Archive of Our Own

There was a sci-fi and horror convention at a small hotel about thirty miles from Bismarck in North Dakota, at a little place called Indian Creek. It was four days before xmas and snow was thick on the ground and traveling was a little hard in places but they hoped for a good turnout.

Sue and her friend Pat were there mainly to see Oded and Arnold from the Mummy films. John Hanna was also there and the producer Steve Sommers.

“I am going to make sure I see Arnold” said Pat “I’ve been waiting for this for ages. What about you Sue?”

“Oh mine is Oded, definitely. What do we do first?”

“Well there is the autograph session this afternoon, then the film show tonight with all the outtakes and the party tomorrow. Then I suppose we go home” she replied.

Sue went to the dining room to get a tea while her friend went upstairs to change. Ordering her tea at the counter, she went and sat down. She was surprised to see Oded sitting alone but was too shy to go and speak to him.

A bit later Arnold joined him and gradually the place filled up. As she drank her tea and looked at the local paper, a voice made her jump.

“Excuse me, could I sit here?” asked a man.

Looking up she saw that it was John Hanna.

“Er..yes of course please do” she replied.

They introduced themselves and engaged in a bit of idle chitchat. It was strange, she found he was so easy to talk to but if it had been Oded, she wouldn’t have known what to say.

“So how long are you staying?” he asked.

“I haven’t decided yet. Supposedly just for the convention but I would like to stay on over xmas if I could. I haven’t got to be anywhere else and you?”

“Oh I fly out tomorrow night, have to get to Scotland at least for the New Year” he said.

“Ah typical Scotsman eh” she laughed.

“Yeah, hogmanay and all that. My family insist upon it, the only time they do”

“Do you know if anyone else is staying on?” she asked.

“I think most will be leaving although I am not sure about Oded. Being Jewish, he doesn’t celebrate xmas. He isn’t too well at the moment and his family are in Israel so I think he might stay rather than spend it alone. We have all asked him to join us for xmas but he said no” replied John.

“That’s a shame, wish I had the nerve to go and talk to him” she said.

“Oh he’s a lovely man, easy to talk to. Is he why you are here?” he asked.

“Yes him and Arnold. Oh look sorry, didn’t mean it to sound like that. I like you too” she said embarrassed.

“Thanks for the after thought” he said laughing.

Later he left to get ready for the autograph session and Sue went to get changed. They were all supposed to be in the big barn about a mile from the hotel at about 2pm. Then the film show would be at 6pm. It was surprising how many people turned up and it was a lot more friendly than the bigger conventions.

Sue got Odeds autograph and noticed how quiet he was. Pat was trying to get to talk to Arnold but ended up talking to one of the extras who had played one of the other med-jai. She was on her own when John came over.

“Having a good time?” he asked.

“Yes thank you. Got the autographs I wanted, I am going back to the hotel now the film has finished. Those outtakes were brilliant. Bet you had a great time filming them” she said.

“They were, especially some scenes. Did you speak to Oded?” he asked.

“Only to get his autograph, he seemed to be very quiet and then sat at the back of the place while the film was on”

“I found out that he is getting the cold that everyone on the set has had. It’s doing the rounds and is a nasty one. Not quite the flu but not far off. I told him to get an early night” replied John.

“Those colds hang around for ages”

They said their goodbyes and Sue left to go back to the hotel. There was no one to drive her back so she walked. It was lovely in the snow, you could see for miles, all white. You would never have been able to see all that normally. She arrived back just as John pulled up in the car.

“I thought you left ages ago” he said locking it up.

“I did, but I walked” she said.

“Why didn’t you say, you could have come back with me, it’s freezing out here”

“I was wrapped up and I love the snow. You off to bed?” she asked.

“Yep, see you tomorrow, goodnight”

She said goodnight and went into the lounge and sat down with a tea by the fire. Mrs Chambers the owner came over and sat with her. There was no-one else down there at the moment.

“So do you leave with the others?” she asked.

“Well I was wondering if I could stay over xmas, would that be convenient?” she asked.

“Of course, that would just make three guests staying over. If you want to, you could help with the pow-wow” she said.

“The what?” asked Sue puzzled.

“Pow-wow. There is a small wood just over the ridge where every xmas we decorate the trees with as many lights as we can. Set up the nativity and then a massive bonfire is built nearby. The Lakota Indians then come over on xmas morning and we are entertained by them in return for a big xmas dinner. Then my husband dresses up as Santa Claus and gives out gifts to all the Indian children. Interested?”

“Oh yes, that sounds wonderful. As long as you don’t mind”

She said the more help they had the better, then she was called over to the bar and left Sue thinking about the Indians. She noticed Oded at the bar and then he picked up a coffee and came and sat opposite her. He didn’t seem to notice her and laid his head back on the sofa.

“Oded are you alright?” she asked taking a deep breath.

“Oh sorry didn’t see you there. I’ll be okay, just hate colds that’s all” he said.

“Why don’t you get an early night like John told you to do” she said.

He raised an eyebrow and smiled.

“Oh talking about me was he?” he said with a laugh.

