TITLE: A Christmas Tale

BY: layla_gray

SUMMARY: A Danish take on the old Dickens classic

Chapter 1 - So it begins.

"Are you sure you don't want to come home?" Sharon asked over the phone.

"Yes, mom. I'll be fine here, don't worry." Dana took a sip from her steaming mug of coffee and sat back in the rocking chair. Stretched out before her was a world that was slowly coming alive. Shadows faded away shyly and the last of the stars bid their farewells. Morning had come on this cold winter day.

Dana heard her mother sigh. "Mom, really I'll be alright"

It took a few seconds before she answered, "If you insist. I just don't like the idea of you spending Christmas alone."

"I know. But if you think about it, I'm not exactly alone. There's plenty of folks spending their Christmases at Lake Tahoe."

"Dana, you know what I mean."

"I know, I just feeling doing some skiing this year. I'll be home by New Year's, I promise"

"Oh alright, it's not as if you're going to change your mind." Sharon answered, exasperated.

A twinge of guilt washed over Dana at the note of defeat in Sharon's voice. "I'm sorry mom. I need some time alone."

"I'm trying to understand." Another sigh followed. "Call me on Christmas alright?"

"I will, send my love to Dad and Howie."

"They miss you too. Merry Christmas honey."

"Merry Christmas mom."

With a final goodbye, Dana was left alone with the gentle awakenings of another day. From her rented condo, she could see people making their way down to the lodge. No doubt they were all getting ready for a full day of skiing.

She didn't feel the urge to move from her comfortable spot, opting instead to stare blindly at the snow-covered peak of the mountain.

This would be her first Christmas alone and she didn't mind it one bit. The past six months had left her tired and empty. The only positive thing she could find was her flourishing career but it wasn't enough.

She knew perfectly well what was needed to fill that hollow feeling in her heart, a feeling made worse by the bright lights and cheers of the holiday season. Alice. She hated how simple the answer was yet how far away it seemed to her.

Her ringing mobile startled her, causing her to spill a little of her coffee. Cussing, she pressed the answer button.

"Is this how you greet people nowadays?"

Dana smiled at the familiar voice, "Shane! You made me spill my coffee."

"Wow, so I have that effect on women even over the phone." Shane chuckled.

A pang of homesickness hit Dana. "Of course you do. To what do I owe the pleasure of this call?"

Shane grew serious, "Can you explain to me what you are doing at Lake Tahoe?"

Dana played the innocence card, "Skiing?"

"Dana." Shane chided.

She shook her head wearily. "I already had this conversation with my mom, Bette and Tina. You can get the details from them."

Shane ignored her, "How long do you plan to keep avoiding her?"

Her. Here comes that ache again. "I'm not... well not really. Shit, it's… I'm..." Her voice trailed off, unable to come up with the right words.

"Are you ever going to finish that sentence?" Shane asked after a moment of silence.

"Still thinking about what to say. You can go on talking first," Dana half joked. Until Shane asked the question, she hadn’t realized how at a loss she was about Alice.

Shane's low guttural laugh came over the phone, "Damn it Dane, I fucking miss you here. Come home, we all miss you. You've been gone for months."

"Not true, I was back a week ago." Dana defended herself, though she knew it was a weak attempt. She had been gone for five months at least. She had a good reason, after all it was her job to tour the circuit. Perhaps she admitted unwillingly, she was also using it as an excuse not to see anyone.

"Ha! You want to talk about that visit? Alright, let's talk about that, shall we?"

Dana cut in, "Ok, ok, I get it."

"They broke up." Shane followed immediately.

It took a moment for the information to register. She couldn't figure out that weird churn in her stomach.

"Dana?" Shane asked.

"I'm here. Um… when?" She found herself asking despite her resolve.

"Six days ago to be exact, the day you flew off."

"Oh." It was all she could manage.

"Oh? That's it?" Shane pressed on.

"W-why, why? Did she tell you why? " Dana's mouth tried to keep up with her thoughts.

"I think that's a question you should ask her yourself."

"No, no. I'm not going to do anything about this. It's over." Dana said quickly, hating how her voice quivered.

"Then why don't I believe you?" Shane asked firmly.

Dana drew a deep breath before answering, "I can't. I don't think I'd survive another breakup with her."

"God, Dana. You're giving up even before trying." The frustration in Shane was not lost on Dana.

"We did try, look what happened. Listen, I don't want to talk about this. You're my friend, I'm asking you to drop this."

Dana held on tight to her cell in the few seconds of silence. Finally Shane spoke, "Alright but won't you at least come home for Christmas? Everybody wants to see you, even baby Angelica… Alice has been asking about you."

The ache intensified, but she couldn't, it was too hard. "I'll be back by the first of the New Year, we'll meet up then."

"Okay, we'll all be at the Planet for Christmas Eve, should you change your mind, you know where to find us."

She could feel her eyes moistening; it was time to end the conversation. "Yeah, thanks Shane. I have to go, I'm joining a group on the mountain for skiing."

"Go on, have fun. Hey, be careful out there."

"I'm a pro at this, don't worry."

"Fine, go already!"

"Merry Christmas and give everyone a big kiss from me, will you?"

Shane laughed, "You can do that yourself when you get back. Merry Christmas Dane."

________________________________________________________________________

Dana stood by the edge, studying the slope. It was a lot steeper than she anticipated. She had never skied one of this magnitude before, her heart raced at the thought of going down the mountain. Looking around, she saw none of the others she rode the lift with seemed intimidated at all.

"Yeah! Last one down buys dinner!" One of the guys shouted and with a loud whoop, he launched himself down the mountain. The others followed immediately, leaving Dana to stare after them.

"Shit." She cursed, there was nothing she could do but follow. "Oh god, here's goes." She pushed her quadriceps and smoothly started skiing.

She found her body moving easily with the flow once she got the hang of it. Now if only she could concentrate.

"How long do you plan to keep avoiding her?" Snippets of her conversation with Shane kept coming back to her.

"They broke up." Why? Does it matter?

"Alice has been asking about you." It was too painful, losing not only a lover but her best friend. She wouldn't let herself fall like that ever again.

She was nearing the foot of the mountain, speeding past the rows of trees. She didn't see the bump ahead until it was too late. Her skis hit it hard, she fell and lost complete control.

All she could see was masses of white as she tumbled down the remaining distance until darkness cloaked her vision.

________________________________________________________________________

She strained to open her eyes, feeling fuzzy headed. The lights stung. She glanced around, she was in what looked like a hospital room. Fleeting images floated in her head, the phone call with Shane, the mountain.

She felt groggy. Trying to wake up she wondered what they had given her. It was a useless fight, the sedatives were winning, her eyes closed unwillingly.

"My dear child, it is time to wake." A gentle nudge accompanied that refined voice.

She peeled opened her eyes, turning to her side she said in surprise, "You...you're Peggy Peabody."

