12 Days of Christmas--Day#2--Short Story

Hey all! Welcome to day #2 of The 12 Days of Christmas!!! :D Today I have a  short story for y'all that I wrote last year. :) 

Madison, Indiana, December 24th, 1943

Milton  slowly made his way down the street, heading toward brightly lit window of the bakery in the distance. Large, white snowflakes drifted lazily down from the sky, creating a picturesque Christmas.

Well, Christmas eve.

He was the only one out tonight, it seemed. He smiled to himself; it wouldn't be that way for long.

Suddenly, the door loomed in front of him, and he stopped, shuffling his army-issue boots in the snow. Thank goodness they at least kept his feet warm, although it didn’t really matter. He was sure he wouldn’t be able to feel the cold if he was barefoot. 

No, he had only one thought on his mind.

He hesitated before opening the door and stepping inside. The door opened silently; no clanging bells announced his entrance, and he closed it behind him. 

The smells of cinnamon and vanilla, as well as the slow strains of Bing Crosby’s I’ll be home for Christmas, greeted him. As he looked at the array of food behind the glass showcase, his mouth watered.

All the days over in Europe with army rations had left him feeling half-starved  for home-baked foods. Plus, he knew the person who made them. And her cooking was to die for.

Well, not quite literally. Because if he died, he wouldn't have been able to taste it again. He shook his head. His thoughts could take the weirdest turns sometimes.

He stood and straightened his collar. The sense of excitement that had been building in him on his walk over suddenly seemed to overpower him.

Two years. He hadn’t seen Betty in two years. Would she have changed?

He tiptoed behind the counter, and peered around the curtain that separated the office from the kitchen. 

She was there. His bride of only a week before he shipped out. She sat there with a pen in her hand, and it looked as though she was in the middle of writing something or other. 

After all, it was Christmas eve; the bakery was technically closed. There was no reason for her to have been behind the counter; she must have just forgotten to lock the front door.

He was thankful for that.  

Walking as though he were stepping on eggshells, Milton made his way across the room, praying the radio would drown out the sound of his footsteps.

He stopped when he was within two feet from her chair. Her dark brown curls were scattered across her shoulders, and her hazel eyes focused on the paper in front of her.

Now came the next question. How to surprise her before she sensed she wasn’t alone? A sudden idea hit him and he smiled. Why not?

“I’ll be Home for Christmas, you can count on me.” He did his best to make his voice deep and smooth, blending in with Crosby’s crooning.

“Please have snow, and mistletoe, and presents on the tree.”

Betty froze for a second, as though not believing her ears.

With a twinkle in his eyes as he reached out and tweaked her hair from behind, Milton continued to sing. "Christmas eve will find me, where the love light gleams."

Betty whirled around and met his gaze, and then covered her mouth with her hands. “Milton!”

He smiled and winked at her. “I’ll be home for Christmas--” He didn’t get any further before she stood, knocking the chair to the ground and throwing herself into his arms.

He held her close as he buried his head in her hair. Her soft curls were foreign to his calloused face, and he reveled in their silky feeling. He hadn’t realized just how much he’d missed her until he held her. Hadn't realized just how much she had been a part of him. At that moment, with her in his arms, everything seemed to fade away. The war, the fighting, the pain he’d seen, it was all gone, replaced with fierce love for the person he held in his arms.

“I’m home, Betty. I came home for Christmas.” He whispered the words in her ear.

She  released her hold on him and stepped back, tears running down her face and a bright smile shining through the tears. “But how? How are you here?”

“I walked over." He winked. "I went home first, and you weren't there. Dad said you were here."

"No, but how--?" She didn't finish the question, her eyes asking it for her.

Milton smiled softly. "I was wounded. I--" He looked down, not letting his eyes meet her gaze. He hadn't wanted to get into this tonight. "I'm mostly healed now, but I've got a bullet that's still lodged in my chest. It's too close to the the heart to operate on. I can't fight with that, so they sent me home."

Betty's eye widened in alarm. "But if it's still there, then that means--"

He pressed a finger over her lips, and then reached out and cupped her face in his hands. "We can talk about what will happen later. Tonight all that matters it that I'm here. With you."

For a long moment they stood there, their eyes communicating words that couldn't be spoken. Then he bent forward and placed a soft kiss on her lips.

Betty leaned into him, returning the kiss, and he closed his eyes, treasuring her closeness.

