Long Before Christmas

It is indeed long before Christmas

She was still wondering why he had been so distant these past days, when she heard a knock on the door. 'Who of you damn bastards wants to annoy me this time?' she mumbled, more to herself than to the person at the door.

'Oh fuck it, come on in! What's it today? More bad news? I don't think I can stand much more. Or let me guess: Our soggy Latin teacher has sent you to tell me that I need more practice and therefore have to spend a whole week of deten...Oh, hi Tom! I'm sorry...I'm a bit out of control these days. What have you come for?'

He cocked one eyebrow.

'I can easily go if you, well, need to sort out the mess in your brain. But I'm not sure I could bear to have to stay away from you that long.' She smiled.

'I don't know whether I should take that for a compliment or be offended,' she said slowly rising from her bed.

'The former. Saves us a lot of time and energy. So, you've had problems the last days? Tell me, Hun!' he replied now standing close to her and softly caressing her cheek.

'It's nothing, don't you worry.' She didn't look very convinced of what she had said but he knew that if she didn't want to tell him, there was no way of getting it out of her.

'Tom?'

'Mhm?'

'Do you really have to go back to that school again next week? I mean, you could go to school with us other orphans. I mean, I know that you're too intelligent for an ordinary school and would be bored, but wouldn't you even do it for me?' she asked sounding somewhat sad.

'You know that that school is my everything!' he replied sighing. She took a step back and turned her head down.

'Yeah, course...the only thing that means something to you, innit?'

'Jennifer!' The way he said her name always made her shiver. 'You know that that's not true! I really love you!'

'Yes, and I love you. I'm sorry...' She looked at him with watery eyes. He smiled. He was always content to know how possessive he could actually be. She was wax in his hands. He carefully placed a kiss on her forehead. She sighed.

'I'll miss you, Tom!' She leaned against his chest.

'I'll miss you, too.' He put his arms around her. He had never loved anyone more than this girl. And he knew that she would be his One Love.

From the room next to hers came music. It wasn't just music, it was their song:

I can't breathe easy,

Can't sleep at night,

Till you're by my side.

I can't breathe easy,

I can't dream yet another dream

Without you lying next to me,

There's no air...

'That's exactly how I will feel...' she mumbled into his chest. Tears ran down her cheeks.

'Don't worry, I'll be back for Christmas, I promise!' He pulled her even closer.

~*~

Those words kept echoing in her mind for a long time. It was too long. Christmas was far away. And there was Antony. He was so cute. She couldn't turn him down. Not for someone who wasn't there for her. Who had left her for a school.

Christmas came and so did Tom.

'Mr Riddle, pleased we have you back again,' announced the nun who had looked after him ever since he had come to the orphanage.

'I'll just be staying over Christmas,' he said, smiling in anticipation of having her back again, being able to wrap her in his arms again.

He knocked at her door.

'Yes?' she exclaimed.

He opened. He wished he never had. She was there with that ugly guy called Antony. They both looked thoroughly snogged.

'You must have missed me terribly!' he said his voice cold as ice. His insides were squirming. He felt like being sick all over the floor. He turned around, hearing her call after him. He'd spend Christmas alone in his room, going to the kitchens after anyone had already eaten. How he hated those damn bloody muggles! But they'd pay the price, oh yes, they would. Every. Single. One. And she'd be the first one!