Peggy clocked a brow, "Physically yes. Before we go into details, I would appreciate you getting up from the bed and kindly following me."

She must be dreaming but why would she dream of Helena's mother, she thought to herself?

Peggy tucked her hand under Dana's chin, "Honey, contrary to what you think, this is not a dream. Now please get up, we do not have much time to waste. There are two others after me."

"What are you talking about? Did Shane put you up to this?" Dana asked, sitting up straight. To her amazement, the tiredness was gone but it was hardly a consolation given the strange situation she was in at the moment.

Peggy gave a deep laugh, "I highly doubt Shane would have the power to pull this off. Come on, let's go."

"Go where? This is not funny, I'm calling the nurse." Dana was starting to feel uneasy, there was a weird tingling feeling she couldn't quite put her finger on. She grabbed the buzzer from the side of the bed and pressed the button.

"They can't hear you." Peggy said.

Dana flipped the buzzer around, "Why is it broken?"

Peggy smiled, "Dana, stand up and you will get your answer."

Dana stared hard at Peggy for a moment, fighting off her growing fear.

"Do not be afraid, nothing can harm you." Peggy coaxed.

Dana obeyed, gingerly she got up and stood beside Peggy. She asked cautiously, "Now what?"

"Turn around" Peggy answered.

Slowly she turned around, holding her breath. A cry escaped from her lips at what she saw. "Oh fuck! That's... that's me. Oh my god, oh my god!"

The room started to spin. "I'm dead, aren’t I? Shit, shit!"

With a strength that surprised her, Peggy grabbed her by her shoulders, "Stop it this instant. Look at me."

Dana stared back wide-eyed at Peggy.

"Good." Peggy nodded. "You are not dead."

"But-but-but… that's me lying there and I'm fucking standing right here looking at fucking myself and-and you're fucking Peggy Peabody!"

Peggy's eyes narrowed, "It would help greatly if you would tone down your cussing. I do not care for such foul language."

"Oh, I'm sorry" Dana apologized then wondered why she did.

"Good, we shall continue then. As I was saying, you are not dead. You have left your body yes, but rest assured you will be given the opportunity to return later."

Dana was in a state of numbing confusion, nothing made sense yet she knew it was all real. "I'm trying to stay calm. You need to tell me exactly what is going on here? Who the hell are you?"

Peggy answered, "I am the Ghost of Christmas Past."

________________________________________________________________________

A Christmas Tale

Chapter 2 - The First of the Three Spirits

Laughter fell upon Dana immediately after Peggy finished her sentence. "That's so funny... you're so funny."

Peggy stood stone-faced staring at Dana, her blue eyes darkening with each passing second. The laughter died down slowly, "You're not joking." Dana stated, backing away from Peggy. "How... is this possible, “The Ghost of Christmas Past”? It's just a story, Charles Dickens wrote it!"

Peggy winked, "Let's just say Mr. Dickens's tale was inspired by a true story."

Dana started pacing, finding herself on the brink of breaking apart. "Ooooooookay... I need to sit down."

"It wouldn't make a difference. You're a floating spirit, you'll feel the same regardless of your position."

"I'm a-a-a fl-fl-fl... " Dana stammered, stopping in her tracks.

"Is it always this hard for you to put together a complete sentence?" Peggy took a step closer to the hapless woman. "Dana, work with me. Keep breathing, you're not dead, honey. I'll give you a minute to gather yourself then we have to go."

Dana stood staring at a spot on the floor with her mouth agape. Her mind was running at the speed of light as she struggled to regain her breathing. She was acutely aware of Peggy's stare, telling herself to stay calm she asked, "Alright, assuming all of this is true, why are you here? I maybe not be the kindest person on earth but I'm no Scrooge."

"We know. You have a slightly higher than average record when it comes to charitable acts. That's not why we're here. We don't only handle cases like Scrooge, you know. Dickens really spoiled it for us." Peggy replied.

"I didn't know that." Dana answered with a nod. "Ok then why are you here?"

"To help you silly." Peggy said looking at Dana like she was dim witted.

Dana waited. Realizing there would be no more information coming, she said, "Could you be less vague about this? I need a lot more than that for me not to freak out."

Peggy extended her hand to Dana, "Here, take my hand and follow. Soon you will understand."

Dana hesitated. Peggy added in a stern voice, "Dana, this is not a choice. You have to come with me whether you want to or not."

Looking at Peggy, Dana knew she was not joking. She let out a shaky breath and slowly stretched out her hand to Peggy, "Just one more thing? Why do you look like Peggy Peabody?"

"We had a change of 'policy' at the turn of last century. Appearing as ourselves seems to have scared or traumatized a large portion of our ‘guests’. So the TPTB decided that we should appear as friends or relatives of those we visit. Never someone too close to the person, it would affect their judgment."

"I see..." Dana said cautiously. "Er... what's TPTB?"

"The Powers that Be. The Big Boss."

Dana nodded her head, trying to process the information. "You said there's two more, that would be the Ghost of Christmas Present and Future?"

"Correct and that is why we must hurry. We are running a little short on time, shall we?" Peggy asked.

Dana bit her lip and answered, "Lead the way."

Peggy's smile grew bigger. She led Dana to the wall in front of them.

Wait, what are you doing? Are we going through the wall?" Dana pulled Peggy back.

"Yes we are, just relax. Remember you're a floating spirit, walking through walls will not be a problem for you."

"Ok, ok, I can do this."

A loud gasp escaped from Dana as most of Peggy disappeared through the wall, leaving only her hand, which was grasping Dana's.

She could still hear Peggy, "Dana, come on. Do not be afraid, you can close your eyes if you want to."

Taking a deep breath she edged towards the sky blue wall. She found herself engulfed by darkness as she passed through, the panic rose in her. It was only a second before her vision came back.

Dana stood in a familiar place, somewhere she missed more than she would let on. And there she was, Alice.

"Do you remember this?" Peggy asked gently.

The warmth was coming back to her, "How could I forget?" She was transfixed by the scene before her; it was like watching a movie.

She heard Alice call as she balanced herself on the ladder besides the newly decorated Christmas tree, "Dane! Come on, I want to put the star up!"

Dana laughed at the eagerness in Alice's voice. She saw herself bounding out of the kitchen with two steaming mugs. Alice had insisted that Dana be the one to place the star on top of the tree. She felt the same physically weakening feeling now as that night when Alice pulled her into a passionate kiss after the tree was decorated.

"It was our first Christmas together as a couple. Alice loves Christmas, I never realized how much until that year." Dana said wistfully, looking at herself and Alice as they snuggled up to each other on the couch.

"You both looked very happy." Peggy said.

"We were, it was the perfect Christmas." She heard them laughing and it ached. It was so simple then, all they needed was each other. Her vision lingered on Alice, there was a beautiful glow on her face, heightened by the shadows of the twinkling fairy lights.

