Josephine's room was steeped in a soft darkness, broken only by the faint glow of the Christmas lights that blinked melancholically on the tree adorning a corner. After the tense family evening and the brief comfort of her friends' messages, weariness had finally overcome her, leading her into a deep and restful sleep.
In her dream world, the oppressive atmosphere of the mansion vanished, transporting her to a magical winter landscape. She found herself in a clearing of a snowy forest, the tall pines covered in a brilliant white blanket that reflected the silver light of the full moon. The air was cold and crisp, but a strange warmth enveloped her, making her feel inexplicably comfortable.
Suddenly, among the snow-laden trees, the familiar figure appeared, although with a slightly different appearance than in her other dreams. This time, he wore an elegant charcoal-colored wool coat that accentuated his pale complexion. His dark eyes, deep as the starry night, were framed by delicate black-rimmed glasses with clear lenses. His jet-black hair seemed to absorb the moonlight, falling softly over his forehead. Despite the change in his attire and the addition of the glasses, Josephine immediately recognized the same essence that had drawn her in their previous dream encounters: a deep calm, a gaze full of understanding, and a presence that made her feel inexplicably safe. Curiously, she maintained her physical appearance from her waking life, a constant in this dream world where everything else seemed malleable.
A soft smile spread across his lips as he saw her, a smile that always managed to soothe any unease in her heart. He approached slowly, leaving deep footprints in the crisp snow.
"Josephine," his voice murmured, a warm whisper that mingled with the soft rustling of the wind through the pines. It was the first time her real name had left his lips in her dreams, and hearing it spoken with such familiarity made her shiver.
She felt her heart beat faster at hearing her name with such tenderness. "You're here," she said, her voice barely a whisper.
He stopped right in front of her, the moonlight illuminating their faces. He extended a gloved hand, and Josephine took it without hesitation. Their fingers intertwined, and a wave of familiarity and affection washed over her.
"I knew I would find you here," he said, his gaze fixed on her dark eyes through the lenses of his glasses. "In this place where calm and beauty unite."
Together, they began to walk through the snowy clearing. The silence between them was not awkward but filled with a tacit understanding. Around them, small bright lights danced in the air, like winter fireflies, illuminating their path with a magical and festive glow.
They reached a small clearing where an improvised circle of logs surrounded a softly burning campfire, emitting a cozy warmth. He invited her to sit beside him, and Josephine snuggled close, feeling his comforting presence.
"It's Christmas," he said, his voice soft. "A time for hope, for love, and for dreams."
Josephine nodded, feeling a peace she rarely experienced in her waking life. "It feels different here," she admitted. "Here everything is more... real."
He turned his face towards her, his dark eyes filled with a deep tenderness, his glasses reflecting the firelight. He leaned in slowly, intending to kiss her, but Josephine gently raised a hand, stopping him inches from her lips.
"I can't," Josephine whispered, feeling a lump in her throat. "Even if this is a dream... I can't betray Louie."
The stranger simply smiled, a patient and understanding expression that showed not a hint of disappointment. "Don't worry, Josephine. I know our time will come." His voice was firm, full of a mysterious certainty. "I know that until that moment arrives, everything that happens in our lives, all the people who come our way, will prepare us. They are molding us so that when we finally meet outside this dream world, we will be completely ready to experience the purest and truest love a human being can know."
Before the image began to fade, Josephine, with a mixture of curiosity and longing in her voice, asked, "How are you so sure we will meet outside the barrier of my dreams?"
The stranger simply smiled, an enigmatic expression filled with a certainty that transcended logic. His dark eyes shone with a soft intensity through his glasses. "Because I feel it, Josephine. I know it in the deepest part of my being."
Then, his smile widened, radiating a warmth that filled the cold dream air. "Merry Christmas, my soul," he said, his voice becoming an ethereal whisper as his figure began to fade slowly, like snow dissolving in the first rays of sunlight.
"Merry Christmas," Josephine replied softly, her voice barely audible as she watched the image of her mysterious dream lover blur and disappear completely, taking with it the snowy landscape and the magic of their encounter, leaving behind only the lingering warmth of his words in the silence of her waking mind.
Waking up was gradual, like slowly emerging from the depths of a tranquil lake. However, the calmness of waking contrasted with the intensity of the sensations and emotions that still danced within her. The dream encounter with the stranger followed her like a vivid shadow, every word, every gaze, every promise resonating with surprising clarity. The warmth of his "my soul" and the certainty of their future reunion persisted, leaving an indelible mark on her heart.