At last she stepped back and glanced up at him, a smile on her face. “But why didn’t you tell me when you first got here? Why did you try to sneak in?”

“I wanted to surprise you.” He frowned. “I’m guessing my crooning wasn’t exactly quite as romantic as Bing Crosby’s huh?”

She laughed. “Well, you never were the best singer. But no, yours was more romantic. Because you’re mine.”

He reached out a hand and stroked her hair. “Well, what do you say I walk you home?”

Betty's face lit with a smile. “I’ve waited two years to hear you ask me that.” She turned, picked up the chair and flipped off the radio before taking her jacket from the coat hanger and slipping it on.

He smiled as she took his arm and they walked toward the door together. Once outside she quickly locked the door and then they started down the sidewalk.

“So, I see you got the snow. How about mistletoe in the doorway, and the presents on the tree?” he asked casually.

Betty laughed. “The presents are under the tree, not on it, and the mistletoe is hung in the doorway, as it always is. Any particular reason for that last question?” she glanced up at him, eyebrows arched.

He winked at her. “Well, I just wanted to make sure it was there. I have two Christmases to catch up on, after all.”

She pressed closer to him and laid her head on his shoulder. “I can’t believe you’re home. Truly home.”

He squeezed her hand, “Home for Christmas. This Christmas as well as all the other ones God chooses to give us together.” 
The words reminded him of the awful truth. He didn't have much time left on this earth; it was doubtful he would make it to next Christmas.

He pushed the thought away, For tonight, the war and it's horrors were far away physically. He would keep it away in his thoughts, too. At least until after Christmas.

As they walked, he looked up at the stars that shone through the snow. He had thought that he would never again see them from American soil. Thank you, God, for getting me home. And giving me one more Christmas with those I love. 

What did you think? Did you enjoy it? Have you written a Christmas story?

12 Days of Christmas--Day #1--Five favorite Christmas movies

Hey all! Welcome to .  .  . "The 12 Days of Christmas"!! a Christmas blogging link-up hosted by the amazing Faith @ Stories By Firefly! 

Yep, every day from now till Christmas, Faith will be posting on her blog, and there are a number of us who will be posting on different set days. I, also, will be posting everyday, so be sure and check back! Lots of fun things planned!

Today I decided to kick everything off with a post about Christmas movies . . . because who doesn't love a good Christmas movie?! There are so many that I love, but I'll do my best to keep the number around 5 or so . .  . ;) 

In this Irving Berlin musical, Jim (Bing Crosby) and Lila are members of a performing trio who plan to quit and run a country hotel. When Lila says she has fallen in love with the dancer in the act, Ted (Fred Astaire), Jim leaves town with a broken heart. After turning the inn into a holidays-only live entertainment venue, Jim winds up booking -- and falling for -- Linda (Marjorie Reynolds). But when Ted shows up at the place after being dumped by Lila, he too sets his sights on beautiful Linda.

Hehe, okay, I realize that this sounds super .  . . romantic. And it is a bit, but... *sighs* It's just so sweet and old fashioned and beautiful! And Bing Crosby plays in it. *grins* He's a great actor . . .and singer. xD

I watched it for the first time last year, and loved it so much! The only warning I can think of, was in one of the scenes the girls were dressed in dresses that weren't exactly what would be classified as modest. (Think P&P movie, just with shorter skirts, too) For that reason, just us girls watched the movie. 

It's set around WWII, I believe. It was released in 1942, soo... xD

While recovering in a hospital, war hero Jefferson Jones (Dennis Morgan) grows familiar with the "Diary of a Housewife" column written by Elizabeth Lane (Barbara Stanwyck). Jeff's nurse arranges with Elizabeth's publisher, Alexander Yardley (Sydney Greenstreet), for Jeff to spend the holiday at Elizabeth's bucolic Connecticut farm with her husband and child. But the column is a sham, so Yardley hastens to arrange a publicity ploy by setting up single, nondomestic Elizabeth on a country farm.

*laughs* Oh, goodness. I just love this movie so much! It's so funny and witty, and ahh! It's set in WWII, so that might attribute to my loving it. too.  I can't remember anything on it that would warrant any sort of warning . . . so go watch it. ;) Oh, there was kissing on the end. *shrugs* You can turn the movie off before it gets to that part, though, if you'd like. Everything is resolved before then. ;) 

Fact-based World War II story set on Christmas Eve, 1944, finds a German Mother and her son seeking refuge in a cabin on the war front. When she is invaded by three American soldiers and then three German soldiers, she successfully convinces the soldiers to put aside their differences for one evening and share a Christmas dinner.

