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Forewords
This is a short touching X-mas fanfic of Louis and Annie that should be only around ten chapters long. I’m trying to write as fast as possible and get it completed by Christmas Day or at least no longer than New Years Day.
Setting:
1940s in a cold state of the US, which claim to have the greatest snow on earth. The period should be during war time. *note: I’m not good with history at all, so don’t take the history event of this fanfic too seriously.
Cast:
Annie Man: A devoted twenty-five-years-old house wife and loving mother. Annie’s character is very passive, quiet, shy, and polite. She is very dependent on her husband for both physical and emotional matter. She is brought up in a very wealthy and well know family. But because of love, she and her husband has chosen to elope and leave everything behind them.
Louis Koo: A protective and loving thirty-one-years-old husband and father. Louis’s character is understanding, smart, brave, caring, and protective. His love for his wife and daughter is greater than anything could describe. He would do anything to make sure that they are well taken care of, even if it meant it will break his heart.
Jenny Shing= Annabelle Koo: A mischievous but sweet five-years-old daughter who had wishes for a warm happy Christmas with her parents. She is very proud of her father and had treated him as her hero. Annabelle is a very clever child, who believes that she could protect her mommy while her daddy has to serve the country.
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Chapter 1: A Promise to Keep
---June 23, 1940---
A crank initiated propellers of a military aircraft to stir, causing loud violent force to dominate the background of voices. The crisp blue sky of the early summer became a dusty yellow haze within seconds. A young child of four gazed toward the gigantic aircraft with amaze. It was her first time coming along with her mommy to this military air force base named Municipal, to say goodbye to her father. She had never seen anything as huge and magnificent as this military aircraft before. Her eyes twinkled curiously as she watches uniformed men begin to go abroad this olive colored aircraft.
“Wow,” she mouthed with no voice. Her small little feet turned her to get a better look at this loud machine that supposedly fly like an eagle. Her young mind was too fascinated with the aircraft to even hear any parting words of her parents.
Longingly, a young wife’s eyes are kept at her husband’s face, not wanting to blink. She gently helps him straighten his uniform’s collar. “Be careful,” her voice was but a mutter. She had always hated to part from her husband, each time he have duty. There had been several times that she thought her husband wouldn’t safely return from war.
He gave her a nod with eyes that follows hers. Tenderly, he reached out to sweep a tear from her cheek. “Don’t worry, Annie. We wouldn’t part for long this time, I promise,” he smiled so warmly that it made his wife shed more tears. Swallowed her tears, his wife leaned in to embrace him tightly with sniffle. “I’ll be home before you even notice,” his whisper soothed his wife sadness.
Moved her head up to gaze into her husband deep brown eyes, Annie nod in silent. She wiped her own tears and stepped back a step. Her husbands two hands reach for her cheeks and brushed her last tears away with his thumbs. “I’m sorry Louis, I really had tried to not cry. I’m so weak. You must be disappointed,” she mumbled with her head dropped with a small little pout.
Chuckled, Louis sincerely watch every gesture of his wife, whom is six years younger than him. With tender touch, Louis tilted Annie’s chin back up, in order to look her passionately in the eyes. Her eyes seem to cast the reflection of their past. He remember how much they had been through to be together. He understand her very well and know why she felt fear of losing him each time he had duty to guard the frontline. “No, you love me,” he corrected with his manly deep voice that understand her so much. He lean in to peck her thin bang. “I love you too,” he whispered.
Sniffed, Annie nodded while her lips are tightly seal. From her pocket, she pulled out a valuable old fashion pocket watch, which is a symbol of their relationship. She opened his palm to place it in the center. “Louis, promise me you’ll be home by Christmas,” Annie requested, “Annabelle and me will wait for you to put up the Christmas tree.”
“Don’t worry, we are schedule to be back by Thanksgiving. I won’t even miss her fifth birthday,” Louis assured and glanced at their only daughter. With a hearty smile, Louis squatted down and turned his daughter around to face him. “Belle, you remember what you promise daddy?” he asked with a big smile.
Saluted proudly at her father, Annabelle nodded with no doubt. “I’ll take very good care of mommy!” the child joyfully promised. She had always been very proud of her father for being the youngest sergeant of the air force. Her father is a hero to her, especially when he is in his air force uniform.
Chuckled as he nodded, Louis removed one of his pin from his uniform. “You be good to mommy and listen to her when I’m gone. Don’t you dare to be naughty and pick on her like how you always had, you hear me, young lady?” Louis warned playfully, while his daughter nodded with mischievous giggles. “I’ll give this to you now because I trust that you’ll be a good little girl to mommy and will protect mommy while daddy is away.” Annabelle was very happy and proud of herself to know that her daddy is pinning his silver pin on her shirt and trusted her to be a big girl.
After the pin is securely on the child shirt, both father and daughter saluted to each other. Annie let out a chuckle while her eyes glistered with tears. Louis spread his arms wide open as a cue. Annabelle grinned widely and charged in to hug her father tightly. He pecked both side of her cheeks before he release her and stand back up. Annabelle pulled on her mommy wanting to be carried. Carrying her daughter, Annie‘s eyes hadn‘t left her husband. “It’s time for me to go,” he announce with a hint of sadness. Annie bravely nodded while holding her tears back. Louis gave them each one last kiss before he walked away. Both Annie and Annabelle waved to the big aircraft.