"I love you Dana. Merry Christmas," Alice's words cut through the air.

Dana saw the sparkles that danced in Alice's eyes and the smile that she gave to no one but her. "She's beautiful, I almost forgot how it hurts sometimes just to look at her." Dana said softly.

"Sounds like you miss her." Peggy said.

Dana stayed silent for a while. There was no denying the bizarre jealousy she felt towards her own past self who got to kiss and hold Alice. She closed her eyes, wondering why it was so hard to let her go. Reluctantly she admitted, "I do miss her. God I hate it that I do,"

Peggy nodded, "Love does tend to hold you in its stubborn jaws, doesn't it?"

"Fucking hell it does and it sucks." Dana chuckled, feeling good to finally admitting it out loud.

"You still love her. Why are you here and not back in LA?" Peggy pressed.

"Because..." Dana paused, hating to say it. "Because she moved on and we're never going to work."

"I would believe you if your voice didn't quiver when you said that."

Dana turned to face Peggy, "It's over."

"No, it's not. If it were, you would be back home celebrating Christmas with your family and friends, not hiding here miserable and alone." Peggy said, searching the woman before her. Pulling out a packet of tissue, she added "And it looks like you're about to cry. Can I offer you tissue?"

Dana quickly wiped away the tears she didn't even realize were forming. She made an excuse, "It's ok, thanks. It has been a difficult day with the accident and all."

"I'm sure." Peggy gave her a knowing smile. "Dana, you've known Alice for exactly 10 years, 5 months, 9 days, 7 hours and 28 minutes. Don't you think it's rather callous of you to dismiss what you shared just like that?"

"What, no seconds counted?" Dana joked. She needed a diversion to catch her thoughts.

Peggy glared at her. "They warned me that you tend to crack jokes at inappropriate moments."

Dana hung her head, "Sorry, just trying to lighten the mood."

A smile played on the corners of Peggy's mouth, "I must admit you are very entertaining and I guess the jokes don’t hurt.

Dana smiled gratefully.

"Now can we get back to the topic at hand?" Peggy continued.

"There's nothing to get back to. We broke up, end of story." Dana insisted.

Peggy said nothing in reply, instead she pointed, "Look."

Dana followed her glance. Her heart danced despite her current situation at the sight of Alice's part nervous, part excited look as she handed her Christmas present over. She was reliving the moment all over again. She was barely breathing, watching herself unwrap her gift with anticipation.

This time she knew the tears were coming, she didn't care to stop or wipe them away. The hair on her neck stood, how it leapt and soared this immense feeling in her chest as Alice's present revealed itself.

"The first print of Rudyard Kipling's Just So Stories, your favorite book when you were a child. It took her a long time to find it." Peggy said quietly.

"I know." Her gentle tears threatened to escalate into sobs as she watched Alice lit up with joy at her reaction to the gift. The memories and emotions came flooding back, no one has ever made me feel so loved. How did they manage to screw it up so badly?

Almost six months to that day, their relationship unraveled and it all started with the reappearance of Lara. Dana was hurt by the distrust Alice had towards her. Alice didn't say much but she didn't need to, her actions were enough to make Dana feel trapped. Breaking up seemed like the right thing to do. It was probably the most painful experience she ever had in her life. One she didn't care to go through again.

Then there was Kelly. Despite her resolve to forget Alice, she couldn’t help but hurt when she went back a week ago and saw them together at the Planet. It was not one of her finest hours, she didn't take it too well. One glance at them and she rushed out with Alice running after her. All she could say to Alice after six months was, "I can't do this. I can't be here."

She left a stunned and teary Alice on the sidewalk, cursing herself for being so weak.

"It wasn't love." Peggy said. Seeing the baffled look on Dana, she continued, "Kelly. Alice didn't love her and you know they broke up."

"Are you reading my mind? Is that even ethical?" Dana asked horrified.

"Of course I'm not, what do you take me for? Besides I don't have to, you're very easy to read."

"I'm sorry."

Peggy nodded her acceptance. Placing a hand on Dana's shoulder, she said, "True love comes once in a lifetime. You may fall in love a few times in your life but deep down you know that none will match the intensity and depth of that one great love. She's the one and you know it."

Dana shook her head, "No you don't get it, I… we ... I can't go through this again. If it doesn't work out...I just can't lose her again. I can't lose everything."

Peggy was not letting go, "You're right it might not work, you might be left with an un-mended broken heart and friendship. On the other hand, you might find everything you have ever dream of."

The words wouldn't come as Dana took in what Peggy said. She turned to take a look at Alice who was now sleeping peacefully on the couch in her arms of all places. For a moment, she yearned to slip into her physical body and feel the warmth of Alice again.

"Can we go now?" Dana asked, her emotions were starting to spiral out of control.

"Alright, if you wish so."

"Wait, can I...can I go closer and maybe sit with her a while?"

"Go ahead, just for a minute."

"Thank you." Dana moved closer and seated herself on the coffee table. Her gaze fell upon Alice, finding comfort being close to her. Her hand reached out with their own accord to brush Alice's untamed hair from her eyes.

Alice stirred lightly at her touch, causing Dana to shoot a questioning look at Peggy.

A thoughtful frown appeared on Peggy, "That's strange, she wasn't supposed to feel that."

"Then why did she...?" Dana asked bewildered.

"I'm not sure."

A loud chuckle jarred them both from their thoughts, "There you are, are you not done yet?"

"No way." Dana stared in disbelief at the blond woman beside Peggy. The last time Dana saw her, she was helping her daughter pack her things from Dana’s apartment.

With a small smile, Peggy turned to Dana, "Dana, meet Dottie, the Ghost of Christmas Present."

________________________________________________________________________

A Christmas Tale

Chapter 3 - The Second of the Three Spirits

"Helloooo Dana!" Dottie closed her outstretched arms tightly on a stunned Dana.

"Hi-hi..Dottie." Dana looked pleadingly at an amused Peggy. Thirty seconds into meeting Dottie and already her over-enthusiasm was starting to wear Dana out.

"Dana, Dana. Ooohh… are you ready to go? I'm so excited." Dottie playfully pinched Dana's cheeks.

"Yea, sure. But can you give a minute? I want to talk… er... to her, a quick one." Dana said, dragging Peggy away before Dottie could answer.

With one eye on the grinning ghost, Dana said as softly as she could manage, "Peggy, you can't leave me with her. That's not Christmas Present, that's Dottie. I mean, did-did you see the pinching, that laugh? That's too much like Dottie."

Peggy took Dana's hand and with a look that spelled more sympathy than anything, said, "Here's the thing, sometimes when we take on the physical state of a person, we also take on the personality of that person." Rolling her eyes towards Dottie, she added, "Some more than others."

"You're shitting me right?"

"It's a bit like acting, you throw yourself into the character. You become that character and Christmas Present is a perfectionist so she tends to get suck into this more than the rest of us."

