Part 1
?Merry Christmas!?
?December first already! Merry Christmas Paul!? the man responded in holidaic glee to the cheery fellow opposite his side of the door; the warm, welcoming inside.
?Hey the whole family's here! Come on in. Put your coats up. Merry Christmas! How are you my dear?? he rotated an obvious dear friend and trustworthy loaner of his craftsman tools to the man's wife. A fur bundled beauty doing her bit and then some for deserving and undeserving party attendants with her smile alone. The shy but not very shy middle child fresh into her teens. Very reserved but incapable of dodging Paul's hug. Her name was Amanda. And lastly the little one, Courtney. An infant so brilliantly dressed it was a marvel she wasn't snatched up and cuddled by every party goer there. And there were many.
The door closed, sealing the music and laughter and muss of congregating. Paul seemed very taken with this family, but he couldn't have been too taken. These weren't the dearest of friends, just a bunch of neighborhood party neophytes probably in their second circannual Christmas party. And it was as much of a hit as it was a redeeming for lack of spirit last year. Cocktails and garnished cold shrimp just didn't have the spirit people were looking for there, and tried to make there. Not that they had this year, but they were doing a lot better. Family friendliness and a lot more smiles and social excellence. No one left out of the jokes and left out of the circles. This was a much, nicer example.
And Paul was happy, he was just as happy as little Courtney whom he made happy with his daddy-like tickles and greetings and indescribable ways of making her smile. He had to get everyone a drink. Tiny alcohol-tipped beverages for his friends, apple cider for Courtney and the big sister. They passed by this very talkative pair, catching up on neighborhood gossip.
?There's Debbie. Can you believe how fast she lost her baby fat?? a lovely flower, Alison, said.
?I would never have guessed she has a newborn. I think she got right back in the gym as soon as she was able to though. She's always been real big on exercising, doesn't surprise me.? Diane was her name.
A simple look around at the group had so many individual things going on you wouldn't believe it. The people were picked exquisitely for this. Not so much neighbors, who got an invite because they were neighbors. But people and friends who got invited because they were amazing people and friends. Intelligent and creative fellows, playing games in this group and fashioning the tools for those games out of simple party favors and having everyone gathered in a hysterical mess. Did I mention there was candy?
Canes of candy, homemade fudge, cookies of course, chex mix, and two cakes. Two mouthwatering towers of multiple chocolates, soft coats of coconut, and a soft icing and fluffy interior that your blessings would get counted that night if you got a second piece. Cakes impossible and in no way, store bought. Let alone brought over by anyone but the kitchenmaster of the night. Appointed in no way, but taken aggressively as soon as she arrived. And to no complaints, not with desserts that good.
?Where's our hostess tonight??
?I saw her just a second, she seemed busy. Bless her heart,? she took a laugh at the thought. ?Not a moment to spare greeting everyone tonight and seeing about things.? Alison said.
?We should snatch up some cookies for her before they're all gone.? she joked. A joke easily put into action.
?Nah, the way Lacey's pitching them out of the kitchen. We'll probably all go home with a plate.? she turned the sharp little ginger snap glass to her lips for an intake of zesty flavorful instant warmth. Likewise her compatriot in converse one of Lacey's favorites. A candy caney martini a warm-hearted barman taught her, but that's where the history gets fuzzy so we'll leave the origin of the drink at that. Back to it, peppermint schnapps, vanilla vodka if possible but whatever may be in the current refrigerator should do fine, and crushed candy canes for the rimming.
?Is everyone fine on cookies cause I just made another batch.? Lacey said out of the kitchen for a moment and with a voice as loud as the crowd around the refreshment table. Mistakingly holding her hands out for layman's labeling to get her answers as quickly as possible. Precious oven time likely being wasted by the second in her eyes. She wanted, no she had to get back in that kitchen. But again, mistakingly placing her hands out she should have known they would not get left ungrabbed.
?You can take a minute away from that slaving oven to have a drink!?
?No I can't Paul! Let me go!? Lacey warded with resisting force but the mob was more than she, as was their laughter when she succumbed to higher power and became more or less the victim of hugs and hands none to shy to rub that head obviously a play on her super short haircut.