This is such an amazing movie, and an amazing story! The tension between the two opposing troops is evident, yet, I love how, as the evening progresses, the two sides are drawn together by a common day--Christmas. From singing "O Christmas Tree" in both English and German, to sharing stories of traditions and days gone past, and even getting to the point where they an jest with one another, this movie seems almost magical. And it really happened. We watched it the other night as a family; it's so amazing!

There are a few curse words spread throughout the movie, but I literally hardly noticed them. xD And there were few enough that all of our family watched it together. I'd definitely recommend it! 

George Bailey is a small-town man whose life seems so desperate he contemplates suicide. He had always wanted to leave Bedford Falls to see the world, but circumstances and his own good heart have led him to stay. He sacrificed his education for his brother's, kept the family-run savings and loan afloat, protected the town from the avarice of the greedy banker Mr. Potter, and married his childhood sweetheart. As he prepares to jump from a bridge, his guardian angel intercedes, showing him what life would have become for the residents of Bedford Falls is he had never lived.

Can we just all agree that this is one of the best Christmas movies ever?!?! We watch it every year more than once, and always on Christmas eve. It's the sweetest, most beautiful story ever! If you haven't seen it, what are you still doing here?! *shoos you off to library website* 

No one is inside that boarded-up mansion on Manhattan's ritzy 5th Avenue, right? Wrong. Its secret inhabitants include a philosophizing hobo and some GI families who are unable to find apartments during the post-World War II housing crunch. They set up residence in the posh brownstone while the owner, the second richest man in the world, winters in Virginia. Except the owner isn't in Virginia. He's there in disguise... and discovering a lot about how the average Joe and Jane think and live. "It Happened on 5th Avenue". And it happens with a talented cast and an Oscar(R)-nominated tale set during the holidays. Make yourself at home and discover why this is a yuletide delight to discover. 

Like "Holiday Inn", I discovered this movie last year, and it is so awesome! ^_^ It's a comedy/drama, and it definitely kept you watching to figure out when everything would be figured out. It's a sweet, delightful movie, and I can't wait to watch it again this year!! As for warnings, I think there may have been a kiss or two, but that's all I remember. ;) 

Well, there you have it, folks! My five favorite Christmas movies! (I actually managed to get only five up there...wow!) and I just now noticed they all take place during or around WWII . . . that just couldn't be my favorite time period... xD  

Have you seen any of these movies?

Do you plan to? 

What is your favorite Christmas movie? 

Will you be back tomorrow? :D 

Writing update/sign-up

Hey guys! I'm just jumping on here real quick to give a quick announcement! My Christmas novella is releasing this next Friday, the 16th, and I'm planning on having a two-day blog tour on Friday and Saturday. I'd love to have a few more bloggers than I currently have involved!
You can do a book spotlight (just a post with the book and author info)
Or a review (I'll send you an e-book copy today)
You could do an author interview, but because I didn't realize how close I am to the release *bangs head on table* I'd ask that you not send anymore than five questions.

I know this is super last minute, so if you can't participate, I totally get it. My planning skills slipped a bit this month. ;P Sorry about that, guys.

If you would like to participate, you can sign up through the form below. And . . . it'll be open through Monday morning. :)

Once: Six Historically Inspired Fairytales//Review

Hey guys! I hope your week is going well! I've got a bit of a different post for you all today--a review. 

Overall rating: ~~3.5—4 Stars~~

Hehe, yeah, I'm still debating what to rate this overall. For now it's just gonna stay like this, since I can't decide whether it should be 3.5 or 4.

--The Mountain of the Wolf-4 stars--

I really enjoyed this re-telling of 'Little Red Riding Hood'! It did take me a while to get into it, but once I did, I couldn't put it down. The characters were all so very well done. Quincy was a dear, and while it took me a little while to understand Rosa Jean, I did so love her!
The bad guy was just downright creepy, and was very well done. He had tingles going down my spine as I read.
A wonderful, western take on a familiar fairy-tale!