Josephine got up carefully, feeling the cold of Christmas morning seeping through the window. Her movements were slow, as if she were still enveloped in the magic of the dream. She approached her desk, where her leather-bound diary awaited her like a silent confidante. She opened the first blank page and took her pen, the ink gliding smoothly over the paper as she began to record her memories:
December 25th, 2017
Dear Diary,
Today I dreamed again of the essence that visits me in my dreams, always presenting itself with different aspects, as if it were a chameleon of my subconscious. But tonight something different happened, something that hadn't occurred in our first two encounters. Although the intensity of the connection and the emotions persist with astonishing vividness, I can't clearly remember his physical appearance. I have vague recollections, flashes of his presence, but no matter how much I try to reconstruct every detail of his appearance tonight, the contours blur, slipping from my memory like sand through my fingers. Only one thing remains clear, burned into my mind: his dark eyes, deep and bright, looking at me with an intensity that pierced my soul.
This time, he didn't tell me his name either, that mystery remains intact. However, for some strange reason, he knew my real name, "Josephine," pronouncing it with a familiarity that made me shiver. And another peculiarity: I remained exactly as I am in my waking life. My physical appearance didn't change this time, a constant in a dream world where everything else seems to transform.
But well, I'm going to detail my dream, trying to cling to every fragment of memory before it completely fades...
Josephine continued writing, striving to capture the essence of the encounter, the promise in his words, and the strange certainty they both shared in that dream realm. Despite the frustration of the evanescent physical image, the profound emotional connection and the intriguing prediction of their future meeting outside of dreams remained vivid, fueling a growing curiosity in her heart. Christmas morning had arrived, but the echo of her dream continued to resonate strongly in her waking hours.
Josephine took her time getting ready, choosing a soft wool dress in a dark green shade that reminded her of the snowy fir trees in her dream. She put on thick tights and elegant but comfortable ankle boots, knowing they would spend the morning opening presents around the tree. A subtle touch of makeup highlighted her eyes, and she left her brown hair loose, with just a few strands pulled back with a simple clasp. She wanted to look presentable for her family but without resorting to the ostentation she so detested.
As she descended the stairs, the aroma of freshly brewed coffee and toast filled the air. Christmas breakfast in the mansion was a formal occasion, although slightly less rigid than the previous night's dinner. Her parents were already seated at the dining table, which was elegantly set with festive tablecloths and fine china. Esperanza, with Camille and Annelise by her side, arrived just behind her. The twins, dressed in matching tartan dresses, radiated excitement. Andrés followed them with a polite smile.
"Good morning, Josephine," her mother said with distant courtesy. "Merry Christmas."
"Merry Christmas, Mother, Father," Josephine replied, taking her seat.
"Aunt Josie!" Camille and Annelise exclaimed in unison, their eyes bright. "Can we open the presents now?"
"In a moment, little ones," Esperanza interjected gently. "Let's have breakfast first."
Breakfast consisted of a traditional English spread, with sausages, scrambled eggs, crispy bacon, and toast. Conversation during the meal was sparse and superficial, mainly focused on plans for the rest of the day and polite comments about the food. Josephine noticed Andrés's occasional gaze, which tried to hold her eye contact, but she skillfully avoided it.
Once they finished breakfast, the atmosphere livened up slightly at the prospect of presents. They moved to the main drawing-room, where an imposing Christmas tree, adorned with twinkling lights and a myriad of shiny ornaments, presided over the room. At its base, a mountain of packages wrapped in festive papers of all colors and sizes awaited opening. Camille and Annelise could barely contain their excitement, jumping and pointing at the packages bearing their names. The formality of the morning dissipated somewhat in the face of the girls' innocent joy, creating a brief truce in the tense family dynamic.
Josephine's father began, calling Camille to take the first package. The little girl, with hands trembling with excitement, tore the shiny paper, revealing a doll dressed as a ballet dancer. Annelise was quick to follow, unwrapping a vividly illustrated storybook.
The gifts were opened one by one, each family member receiving carefully selected presents, more out of obligation and etiquette than a deep understanding of personal tastes. Josephine received an elegant designer handbag from her parents, a set of antique teacups from Esperanza, and a book of photographs of English landscapes from Andrés, accompanied by a smile she interpreted as an invasion of her personal space.
