Alone together, on christmas (Part 1)

Short story in 6 parts

Reader,

This is the first part of a short story that I’ve been working on for the past few weeks. The following 5 parts will be posted in the next few days with a full version coming on the 24th, same day as part 6.

It was another cold Christmas Day when Agatha was making her rounds.

All since 9 that morning she was up preparing for dinner later that night but, somehow in her flexible white hoodie and short hair trimmed like knives, she felt more concerned for the people around her.

She was especially surprised when her mother told her to try and get some cream and wine for the night but was probably more concerned to hear that the local corner shop was still open, 9 to 5 employees still there glumly.

Though she didn’t have much to offer as compensation she was at least glad she gave up the tip her mom gave her so the college student behind the cash register could get something at least.

Outside and shaking a little from the sudden freeze Agatha quickly made her way back home. Normally, she wouldn’t be so enthusiastic about the idea of having to rush home to say hi to all of her numerous guests but today was a massive boy shaped exception.

Seth was visiting.

The same guy who’d helped her so far with most of the troubles surrounding 6th year at St. Mary’s School of Occasional Successes. The same guy who was helping her come to terms with the death of cousin. And the very same guy who through his kindness and charm always proved to be just the boost she needed for the day.

And now he was coming over to have Christmas dinner.

That’s why she was determined to try and make this one night the best she could. All so one other person could find some value in sitting around at a table for minutes as her family talked about politics, the traffic, politics and more politics till they forget each other’s names.

Despite all that though, she was determined to enjoy it this year. As much as she co-

“I-I don’t have anymore!” a young boy cried.

She froze. More than what she usually would in this temperature. The noise was coming just behind a corner.

“We know your parents must have something to spare.” another boy barked impatiently “They should if they can still afford any lights in the house.”

Agatha, carefully placed her shopping bag to the floor and peered from the corner. Just as she did, she noticed three boys, in tight winter jackets, were talking down towards a smaller boy with barely any jacket.

She gritted her teeth viciously but chose to hold back. She needed to find out-

“Wh-who are you?” came one of the boys.

She blinked. One of the kids of the gang had turned behind just briefly to see her peeking from behind her cover, and sure enough his comrades were looking towards her too.

“Crap.” she muttered as she stepped out from hiding. Then putting on her best authoritative voice “What are you guys doing here?”

The three boys stared back at her. Most of them looked to be about 14, just 4 years under her.

“What’s it your business lady?” another one asked “We’re just asking for our christmas present off of him.”

“By bullying him?”

“He’s not sharing so why shouldn’t we?”

The child who was being harassed, looking about 7 or so peered from behind the huddle. He looked to be utterly frightened of the sheer height they had over him.

“Look.” Agatha pressed again. “Come on, he’s just a kid. Why don’t you just go and we don’t start a fi-.”

Before she even finished the ringleader had lunged towards him punching her square in the jaw and crashing into the wall behind her.

It didn’t really hurt all too much but it still caught her by surprise.

As she leaned against the wall for support the other boys began to laugh at her. And that’s when it happened.

She started feeling warmer. Gradually the air around her began to close itself off from her as she felt her breath becoming more and more harsh, her vision blurry and her teeth sharper.

Before she could even think of controlling her mounting anger, the same boy had attempted to kick her back into the wall.

In response, Agatha caught the foot with one arm, leaving the kid dangling off of the ground.

Then slowly, like she was unlocking a door, she began to use her free left hand to twist the dangling foot.

The excited laughter coming from the small thugs quickly silenced as the boy began to winch quietly. His breath was starting to catch as he attempted to wiggle himself free.

“Stop!” he begged loudly.

Agatha then blinked, glancing down towards her hand in mild shock. Then she looked towards the boy.

She let go of her target’s foot, and the boy fell over in fright.

“Leave him alone.” Agatha snarled coldly. And that was enough.

She didn’t know what it was but as soon as she said it, the three thugs darted away from her, running as fast as their tiny, fat legs could carry them.

The air was starting to become colder again, as her breath found its way back to her body. Uneasingly it settled, just as Agatha turned to face the young boy left behind.

He staggered onto his feet quickly.

“Thank you Miss.” he bowed.

“Um… yeah, no problem.” she said.

As the boy ran off back towards the corner she stood there for what felt like a minute, staring down at her right hand.

Making sure she wasn’t being watched she pulled off her right fingerless glove and gleaned her eyes over the various scars and slashes made on it. They were slowly fading back into her hand after turning a very striking purple.

What the heck was wrong with her?

Just then, a car alarm brought her back to reality as she quickly put the glove back on.

At the corner she stepped out and turned towards the bag she left behind. Now crushed with a kind of white paste pouring out from under its base.

She sighed. Price of a hero.