--She but Sleepeth-2 stars--

Okay, so the writing here was lovely. Probably my favorite thing about this story. The word pictures were so beautiful, and the characters felt alive. Also, the setting and plot was intriguing. Such a unique take on Sleeping Beauty!
However, while I enjoyed the story, I didn't at all the magic and spells that seemed to be commonplace in the story. That made me quite uncomfortable. Also, the ending was tragic. It was not fairy-tale like at all! I sat there for a few minutes after finishing just like "What?!" That was NOT supposed to happen!
So, yes. A lovely writing style and all, but not a story I'd read again.

--Rumpled-4 stars--

Ahh, this was a lovely story! It definitely seemed to have more nods to fairy tale it was based on then the others did. I've never really enjoyed the story of "Rumpelstiltskin", but this re-telling as nothing short of amazing! I loved the character so much, and the setting- a sort of alternate America-was so fascinating!
The ending was satisfying, and the twist on the original tale that I hadn't even realized was happening had me sitting there like 'wow.' A beautiful story!

--Sweet Remembrance-4.5 stars--

Would you like to read a heartbreaking, beautiful tragedy, that hurts you just as you realize how precious it is?
Then read this.
It was so beautiful, and so, so sad. The flashbacks added so much to the story, and I found myself instantly connected to Romek and Kasia. And the music that flowed between the lines added so much to the story.
This is the kind of story that breaks you heart in two, yet at the same time, it holds a  beautiful, precious hope. I'm really not sure how else to describe it. This dealt with a harsh subject. There's mot any way to get around that fact. Yet, there were small sparks that shone through the darkness of the ghetto.
Because hope can be found, even if the darkest places.
So read it. Because it's amazing.
(1/2 star taken off because of there was one outright misuse of God's name by a German soldier)

--Death be not Proud-5 stars--

*gasps* THIS IS BEAUTIFUL! Okay, so it was basically a murder mystery. Thus it was a little morbid at times. But . . . *whispers* I kinda like murder mysteries. So this was just the perfect story for me.
It was a Snow White retelling, but the nods to the original fairy-tale were a bit hidden, so that made the hints all the more fun to look for.
Literally, I was trying to figure out who the murderer was until the last four pages. I was glued to the book, trying to fathom how in the world it would all be wrapped up!
And then when it was, and everything was made clear, it made me sit back and try and figure out what had just happened. A definite re-read . . . I'm still trying to process it all.
My favorite out of the whole collection! (Though "Sweet Remembrance" is a close second. ;))

--With Blossoms Gold-4 stars--

This was a lovely story, and a lovely end to the collection! A Rapunzel retelling, it was a definite twist on the original story!
I loved Ben. he was just so wild and reckless and amazing. My favorite part of the book was probably the brotherly conversations. *grins* I love sibling stories, brother ones especially, so I was thrilled when I realized this book had just that.  Also, the bantering exchanges were priceless, and they had me smiling throughout the book. I adored the fact that the author didn't dwell only on the romantic side of the story, but also put family relationships into the book. Those are so easily over looked, and I loved it!
The catacombs were fascinating as well, and I so loved that whole part of the story!

So yes, a lovely collection of historical fairy-tales!

~I received a copy from the authors in exchange for my honest review~

The Date that will Live in Infamy

It has always been said that there is a certain calm that comes before the storm. That was proven to be true today.

The Island was as calm as it had ever been. The sun was peeking its way over the horizon, sparkling and shimmering on the deep blue water the stretched out as far as eye could see. 

A lone sentry could be seen in the distance, rubbing his eyes to stay awake. He would be replaced soon, and he was looking forward to the bit of relaxation the day would offer. His sandy hair is blown every which way in the wind, and his blue eyes match the rippling currents of the ocean. No doubt, thoughts of the upcoming holiday race through his head. Here on the island, he's far from home. It'll be his first Christmas away, and memories of Christmas' past fill his time as he waits to be replaced. 
A little ways off the shore, nine battleships lay at anchor, silent and still in the dawning of the new day.
Suddenly, the sentry straightens, his attention riveted on something in the seemingly empty horizon.
And then, a low, faraway hum fills the air, growing just a bit closer every moment. 
"Those are our planes!" The voice comes from the command center, a little ways further up the shore. 
Confused for a moment, the sentry cocks his head. The planes seem to be coming from the wrong direction. After pondering it for a moment, he shrugs and relaxes his stance. 
The planes come in closer, a dark blot on the clear horizon. 
As they near the land, the sun glimmers off the markings on the wings. The young sentry squints his eyes to make out the shape. His chest begins to rise and fall, and his heart beats rapidly in his chest. That wasn't an American star.
That was the Rising Sun, Japan's military marking. 
Suddenly, a dark shadow falls from the lead planes, and lands in the water below.
It takes only a moment to realize what is was, as the battleship furthest out in the harbor suddenly lets forth a thunderous roar. 
That noise wasn't from the engines. 
The young sentry turns, thrusting his rifle to the ground for fear that it would slow his steps. "We're being attacked. Those aren't our planes!" His voice is frantic, but even as he yells, a feeling of dread settles in his stomach. 
It was too late. The attack had already begun, and there was no way they would ever get their defenses up in time to do any harm to the enemy. 
More explosions sound behind him, but he didn't turn to look. 
The day that had started with such innocence would never be remembered quite the same way again. 