Dana threw her hands up,"You..you can't do this to me. She's a lot to take. Can't you ask her to switch to another person?"

"I'm sorry Dana. Once the boss signs off on this, we can't change anything without prior approval. And we're one day away from Christmas, it's a busy time." Peggy explained the best she could. Seeing the worried look on Dana, she continued, "Listen, I'll talk to her. Ask her to tone it down a little."

"Yes, thank you." Dana smiled gratefully, watching as Peggy took Dottie aside. She tried to turn her attention to a sleeping Alice on the couch but was unable to ignore the murmurings and occasional glances thrown her way.

A minute passed before they came over. Extending her hand, Peggy said, "Well, it has been a pleasure Dana."

Surprising even herself, Dana ignored the hand and went in for a hug instead.

"Oh..." It took only a second before Peggy responded to the hug. "You'll be fine Dana."

Dana bobbed her head, "Thank you."

Pulling back, Peggy looked at the slightly flustered woman, "I hope you'll find that happiness you seek, god know you deserve it." Placing a hand over Dana's chest, she said softly, "You already know the answer, it's right here."

Dana looked away before speaking, "It's not an easy answer."

"Sometimes it's us who complicates the answer." Peggy winked. She turned to Dottie, "Well I'm off, she's all yours."

"Wait, will I see you again?" Dana asked as Peggy turned to leave.

"You might. Merry Christmas Dana." In two steps, Peggy reached the wall by the side and walked right through it.

Dottie clasped her hands together, "It's just you and me now." A chuckle. "Don't worry I'll be gentle."

Dana almost whimper but held back, "Yea, let's go then."

"It's right this way." Dottie said, pointing at where Peggy disappeared.

Dana took one last look at Alice, just in time to see her snuggled closer to the old her. She wanted to stay, with great pain she tore herself away and walked towards a waiting Dottie.

She asked, "Where are we going?"

"I'm taking you home to the City of Angels, to a happening little place in West Hollywood." Dottie grabbed Dana's hand and pulled her through the wall, not giving her a chance to react.

"Welcome to The Planet!" Dottie thrilled to a still dazed Dana.

Dana closed her eyes to put herself together. The walk through the wall happened so fast, her senses felt out of place. Opening her eyes, she found herself standing at the entrance. Christmas carols filled the air as families and friends packed the place for dinner. Smacked in the middle was a beautifully decorated tree, the work of her friends no doubt.

"They are over there." Dottie motioned to a corner of the room.

Dana heard the familiar laughter and voices before she saw them. Immediately, the warm feeling started chipping away at the loneliness she felt earlier. She was home again.

Dana moved over to the table. Carmen and Jenny was playing with Angelica while the rest looked on, almost everyone was here.

Shane asked the question in Dana's head, "Hey, where's Alice?"

"She said she had to make a call." Bette answered. She took a glance at her watch, "But that was nearly 20 minutes ago."

Dana noticed the look Shane and Tina exchanged and worry seeped through her. "Dottie, where's Alice? Is she alright?"

Dottie laid an assuring hand on her, "Why don't you see for yourself? She's out in the garden."

Shane got up from her seat just as Tina was about to go to the garden. "Guys, I'm going to check on Alice." She told the group.

Dana followed Shane to the garden. Alice sat on the bench beside the small patch of flowers, a frown on her face and staring at her cell phone. The first sting of pain came at the sight of her.

"Al, you know the cell won't dial itself." Shane quipped.

Alice jumped, "Shit! You scared me. What are you doing here?"

"I came to see if you're alright. You've been gone for a while." Shane said, seating herself beside Alice.

"I'm fine, I just needed some fresh air." Alice said, sounding a bit cross.

Shane fumbled with her lighter before lighting up her cigarette, "You manage to get her?"

"What? Get who? I wasn't trying to call her." Alice feigned innocence. Dana had to smile, Alice was always a terrible liar.

Shane echoed Dana's thoughts, "Alice, you need to learn to lie better."

"I..." Alice started to say before giving up, "No, I hung up after a few rings. How… how did you know?"

Shane grew serious, "Because we've been friends for over 10 years."

Dana was not entirely sure though she needed it to be true, turning to Dottie she asked, "Who's her? Are they talking about me?"

Dottie smiled, "Let's hear it from Alice."

Dana's breathing stilled as she waited for an answer from Alice. After a moment of silence Alice spoke,"I miss her, I wish I didn't." She cradled her head in her hands, mumbling, "Damn you Dana."

The oxygen started to vacate from Dana's lungs.

Shane lightly patted Alice's knee, "What do you want?"

Alice looked up, "I don't know what I want." She stood up abruptly and continued in a voice that was close to breaking, "I want to stop thinking about her.... but I can't. It's been more than six months, how long does it take to get over someone?"

Fragile, Dana felt fragile and on the brink of breaking. Alice was hurting as much as she was. Finally having the answer that had plagued her since they broke up gave her a little comfort yet added to the confusion swirling in her head.

Aware of Dottie's stare, Dana said with a firmness she didn't feel, "This doesn't change anything."

Dottie didn't reply. She merely smiled.

Shane's voice brought them back to the conversation, "Maybe you don't want to forget her."

Alice stood playing with her cell, A few seconds passed before she answered, "What are you trying to do, Shane?"

"I'm trying to figure out why my two best friends who clearly still love each other are so stubborn that they are spending Christmas apart." Shane pushed her luck. "I spoke to Dana today, this morning. She misses you."

Alice's head shot up, "Did she say that?"

"She didn't need to, Like you, she's a horrible liar." Shane stood up and walked towards Alice. "Call her. It's Christmas after all."

"I don't know about this." Alice ran a hand over her messy blond hair.

Shane hunched a little to meet Alice's gaze, "You kind of already called her. Tell you what, I'll call and see how's she doing and then you can talk to her?" I think I've a better chance of going through with the call than you do."

Alice shook her head and took a playful swipe at Shane, "Ass. Just call her."

A grin spread across Shane's face as she pushed a button on her cell. For a moment Dana was glad she wouldn't be there to take the call, she didn't think she would know what to say. But that feeling vanished once she looked over at her ex girlfriend.

Alice was pacing up and down the small space, chewing on her bottom lip. Alice was nervous, Dana thought and to her amazement, so was she.

"She's not picking up?" Alice asked in a small voice.

"No she's not. I'll try again." Shane answered.

"Shit." Dana muttered as she saw the nervousness on Alice being replaced by worry. "She's going to think I'm avoiding her calls."

Shane threw a glance at Alice, "Still nothing." Dana knew Alice was starting to get really worried when she chewed on her nails. She fought an old habit to slap her hand away.

"Do you think she's alright? What was she doing the last time you spoke to her?" Alice asked anxiously.

"She was going skiing. Hey don't worry, she's probably out at a party and didn't hear her phone ring. We'll try again later ok?" Shane comforted.

Alice agreed reluctantly, "Yeah."