As she unwrapped the book, she felt Andrés's gaze on her. He subtly approached, pretending to admire the photograph on the cover. "I hope you enjoy the images, Josephine. Perhaps one day we can visit some of these places together," he whispered with a barely veiled insinuation.
Josephine tensed slightly, keeping her gaze fixed on the book. "Thank you, Andrés," she replied in a curt tone, giving him no opening to continue the conversation.
The doorbell echoed in the relatively quiet drawing-room, and Josep, with a kind smile, entered alone with a box wrapped in Christmas paper in his hands.
"Merry Christmas everyone!" Josep exclaimed with his usual cordiality, handing the box to Josephine. "I was really looking forward to giving you this."
Josephine's parents greeted him with a slightly warmer courtesy than they had shown their own daughters. Josep fit perfectly into their mold of a good friend and a good match for their daughter, someone from their own social circle.
"Good morning, sir, madam," Josep greeted Josephine's parents respectfully. "Merry Christmas. I was wondering if Josephine would be kind enough to accompany me today. I was planning to show her a small gift and spend the day together, if you don't mind."
Josephine's parents exchanged a brief glance before her father responded with a permissive smile. "Of course, Josep. That sounds like an excellent idea. Josephine has been a little... subdued lately. We're glad you have plans for her." Then, in a casual tone, he asked, "And how are your parents? We hope they are having a happy Christmas."
"They are very well, thank you for asking. Enjoying a quiet day with family," Josep replied naturally.
Josephine felt a pang of irony at the ease with which her parents accepted her outing with Josep, in contrast to their usual disapproval of her other friends. The Christmas rescue mission had begun without the direct intervention of Brianna and Louie.
Josephine thanked Josep with a genuine smile, feeling a wave of relief at the prospect of escaping the suffocating atmosphere of the mansion. "Thank you, Josep. I would love to spend the day with you."
As they said goodbye to her parents, who wished them a "happy day" with a formality that didn't reach their eyes, Josephine felt Andrés's inquisitive gaze on her. He approached with a forced smile. "Enjoy your day, Josephine. I look forward to seeing you at Christmas dinner."
"Thank you, Andrés," Josephine replied with distant politeness, without stopping.
Once outside the mansion, Josephine took a deep breath of the fresh, cold Christmas morning air, feeling instantly lighter. An elegant black car with a uniformed chauffeur waited by the entrance. Josep opened the door for her with an understanding smile.
"Ready for the escape?" Josep asked softly, gesturing towards the interior of the vehicle.
"More than ready," Josephine replied, getting into the car. "Thank you, Josep. You have no idea how much I needed this."
"I imagined," Josep said with a sad smile as the chauffeur closed the door. "Christmas in that house... always seems like a period drama."
As the car pulled away from the imposing facade of the mansion, Josephine felt a pang of guilt for leaving her sister and nieces, but the need to escape the tension and discomfort was too strong. She knew the girls would be fine with Esperanza, and that she desperately needed a break.
"Louie and Brianna are waiting for us at my place," Josep informed her as the chauffeur drove through the snowy streets. "Brianna is particularly eager to hear all the details of the 'family drama'."
Josephine let out a small laugh. "Knowing her, I'm sure she is. But I'm grateful to have you guys. You're my real family."
"And you're ours, Josie," Josep replied sincerely, turning slightly in his seat to look at her.
Christmas Day, which had begun with the heaviness of formalities and discomfort, was beginning to glimpse a ray of hope thanks to the loyalty and affection of her true friends. The "Christmas rescue mission," although initiated unexpectedly, was underway, with Josep at the helm of the transportation courtesy of his father.
The elegant black car stopped in front of a mansion that, although more modern and less imposing than Josephine's, radiated a warm and welcoming atmosphere. Upon entering, Josephine immediately felt the difference: the Christmas decorations were more casual, the soft music floating in the air was cheerful, and the aroma of freshly baked cookies filled the space.
In the spacious living room, Brianna, her long, wavy dark hair framing a face with soft features and a lively look in her clear eyes, bounced on the balls of her feet, her bright red sweater with a sequined reindeer moving with her.
Louie, his soft dark curls falling over his forehead and his clear eyes filled with protective tenderness, was sitting on the edge of the sofa, his blue sweater with embroidered snowflakes highlighting his fair complexion.
Seeing Josephine enter, they both rushed towards her in a tight and noisy group hug.
"Josie!" Brianna exclaimed, squeezing her tightly. "Are you okay? Did the Grinches of your family torture you too much?" Her clear eyes sparkled with concern and a touch of humor.