December 7, 1941 - a date which will live in infamy - the United States of America was suddenly and deliberately attacked by naval and air forces of the Empire of Japan.

The United States was at peace with that nation and, at the solicitation of Japan, was still in conversation with the government and its emperor looking toward the maintenance of peace in the Pacific.

Indeed, one hour after Japanese air squadrons had commenced bombing in Oahu, the Japanese ambassador to the United States and his colleagues delivered to the Secretary of State a formal reply to a recent American message. While this reply stated that it seemed useless to continue the existing diplomatic negotiations, it contained no threat or hint of war or armed attack.

It will be recorded that the distance of Hawaii from Japan makes it obvious that the attack was deliberately planned many days or even weeks ago. During the intervening time, the Japanese government has deliberately sought to deceive the United States by false statements and expressions of hope for continued peace.

The attack yesterday on the Hawaiian islands has caused severe damage to American naval and military forces. Very many American lives have been lost. In addition, American ships have been reported torpedoed on the high seas between San Francisco and Honolulu.

Yesterday, the Japanese government also launched an attack against Malaya.

Last night, Japanese forces attacked Hong Kong.

Last night, Japanese forces attacked Guam.

Last night, Japanese forces attacked the Philippine Islands.

Last night, the Japanese attacked Wake Island.

This morning, the Japanese attacked Midway Island.

Japan has, therefore, undertaken a surprise offensive extending throughout the Pacific area. The facts of yesterday speak for themselves. The people of the United States have already formed their opinions and well understand the implications to the very life and safety of our nation.

As commander in chief of the Army and Navy, I have directed that all measures be taken for our defense.

Always will we remember the character of the onslaught against us.

No matter how long it may take us to overcome this premeditated invasion, the American people in their righteous might will win through to absolute victory.

I believe I interpret the will of the Congress and of the people when I assert that we will not only defend ourselves to the uttermost, but will make very certain that this form of treachery shall never endanger us again.

Hostilities exist. There is no blinking at the fact that our people, our territory and our interests are in grave danger.

With confidence in our armed forces - with the unbounding determination of our people - we will gain the inevitable triumph - so help us God.

I ask that the Congress declare that since the unprovoked and dastardly attack by Japan on Sunday, Dec. 7, a state of war has existed between the United States and the Japanese empire.

--President Roosevelt, December 8th, 1941--

Seventy-five years ago today, Pearl Harbor was bombed by the nation of Japan, ushering our entrance into WWII. So many men there woke up in the morning, and never lived to see the sun set. 
My great-grandpa was at Pearl Harbor. He lived through it, but he was one of the few. 
To all the men who served at Pear Harbor, Thank you. 
To all the doctors and nurses who served at the base hospitals, Thank you. 
And to anyone who has at any time served in our nation's military, and have been willing to give your life for our defense--Thank you for your sacrifice. 

May we never forget. December 7th, 1941—December 7th, 2016. 75 years. 

Always Remember. 

Editing, Writing, and . . . Nazis?

Picture taken from pinterest. 

*smiles* I know, I'm sure y'all are wondering just what in the world I'm doing with a post title like this. And a picture like that. 

Well, basically, this is a random post. So it deserved a random title. A friend suggested I use the title, "I am a Nazi. A Grammar Nazi." I . . . decided against that one. xD

I've been editing a lot lately; getting ready to publish Beyond the Horizon in Kindle on the 16th. And I've also been writing. (Christmas stories, anyone?!) And when I'm both editing and writing, I get super conscious of how I am using grammar. I also notice how everyone else is using (or misusing) grammar. This inevitably causes me to get many "grammar Nazi" jokes thrown my way. Especially when I use proper English and punctuation in a chat where two of my best friends are talking in hashtags. 
This ended up with us having something of a meme war. And they made me laugh so. hard.