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---December 2, 1940---
“Happy birthday to you. Happy birthday to Annabelle. Happy birthday to you,” Annie sweetly sang to her daughter who just turned five. Annabelle chuckled cheerfully as she took in one deep breath ready to blow the candle out. “Wait, sweetheart, let mommy take a picture of you and your cake so we could mail it to daddy,” Annie hurriedly rushed into her bedroom leaving her daughter to sit in the middle of the dark night with nothing but the five flickering candles on her birthday cake.
“Mommy, when will daddy be home?” Annabelle asked with a pout. She is very unhappy to realize that her father is missing out on her birthday cake.
Hearing what her daughter just ask, Annie frowned with sadness. She missed her husband dearly. Louis had send letter home telling them that he couldn’t make it back by Thanksgiving and that he don’t know how much longer he have to stay in the foreign land he was sent to. Annie had a strange feeling that he probably won’t even make it back by Christmas.
Pulled an old fashion camera that was given to her by her grandpa, Annie could see her own sad reflection on the silvery trim. Deeply, Annie inhaled and painted a big smile on her face before she steps out of her room and head to the kitchen where her daughter is at. “Daddy will be home soon, Belle. We’ll send him a picture to show him how much we missed him okay?” Annie suggested while her daughter nodded repeatedly. “Alright don’t forget to make a wish before you blow the candles.”
“I wish…”
Annie chuckled, “Sweetheart, why don’t you put your hands together and close your eyes to make the wish. It’ll come true that way.”
Annabelle do as she was told. She wishfully said, “I wish that daddy will be home for Christmas and bring me lots of toys!” She opened her eyes and with one big puff she tries to blow all of the flame out. Annie quickly snapped a few pictures as she happily laughed at her daughter having problem dealing with those candles that won’t die.
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---December 10, 1940---
In a military reservation of a foreign country, Louis excitedly walked in the cold heading to the main office to get his mail. His cheek instantly crimson due to the cold icy wind and dry atmosphere. The weather there in the winter is like a freezer. He rubbed his hands together and blown warm breath to keep his hands warm. After he retrieved his package, Louis immediately opened it.
In the package he found a brand new hand knitted cream scarf. Louis smile with warmth knowing that it must be Annie’s work. He immediately swung it cozily around his neck. He then took out the enveloped letter out to open it. His eyes lingered with tears when he saw a black and white photo of his wife and daughter that was took in front of their rented house. They were standing next to a snowman that is wearing his coat, hat, scarf, and gloves. Louis heart warmth to see Annie’s sweet smile and eyes that tells him, she missed him deeply. He sighed causing a puff of steam to evaporate from his breath. Louis flipped to the next two photos. These two were photos of Annabelle making a wish and blowing out candles on her cake. He had wished so badly to go home for Annabelle birthday.
Impatiently opening the letter, Louis read Annie’s handwriting that slowly warmth and melted his heart. It read:
Dear Louis,
I missed you very much. Both Annabelle and me had longed for your return. I had taught Annabelle to pray with me at night. We pray for your safety and for you to return as soon as possible. Have you gotten any news on whether you’ll be able to get released from duty for Christmas? I hope you could return soon, cause I missed the feeling of being in your arms. I missed your soft voice and loving words. Mostly, I just wanted you home safe and sound for the holiday season.
Annabelle missed you too. Recently, she had always asked me about you. Also, she became very eager and always pleaded me to tell her story of our past or read those letters that you send us. Louis, what worried me was that I saw her cried to herself this morning as she held onto your photo. She told me she had a bad dream last night and in her dream she couldn’t see your face. She is afraid that she will forget how you looked like or how having a daddy was like. I don’t know how to comfort her other than keep telling her that you had promised to return for Christmas.
I too had dream of you returned and how happy we were together, but once I stir, I had to face the fact that your side of the bed is still empty. Somehow the once small room felt so huge and cold without you. I know that we sounded weak and dependent upon you. I did thought of not telling you about Annabelle’s dream or how much I wishes you would be home. I really don‘t want to burden you, especially since you are at war. But I really wanted to let you know that both Annabelle and me loved you greatly and will always wait for your return. Please take good care of yourself and remind yourself you must safely return home for us. I know the weather there must be freezing at this time of the year. I hope the scarf I knit will keep you warm like we are there with you.
Love,
Annie and Annabelle
December 5, 1940
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---December 17, 1940---
Dear Annie,
I have great news for you and Annabelle. Last Friday, sergeant major had announced to us that there will be a draft for five hundred soldiers, who must be either married or a father, to return home for Christmas. This morning, I just got the news that my ticket was drafted, so I’ll be one of the lucky five hundreds soldier that are among the list to return home. Annie I’ll be home on the early morning of the 24th. Tell Annabelle the great news and give her hugs and kisses for me. I had missed both of you very much too. I seriously can’t wait till Christmas day to come. I love you, Annie. I’ll keep my promise and see you home soon.