“Not really, he was just worried about you. Seems everyone has had that cold and he knows how nasty it can be. Just don’t give it to me, I don’t want it, even for xmas” she replied smiling.

“That’s okay, he’s right though, I should go to bed, might feel better tomorrow. Got that party to attend. Pity I was looking forward to being here for a few days enjoying the snow, not being stuck in bed”

“What you staying on?” she asked, her face lighting up.

“Yes I have no reason to go back to LA and my family have told me not to go to Israel at the moment because of all the problems there”

He drank his coffee and then stood up, said goodnight and walked up the stairs. She couldn’t believe she had spoke to him and not passed out at being so close to one gorgeous man. Plus she was pleased that he was staying on, maybe they could get to know each other a bit. When she went back to the bar, Mrs Chambers gave her a list of what had to be done in three days. She told her husband that Sue was going to help.

“Wonderful, the more the merrier. Normally we don’t have conventions before xmas, it has put us all behind this year” he said.

“When do we start?” she asked.

“Some of the locals are working there now, once the party is over tomorrow and the guests have gone, we can all go down there. Not much can be done in the dark after the party but first thing the next morning we can”

By the time the party did finish at about 5pm, it was already dark and the hotel was rapidly emptying. Oded had only stayed for a couple of hours and then had left. Pat had got annoyed at Sue for staying on and then went off with the man she had met. John said goodbye and gave her his phone number, so she could let him know how Oded was as he was staying on.

“Are you sure, he must have your number” she said.

“Yes but he’ll just say he is fine. You’ll tell me the truth. I’ll be in Bismarck after all for xmas, something has come up but I must get home for New Year.” He said.

“Oh John I’m sorry, you were looking forward to going home too”

“Well hazards of being in a new TV show and doing a film.”

She waved to him as he left and was walking back into the hotel when he called out.

“Sue, remember if you need me, just call okay”

She raised her hand in acknowledgement as he drove off. Going upstairs, she changed into jeans and jumper, put on a jacket and gloves and when down to see if there was anything she could help Mrs Chambers with.

“Do you need any help tonight?” she asked.

“Well we have to get all this stuff down there ready for tomorrow if you want to give us a hand” he said.

So she helped him load the boxes onto the trailer and then jumped up on the tractor with another man called Pete, who was the other guest staying over.

“This looks like it’s going to be fun and certainly different” he said “Ever been to one of these pow-wows before” he asked.

“No never, I’m looking forward to it” she relied.

Oded watched them from the bedroom window and went back to bed after phoning down for something to eat and drink. His throat was sore, he couldn’t stop sneezing and his head was thumping. There was a knock on the door and opening it, took the tray the man handed him. He went to get a tip for him.

“Are you okay Sir?” asked the man.

“Yes, thank you, just a cold. Here you are, thanks” he said.

The man left and Oded sat down to eat the food but his throat was sore and he could only manage a bit. Turning the TV on, he took the coffee and got into bed, pulling up the duvet and tried to watch what was on. A bit later, he turned the volume down a bit and snuggled under the duvet to try and sleep if his headache would let him.

It was about 11pm before the others came back and Mrs Chambers made them all cocoa and sandwiches. Sue spoke to the barman.

“Have you seen the other man staying here tonight?” she asked.

“Oded you mean, yes I took some food up a couple of hours ago. I asked if he was alright as he looked terrible. He said it was only a cold and was going to sleep” the man replied.

She thanked him and hoped that Oded felt better the next day. After that she went up herself and slept like a log, she was so tired. It was about 9am before she woke the next day and rushing to get dressed, went downstairs. Mrs Chambers was ready to go and was just putting the last things on the trailer.

“We are going down first, my husband and the others will come down later. We have to set up the nativity and set up the big teepee which has already been put up. The men did it early this morning” she said.

Sue had a great time helping out. the nativity looked fantastic when they had finished and just needed the lights to be put on. Then they went into the teepee. Sue had never seen one so big and they could easily seat about 15 people inside.

“This is for the heads of the tribe for their religious service while the pow-wow is going on. We just have to put down rugs and blankets etc and make the place look nice” said Mrs Chambers.

It was about 2pm when Mr Chambers called them out as Chief Yellow Cloud had arrived to see how they were getting on. Sue was introduced to him and she was amazed at how young he was. He wandered over to the bonfire where the men were building it up. It was huge and would make a lovely show on its own.

Oded had got up and felt the same really as he had he night before but he wanted some fresh air and going downstairs, told Mr Chambers that he would like to help out. he had already been told about the pow-wow and at least he would be in the fresh air instead of stuck inside. At first he felt fine for a time but then he started sneezing again and that made his head ache. But he was determined that it was not going to get the better of him or so he thought. Leaving the men for a few minutes, he went and sat down on an old log at the edge of the clearing by the nativity. He felt lousy and wondered whether he shouldn’t have stayed in the hotel after all. Just then the Indian chief walked over to talk to him. The man sat beside him and Mr Chambers, who noticed, decided to leave them alone, they seemed to be getting on very well. The chief did not sit with many people.

