Howling Christmas

North Pole Problems

Tassle hadn't ever felt a pain like she did now, her chest felt as if it was caving inward. She had to ignore Merry, and keep walking. "Puppy dogs, Kittens, White outs.."

She tried to console herself with things that made her happy.

"Hot cocoa, candy canes, cupcakes and Icing.."

Her voice was cracking, and she finally gave into the pain. Bracing herself on a nearby tree. She palmed the bark and let herself fall apart. Tears slid down her cheeks. The walkway back to Main street was about 15 minutes. The road was usually filled with Elves, and Fae. She didn't see a soul and was eternally grateful to the Gods. Her right hand splayed on her belly, to help her breathe. The rock in her throat and the cool wind teasing her neck and chest. She had felt so naked without her hair, and Valen assured her it was sexy and he loved seeing her gorgeous neck. It made her feel like some awkward swan.

Tassle felt like her world was spinning out of control. She was going to be sick, her mouth was watering and the sudden hot flash made her dizzy.

How could he do this to her? He promised her, told her once she got pregnant they would be married. Yet not one phantom kick in her womb. Her own body was working against her. Now Merry was going to have him, and she didn't even like him! Or did she? Something stirred inside of her,

She lies. She did this so she could be High Queen one day.

No, Merry would never hurt her this way! She was her very best friend.

So enveloped by her pain, she never saw the Jingles walking her way.

"Taaaaasssssssllllle...Tassle Tassle Tassssssslllle..."

Three voices rang out, calling her like a puppy. It was how they tortured Merry. Talking of her mixed heritage so they could feel superior. Instantly her blood boiled, she was in no mood for the Jingle Triplets. Looking up the three walked in a line across, all hooked by the elbow. Identical faces greeted her. The only way to tell them apart were the colors they wore. Even their mother swore to be unable to tell the three apart. Only one person knew who was who...Merry.

"Where's your puppy? She not need a walk today?"

Clara chimed, then Eve giggled, "Oooo did she come down with Mange?" Angel was the only nice one. She half shrugged at Tassle, noticing her distress. "You okay Tassle? Ignore them, they didn't get invited to the Yule Dance yet." Clara and Eve turned to Angel and hissed at her. "You're such a dull bulb! Don't come home stinking of wet dog!" They let go of Angel and walked off leaving Tassle and Angel looking after Clara and Eve. Eve snuck a glance at them, sticking her tongue out.

"Bitches.." Tassle uttered under her breath.

When Angel was sure they were gone, she turned to Tassle.

"Their jerks, but I'm stuck with them. At least you get to go home. Seriously Tassie, you ok?" Angel and Tassle had been best friends since birth. But Merry had come to school in the 2nd grade and Tassle had made it her personal mission to be her bodyguard. Her mother said she had a Guardian soul, but her Light outshone all. Tassle dropped her gaze from the Jingles and looked to town.

"No, Im not. "

Angel came to her, placing a hand on her arm. "Im here for you, I know we don't hang out like we used too. But Im still here for you." Tassle smiled and Angel smiled wider. She hooked her arm into Tassles and led her to town.

"Now this I can get with, Ive been stuck with my sisters for too long. So tell me everything. No judgment.

Tassle picked at her bottom lip and thought about it.Why not? Angel wasn't like Clara and Eve. She sighed and spilled.

"Merry's betrothed to Valen. The kicker is, it's by Order of the King. She doesn't even want him."

She cried softly again, the pain had been let loose before she saw Angel and her sisters.

"I thought you and Valen spent the summer by the lake?" She asked softly, looking to Tassle and patting her hand. Her tone eased and confrontational.

"We did.." Angel nodded, "Your hair." She clipped. It was no secret that Angel had fallen for Valens hairstyle. Her hair was just starting to get long enough to convince herself that it had never happened. That's what Valen did, he made you hate your reflection. Angel had destroyed every mirror in her house when he started dating Poppy a week after he made her cut her hair.

"He's a royal jerk. I'm so sorry, you sure Merry doesn't like him?" Tassle shook her head. "No, its so unfair. She only wants to leave this godforsaken place. I love it here, and no one wants me here. Ever since my dad.." Angel hushed her. "Shhh, don't talk about it. You don't know who's listening. " Tassle sniffled and looked around horrified. But everyone milling about was too excited about the holidays. An announcement cut their conversation short. The loudspeakers all over town square came to life with the sound of crackling, then the booming voice of their sheriff, Bishop Lumos.

Due to last night's border attack, The Alphas on the border have issued a curfew. Until the missing interloper is found, everyone is to shelter in place after sundown and not let any strangers into their homes. The interloper is human, so please be on your guard.

Angel and Tassle looked at each other. Eyes wide and scared, "Wait, I knew an attack had happened. That's why I was on the road to the border. Wait, why were you and your sisters?" Tassle was suddenly suspicious. Angel smiled,

"We were surprising our dad, its his birthday. He was with the Lycans because of the attack last night. " Tassle suddenly remembered and felt silly. "Right, he is the General of the Royal guard. I'm sorry. I forgot. its been a while. " She chewed her lip.

"Why were you there Tassle?" Tassle lifted her face, "Fang was hurt, Merry's cousin. We were going to see if he was okay. Its when Walnut told us about Merry's engagement." She bowed her head, dam that hurt more than she'd like to admit. Angel's voice broke her train of thought."If the King decrees a marriage, neither party has a say Tassle. You know that." she rubbed Tassle's bicep. Inwardly Tassle knew that, but she couldn't help to feel betrayed. She saw Valen last night! He didn't even mention it. She refused to believe he didn't know then. Typical, having his cake and eating it too.

Angel looked to the path they had come from. "I hope Fangs okay. I wonder what the human looks like?"

Tassle looked to the path and then around town. "Goddess I'm so selfish, I didn't even fight Walnut for Merry. It's just...Valen.." She said his name, and Angel understood. Valen had a way of making everything stop. s**t, he wasn't even there...He still managed to ruin the day. She looked down the path and contemplated going back to Merry. Angel read her mind. "Just let her be for now, Im sure she got into see Fang. " Tassle nodded, a tall Fae walking to them. "Girls it's almost sundown, please get home. It's not safe until the humans found. " They nodded and walked off to court. Tonight was the Announcement of Yule Queen for the Festival. Tassle walked with Angel and felt hollow inside. Angel was talking again, forcing Tassle to move faster by skipping. "Come now, we will drink spiked cocoa, eat soft peppermint scones and find all the Wishing canes on the Town tree. " Tassle was nodding, she normally couldn't wait for this time of year. Couldnt wait to play these games, but this year was destroyed for her.