"Merry Christmas for real now that you're here!" Louie added, hugging her after Brianna, his gaze conveying palpable affection. He took her hand and squeezed it gently, offering silent support.
Josephine smiled genuinely for the first time all morning, feeling the warmth of their friendship envelop her. "I'm so much better now, thank you guys. I desperately needed a dose of Christmas normalcy."
Josep, his dark hair styled back with a slight volume and his open smile illuminating his slightly tanned face, watched the scene with quiet satisfaction, leaning against the doorframe in his denim jacket over a dark t-shirt.
They settled in the living room. Brianna sat on the floor in front of the sofa, cross-legged, eager to listen. Louie snuggled beside Josephine on the sofa, his arm wrapping around her protectively. Josep took a seat in a nearby armchair, his gaze attentive to Josephine.
"Alright!" Brianna exclaimed, rubbing her hands together enthusiastically. "Tell us everything! How was dinner? Was the photo session as creepy as always? And Andrés...? Don't tell me he tried anything weird again!" Her brow furrowed at the mention of the name.
Josephine sighed, letting out some of the accumulated tension. "Dinner was... a family dinner. Formalities, superficial conversations, and the constant feeling of acting in a play. Andrés was... present, with his looks and subtle comments that make my skin crawl." A shiver ran down her spine at the memory, and she instinctively moved closer to Louie.
Louie tightened his grip, his jaw clenching slightly. "If that guy dares to..."
"Easy, love," Josephine interrupted him gently, appreciating his protective instinct. "Luckily, I managed to keep my distance. And the photo session... well, it was the usual torture of forced smiles and unnatural poses. Camille and Annelise were the only genuine thing in all of that." A small, nostalgic smile appeared on her lips as she remembered her nieces.
"And your parents?" Josep asked cautiously, his gaze reflecting concern. "Did they say anything about... us?"
Josephine shook her head. "Not directly. But their relief when I said I was spending the day with you was quite telling. Their obsession with status remains intact." She rolled her eyes in exasperation.
Brianna snorted. "What a bunch of... old-fashioned people! Don't they realize how lucky they are to have you as a daughter, no matter where we come from?" Her indignation was palpable.
Louie nodded, his gaze serious. "The important thing is that you're here now, with us. And we're going to make sure you have a real Merry Christmas." He leaned down and kissed her softly on the temple.
Josephine felt a wave of gratitude towards her friends. In that warm and loving living room, far from the coldness of her home, she finally felt free to be herself. Christmas, at last, was beginning to feel a little brighter.
The afternoon at Josep's house passed with a warmth that contrasted sharply with the formality of Josephine's mansion. Brianna, with her inexhaustible energy, proposed a series of games that ranged from guessing hummed Christmas carols to an impromptu theatrical performance of "The Nutcracker" where Louie ended up playing a hilarious role as the Mouse King.
Amidst the laughter and controlled chaos, Josephine and Louie shared knowing glances and small gestures of affection. Louie often sought Josephine's hand, intertwining their fingers while they watched television or played games. Their conversations were often silent, filled with soft smiles and gazes that seemed to understand each other without the need for words. At one point, while Brianna and Josep argued heatedly about the rules of a board game, Louie leaned in and whispered in Josephine's ear, "Are you alright? Do you feel better away from all that?"
Josephine nodded, resting her head on his shoulder. "So much better. You guys make Christmas feel... normal."
Louie gently kissed her hair. "We'll always be here for you, Josie. You're the most important thing."
Brianna, noticing the intimate moment, made an exaggerated fake cough, earning an amused look from Louie and an embarrassed smile from Josephine. "Hey, lovebirds! Did we forget we were playing a game where there are very dignified losers (ahem, Josep)?"
Josep, with a teasing smile, replied, "Dignified my foot, Brianna! You cheated with the dancing reindeer card!"
The playful argument continued, and Josephine felt grateful for the lighthearted atmosphere. Later, while they helped Josep prepare hot chocolate in the kitchen, Louie approached Josephine from behind and hugged her, resting his chin on her shoulder.
"You smell like cookies and freedom," he murmured in her ear, making her smile.
"And you smell like a snowflake sweater and my favorite person," Josephine replied, turning to give him a quick kiss.
Josep and Brianna exchanged knowing glances, accustomed to the discreet but constant displays of affection between Josephine and Louie. Their relationship was a beacon of warmth and sincerity in a world where appearances were often everything.