A little later, Oded went back over to the bonfire and the chief walked over to the wooded area where the lights were being finished and then connected with the ones on the nativity. He spoke to Sue handing the bulbs to the man on the ladder.

“Sue isn’t it?” he asked “Your friend, he is not well I think. He should be inside, not out here in the snow and cold”

“My friend?” she asked looking round.

“Oded, he should be looking after himself or someone looking after him. He will be very ill if he stays out here. We are hardened to this weather, he is not”

“Where is he? I had no idea he was even out here” she said.

The man pointed to where Oded was handing wood to the other men. She sighed and thanked the Indian for his concern, she would have a word. But what she was going to say to him she didn’t know, she had no right to tell him what to do.

“You care about him don’t you?” he said.

“Pardon, I don’t really know him” she replied.

“I see it in your eyes, the eyes are the windows to your soul, they never lie. Go and look after him, he needs someone. He is lonely and shy, I can see it in his eyes and there is a sadness there. I will see you tomorrow I hope” said Yellow Cloud.

“But he wouldn’t want someone like me, I’m too old for him for a start, I’m not pretty, I wouldn’t be any good for him” she said.

“Exterior packages are not all they are cracked up to be. It is the contents that matter and I feel you would be good to him and for him. Don’t walk away because you feel inadequate, we are all like that, throughout our lives. The great one said ‘ you are born and you die, that is inevitable but we make our own happiness in between these events”

“Thank you Yellow Cloud, I am just shy with people I care about and then I lose out” she said.

“Yes, I hope so. Thank you for telling me about Oded, I will try and help, if he will let me” she replied.

She left the man and walked over to where Oded was standing. She touched his arm.

“Oded what are you doing out here. You should be back at the hotel in the warm. You’ll get pneumonia out here”

“I’m okay honest, just this headache and sneezing that’s getting on my nerves” he said.

His nose was red and showed up against the paleness of his skin. Taking the courage, she removed her glove and placed a hand on his forehead.

“You’ve got a temperature. Stay there a minute” she said.

Walking over to Mr Chambers, she spoke to him.

“Mr Chambers, did you say your wife was going back to the hotel soon?” she asked.

“Yes, in a few minutes in fact, why?”

She told him about Oded and he said he would get him to go back, his wife would make sure he was okay. Reluctantly Oded got on the tractor and went back with the woman and Pete. She was a bit annoyed at him when they arrived back there.

“Right, come on Oded, I’m sorting you out first. Pete tell them to get the tea going and get me those duvets in the cupboard”

She took the man into a lounge and helping him off with the coat, got him to lay on the big sofa right close to the fire. He tried to protest but she was having none of it. Taking his boots off, she took the duvets off the barman and covered Oded with two of them.

“Now, you will stay there in the warm. I’ll turn the TV on, there are some good things on at the moment for xmas. I am going to get you one of my special hot toddies for colds. Don’t you dare get off there”

She disappeared and left Oded with a smile on his face which soon disappeared when he started sneezing again. She was a lady in her 50’s and very much like his grandmother in her attitude. He had the feeling he would be in dead trouble if he moved. Anyway, he was feeling snug and warm in there. The woman came back about ten minutes later. Helping him to sit up, she handed him the drink.

“Now drink all of it, it has brandy, lemon, honey and a few special ingredients of my own in it. It will help the headache and temperature, also it will make you sleep.”

“Thank you, you are very kind. I didn’t realize how bad I felt till I got back here” he said.

“Yes well, you want to enjoy xmas and not be stuck in bed the whole time. Now, snuggle down, rest and sleep. I’ll be back later”

She tucked the duvet round him and was about to go when she remembered something. Taking out a thermometer she placed it in his mouth. Waiting a few minutes, she took it out and looked at it.

“Just as I thought, 103, now remember stay there, if you want anything, pick up the phone”

He thanked her again and wiped his nose. The drink had helped his throat and whatever was in it, was working, he couldn’t keep his eyes open and was soon asleep.

About an hour later, Sue came in with Mr Chambers. He needed some more bulbs and then they were finished until dark when they could try the lights to make sure it was okay. She asked if Oded was upstairs.

“No he is in there. I made him curl up on the sofa, with the fire, duvets and one of my toddies. He has a temperature of 103. He was so silly going out there today. Why don’t you go and keep him company for a while, take your tea with you”

“Thanks Mrs Chambers”

It was the middle of the afternoon but because of the threat of more snow, it was quite dull in the lounge, with the exception of the fire and the TV. Walking over to the sofa, she could see Oded was asleep, so pulling the coffee table closer, she sat on the floor beside him and watched the TV. White Christmas was on with Bing Crosby, one of her favorite films.

As she watched it, she didn’t notice that Oded had woken up and saw her engrossed in the film, so he watched as well, saying nothing at first, but then he started to sneeze. This made her turn round.

“How do you feel? I didn’t know you were awake, sorry” she said.

“John was right about this cold, it’s a good one” he said as though he had a peg on his nose.

“Do you want anything?” she asked

“Wouldn’t mind a drink, do you mind?” he asked.