The way Alice looked tore at Dana. She was genuinely worried for her even after all that had happened.

A voice startled all of them, "You two, come on! The carolers are here!" Tina stood by the edge, gesturing for them to come in.

"We better go. Al, I'm sure she's fine. I'll call later." Shane put an arm across Alice's shoulder.

"You go on in first, I'll join you guys in a minute."

"You sure?"

"Yeah, I'll be in."

The moment Shane was out of an earshot, Alice pulled out her cell. Dana saw her press speed dial 1, her number. An unwilling comfort settled lightly on her, at least she no longer felt like such a fool for keeping Alice number one on her speed dial as well.

The seconds tickled by as Alice continue her pacing with her cell glued to her ear. She stopped abruptly, "H-h-hi, um...it's me. Just calling to see how you are and… er to wish you Merry Christmas." She let out a small awkward laugh, "Um...call us...me-me and Shane when you can. Bye."

Alice exhaled loudly and sank down on the chair once she hung up. "Shit, that was smooth." She muttered to herself.

Dana let her emotions win, she took a seat beside Alice, "God Al why do you do this to me?"

"She's just acting on how she feels." Dottie said, looking down on the two women.

"Well, how she feels is killing me." Dana shot back.

Dottie was unfazed, "It's killing you because you feel the same."

"You guys need to stop this 'I know all' thing. It's starting to annoy me.' Dana retorted, not so much in anger as it was in frustration.

"It's annoying you because we're dead on the money." Dottie chuckled.

Dana made a face, she hated it because she was right. "Well, what am I supposed to do with this now? Alice still cares about me, so what? It doesn't change anything."

Dottie threw her hands in mock surrender, "Hey, that's for you to figure out. Our job is to present you the facts and for you to process the information.You told Christmas Past that Alice is over you. Now you know the truth. You're right, it doesn't change a thing. In actual fact nothing changed at all, both of you are still at exactly where you were six months ago."

Her heart tightened as she let the truth of Dottie's word sink in. She turned to see Alice wiping her eyes, surprised by her tears.

"Fuck." Alice mumbled.

"Oh Alice." Her name spilled from Dana's lips. In a move that almost threw Dana off her chair, Alice whipped around and stared wide eyed at her.

No one moved as Alice continued to stare questioningly at what was supposed to be an empty chair. Her gaze bore into Dana, making her yearn to draw her close.

Shaking her head, she pulled her gaze away. "Shit, Alice what are you doing? Pull yourself together" She said to herself before getting on her to join the rest inside.

"Did...what was that?" Dana asked, staring after Alice with her heart pounding violently.

"If I didn't know better, I would say she heard you." Dottie answered looking equally baffled.

"But that's not possible isn't it?"

"Technically no." Dottie shrugged her shoulders. "But stranger things have happened."

Gathering herself, Dana walked inside to see what was going on. She stood a distance from Alice, not daring to go near.

The carolers started their first song. "Oooh, I love this song." Dottie cried gaily and jumped right in, "Deck the halls with boughs of holly, Fa la la la la la la la la la.."

Dana laughed despite herself at the sight of a clapping and singing Dottie. Her heart stopped when she turned around and caught Alice looking directly at her.

"She can't see you but she can feel your presence." A familiar voice sounded. Without turning around she knew who it was.

Dottie stopped singing. Chuckling loudly she said, "Ah! Christmas Future is Here!"

Turning to face her new guide, Dana greeted her, "Hi Lenore."

________________________________________________________________________

A Christmas Tale

Chapter 4 - The Last of the Spirits

Dana waited for Lenore or rather the third spirit to come out of the shadows. "Hello Dana." Lenore responded, a smirk on her face.

Dana wasted no time, "What do you mean by she can feel my presence?"

"Exactly that. She felt a familiar presence but that doesn't mean she knows it's you. ." Lenore explained.

Dana took a moment to process what Lenore said. Try as she might, she still couldn't wrapped her head around the whole thing, "How is that possible?"

"You're making it happen, well you and her." Lenore answered, placing particular emphasis on the words 'you and her'.

Dana raised her hands, gesturing her continuing state of confusion.

"Would you like the romantic or technical version?" Lenore asked, fixing her gaze on Dana.

"Um...I don't..what?"

"Let me try this." Lenore paused thoughtfully. "It's an energy the two of you emit. A mass of atoms and molecules coming together to create this dynamic pattern of a powerful energy field. You and her are each half of that interacting pool, it cuts across the dimension of the physical world. She felt you like static, like the goosebumps pricking on your arm or your hair standing on your neck, you just know."

"And the romantic version is?" Dottier interjected eargerly before Dana could say anything.

"You share a powerful bond, deeper than you believe possible. A bond that transcends space and time, it's a connection that holds no boundaries. Most people never see or realize it, you're one of the very lucky few who was given a demonstration of that connection." Lenore said, smiling at Dana.

Dottie squeezed one of Dana's arm, "Isn't that wonderful?"

"Yea, yea.." Dana mumbled, her mind fighting to hold on to any concept she has left of the reality she used to know.

Lenore touched Dana lightly on her arm, "We need to go now, Dana."

Dana drew a deep breath, "Point me in the right direction." Turning to Dottie, she said, "I guess this is goodbye."

Dottie opened her arms expectantly, "Come here and give me a hug." Dana did as told, "Thanks for everything."

"Ahh, don't mention it. You be good and I'll hope I wouldn't have to pay you another visit next Christmas." Dottie said.

With a final goodbye, Dana nodded to Lenore, "I'm ready."

"Let's go." Nudging Dottie, she added, "Aren't you suppose to be somewhere as well?"

Dottie began,"Yup, I'm goi.." The first line of "Jingle Bells" filled the air. "Oh my god, it's Jingles Bells! I must stay for this, you go ahead. After this song I promise I'll go." Dottie cried in excitement. She didn't wait for an answer as she hurried to the front of the crowd, singing along.

Noticing the amused grin on Dana, Lenore rolled her eyes, "Next year, I'm picking who she'll be for our visits."

A step through the wall brought them to an open field lined with white and grey tombstones. The chill of the wind swept day bit into Dana. The air felt damp, perhaps it rained earlier, she thought.

"Why are we here?" Dana asked somewhat apprehensively.

"See that young lady over there?" Lenore pointed at a woman dressed in black standing in front of a tombstone a few rows down.

"Yes."

"Let's join her, shall we?" Lenore walked ahead without waiting for Dana.

A cold spasm like feeling attacked Dana's stomach as she neared enough to read the engravings. Her name was etched into the granite, she gasped.

Lenore saw Dana's reaction, "This is many years into a future that may be alerted."

Dana let the initial shock die and studied the woman beside her. She looks about her age, maybe younger. Tall and willowy with dark brown hair and beautiful brown eyes. Could it be possible? She wondered.

"Lenore, is she my daughter?" Dana asked, letting the young woman hold her gaze.

