House of Goths

by Maria Bernard

  “Me too, for you,” she said, still rather sleepily.

  He pulled away for a moment and gazed at her. She was a vision, all mussed up and well used. He smiled crookedly at the memory of their most recent romp.

  He’d left her thoroughly sated, not an inch of her went untouched. He could still hear her cries of abandon as he’d fucked the living daylights out of her the night before. She’d been a rag doll in his hands. They’d passed out exhausted in each other’s arms.

  He took a deep breath and sighed. When he awoke, he had only one thing on his mind. He only hoped she would accept his last-minute Christmas surprise.

  “How long have you been up?” she asked, curling her fingers around his red streaked fringes. He was already dressed, albeit casually so. When she looked over his shoulder, she was surprised to see the room in such disarray. Then she realized that all her things were in there. Her suitcase, her clothes hanging over the back of a chair, the contents of her drawers, strewn around the foot of the bed by her feet. “What’s going on? Why are my things all over your room?”

  “Becky…” He paused, suddenly hesitant. Perhaps he’d acted in haste. Would she be mad? Would she turn him down? At the time, he thought it romantic. Now, he realized he should have been more organized. He should have had it all done long before she awoke.

  “Kelley?”

  “Becky, I wanted to surprise you… I want… I want you to share my bedroom. I want you in here with me, always.” He paused, looking very nervous. “I hope you…”

  Before he could utter another word, Becky leapt up and grabbed him around his neck, and squealed with joy! “Yes, Kelley, I’d love to share your room!”

  “Whew… so you’re not upset?” he asked, cradling the back of her head.

  “Why would I be upset?” she asked, sitting back. “I’ll miss being kidnapped out of my bed in the middle of the night,” she said with a smile. “But I can think of nothing better than to fall asleep in your arms from now on.”

  “Well then, Merry Christmas, Becky.”

  Leaving Kelley to the task of setting her up in his room, she got herself ready and went downstairs to greet her other housemates. She found Dorian in the kitchen, frying up bacon and eggs. The first thing she did was give him a hug around his waist.

  “Morning, Becky, Merry Christmas,” he said, happily reciprocating the affection.

  “Merry Christmas, Dorian.” She looked around just in time to catch Keegan entering the room, hugging his arms around himself. She couldn’t help but smile, seeing him wearing his furry black Santa hat.

  “Where’s my hug?” he asked with a mischievous smile.

  “Right here,” she said, meeting him at his chair. “Ooh, you’re shivering.” Becky instinctively ran her hands up and down his arms.

  “It’s freezing down in that basement,” he said, dragging her into his lap, absorbing her warmth.

  “Aww… hey! I know, guess what?” she said, inspired.

  “What’s that?” he said in a half yawn.

  “You can have your room back!” she said excitedly. “Merry Christmas!”

  “Why? How? You’re not leaving us, are you?” Crispin gasped, having just entered the kitchen.

  “No… only I’m moving into Kelley’s room,” she said, watching him subconsciously clutch his chest. He’d turned as white as a ghost for a moment.

  “Oh… well, that’s all right then,” Keegan said with a sigh of relief. “You mean I don’t have to live in the basement anymore? I can’t think of a better Christmas present.”

  “Me neither.” She beamed.

  “That’s great, Becky,” Dorian said, slapping Kelley on the shoulder as he walked in. “Congrats, you two.”

  Becky couldn’t think of a better way to spend the day than to be surrounded by her four favourite Goths. Call her selfish but she was glad to have them all to herself. Heather was out of town visiting her family, and Gracie, as always, remained a mystery.

  Yes, in fact, all five members of the House of Goths showed no signs of wanting anything more than to lounge about, wearing PJs, and having breakfast.

  After filling up on bacon, eggs, and coffee, the five of them filed into the front room, eager to open presents. Dorian was especially excited. So much so that he insisted everyone open up his presents first.

  Reaching under the tree, he grabbed four similarly wrapped gifts and handed one to each of his housemates. Sitting closest to the tree at his side, Becky waited until everyone had theirs at the ready.

  “Well, go on then,” he said, sitting back in anticipation. “Open them!”