She stood up and said no. A few minutes later she came back with a tray with tea on it. Pouring out a cup, she stood it on the coffee table while he tried to sit up.

“Hang on, let’s help you...there...okay...careful it’s hot”

She sat back down to watch the film while he drank the tea, then taking the cup, she tucked him in again. Moving round she leant against the sofa (and against him). The film was almost finished and just at the point that always had her in tears. Picking up one of the tissues, she blew her nose as the credits rolled. Oded thought she was getting the cold.

“Sounds like you are getting it” he said “You okay?”

“Oh...no, it’s that film, it always gets me, every time and I must have seem it a hundred times” she replied embarrassed.

“Ahhh, you like a weepie do you?” he asked smiling.

She was about to say something sarcastic when he started coughing, really badly so that he had to sit up. Getting up she went and sat beside him and rubbed his back to try and ease it. She surprised herself doing this, where she got the courage from she didn’t know. Being this close to Oded was wonderful even if the circumstances weren’t. The coughing started to ease a bit and he laid down again.

“Okay?” she asked.

He nodded and put his hand on his head.

“Thanks but it’s really made my head ache” he said.

“Stay there, I’ve got an idea”

She came back with a bowl of cold water and a cloth. Wringing it out, she sat on the sofa and placed it on his forehead. He gasped slightly at the coldness.

“This might help the headache, sorry it’s so cold, it’s just that you are hot”

He closed his eyes as she held it there for a few minutes, then she took it off and redid it and put it back. This time she left it there. His hands was across his chest and pulling the cover back she put them under the duvet. Then she placed a hand on his face.

“Better?”

“That’s nice...I’m sorry to cause all this trouble. Maybe I should go to my room, so you can do what you want to do” he said.

“Oded, you stay here, it’s warmer and anyway, there is nowhere I would rather be...than with you”

He looked at her and smiled as he closed his eyes. Damn, he felt rough, hadn’t felt like this for many a year. He felt her gently stroke his face and temples. It felt good, he had been so long on his own that this simple gesture was nice. His breathing told her that he seemed to have fallen asleep. She wanted to go to the bathroom and change, so getting up carefully, she bent down and kissed his cheek. It might be the only chance she ever got, cold or no cold. As she walked off, he opened his eyes and smiled, wondering why she had kissed him. He closed his eyes again and this time went to sleep properly.

“Ah Sue, My husband is going down there in a minute, do you want to go and see some of the lights up?” asked Mrs Chambers.

“Um...no, I’ll wait till xmas day. I...I want to stay with Oded. He needs someone to look after him, is that okay?” she said.

Mrs Chambers smiled and said that was fine.

Sue started to walk back to the lounge but Mrs Chambers called her and handed her a mug with a steaming drink in it.

“Get Oded to drink this, it’s another of my toddies, with a bit of luck he should be getting better by tomorrow” she said.

“Thanks, can I get another tea as well?” Sue asked.

When she went into the room where Oded was, he was sitting up. She asked him what he was doing.

“I have to use the bathroom and I want to change. I’ll be okay and be back down in a while” he said.

She couldn’t really stop him so just told him about the drink. He said he would be as quick as he could.

“If I’m not down in an hour, start worrying” he laughed.

He was in fact, back down within about fifteen minutes and he had changed while he had been up there. Sue was sitting by the sofa watching TV. She moved over when he came in, let him get comfortable on the sofa and then handed him the drink.

“I’ll lay down in a while, I don’t cough so much sitting up. What is on, anything good?” he asked.

She got up and sat beside him.

“No not really. David Copperfield is on later, he is good and then a carol service later” she said. “Be more on tomorrow I expect, it’s Xmas Eve. John said you don’t celebrate Xmas?”

“Not really. I was brought up Jewish and my parents are practicing Jews but I don’t, at least not everything. When I was learning to be an actor, I used to go to parties and that with friends and last year, I spent it with my brother in LA. But as for the religious side, I have never given it much thought. What about you?”

“I have always loved xmas, the tv, the presents, carols and the stories surrounding it. But I am not a Christian, not in that sense. I tried it once but it was so full of rules and people saying you can’t do this or that, that I walked away. Never really got involved with anything else” she replied.

“Ahhh, I don’t know what she puts in that drink but it really makes me sleepy. Maybe I should lay down for a while”

Sue got up and allowed Oded to lay down. He said he was going to get into bed while he was upstairs but it was more comfortable down here and not as lonely. He laid there propped up with cushions so he could see the tv.

“I had a talk with Yellow Cloud earlier. He reckons that you sound sad and lonely and he could see it in your eyes. Are you?” she asked.

Oded didn’t answer at first and she wondered if he was okay. She took his hand.

“Oded...you alright? Sorry I didn’t mean to pry, it’s none of my business”

“No, that man is very perceptive. I am lonely most of the time. At least since I became an actor. People tend to want to be with me because of what I am and not who I am. Once they have done that, they disappear. It’s been a while since I had a decent relationship with anyone”

“I hope you don’t think that is what I am like. I try to treat people, even famous people like I would anyone else. At the end of the day they are just ordinary people doing a job and if it wasn’t for the fans, they wouldn’t be in that position anyway, if you understand what I mean”

Oded moved her hand so he could hold it better.