Love,
Louis
December 11, 1940
The corner of Annie’s lips carried a sweet smile as she finish reading her husband’s letter for the fifth times. With aspirating breath of happiness, Annie turns toward her bedroom’s window to look outside into the winter wonderland of white snow being everywhere. Snowflake after snowflakes continue to falls gently upon house, car, and road. Most of the house in her neighborhood had colorful lights trimming around trees, brushes, and the house itself, but her rented house had no decoration yet. She had been waiting for Louis to do the honor.
“It’s time,” Annie joyfully say to herself. After realizing that her husband will be home next week, Annie felt so uplifted and spirited for this coming Christmas. She rushed to her daughter room and nudged on Annabelle. “Belle wake up. Lets do some Christmas shopping. We need lights, tree, ornaments, present, stocking,” Annie excitedly rambled on and on while Annabelle rubbed her eyes to the early morn.
Annabelle smiled to see how happy her mommy is today. She hadn’t seen Annie this happy for months already. “Mommy lets buy the biggest star to put on top of the tree!” Annabelle cheerfully suggested, she too is getting into the Christmas spirit.
“Yes, we need that. Come on, lets go wash up and have breakfast,” Annie hurried. “We’ll get this house light up with warmth to welcome daddy home!”
Within one hour, Annie and Annabelle are already walking in downtown area shopping for Christmas. Annabelle laughed as she play with colorful strands of plastic pearls that were meant for the Christmas tree while Annie pick out what ornament she wanted to add on the tree along with her old one. They had to shop for hours to buy what they wanted at the lowest price possible, since Annie’s budget for the holiday aren’t that high. They had been living on Louis’s salary, which isn’t that much.
Toppling bags, Annie tries to keep up with Annabelle before she lost her daughter. “Belle stay close to mommy!” Annie hollered when she saw her five-years-old daughter ran ahead toward a guy in Santa suit, who are ringing bells. “Belle!” Annie called as she run as fast as she could.
Meanwhile, Annabelle is pulling on the furry white trim of the Santa’s costume from his back. The jolly old man with white shiny long bread turn to face her with a big smile and rosy round nose and cheeks. “Merry Christmas,” he kindly greeted with sparkling white teeth.
“Santa, had you gotten my mail yet?” Annabelle asked impatiently.
Finally caught up to her daughter, Annie quickly interlocked her hand with Annabelle. “I’m sorry,” Annie breathlessly said to the guy with the Santa costume, apologizing for bothering him. She looked down at her daughter warningly, “Annabelle, don’t run away from me like this again. I almost lost you.”
Ignoring her mommy, Annabelle continue to yank on Santa’s sleeve. “Santa, Santa will you come visit me on Christmas Eve? Had you receive my letter?” anxiously asked Annabelle.
Laughing with joy the old man with long white browse and white shiny beard nodded making the silver bells on his belt and hat to jingle. He bend down to Annabelle height with his warm smile, “Don’t worry, I won’t skip your home. I‘ll make sure you get what you wish for. But you be sure not to be naughty,” He winked.
“Great! Mommy and I got daddy’s letter saying that he will be home for Christmas Eve. Thanks for granting me that wish, Santa. I’ll wait for you to bring daddy home with you when you come to visit,” Annabelle sweetly said.
The Santa gave her a look of lost, he was expecting her to list some toys. “Oh, where is your daddy?” the jolly old man curiously ask.
“Daddy is protecting all of us!” Annabelle proudly declared.
Annie chuckled and clarify, “My husband is serving the air force. He will be home on early morning of Christmas Eve.”
“Oh, I see. That is great news. May I ask what is his name, my dear?” smiled the old man with rosy cheek.
Annie thought it’s odd that he asked, but being polite she answered, “His name is Louis Koo.”
A split second of a frown hindered on the jolly old man. When he saw Annie eyes on him, he quickly smiled, “Keep your faith in him and he will return to you, like he promised. Remember to cherish every second of this winter season.” His smile and words made Annie’s heart felt a strange sensation. She had no idea what he meant, but it sounded meaningful. He then turn to Annabelle, “I could tell you had been a good little girl. Don’t worry child, your daddy will be home, I promise to make sure he return to you for this Christmas,” he winked at Annabelle with a twinkle in his eyes. Annie blinked cause she thought she saw something sparkled in that old man’s eyes. “Here is a candy cane for you,” said the jolly Santa, whom handed Annabelle the candy cane. He stood back up and smiled at Annie, “Merry Christmas. May God bless you and your family.” He walked off ringing his bells and disappeared into the crowd so quickly.
“Where is Santa?” asked Annabelle with puzzle. Annie shrugged while looking around her surrounding. Both of them could no longer see the red suit or hear the sound of bells.
“Annie?” a gentle female voice called from ahead, Annie looked up with her pair of eyes locked into her mother. With guilty eyes on her mom, Annie heart pounded with worry. Her mom show the most relieved smile as she continue to head closer toward her. “My child, I finally found you,” said her mom.
“I’m sorry,” Annie muttered while she quickly pick up Annabelle and ran away. She don’t know how to face her parents, especially her father.
“Annie!” hollered her mom over and over.
******
12/15/03