. “I wish there was some way change back to the way I was. I miss my snakes. I miss being a gorgon.”
“That book you mentioned, you didn’t happen to get it from a kappa, did you?”
She looked at the man in surprise. “Actually, I did.”
The stranger spread out his hands. “He’s an old friend of mine. In fact.” He leaned in close and cupped his hand to whisper, “I happen to know he has a book drop on Calle Milagro for dissatisfied customers. If you return the book there, it will undo the effects of the magic.”
“Really?” Belinda looked at him in awe. “I can go back to how I was?”
“It won’t change the past, but you’ll go back to being a gorgon.” The man took a churro and dipped it in his cup. He munched on it noisily, then brushed the crumbs from his shirt. “It sounds like you have a choice to make. I need to get going, it’s a busy night for me.” He winked at Belinda, and she gaped at him. “But you can stay here as long as you like.” He rose from his chair and ruffled her hair. “I enjoyed getting to talk with you, Belinda. Hopefully, we can do it again soon.”
Belinda stared at him as he shuffled toward the exit. On reaching the door, he turned back to wave at her. In a flash, his clothes transformed into brilliant white robes. Light burst from the entryway as he pushed open the door. Wind rustled through the café. Then the door slipped shut and he was gone. None of the other patrons even glanced up. It was as if the stranger had been invisible. Belinda shook her head.
Was she going crazy?
No. There was his coffee cup, still sitting across from her, smudged with dirty fingerprints.
Belinda got up to pay, but the waiter insisted it was already taken care of.
Stunned, Belinda walked home in a daze. Then she remembered. The book! She had to return the book. It wouldn’t fix everything, but it was a start. She grabbed her bag and threw the copy of The Wind Done Gone inside and hurried back out. She found the drop box on Calle Milagro, marked with a small bronze plaque. When she slipped the book inside, magic swirled around her in glittering iridescent sparkles. A warm breeze tugged at her hair, lifting her off the ground. Then, just as quickly as it started, everything stopped. Her body floated to the ground and Belinda twitched her tail.
My tail!
A buzzing sound filled her ears and she thrust her hands into her hair. Her fingertips brushed smooth scales and she felt forked tongues licking her fingers.
“You’re back!” she cried. Tears stung her eyes as her snakes strained toward her face, each one tickling her face with kisses. “I missed you guys! I’m so sorry.” Her snakes chittered and rubbed against her jaw. “I’ll never wish you away again,” she promised.
The clock chimed and Belinda looked up. It was midnight. Christmas day and she didn’t have anything for Corin. All the shops were closed. There was no hope of getting him anything now. If she could even get him to talk with her again, that would really be a Christmas miracle.
One of her snakes chuffed and rubbed against her ear. “Thanks, buddy.” She patted him on the head. “I’ll figure something out. Things always look better in the morning.”
When she got back to her room, she slumped on her bed. Something crinkled underneath her hand. It was one of the photos from her collage. Belinda smoothed it out between her palms. It was a picture of her and Corin standing in front of the fountain in Campillo Plaza. The day he first asked her out. Pain lanced her heart and her vision blurred. She reached for her trash can and picked out the rest of the photos, pressing the edges down to flatten them.
So many wonderful memories.
Belinda sighed, running her fingers over the photos and ticket stubs. An idea struck her, and her snakes writhed in excitement.
It wouldn’t be perfect, but it would be straight from the heart.
December 25th
Belinda slithered back and forth in front of the door to Corin’s apartment. Three times, she’d tried to knock but lost her nerve. Her snakes chittered, nudging her forward with their noses. “All right, all right.” She brushed them back, took a deep breath, and knocked on the door.
She heard footsteps approach, the lock clicked, and the door creaked open. Corin stood before her wearing plaid pajama pants and a black V-neck shirt. “Belinda, you’re…”
Belinda tapped her nails together, fidgeting. Her tail swished behind her, and she gulped. “Corin, I’m so sorry.” She looked up to meet his gaze. Her snakes strained toward him. “You were right, about everything. There’s no excuse for my behavior, but I want you to know, I’m really, really sorry.” She pressed her hands together and squeezed her eyes shut.
Belinda heard him exhale sharply. She peeked her eyes open, but his expression was unreadable. He leaned against the door frame and pinched the bridge of his nose.
“Oh, and before I forget, I made you something. It’s a Christmas present.” She rummaged around her bag and pulled out a scrapbook. On the cover was a heart with two snakes twined around it. “You’ll probably think it’s stupid after everything that’s happened, but I wanted you to know, I’ve always cherished the time we have together.”
She held out the book to him and he took it wordlessly.
Corin flipped through the pages. Belinda had carefully pressed her crumpled photos flat. She’d marked each page with little notes and mementos from their dates. Corin ran his fingers along one of her handwritten notes.
He cleared his throat. “This is—”
“I know it doesn’t make up for anything!” Belinda said quickly. “But if you could just—”
Corin tugged on her wrist and folded her into a bearhug. “I love it, Belinda,” he whispered into her ear. “And I accept your apology.”
“But I haven’t finished—”
Her snakes buzzed around Corin, brushing against his face and he laughed. “I missed you guys too,” he said, scratching a snake under its chin. “It wasn’t the same without you.”
Tears stung her eyes, and she buried her face in Corin’s chest. “Thank you, Corin.”
He ran his hand through her snakelets.
Belinda felt a chuckle rumble through her chest, and she looked up. “What?”
“Look up.” Corin grinned. “Someone hung mistletoe above the door. I didn’t notice it before.”
“Serena,” Belinda muttered, shaking her head. She reached up and caught Corin’s face in her hands. Raising herself up on her tail, leaned forward and gave him a tender kiss. “Merry Christmas, Corin.”
He rubbed his nose against hers and traced a hand along her jaw. “Merry Christmas, Belinda.” He leaned in and gave her a kiss that stole her breath away. Then he pulled back and tapped her on the nose. “Wait ’til you see what I got you for Christmas!”
-Fin