“Sue if you had been like them, you wouldn’t have stayed with me while I have this cold. They would have avoided me till I was better. They like the prestige of being seen with someone like me. Their ego trips I suppose. That is the worst thing about being in big films and tv shows, unless you are into all that, it can be very lonely” he said.

He started to sneeze and wiping his nose, laid down properly. He felt a little better but not much and he was really tired and tried to keep his eyes open.

“Go on, try and sleep. I’m not going anywhere. In any case, it is Xmas the day after tomorrow, you are going to enjoy it this year”

She pulled up the cover and brushed his hair back, leant over and kissed him.

“That’s the second time you kissed me...apart from you getting my cold...why?”

“Maybe the only chance I get. Once xmas is over, you will go back to LA and I suppose I go back to the UK. I may never see you again” she said.

“Things don’t have to work out like you expect them to” he said.

Sue smiled at him as he closed his eyes and this time slept. She wanted to go and change herself, so leaving him for a while, went upstairs. Finding a something comfortable to wear other than jeans, she was just going downstairs when the phone rang.

“Hello...John nice to hear you, where are you?”

“I’m in Bismarck still” he said “Looks like one meeting is tomorrow and the other on Boxing day. That means I am stuck here for xmas. How is Oded?”

“A bit better, got a temperature of 103 or he did have but me and Mrs Chambers have been looking after him. He should be okay for xmas with a bit of luck. Are you alone right over Xmas?” she asked.

“Yes, there is nowhere open, I have a nice room and that but it will be lonely. I am leaving after the meeting on Boxing day though, I told them that. One way or another I will be home for New Years. Look I will ring over xmas, have a good time won’t you and tell Oded I called” he said.

“John, look Bismarck isn’t that far away, why not come here for xmas, we have that pow-wow with the Lakota Indians,it should be brilliant. Be better than being there on your own and you can go back for the meeting. Oded would love to see you”

“Are you sure, won’t they mind?” he asked.

“No they’ll love it. Please come”

“Okay, you talked me into it, I’ll be there tomorrow night, after the first meeting. Bye”

Saying goodbye, she went downstairs and told Mrs Chambers that there would be one extra person for xmas. The woman said that would be great.

“Always plenty for guests. Oded drink that stuff?” she asked.

“Yes, he is asleep. What is in that?”

“Ah now that would be telling. It is an old recipe from my grandmother and works every time. Sometimes a bit longer on some people but in the end it makes them better than most medicines you can buy.”

Xmas morning came quite quickly and Sue put on her coat and gloves, she already had her jeans and boots on and wondered if she would be warm enough. Her head ached a bit and she had been sneezing, all she wanted was Odeds cold.

“Well will I be warm enough in this” said Oded coming in with John.

He had on a fleece with a puffer jacket over it. He was feeling much better and the cold was just hanging around a little. Mrs Chambers said he looked fine.

“Are you okay Sue? You look pale this morning” asked John.

“Think I am getting his cold but don’t say anything. I’ve been looking forward to this. I’ll get Mrs Chambers to give me one of her toddies later. Come on” she said.

They all got into the tractor/trailer and drove off to where the pow-wow was to be held. When they arrived they got a surprise, several teepees had been erected, enormous ones all round the edge of the area.

“So where do we have xmas dinner?” asked Sue.

“Oh once the dancing is over, the meal is dished out in that big teepee over there on its own and handed round. We all sit round the bonfire to eat it. It will be dark by then, so we turn on the lights, have carols round the nativity and then it will be time for Father Christmas to arrive for the children” said Mrs Chambers.

When the Indians heard the tractor arrive they all came out of their teepees. They were all wearing traditional costume and looked brilliant. After introductions and drinks, the dancing started.

They all found places to sit, on little stools and logs so that they could enjoy the dancing. One of the Indians who started it all off was dressed in sort of leggings, with everything decorated in Indian feathers and beads. The drummers and singers were great and then the women joined the men dancing.

Once one dance finished another one started. One of them they were told, was called the Grass dance. They wore, fringes and bells and as with all the dances, Yellow Cloud gave a brief reason for the dance and what it all meant.

Sue was sitting next to Oded and John. They seemed to be enjoying it but her headache was getting worse as was her sore throat. Also one minute she was hot and then cold. She hated people fussing over her so didn’t say anything to anyone or they would have made her go back to the hotel.

“You’re quiet Sue are you okay?” asked Oded.

“Yes fine, just watching this. It’s good isn’t it, glad you were well enough to come to see it” she replied John nudged him and Oded looked at his friend and smiled, then he draped his arm round her shoulder and she leant against him. She smiled to herself as she was just where she wanted to be at that moment. Come 2pm the dancing was finished and they all sat down to have their xmas lunch. Mrs Chambers had made a good job of it and there seemed to be tons of food. Everyone was full by the time they had finished and there was still xmas pudding to come.