  Without further hesitation, all four of them tore off the wrapping paper. For a second there was only silence, followed by gasps of surprise.

  “What’s this?” Kell asked first.

  “Holy crap, Dorian!” Crispin said in disbelief. “It’s a collection of your comic strips?”

  “When did you do this?” Keegan asked, flipping through the pages of the curious book in his hand.

  “Dolly Dormouse and the House of Elves?” Becky held up the glossy book and read the title out loud. She flipped it open to find Dorian’s signature and dedication on the inside cover. “Dorian?”

  “It’s a graphic novel. Comic strips inspired by you lot.” Dorian was practically bursting at the seams. “See that’s you, Becky.”

  Sitting next to her, he pointed at the drawing of Dolly, a dormouse in a red hoodie. In the first section, Dolly was walking through a dark wooded forest. It’s blustery out, she’s afraid, clinging onto a little handbag. In the next frame, she finds a huge tree trunk with a mysterious door on it. With much trepidation, the little cartoon girlie mouse bravely approaches and pulls on the antique knocker.

  “What do you think? Do you like it?”

  “This is fucking awesome!” Kell declared, flipping further ahead. “How in the world?”

  By now, Keegan and Crispin were flipping around the pages and laughing their heads off while Becky was still staring at the front cover.

  “I self-published it the other week. It’s only the start, really. I’ve got so many more ideas for it. But I wanted it ready for you lot for Christmas.”

  “Wow, Dorian… this is amazing!” Becky finally said, looking up from the book in her hands. “All I want to do now is read this from cover to cover. Look at these drawings!” She literally had tears in her eyes. He’d made Dolly so cute. And the Elves were so well drawn. There was no mistaking that the characters were influenced by them all.

  “Shit, I’m speechless,” Crispin said after a few moments. “I knew you were talented, but this is out of this world!”

  “Oh, come on,” Dorian scoffed, suddenly self-conscious. “It’s ridiculous, really.”

  “It is not ridiculous,” Kell stated. “You should send a copy off to all the newspapers. You’d get picked up for sure.”

  “Thank you, Dorian.” Becky gingerly put the graphic novel aside and wrapped him up in a heartfelt hug.

  “You’re all welcome,” Dorian said, hugging her back. “Now enough about that, let’s open up the rest of the gifts.”

  “Great, and how in the world are we to follow up with our miserable gifts?” Keegan muttered sarcastically. “Thanks a lot, Dorian,” he added with a smirk. “Might as well open mine next, Becky. It’s sure to disappoint.” Digging under the tree, Keegan felt around for his gifts and plunked one of them on her lap before distributing the others around the room.

  “Gee thanks, Keegan.” Becky chuckled as she opened up the haphazardly wrapped package. Moments later, all four housemates held up t-shirts with personalized comments on them.

  “Hahaha…” Crispin snarked, holding his up. It read House of Goths, Official Diva in bold letters.

  Kell’s t-shirt declared him the Official Bouncer, and Dorian’s read, Resident Steampunk.

  “What’s yours say?” Crispin asked, looking at Becky.

  Glancing mirthfully from Keegan to Crispin, she held up her shirt for every
one to see. House of Goths, Official Mascot. On the back it read, If found, please return to the House of Goths.

  “How appropriate,” Crispin said as they all laughed.

  “I even got one for myself,” Keegan said with a smile, holding it up.

  “House of Goths, Official Heartbreaker!” Becky pointed and laughed.

  “How ironic,” Crispin added with a roll of his eyes.

  “Hey, be nice!” Keegan pouted.

  Next, Crispin distributed his gifts. He’d gotten the guys parts and pieces for their various instruments. Becky waited until everyone had opened theirs before proceeding.

  “Well, go on, dormouse,” Crispin said with an encouraging smile.

  “Oh, all right,” Becky said, taking the gift bag and pulling out its contents. “Pyjamas?”

  “Not just any pyjamas,” Crispin added.

  “Ha! Hello Kitty!” Becky declared, holding up the black PJ set.

  “Goth Kitty,” Crispin explained.

  “Oh, thank you, Crispin! I love it!”