"No she's not." Lenore paused. "She's Alice's daughter. Her name is Ashley."

"Alice's daughter." Dana repeated, bowing her head. It's strange as to why it was so hard for her to ask the question, "With her..partner or husband?"

"Neither, Ashley was adopted by Alice alone."

"I see.." Dana trailed off, feeling happy that Alice had a child. She never doubted her ability as a parent even when Alice herself didn't believed, much of which she attributed to Lenore's parenting 'skills'. She glanced at Lenore with amused irony. Here she was thinking about the less than perfect relationship between Alice and Lenore and being guided by a spirit who looked exactly like Lenore.

"Do you want to talk to her?" Lenore asked gently.

Dana looked at Lenore in surprise, "I can do that?"

The haughty smirk returned, "I can make it happen."

All of a sudden it felt colder than it did a second ago, reasons not to talk to Ashley played in Dana's head. "No I don't think I should. There's no real reason to."

"No reasons?" Lenore raised her brow. "I know you dying to find out what she's doing here and where is Alice?"

"You can tell me that." Dana argued.

"You really think I would?" Lenore challenged as she folded her arms across her chest.

Dana sighed, she should know better by now. Nothing was ever easy with the spirits. "Fine, I'll talk to her."

"Wonderful." Lenore said triumphantly. "At the click of my finger, she will see you. Tell me when you're ready."

"How can anyone ever be ready for something like this? Just go ahead and do it." Dana drew a deep breath.

She heard the snap of Lenore's fingers but Ashley didn't look up. "Is it done?" Dana asked Lenore.

"Oh!" Ashley let out a little cry.

Dana opened her mouth but nothing came out.

"You startled me." Ashley said.

Thankfully her voice returned, "Yeah, I-I'm sorry. I scared you."

"No it's alright, I didn't see you coming." Ashley brow came together in thought. "You...you look like..um..are you related to Dana? You look so much like her."

Great, of all things they forgot this important detail. "Ye-yea, I'm..." Dana threw a frantic glance at Lenore who mouthed, "Daughter"

Dana let out the breath she was holding, "I'm her daughter, Da.." Shit, she needed a name. "..nnii."

"Dannii?" Ashley asked

"Yes, Dannii. That's my name."

Ashley's shock was evident, she was silent for a moment "I'm sorry, you surprise me. I didn't know Dana had a daughter. But then again, I don't know much about her." Waving her hand she laughed, "I'm sorry, I don't know what I'm talking about. I'm Ashley."

Almost immediately Dana was charmed, "Hi Ashley, that's alright, my..mom..er..kept her life private."

Ashley smiled, "You look a lot like her, judging from the photos my mom kept."

It was Dana's turn to be surprised, "You never met my mother?"

"Once, just before she passed away. That was it."

Nothing could hide the intense sadness Dana felt, what could have happen that lead them to live such separate lives.

Ashley must have noticed, "Are you ok?"

"Uh huh." Dana nodded quickly. "Just that being here is a..little overwhelming."

"I know how you feel." Ashley said sadly, glancing at the flowers she cradled in her hands.

Dana knew this couldn't be good, dreading to ask the question. "Where's your mother?"

Ashley looked up, "You didn't know?"

"No." She rasped.

"She died two days ago, we buried her yesterday. Her grave is just down the corner."

Dana stumbled backwards, her chest hurts. She couldn't fight the overwhelming sense of loss or the tears that pushed to her eyes. "I..didn't know..oh god.."

Ashley was obviously not expecting this reaction. "You want to sit down?"

Dana shook her head, "No, I'll be fine. It's a shock, I wasn't prepared for that."

"Were you close to her?"

Dana wiped away the tears from her eyes,"Not really, my mom talks about her a lot. So it feels like I know her."

The sad look lingered on Ashley, "I wish my mother told me about her sooner. Maybe we could have done something."

"What do you mean?" Dana asked.

Dana could tell Ashley was hesitating, she pleaded. "Please tell me, I need to know, more than you imagine."

"Alright." Ashley began, "My mother was found just outside the gate of this cemetery, she was on her way here. She came every year after Dana died five years ago. She always insisted that she came alone, she said she needed some quality time with an old friend. I couldn't figure out why they never really kept in touch yet she still called her her best friend. I found my answer two days ago." Ashley stopped to gather herself.

When she continued, her eyes were glistening, "She wrote me a long letter a few years back to be opened when she pass on. Among the other things mentioned in the letter was Dana. You see, after all these time she still love her. She stayed out of her life because it was too hard to be a good friend and pretend to be happy when she moves on with someone else. She didn't want to wait and find out how it feels. When she found our Dana was ill, she dropped everything and flew to her side. Your mother was her only regret, not for loving her but for not seeking her out sooner, for not taking a chance. They could have been so happy. Did you know that just before Dana died, she told my mom she loves her? It broke her completely."

Dana's heart sank to her feet, she lost all her resolve not to break down. Her tears flowed freely, she choked, "Thank you for telling me that."

She was not the only one crying, Ashley took a swipe at her own tears, "I just wish they told each other how they felt earlier, they wouldn't have wasted all these years." Placing the flowers on the ground, she said, "My mother brought Dana the same kind of flower every year, she didn't get a chance this year so I thought I'll do it on her behalf."

Ashley stared at Dana for a moment, then she said, "I have to go, my car is waiting. Maybe we can catch up soon? Here's my card, you can reach me by my cell."

Dana took the card with a shaky hand, "Thanks, I'll do that."

Ashley turned on her heels and walked away but not before a final wave goodbye. Dana stared after her long after she was out of sight. Ashley words inflamed her heart, she realized how just how terribly she missed Alice and just how much she needed her. Suddenly being safe was no longer an option, not if it meant living without Alice.

Lenore broke the silence, "The flowers she brought every year, it's call Lungwort. Are you familiar with the language of flowers, Dana?"

Dana said quietly, bending down to pick up the flowers. "No, I don't"

"It means Thou art my life."

In that instant Dana felt it, the static Lenore speak of. Goosebumps snaked through her skin, the hair on her neck stood and she knew, somethings in life were not meant to be fought nor deny.

Dana faced Lenore and spoke with absolute certainty, "Lenore, I need you to take me back now. There's a Christmas party in LA I need to attend."

________________________________________________________________________

A Christmas Tale

Chapter 5 - The End Of It.

The smile on Lenore threatened to split her face, "Thank god! It's about time you said that."

"Let's go then!" Dana grinned. She was already on her way to the spot from where they entered.

"Wait up, you can't enter without me." Lenore laughed lightly as she tried to catch up with her.

Dana halted, "I hate to be a bitch but hurry up. We left hours ago and it's almost Christmas morning."

"Why is Christmas morning so important?" Lenore asked, finally standing beside Dana.

"Because..." Dana said quietly "We always bring in Christmas together. Alice is like an 8 year old kid when it comes to Christmas. I spent many early Christmas mornings half asleep while she happily tore open her presents. I guess I don't want to miss that."