For once in the last few days, Sue wanted to get away from Oded, she felt lousy and said she would help collect the plates. While she was gone, John spoke to his friend.

“You know she is not well don’t you?” he said.

“What do you mean?” he asked.

“She has your cold, I know the signs. I’ve seen it enough in the last fortnight. When she comes back, see how pale she is and I bet she has a sore throat, which is why she isn’t talking to you and has a temperature. See if I’m not right” said John.

“To be honest, watching this and with this light, I didn’t notice, plus she was leaning on me all the time the dancing was going on. If she is ill, she is going back to the hotel. I’ll make sure of it”

John smiled and put his hand on the mans back.

“You like her don’t you. Well there is hope for you yet my friend”

“What do you mean, she looked after me, just returning the favor” he replied.

“Okay have it your way. But if any of the other girls you have met had a cold you wouldn’t bother one iota, admit it”

Oded pushed him away and laughed. He knew what John meant but wasn’t going to answer him, yet. He did like Sue, she seemed different to the normal women he met, she didn’t seem to care about him being an actor and in fact, hadn’t asked one single question about any of his films etc or anything else about his career.

Sue had taken the plates into the big teepee and then had walked into one of the other ones. She had to sit down for a minute, she felt dizzy but she didn’t want Oded to know. She decided that once the carols had started she would sneak back to the hotel. It was not far and she could walk back and then be able to lay down. There was no way she wanted Oded worrying about her, anyway he would be leaving the next day to go home.

It worked out better in a way because Mrs Chambers decided that because of the size of the meal, they would have the pudding after the carols. Mr Chambers called them all over to where the nativity was and the lights were turned on. There were gasps from the children and adults alike, it looked wonderful. There were quite a few people there and Oded and John didn’t notice for a while that Sue wasn’t with them. She quietly walked from the party and headed for the hotel. It was only over the ridge and wouldn’t take her long to get back. Sue had gone across a field to reach the road on the other side which led to the hotel, or so she thought. She kept walking but suddenly realised that she was lost. Snow was falling now and seemed darker than ususal. As she walked towards the trees she thought she had passed earlier she suddenly felt dizzy and cursed herself for being so stupid and wished she hadn’t left the party now.

Back at the party, Oded had gone to look for Sue but he couldn’t find her anywhere. Going over to Yellow Cloud he asked him if he had seen her. He said no. Just then one of the Indian women came over and told him that she had seen Sue walking back towards the hotel over half an hour ago.

“Well do you want to go back there and find her” said John “She’ll be sitting in the warm waiting for us”

“Yes and I’ll have a go at her for not telling me she wasn’t well” replied Oded.

They borrowed the tractor and arrived back at the hotel. Oded went to look for Sue. But she was no where to be found. The barman left in charge said no-one had been back there all day.

“So where is she, maybe she didn’t leave the party after all” said John. “Let’s go back and see”

They got back on the tractor and headed back to the bonfire. Sue had walked back round the trees and heard the tractor in the distance and then come round the corner of the woods. She was really cold now and felt lousy as she waved to whoever was driving it.

“There she is” said John “Told you she would be okay”

Sue didn’t if it was the waving or because she was glad she hadn’t got lost after all but as she stood there waiting for them, everything started spinning and as must as she fought it, she gradually passed out in the snow.

As the men slowed the tractor down, they saw her wave and then a few seconds later fall to the ground.

“John...she’s passed out, quick stop this thing” said Oded.

Oded jumped off the tractor before it had stopped and ran over to the woman laying on the ground. She was coming round and he helped her up.

“You fool...why didn’t you say you didn’t feel well...take it easy, let’s get you back to the hotel” said Oded concern in his voice.

“Hate people fussing over me...sorry” she replied.

John came running over to help as Sue leant against Oded. They got her on the tractor and John drove them back to the hotel. Helping her down, Oded took her straight into the lounge where the fire was blazing.

“John, would you go and get some coffee from the kitchen please?” asked Oded.

“Sure, can you manage?” he asked.

Oded nodded and helped Sue off with her coat. She was freezing although he knew she had a temperature. He helped her lay down on the sofa and covered her with the duvet that he had used. It was folded up on the chair. Just then John came back in with some coffee and Oded got Sue to drink some, it would at least warm her up a bit.

“Look I had better take the tractor back to the party or none of them will get back here. I’ll tell Mrs Chambers that you are back here” said John.

“Thanks John” relied Oded “She could do with one of those magic toddies of hers”

“John...thanks for coming out looking for me” said Sue.

“Well someone I know was getting really worried about you.” He said looking at Oded.

The man glared at John as if to say, thanks a lot bigmouth.

“Okay, okay, I’m going.

Sue didn’t ask him what John meant but she would later as she snuggled down under the duvet. Sue looked peaceful lying there with just the glow of the fire. He put the tv on low and sat on the floor next to the sofa after getting a bowl of water and a cloth to bathe her head, she had a temperature, probably as high as his was. A bit later she woke up and saw him sitting there, watching tv.

“Hey you, that was a silly thing to do?”