So I thought I'd do a post with them. That way you can laugh with us. ;)

Anyone familiar with "Hogan's Heroes"? This is Hogan, an American pilot. And he does not want you to be confined by the rules of  the Nazis. xD

Have you ever been called a "Grammar Nazi"? Or are you someone who would rather use hashtags? ;)  Can you believe there are only nineteen days till Christmas, guys?!?!

Also, just thought I'd add real quick . . . when it comes to matters of WWII, I'm on Hogan's side. ;)  I don't condone the Nazis in anyway at all. (Unless we're talking about grammar Nazis.B-)) 

NaNo is over//Week 4

Guuuyyysssss. It's December 2nd. How did this happen?!?!?! *sighs* Wasn't it just November like . . . last week???
Alrighty. Well, I finished and won NaNo. I hit 50K words the day before Thanksgiving, and haven't written a thing since. Also, I finished the first draft of A Question Of Loyalty which now stands at 55,672 words. (I had written some before I started NaNo)
It'll more than likely be made muccchhhh longer when I re-write it, since I tend to leave out a lot of description in the first draft. Plus scenes will be added, etc, etc.
But. The first draft is completed, so I am happy! :)
This was my 2nd year completing and winning NaNo, and I'm already looking forward to next year! Meeting new friends on the NaNo site, sharing writing snippets, and all was so much fun!
And all the wonderful people on the NaNo '16 hangout chat were amazing. Without y'all I probably wouldn't have made 50K. The word wars and sprints were amazing, as were all the snippets and random conversations. (By the way, I can't wait to read y'all's novels sometime. ;))
Hopefully I'll have a November recap post up sometime in the next couple days. (Yeah, it'll be a little late. :P)
Well, here's the last round of snippets from NaNo 2016. A huge congrats to everyone who finished NaNo, and to everyone who participated. *throws confetti* You guys are awesome.

----------

Rafe chuckled as Micah pulled his hand away and tucked it back down into his lap. "It's funny the sort of names we were given. You think they'd be a bit more obvious to those who are after us, but then again, perhaps the most obvious things are the things that can blind those in control the most. Now, I am here to collect information that you were supposed to have gotten from our friend, Erich. And," he looked up sharply and met Micah's gaze. "I'm supposed to pass you information from France about a certain man named Arnold."

At the name of his brother, Micah looked up quickly. "What of him?"

"You know him?" Rafe didn't answer his question.
Rafe folded his hand behind his head, and crossed his legs. Micah watched him, and the need to roll his eyes seemed to grow more and more pressing. Everything about this guy screamed "American."  The way he talked, the accent he had when he spoke German, the mannerisms he had, and the way he walked and acted.
Under normal circumstances, Micah would have laughed aloud, but Rafe was serious.

Micah nodded. "Yes."

"Before I answer your question, I'm trying to figure out how--and why-- you would know someone who is a part of the German armed forces." A deadly calm had come over Rafe's eyes, and Micah had the uncanny feeling that he was doing his best to get back at him for what he had said about Lily. No matter that everything he had said was true. It apparently had hurt Rafe in a place he hadn't expected to have to protect.

"I know Arnold, because he is my brother,” Micah spoke at last. Rafe should at least know the truth. Many of the other underground contacts knew it anyway; they had to. Micah and Arnold looked enough alike that they were often wary at trusting Micah with anything at all. 

At that, Rafe shot up, his back suddenly becoming rigid and his eyes looking as though they were about to pop out of his head.

Micah had so swallow a laugh at the sight. Telling the truth was so worth it, if only to see Rafe's reaction.

"You're brothers?"  Rafe exclaimed.

"Yes." Micah measured him carefully with his eyes before continuing. "And not only is he my brother..." He cocked his head to the side, putting as much time in between his words as he dared. "He is my twin. We're identical twins."

If Rafe's reaction before had been priceless, this one was worth the universe... and then some. He jerked to a standing position, knocking the chair to the ground. "What?"

Micah couldn't keep the smile off his face this time. Sometimes...sometimes it was fun to tell others about his brother and see their reaction. It only hurt when they still didn't trust him.