Lenore gave Dana a soft smile. Dana found her cheeks heating up, she attempted a dismissive shrug, "What can I say? I get sentimental at Christmas."

Lenore ribbed her with her elbow, "Come on you sentimental little fool." Sweeping her arm gallantly, she continued, "This way please."

Dana took a step forward and was once again engulfed by the darkness, though she no longer felt confused nor afraid like she was the past few times.

Her vision returned to her. She was back in the hospital room. Her heart jumped at the sight of her body lying on the bed. It wasn’t something a person could get used to, probably.

For first time, she noticed the bandage above her right eye, "Hey, I don't have any serious injuries right?"

"Not that I know of, apart from that gash on your forehead, all you got are bruises." Lenore answered.

Dana let out a sigh of relief, the last thing she needed was the hospital refusing to let her leave.

"Alright, how do I do this?" Dana moved closer to her physical body.

"Just lie down on top of your body." Lenore answered.

Dana looked at Lenore skeptically, "Just like that?"

"Just like that. I've been doing this for centuries, I think you can trust me." Lenore told her dryly.

Dana's face went slightly crimson, "I-I didn't mean to doubt you." Seeing Lenore's shoulders shaking in giggles, she added, "What did I say?"

"Oh nothing, Dana Fairbanks, you're too cute sometimes." Lenore stilled her giggles. "Now stop giving me that blank look and get going. Time's a wasting."

"Time." Dana glanced around for a clock. "What time is it now?"

Lenore answered, "It's 7pm."

Something didn't fit, Dana asked, "But… that's not right. When I was at the Christmas Party, it was already past 11pm."

With a smug smile, Lenore said, "I weaved a little magic and tinkered with time for you. If there are no unusual obstacles, you should reach The Planet right after Alice calls you. It's the perfect time for you to swoop in and sweep her off her feet."

Dana raised her brows in amusement.

"Quit looking at me like that, you get sentimental at this time of the year, I get romantic." Lenore paused in thought. "It's good to be a romantic in an unromantic world."

Dana smiled, "I never would have guessed that about you."

"Ok enough... " Lenore hurried her, "You get going now, remember your swoop and sweep."

"Wait one more thing." Dana stopped just before she lay down. "Is there any chance of… um... knowing if I and Alice will work out? And Ashley, will she be in our lives? I mean, you can see the future, right?"

"No, we don't give out spoilers." Lenore said sternly.

"Come on, just a hint? I promise I wouldn't tell." Dana was close to whining.

Lenore sighed and placed both hands on Dana's shoulders, 'Dana honey, the truth is we don't know yet what will happen. The ending of this story is waiting for you to write. Certain things are pre-destined, like the two of you meeting and falling in love but destiny is overrated. The story may change along the way with the decisions you make, tonight for instance will determine the path you will take for the remainder of your life. Now, be silent my inquisitive child and go write your own happy ending."

Dana beamed. Somehow Lenore's words gave her the confidence she needed. It felt good to be in control. Pulling the Spirit into an embrace, she said, "Thank you, I wouldn't be able to do this without you three."

"I know." Lenore teased. "Good luck, we'll be watching."

"Goodbye." Dana said. She lay down as Lenore looked on. A chill hit her, her senses were displaced; for a moment she fought to breath. Soon that passed, to be replaced by reassuring warmth.

Opening her eyes, she scanned the room but Lenore was no longer there. Slowly she lifted herself from the bed; everything felt solid and real once again. Not willing to lose anymore time, she leapt to her feet and opened the cupboard beside her to find her clothes hanging neatly.

She dressed hastily, her mind thinking of how she was going to get back to LA. Patting her pockets, she was annoyed to find that her wallet wasn't there. She raced towards the counter, completely oblivious to the curious stares that greeted her,

"Hi, my name is Dana Fairbanks. I was admitted sometime in the late morning I think. I need my wallet back." Dana said in a breathless manner.

The nurse stood up and eyed the disheveled woman before her, "I'm sorry Ms. Fairbanks. I'm going to have to ask you to go back to your room. The doc-…"

Dana cut in curtly, "No! I'm leaving the hospital now and I want my wallet!"

"I'm sorry, we can't let you leave without your doctor signing you off." The nurse said firmly.

"You don't get it, there's somewhere I'm supposed to be. I have to leave now!" Dana cried in frustration.

The nurse was unflinching, "You need to go back to your room and lower your voice. Look I'm sorry, I can't release you without approval from the doctor."

Dana chewed on the inner edges of her mouth as she attempted to think of a way out of the hospital. "Alright, what if I waive the hospital’s liability for any after effects with some sort of written form? You have that, right? I've seen it before."

The nurse took a deep breath, obviously annoyed. Dana wasn't about to give up, "Listen, you might as well help me here. I've no intention of going anywhere but out of this place. Just give the form and my wallet unless you want me to wake up the entire hospital."

Dana stared hard at the nurse who had gone quiet. For a moment, Dana thought the nurse was going to deck her but instead she reached into the drawer and slapped a piece of paper on the counter top.

"Fill this out." She said murderously. Dana wasn't able to suppress the triumphant grin forming on her face. Mustering her calmest tone, she said, "Thank you."

She mentally calculated the seconds as the nurse took her time going about her task, resisting the urge to snap at her. She took off the second her things were returned to her, leaving the nurse shouting after her, "Hey! You still need to fill these forms!"

_____________________________________________________________________________________________________

An air of festivity filled The Planet as the crowd gathered around the carolers. Families, friends and couples huddled together happily, but Alice was not partaking in any of the merriment. Not that she didn't want to join in, she just felt empty and distracted. She snuck away to the gardens just as the carolers were finishing up 'Jingle Bells."

"Fuck." Alice sighed, slinking down in the chair she had sat on earlier. Her eyes drifted to the empty seat besides her, she could have sworn, it felt so real. It felt like Dana was here earlier. She tried to reason with herself yet nothing could dispute what she felt. Not knowing or understanding what was going on left her with an uneasy feeling.

A chorus of cheers erupted inside. Alice glanced over out of curiosity. As her eyes swept between the dance floor, a fleeting figure caught her eye. She froze, scarcely daring to trust her sight. Her neck craned over the crowd of people, seeking the figure she had longed to see for so long.

Disappointment coursed through her as her search revealed nothing. Chiding herself for being silly, she turned back into the garden.

"Alice."

The voice made Alice shudder, sucking all thoughts from her head. All that remained was the thump thumping of her heart.

She turned around slowly. She gasped upon seeing Dana, her eyes immediately fixed on the bandage on her forehead, "Oh god, Dana." The distance between them was closed with three easy steps. Taking Dana's face in her hands, she asked with concern, "Are you ok? What happened?"

"I'm fine. I had a little skiing accident." Dana explained, locking eyes with her.