“Oded, oh God, I’m so sorry to have caused all this trouble, I never meant to.....”

“Shh it’s alright. Why didn’t you say you felt that bad?” he asked her. “So how do you feel now?”

“Lousy, dizzy, my throat is sore and I am cold”

“You’re still cold, I’ve got an idea, hang on”

He got up and handed her the hot toddy that Mrs Chambers had brought in a while back. She too was annoyed that Sue had not said anything but she knew Oded would stay with her. While she drank it, he moved the log round on the fire and pushed the sofa it little nearer. He lifted her up a bit, sat down and moved her so that her head was in his lap. Then he pulled the other cover over them both.

“There, you should warm up now. Go to sleep, you’ll feel better in the morning”

“Oh Oded, this is nice, thank you”

“For what? She didn’t answer, he looked down and saw that she was asleep. As he sat there with her, he felt content, the first time for ages. He fell asleep not long after and that was how Mrs Chambers found them in the morning. She smiled and went to make breakfast.

“Oded, I need the bathroom, you’ll have to let me go”

“Come on, I’ll help you and wait outside”

She was unsteady on her feet, so he put his arm round her, helped her to the bathroom and waited. When she came out, he picked her up and took her back to the lounge and laid her on the sofa.

“You must be stiff, sleeping like that all night. You are still not 100%”

“No, I’m fine, fancy something to eat?”

“No not really” she replied

Oded said he was going to have a shower and would be back soon. Mrs Chambers came in with some soup and Sue ate a little of it.

“See Yellow Cloud said things would work out, now get some sleep, the more you sleep, the quicker you’ll feel better”

“Has John gone yet?” she asked

“Yes he left early this morning, he said he would ring once he got back to Scotland” she told her.

When John and Mrs Chambers arrived back, Sue had been asleep and Oded had spoken to John while the woman had mixed up one of her special drinks.

“You know you care about her a lot, don’t you. Be sensible this time, don’t let her slip through your fingers. She is not like the other bimbos that hang around us. I think she is genuine and Yellow Cloud certainly does” said John.

“Yes I do, but it’s hard” he replied.

“She didn’t have to stay with you while you weren’t well, but she did and now she has the cold. You know how bad she is feeling. Just take a chance, that is all you can do Oded. There is no need for you to leave tomorrow, there is nothing you have to rush back to LA for, stay here with Sue. Have some time together, see how things go. That’s all I’m going to say”

Oded went back to where Sue was and John went to pack. His flight was at 7am and he doubted he would see Oded before he left. So he left a message with Mr Chambers for him.

‘Don’t let her go – John’ that was all it said and Oded smiled when he read it.

Sue was lucky, the cold only lasted about 24 hours and she was up and feeling much better. She was surprised that Oded was still there.

“I thought you were going back to LA today” she asked him

“Why do you want me to?”

“No, I just thought. Look what did John mean about you caring about me?”

Oded sat beside her on the sofa. She was better but stayed there to make sure, anyway it meant Oded sat there too.

“He was right, I do care about you. You’re the first person that I have wanted to care about for a long time. He told me not to let you slip away. That is – if you want me” he replied.

With her hand she turned his face to hers and leant over to kiss him, on the lips this time, just briefly, not too long.

“Of course I want you, I thought I had loved you since the first time I saw you and then when I met you the other day, I knew I loved you. Please stay”

“I am sure Mrs Chambers won’t mind us being here a few more days” said Oded.

Just then the woman came in with a tray of food and drink, plus two presents. She handed them over.

“You missed out on these the other night, I hope you like them. They are actually from Yellow Cloud and he left a message”

Oded opened the letter while Sue opened her gift. It was a lovely shawl, all handmade with beading and tassels.

“Listen to this” said Oded “Yellow Cloud wants to know if, when you are better, we would like to spend a few days at the camp with them. Not the one where the party was but their main camp at Wolf Falls. He will take us on horses and we can stay as long as we like. What do you think Sue?”

“I’d love to, what about you. I would mean not going back to LA for a while, have you anything to go back for?” she asked.

“No and I would love it. Mrs Chambers would you tell Yellow Cloud that we will be ready tomorrow. Said Oded

The next day Yellow Cloud arrived with two of his people and two extra horses. He told them to wrap up well and that it would take about 2 hours to get to the camp.

“Thank you for asking us, we are looking forward to it” said Sue.

“Now before we go, are you sure you two are well?” he asked.

“Yes, we are both fine now, thanks” said Oded.

When they arrived at the camp, they got a welcome from all the Indians and once they got off their horses, they were shown to a teepee at the edge of the site. Inside it was lovely, cushions, fur rugs and a fire blazing in the centre. Yellow Cloud told them to make themselves comfortable and to join the rest of the tribe when they were ready.

For the rest of the day, they were given a display of dancing and music. Plus the food was brilliant. Some of the women showed Sue how to make the beaded necklaces that they wore, while Oded was shown the horses and how to use a bow and arrow, which he was quite good at.

“You pick things up quickly” said Sacred Wind another warrior.