That wasn't a problem here, though. Rafe didn't have a choice.

As Rafe's chair slammed on the tiles, half the people in the establishment turned, and the place suddenly became deathly quiet. So quiet you could hear the ticking of the clock that hung above the counter.

Rafe chuckled nervously, and put a hand up. "Sorry, all. Sorry." He appeared to be visibly shaken as he turned and put the chair upright.

Micah wasn't sure just why, but when Rafe sat across and met his gaze, suddenly the entire thing didn't seem very funny anymore. All the color had drained from his face, and his eyes were distant. Rafe took a deep breath. "So, you're telling me, I could be talking to Arnold right now and not even knowing it?"

"You could, but you're not. I left my brother behind in France."

----------

Arnold started to reply, then stopped himself short. Who was Micah to ask what he was doing? Gaining control once again, he leaned up against the side of the door-frame and crossed his arms. "I could ask you the seam question. I might also ask what you are doing with Erich. And on top of that, I really ought to ask you just why I was kept for three days in a small room where I was confined like a wild animal."
He kept his voice light, yet his gaze shot daggers.
Micah, as usual, didn't seem concerned. "Maybe you should be asking yourself these questions."

Arnold raised an eyebrow. "See, I already did that. The thing is, I'm not getting any answers. I thought perhaps you might be able to help me?"
Micah leaned against the opposite side of the door,and the two simply stared at one another.

At last, Arnold broke the silence. "Where's Erich?"
Giving  dismissive shrug, Micah replied, "He had business to attend to. If you wish to speak with him, you can wait till he gets back."

"Oh, really?" Arnold turned his head slightly. "Have you become his personal secretary?"
"The job position was open. I decided to take it."
The calm control Micah had over his words while he felt like flying into a million pieces enraged Arnold , and he suddenly reached forward and grabbed the front of Micah's shirt, his right hand going to his pocket.

Micah followed his movements, not fighting Arnold's grip. "I'd be careful if I were you. Seems a shooting in the building would cause a lot more ruckus than you want to deal with right now."

Blast it all, why did Micah have to read his thoughts? He shoved him back into the room, and then stepped over the threshold himself, closing the door and locking it behind him. "All right, so it's not the best time to kill you. But so help me, one day I'll do it."

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So many memories wrapped up in piece of land.

Micah allowed himself the luxury of the memories, and the nostalgic feelings that they brought. He would never be able to return to that time, but that didn't matter. He could hold onto the memories and the good times that they had shared.

The shadows in the trees lengthened as the night turned dark, and Micah turned and pointed his footsteps toward the house. He had come the long way around, and he walked to the edge of the woods, coming out on the road. He would walk along it for a little while before turning and heading down the lane that would bring him home.

As he walked, a shape began to take form off in the distance ahead of him. For a moment he thought it was have been an animal, but as they moved closer to each other, Micah could clearly see that it was a man. 

His shoulders were slumped, his head was down, and his steps slow. And he walked with a limp.

The closer they got, the more Micah could understand why. One of the pant legs had been rolled up, and in its place, a wooden crutch was tucked under his left arm. It made for slow going on the uneven, gravel lane, and Micah began to walk faster. Perhaps he could help the man get wherever he needed to go.

And then, the man looked up, and Micah suddenly stopped stock still.

The man's face looked as though it had been badly burned, and the left half of the face was disfigured. But when he raised his eyes ... Micah knew.

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They say I’m a traitor. And maybe I am. All that I know is that I did what needed to be done.

They are coming for me. I can hear their footsteps outside the door. In a few moments I’ll be leaving this world and walking through the pearly gates of glory. I am worried about the pain; about whether I can handle it, but I know Christ will be with me. I’ve made many mistakes in my life, but giving my life to Christ as was the one thing I did right.

In moments I’ll see my Saviour. I’ll be waiting for you on the other side of those gates, and when you enter, the first thing I’m going to do is see you. But this time, we won’t be enemies.  We’ll be  brothers in Christ. I did so much wrong to you, yet, you never gave up on me. I think you for that. I know my time on this earth is over. And that’s all right. Because what God has ordained is perfect.

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Well, that's all for today, folks. I hope you have a wonderful weekend! How did NaNo turn out for you? Were you able to finish your novel? Are you looking forward to December? (and snow?!?! :D)