  “You are most welcome.”

  “Good on you, Crisp,” Kell said from his chair. “Let’s do mine next.” Reaching under the tree, he grappled around the remaining gifts and handed them out.

  Crispin, Dorian, and Keegan were all very pleased with the various magazines and subscriptions that Kell gave them. He’d also declared that he had subscribed to satellite radio for everyone to enjoy. He very excitedly proceeded to tell them that he had purchased a sound system which he was very much looking forward to hooking up throughout the house.

  “That’s awesome, Kell,” Dorian said, looking over his shoulder at the instruction manual. “I’ll give you a hand with that.”

  “Here, have a read through.” Kell gave him the manual before zoning in on Becky. He’d purposely held back his present for her. He couldn’t decide whether it would be best to give it to her now or later when they were alone. Before he could think too long on it, she reached behind the tree and pulled out her gifts.

  She handed Keegan, Crispin and Dorian each a gift first. She had bought them all individual bottles of ice wine and chocolates from the wineries from the other day. She’d been at a loss for what to get them. Hopefully, they wouldn’t be disappointed.

  “Well, how very nice,” Crispin said, holding his arms out to her. Unable to resist, she got up and went to him.

  “I wanted to get you something special but…”

  “Are you kidding? Ice wine’s expensive!” Keegan said, reading the label.

  “And I absolutely love chocolate!” Dorian declared.

  “I can’t think of a better way to spend the afternoon,” Crispin said, immediately twisting his open and taking a swig. “What do you say, dormouse? Up for a little Christmas cheer? Stay away from Kell, though, he can’t be trusted.”

  “Maybe later, Crispin.” Becky giggled.

  “See, I told you they’d be happy,” Kell said, holding his hand out for her. “Poor little thing was all worked up about it.” He tugged her in for a reassuring hug. Before he could think too long on the matter, he reached behind him and handed her a little gift bag. “Here, this is from me to you.”

  “Aw… Kelley…” Resting on his knee, she took the gift from his hand. She reached inside and pulled out a little black velvet box. With eyes wide, she looked from him to the box.

  “Go on, love, open it.” At the sight of the brilliant ring, Becky’s mouth dropped. “It’s a promise ring,” Kelley explained softly when she looked from him to the heart-shaped, diamond encrusted, gold ring.

  “Promise ring…” Becky repeated as he proceeded to slip it onto her finger.

  “It’s a promise of my commitment to you and to our relationship.” God, he hoped he’d done the right thing. He could have gotten her a necklace or earrings but when he’d spotted the little ring the other week, he suddenly couldn’t think of a better gift.

  The moment the ring was on, Becky flexed her fingers. It fit perfectly. With this gift, he had annihilated all her fears. She couldn’t hold back the tears if she wanted to. Overwhelmed, she literally broke down and cried.

  “Aww…” Dorian sighed, looking on appreciatively. “Good for you. Well done, Kell.”

  “Love, don’t cry,” Kell soothed, holding her close.

  It was hard not to be affected by the touching display. So much so that Keegan and Dorian quietly filed out of the room. Lingering behind, Crispin watched the dynamics of the enamoured couple for a few moments before finally leaving them alone.

  “Becky… it’s just a little ring,” Kell whispered.

  “It’s not just anything…” Becky said, blinking back her tears. “It means the world to me!”

  “You mean the world to me.” He leaned in and kissed her softly. “I love you.”

  “I love you too, Kelley,” Becky kissed him back. She smoothed her hands down his black hair and cupped his cheeks. “My hero. Always at the ready to look after me.” She kissed him once more. “My sweet hero.”

  “I only wanted to keep you safe.” He chuckled, gazing into her lovely face. “Look where that got me, eh?”

  After a moment of gazing into each other’s eyes, Becky finally remembered her gift to him. Leaving him for only a second, she reached under the tree. She then presented him with an envelope.

  “This for me?” he asked with a wink of an eye.

  Becky could only nod with anticipation as he opened it. She was nervous. Hopefully, he would like her gift.

  “Wow, what’s all this?”

  “Read it.”