“I learnt a lot doing my films” replied Oded “Especially the Mummy ones”

“You will tell us about them tomorrow?” asked one of the children.

“Yes if you would like me too”

Come about 9pm they were both very tired and excused themselves and retired to the teepee. They should’ve told Yellow Cloud that two would have been better but didn’t.

“Where do you want to sleep?” he asked. “I could sleep this side if you like”

She walked over to him and kissed him, which she had been wanting to do since yesterday.

“Why not share this one, it’s big enough for two” she said.

“Are you sure about this?” asked Oded.

“If you are” she replied.

They got undressed and slid under the fur blankets. He pulled her closer and kissed her. She moaned as he pushed his tongue into her mouth and deepened the kiss. His hands found her breasts and squeezed them gently.

She hooked her leg in between his and gently kneed his hardening member. He gasped slightly at the touch and kissing down her throat to the hollow in her neck, keeping his hand on her breasts.

“Oded...touch me please” she gasped threading her hands in his hair.

He moved down, kissing her as he went and then pushed his tongue inside her, making her squirm under him. He knew just how to touch her to push her closer to the edge and soon she was shouting his name as she came.

He positioned himself against her and pushed inside, her legs wrapping themselves around his waist. Pushing in till he was fully sheathed, he started to move, slowly at first and then as she begged him to move, speeded things up.

Soon he was pounding into her and she was kissing him hard and demanding, then he flipped the pair of them over and she sat up and rode him. She bounced up and down on him and soon he was tensing up ready to fill her. He cried out as he came and she came for the second time. They collapsed against each other and lay there for a while, trying to get their breath back. Sue climbed off and lay beside him as he wrapped his arms around her. She could hear his heart beat as she lay there, she felt so safe for the first time in years.

“You okay?” he asked.

“More than okay, you?”

“Yes, that was wonderful, it’s been so long since I have wanted to be with someone in that way. Thank you” he said.

“Are you glad you stayed?” she asked.

His answer was just a kiss and a smile.

They pulled the cover over them and fell asleep in the warmth of the teepee, content and happy.

The next day Yellow Cloud told them that there was to be a wedding between one of the future chiefs and one of the squaws and they were to be honored guests at the ceremony.

“Thank you, never seen an Indian wedding” said Oded

“How wonderful, what a lovely way to marry up here in the snow” said Sue.

While she was being shown some of the things that went on at the wedding, Oded was talking to Yellow Cloud.

“I know she will say yes but could you do it at such short notice and would it interfere with the other wedding?” asked Oded.

“No, we would be honored to marry you and Sue. I will arrange it, you had better tell her though” he said with a smile.

Oded ran over to where Sue was and grabbing her hand, pulled her into the teepee.

“Oded what is it, what’s wrong?” she asked looking worried.

“Sue I have a question and I want an answer – will you marry me?”

“What, you serious – yes you are aren’t you...then yes, I would love to marry you”

“Great then we are to be married today, here, is that okay”

Sue just smiled and grabbing him, kissed him passionately.

“Oh Oded I think that would be wonderful but are you sure?”

“As sure as I will ever be...come on”

They went out to find Yellow Cloud and told him that they would love to marry that day. The man said that they would be dressed separately and instructed as they went along. The other wedding would take place after theirs as he was a chief.

Later they were taken into separate teepees and got ready for the ceremony. Then they were led out by some of the Indians into the special circle that had been prepared. Sue was wearing a white dress made of skin with matching moccasins, Oded had a traditional Indian costume on. Both were wrapped in blue blankets that represented their old ways. Yellow Cloud then stood in front of them and announced their new Indian names which had been chosen by the Holy man who was to perform the ceremony. Oded was called Anoki which meant Actor and Sue was called Laquetta. Then the holy man blessed the union and all those present. They were given rings as they didn’t have their own and a prayer was said by the Holy man.

“Love freely given has no beginning and no end, no one giver and no one receiver for each is the giver and each is the receiver. May these rings always remind you of the vows you have made”

They were then asked to give their vows and they were blessed by the man. The couple were then required to exchange baskets. In the Odeds were meat and skins representing his promise to clothe and feed her. In Sues was bread and corn in her promise to love and support Oded. They then took off their blue blankets and were given white ones to represent their new life.

Stomp dancers performed for the couple and then a prayer was said to end the ceremony. They were then moved aside as the other couple went through the same thing. Then at the end both couples were put in the centre of the circle as the Indian Love flute was played and they were expected to dance.

“I am not good at this” said Oded as they started the music.

“You’ll be fine, anyone can dance” she replied “I love you sweetheart”

“And I love you, I realized that when I heard what you said, I wasn’t sure till that moment”

Once the dance was over, they were carried to their teepees and when they went inside, it was filled with food, drink and all the greenery of winter. It looked amazing.

“You look wonderful Anoki” she said

“As do you Laquetta” he replied.

They kissed and laid down on the bed after taking all the leaves off it and spent their first night as husband and wife, in the wild countryside of Dakota, at an Lakota Indian camp. Boy were people going to be surprised when they did go back to civilization.

The End