Coming From the Shadows Series
Coming From the Shadows: Lydia
A Christmas Carol
1909 A.D.
In the heart of England’s Lancashire, Lancaster, the streets were shrouded in a soft snow, it had transformed the streets into a winter wonderland; the festive spirit filled the air with the scent of roasted chestnuts wafting down the street, vendors were out, and the carollers were singing sweetly by the flickering lampposts.
As the days themselves grew shorter and Christmas approached, a glow of ethereal warmth, a stark contrast to the wintery chill that enveloped it.
Amidst the laughter and merriment, Lydia Langdon had found a peace she had never really experienced before, spending time with her mother, for years they had travelled, from places such as the United States, Canada, from Africa to Asia and to the far-flung islands of the Pacific, it had been very rare for Lydia or even her mother; Cathryn to really get a chance to experience and celebrate holidays such as this.
For once Lydia had decided she wanted to experience life as an average person, even if it would only be brief experience; normally she was very reserved, often seeming disconnected from life around her, but this time, she had settled into the festive mood.
Working in a quaint little bookshop that rather was modest, but well-loved; it was filled with stacks of novels, poetry books and even some rare, very carefully preserved tomes that whispered of love and adventure.
As she worked, Thomas, a man she had met two-years prior when in the Himalayan mountains, made his way in, he wasn’t expecting to find Lydia present, in fact, after their recent adventure in Greece, they had parted ways for a time due to commitments that both had; he hadn’t realised she had even returned back to Britain, their last communication being back in July earlier in that year, in it, she had told him that she, her mother and Xian intended to travel with her sister Elizabeth to a Cultist bureau in Australia.
Busy arranging books Lydia never noticed the chime of the bell when Thomas had entered, she had a smile on her face, lightly humming away to herself as she focused on what she was doing “Lydia” he exclaimed, he was grinning from ear to ear, when she turned to look, her smile momentarily disappeared, she had a look of surprise present, then after a moment her smile returned, wider now, quickly; she moved over towards him, hugging him warmly “It has been awhile since I last saw you” he said happily, moving his arms around her, returning her warm hug
“I know; I meant to tell you; I just got a bit side-tracked” she beamed, tilting her head back to look up at him; he was much taller than her, and she had never really acknowledged that before
“I can see that” he smiled “Is this a permanent thing; or is it only temporary?” he queried, looking at her with interest
“It’s only temporary” she answered, here was a little sadness to her tone “We parted with Xian back in November to reorganise after something happened in Port Douglas”
“Ah” he nodded, picking up on the sadness present “Well, if you want, and obviously with permission from your mum, I could join you when you two return back to your adventures again” he noticed her eye light up
“I’d like that; I don’t think my mum would have an issue either, you and Miquel really did help a lot with everything we got up too” she smiles
Thinking for a moment, he glanced around “How much time until you finish?”
“I’m basically finished; I just need to let Mister Powlett know I am finishing” she said
“Well…, want to come with me then once your finished; I saw something going on down the road; fancy going to have a look with me?” he asked, smiling warmly
“Let me go talk to Mister Powlett” she smiled; moving away from Thomas and disappearing for a moment; Thomas stood quietly, looking around for a moment; when she returned; she tapped him on the shoulder “Ready to go” she told him
The night was bright with festive lights; and the air rang with laughter and music; taking Lydia’s hand, Thomas guided her through a bustling fairground, vendors of all kinds were present selling sweets and trinkets; children ran and played.
Sharing roasted chestnuts, Lydia felt warmth as she sat with Thomas; their fingers gently brushing against one another, there was a growing and so far, unspoken affection brewing between them.
“What brought you back to England anyway” he queried
“I’m not actually sure” Lydia answered “Mum just decided we was returning after we’d had an encounter with some Cultist that had ties to my father; after the incident in Port Douglas, we travelled to Hong Kong, Mum announced we’d be returning; that we needed to reorganise our efforts; Xian wasn’t happy, but he wasn’t prepared to push the discussion after what he had done to cause the incident back in Australia”
Nodding his head, he listened to what she said “I think that maybe he felt guilty for nearly getting my sister killed” she added
“Hmm” Thomas nodded a moment “Well, I wouldn’t want to challenge an angry mother either; especially not you mum” he chuckled
Smiling, she nodded her head as she watched some of the children run past where they were sitting; she let out a slight giggle; after a little further talk, Thomas thought on something for a moment, he was trying to work up some courage to say something, Lydia had noticed, but seeing him struggling to choose his words, she remained silent, simply watching him.
“I think…” Thomas started, he paused placing his hand against his chin, thinking further before smiling at her, he then glanced away, noticing something not that far away and got an idea; standing, he gently pulled her with him, and they walked to where Thomas had suddenly taken an interest in; beneath a archway hung some mistletoe; he had a sudden rush of courage as he looked at her “I have missed you more than I can put into words since we parted ways, every letter I got from you made me happy; and each time I wrote back, I always struggled to tell you how I really felt, what I wanted; but being here, right now” he looked directly into her eyes
As snow once again began to fall, the world seemed to fade into a gentle hush between them “Thomas..” she began
Before she could say anything past his name, he interrupted her as he moved closer, leaning in; their breath mingling in the crisp air “May I kiss you Lydia?”
Smiling, she just looked at him for a moment, before giving a slight nod; surrendering in that moment; their lips tenderly met, the sweetness of their kiss warming them up against the cold; and in that moment, under the light of Christmas and soft swirling snow; they began a new bond with one another.
Hand in hand, they walked through the fair, emboldened by newfound feelings, wrapped in the magic of Christmas; Lancaster shone around them, the spirit of the season weaving a promised love.
Written By: Westley H.
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