  “Becky… it’s a weekend away in Toronto?” Kelley couldn’t contain the smile that overtook his face. She’d pre-booked them a room at The Royal York for two nights.

  “You’ve been wanting to get away, just the two of us… I hope you don’t mind.”

  “Aw… Becky, excuse my French, but why the fuck would I mind?” He tugged her back between his knees for a heartfelt hug and kiss. “This is perfect.”

  “It’s redeemable anytime,” she remembered to say. “We can go whenever is good for you.”

  “Oh, Becky…” He continued to smile into her thoughtful gaze. “Is tomorrow too soon?”

  Chapter 48

  New Year’s Eve morning, Dorian arrived in the room where the housemates painted to discover Crispin staring into a blank canvas. This was not in itself unusual except for the fact that the forlorn Goth had been staring at that same blank canvas with that same blank expression on his face for two days straight.

  Coming to stand beside him, Dorian glanced back and forth between Crispin and the canvas. “What’s up, Crisp?”

  As though waking from a trance with much reluctance, Crispin let out a heavy sigh and walked towards the window, facing the front yard.

  “As it would appear, nothing much.”

  “Come on, Crisp, they’ll be back soon enough,” Dorian said with a smile.

  Crispin may deny it all he wanted but everyone knew how fond he was of his little dormouse. As much as he liked to pretend he was untouchable, he was in fact, the opposite.

  “Who? What are you talking about?” Crispin asked with a frown.

  “Becky, your little dormouse. Go on, admit it. The separation anxiety must be draining you of all your creative juices.”

  “Piss off, Dorian. What do you know about it?” Crispin scowled. “As far I’m concerned, we’re better off without that silly little squeak of a girl running around underfoot.”

  “Right…” So much for the holiday spirit.

  Apparently all good cheer had left the House of Goths, the moment Kell and Becky went off on their getaway.

  “You say that now, but watch it or it may just happen.”

  “The fuck are you talking about?” Crispin visibly blanched a shade paler, as impossible as it seemed.

  “See?” Dorian teased, turning his attention to his latest sketch. “You do miss her.”

  “Fuck off, you,” Crispin snarked, realizing he had been caught
. Dorian, the smart ass that he was. As fond as Crispin was of the quick-witted drummer, his unrelenting good mood, sometimes wore at his patience.

  “Hey, where are you going?” Dorian asked when Crispin turned and stormed off.

  “Away from here,” Crispin muttered, reaching for his car keys, nearly crashing into Keegan. The sleepy Goth had just stepped down from his recently reclaimed bedroom.

  “What the… watch it, man!”

  “Never mind him,” Dorian said.

  “What’s his dilemma? Is he still messed up over Gracie?”

  “Nah, I don’t think so. Although I’m sure it doesn’t help.”

  “Then what?”

  “One can only guess. I suppose he’s in a huff again this morning.”

  “Again? He’s a moody bastard, I’ll give you that, but he usually comes around. This last little while, though, I don’t know…”

  “He’s missing Becky. I’m sure that’s all it is.”

  “I miss her too, and so do you, but we’re not losing our shit like he is, are we?”

  “No, I suppose not.”

  “She is coming back, Becky and Kell. They both are. They still live here,” Keegan reasoned.

  “Yes, but Crispin’s different. You know how he is. He gets attached to people he cares about. He has difficulty keeping things in perspective.”

  “True, he hasn’t quite forgiven me for taking off. I suppose he might never.”

  “No, I wouldn’t expect him to.”

  “Damn…”

  “Yes,” Dorian said, leaving Keegan to his conscience.

  Chapter 49

  Without further ado, Crispin set out to take care of something he had been avoiding far too long. Parking his car, he felt for the bracelet in his pocket, finding the gift intended for Gracie. A gift which had never been given. What would have been the point? He should have realized it the moment he bought it.

  At the time, though, Becky had weaved her magic and filled him with hope. He smiled forlornly at the memory of the day they had spent shopping on this very street. The look on the little dormouse’s face when he had purchased the bracelet had been enough to fill his misguided heart with the poison that was hope. Oh, that he might inspire that same look on the face of a lover.