The afternoon continued with more games, laughter, and the pleasant feeling of belonging. For Josephine, that Christmas Day, far from the cold opulence of her home, had become a true gift, wrapped in the sincere friendship and genuine love of Louie, Brianna, and Josep.
Josep looked at Josephine with a tender smile, his eyes reflecting a familiarity and affection that had grown from years of shared friendship. "It's been a long time since we've done this, hasn't it?" he said in a low whisper, as they both placed their hands on the ivory and ebony keys.
They began with a classic carol, "Silent Night." Their fingers moved with an almost magical synchronization, as if their minds were connected through the melody. The notes filled the living room, creating a warm and nostalgic atmosphere. Josephine was surprised at how easy it was to play alongside Josep; their styles complemented each other in an intuitive way, creating a rich and enveloping harmony.
As they played, their gazes occasionally met, sharing soft smiles and nods of musical understanding. For Brianna and Josep, it was a beautiful display of talent and friendship. But for Louie, watching from the sofa, the connection Josephine and Josep showed while playing, mixed with Josep's tender and knowing glances towards his girlfriend, began to stir a pang of insecurity in his chest.
The way their hands moved together on the keyboard, the way their eyes met with a tacit understanding, the perfect harmony of their music... it all projected an intimacy that went beyond a simple musical collaboration. Louie felt a knot in his stomach as he remembered the long history of friendship between Josephine and Josep, a past he wasn't a part of.
Brianna, oblivious to Louie's growing discomfort, hummed the melody enthusiastically, enjoying the unexpected private concert. Josep, absorbed in the music and the connection with Josephine, didn't notice the shadow of doubt that was beginning to darken Louie's face.
Josephine, for her part, was simply enjoying the moment, the familiar feel of the keys under her fingers, and the joy of sharing music with an old friend. She was unaware of the tension that was building in her boyfriend's heart, lost in the melody and the unexpected ease with which her hands danced alongside Josep's. The magic of the music, unintentionally, was testing Louie's silent trust.
The last note of the melody resonated in the living room, leaving behind a warm silence and enthusiastic applause from Brianna. Josep and Josephine smiled at each other, a gleam of shared satisfaction in their eyes.
Louie clapped too, but his smile didn't reach his eyes. He stood up from the sofa, approaching the piano with an expression Josephine couldn't immediately interpret.
"That was... very beautiful," Louie said, his voice slightly more strained than usual. He glanced briefly at Josep before focusing his attention on Josephine, taking her hand. "Are you tired, love? Maybe you'd like to rest a bit before we make dinner."
Josephine felt the slight tension in his grip and noticed the fleeting glance towards Josep. A pang of understanding went through her. She hadn't been aware of the subtle atmosphere that had been created during the musical piece.
"A little," Josephine replied, squeezing Louie's hand. "Yes, maybe a rest sounds good." She looked at Josep with a grateful smile. "Thank you, Josep. It's been so long since I played with you."
"The pleasure was all mine, Josephine," Josep replied, his smile still tender.
Brianna, ever observant, narrowed her eyes slightly, perceiving the small interaction between Louie and Josephine. "Well, I can help Josep with dinner while you two rest. Let's get to work!"
As Louie guided Josephine out of the living room, she felt the need to clear up any misunderstanding. "Honey, are you alright?" she asked softly, stopping in the hallway.
Louie hesitated for an instant, his gaze still clouded by a shadow of insecurity. "Yeah, sure. Why wouldn't I be? It was just... a very emotional song. You two have a lot of musical chemistry."
Josephine took both of Louie's hands in hers, looking directly into his eyes. "Josep is a friend, Louie. A very good friend from a long time ago. We share a passion for music, that's all. You are my boyfriend, you are the one I love and hope to share my life with." Her voice was soft but firm, seeking to dispel any doubt.
The sincerity in Josephine's eyes seemed to calm Louie's unease. His grip relaxed, and a genuine smile finally appeared on his lips. "I know, Josie. I'm sorry. Sometimes... sometimes I just feel a little insecure, I guess."
Josephine hugged him tightly. "You don't have to feel that way. I love you, Louie. And what I share with Josep is different. It's friendship, it's music. With you... it's everything else."
They remained embraced for a moment, the warmth of their affection dispelling the brief shadow of insecurity. Christmas afternoon continued, marked by the warmth of friendship and the solidity of their love, leaving behind the fleeting echo of a melody that, unintentionally, had struck a sensitive chord in Louie's heart.