Alice was not assured, "Should you be in the hospital? What did the doctor say?"

Dana said nothing, opting to take Alice's hands and bring them to her chest. She said softly, "Forget about the doctor. I needed to see you."

The way Dana was looking at her turned her insides topsy-turvy. She managed a weak whisper, "Yea?"

Dana held on tight to her hands, breathing deeply as if she was gathering her courage before speaking. "There's something I want you to know...because it's Christmas and there's no better time to tell you."

She stopped to clear her throat. She moved closer, bringing their bodies together till there was nary an inch between them. "I love you."

Alice's breath caught, she weakened and worried that her legs might not be able to support her if she didn't break away from Dana soon. Yet her body refused to yield to her command.

Over the past few months, she kept the many things she wanted to say to Dana locked in a tiny corner of her heart where it laid silent waiting for the right moment. Now that the right moment was here, not a single word came to her mind.

"You don't have to say anything, I just needed you to know that." Dana said, her eyes still fixed on Alice.

Gathering the last of her strength, Alice backed away slightly. "I-I'm not sure what to do...I... you..." She stopped, needing to gain control of her emotions.

Dana's hands went to Alice's face, drawing her near. She said huskily, "I'm know what to do." Without another word, she pressed her lips gently to Alice's.

Alice's response was almost instantaneous, her eyes flickered shut as her lips moved of their own volition against Dana. There was no hurry in that kiss, each reveling in the feel of lips long missed.

They fell into an embrace after the kiss, staying there for a time and letting their hearts pound in rhythm against each other. Finally Dana pulled back and said, "I don't want to live my life without you Alice, my worst days with you will always be better than my best days without you..."

"Do you really think we can make it work this time?" Alice asked, needing to be sure.

"I know we can. Al, we belong together. We'll fix whatever needs to be fixed, we'll try harder." Dana implored, pouring all her emotions into her words.

The flicker of a smile played lightly on the corners of Alice's mouth.

Encouraged, Dana continued, "Let's take this one day at a time, one foot after the other..."

Alice shushed her; "Baby steps, and we'll take this as our first."

Dana beamed as she closed her mouth over Alice's passionately making her groan in approval. Alice held Dana tight after the kiss ended. Here in her arms, Alice felt validated, vaccinated against all harm; she kept her suspended in a divine state of grace.

Somewhere in the small cafe, the clock chimed 12 amidst cheers and wishes from the crowd. Brushing her lips lightly against Dana's ear, Alice breathed, "I love you. Merry Christmas Dana."

"Merry Christmas baby." Dana whispered as she planted a gentle kiss on her.

Looking over Dana's shoulders, Alice said, "I think we better go in, the girls have been pretending that they are not looking out here for the past couple of minutes. Let's go in before it kills them."

Dana followed Alice's gaze and laughed at the stolen glances from the gang. "Come on." Dana said, taking Alice's hand.

They took no more than two steps when Dana halted suddenly. "What is it?" Alice asked, concerned.

Dana was staring at the table in front of them, placed on top were flowers, bells of blue and white. Slowly Dana reached over and picked it up, a tender smile broadening on her features. "Why those..." Dana muttered.

"Dana, what are those?" Alice asked.

"Lungwort." Dana replied as she pulled Alice close. "It's for us."

Alice shook her head in confusion, "For us? What are you talking about?"

"It's a long story, one day I shall tell you about the three kind souls who brought me here." Dana smiled, and then continued, "Now let's go see our friends."

________________________________________________________________________

The afternoon sun streaked through the shelter of the trees, beaming little rays of light on the tombstones. The place was quiet with nary a soul in sight. Standing by the corner were the three spirits, still in their respective appearances.

"I can't believe I let you talked me into this. If anyone ever finds out about this, we're in big trouble." Peggy said, clearly annoyed.

"Oh quit whining, I know you want to know." Dottie replied as she playfully tapped Peggy on her nose.

Peggy swiped at her hand, hissing, "Stop that!"

"Okay, that's enough the two of you!" Lenore interjected. She stepped in between them and pushed them apart. "We're already here, let's just do what we came to do and leave before anyone finds out." She looked between the two spirits sternly.

They relented, Peggy spoke for both of them, "We're sorry, let's go find out then."

"Yes!" Dottie cried in excitement and dashed ahead of them. The other two watched as Dottie stopped at the last row, her huge grin mellowed into a soft smile. Catching up with her, they realized why.

Before them, two tombstones rested beside each other. Engraved on them were the names, "Dana Fairbanks" and "Alice Pieszecki" with the line, "Sleep well, sweet mother and wife" resting above them.

"They made it." Dottie said hoarsely as she dabbed at her teary eyes.

Peggy draped her arm around Dottie's shoulder, "Yes they did." Her eyes traveled down to the ledge, "Oh my, look. Is that...?"

Lenore bent down and plucked a photo and a piece of paper. "It's her, it's Ashley."

"Well read the note!" Dottie hurried.

Unfolding the paper carefully, Lenore started,

"Dear Mums, today is Christmas Eve and it will be my first Christmas without the both of you. It's strange; putting up the tree without hearing the two of you bicker about the decorations or who gets to put up the star. You've given me so many wonderful Christmas memories that it gets so hard not having you there. But I'm coping, Danny has been wonderfully supportive and I'm so thankful for him and Chrissie.

Chrissie pulled off her role in her school Christmas play brilliantly, we are so proud of her. How I wish both of you were there to see her, she was the star of the show. I left you a picture of her as Angel Gabriel and also another of our last Christmas together.

I dreamt of you both last night. You were sitting around the living room talking and laughing, I don't remember what was being said but I remember the laughter. It gave me comfort.

And before I go, I just say, thank you for being my mothers. I couldn't ask for more, I'll keep you in my heart always.

Merry Christmas, be good to each other.

Ashley."

A moment of silence passed before anyone spoke. "She's beautiful, isn't she?" Lenore said softly, looking at the blond little girl in the picture.

"She really is." Peggy sniffed.

Dottie leaned over to check on Peggy, "You're crying, I knew you're a big softie."

Peggy returned with a glare, "Shut up."

Lenore jumped in before another fight starts, "Alright already, for once I want to go through a mission without having to play peacemaker."

"She started it." Peggy pointed accusingly at Dottie.

Dottie gasped in wide-eyed horror, "How dare you say that?"

"Oh my god, please! Just go, move it! You two will be the death of me. Go, go, before another patrol finds us here." Lenore cried as she pushed them both on their way. "I'll join in a bit."

The two spirits did as told, bickering all the way.

Lenore took one last look at the picture; a small family huddled together happily. Dana sat with her arms around Alice with Chrissie on her, Ashley and Danny was on either side of them.

Her eyes reddened, she was so proud of Dana, she wrote her happy ending. Carefully she put the photo and letter back to its rightful place.

Drying her eyes, she said, "Merry Christmas."

________________________________________________________________________