?Lacey!? Diane called.
?Hey wrap up in there we're about to watch the Grinch and the Christmas he stole.? Paul said if that would have to be the last thing he would say to Lacey for a while. Of course it were what with her swaying to her calling.
?Yea Lacey you gotta watch the movie with me.? young Courtney, taken with the beautiful young woman and ever growing role model. In the kitchen from her parents eyes, in all womanness in her own.
?Oh I will dear. I just have to make a feeew more cookies and we'll watch a movie, okay?? Lacey was careful of touching her hair as it was so well prepared for this party as was her entire getup. A dark sleeveless dress with red sleeves and stockings under it, and a magnificent red bow in her hair. Be a crime to mess with it, as her mother surely threatened her. ?Good evening ladies.? she began, a second behind saying more as she always was but company always intervened.
?Planning on coming outta the kitchen tonight Laces?? Diane moved for friendship so discreetly, calling her what her closest friends do.
?Oh my god I love those earrings.? Alison just had to reach out and touch them. True, Lacey had cut her hair, hair what would have been a travesty to chop but over and done with. So wearing the diamondy earrings she wore kept her sparkle upstairs where she preferred it. Second her smile after that was said.
?Thank you.?
?Have you seen our hostess tonight??
?Isn't she still outside?? Lacey questioned, looking about the congregation. ?Yea she was out helping Connar with the decorations, unless she's upstairs. Oo girls I gotta go before smoke starts coming out of the kitchen.? she reached and grabbed for them several times in a most Lacey wave goodbye.
?Good lord, in this cold? She must be freezing.? Alison said before Diane's laugh.
?You haven't seen the girl's coat have you?? shaking her head and leaving Alison in sustained smile to something she didn't know about that maybe she should.
?And what do you want for Christmas little girl?? Paul in his best Santa voice to his best little friend.
?I want, a barbie doll. And a brush for her hair. And jumprope, and if I can have a pony I want a pony.? ever the critical Courtney, but because Paul had to know.
?My that's quite a list! Do you think you'll get those things, have you been a good girl??
?Mommy says I've been very good. But daddy says I still have to be good cause Santa can tell every day until Christmas.? Courtney said, putting all eyes on her father, Paul's good friend, Kevin.
?.... .he does!? he defended safely amidst their already present laughter.
Oh what a congregation it was, and little did Courtney know, there would be presents this night. One of the surprises for the teens and few other children that were able to attend this night, courtesy of the hospitable hostess.
Everyone was in attendance tonight. The finest clothier this side of reality, pinching new martinis with a pocketsquare and sitting them back down just as shiny as they were served beside his other two empty glasses. Rather reserved but get him in conversation and see where it takes you, or let him get remotely near the piano stool and hear him engage everyone in a holiday classic. This man was Pearle DeCausey. Among him Lacey's posse of regular party goers and girlfriends far too close to miss such a celebration and abundance of cooking. They were Catherine, Kristi, and May. Not counting her date for the night, a rather musclebound Croatian by the name of Brad. Always those one syllable names on those aerobics instructor bodies.
Also in attendance was Craig, the computer man. Over to help Connar tune the lights outside to Christmas music and by no means assist in any voting that might be going on throughout the month for best decorations. But he was inside, oddly enough, being heavily responsible for Lacey's extended time in the kitchen what eating so many cookies and all. Grandpa of the party head a lovely head of white hair. A very Lee Marvin looking fellow. His name was David, there father to one of the young family women all about the holiday spirit this year. A fellow by the name of Miller was simply put good company. A tiny white paper plate and a sleigh red napkin piled high with cookies and treats the little plate was probably not insured to support. Casie, an adorable single newcomer in the neighborhood and despite shyness she couldn't refuse the hostess' personal invitation that she'd made in person. And she was starting to show glad she came. New friends, and there making more by the second. This was one of those rare parties, everyone was enjoyable. The right combination of these specific people, not a drop of bitterness. And surely they'd gathered at least on one occasion to oogle Lacey's new stag. Linda was one of the older single women not hiding well her lack of social skills. Likely having just experienced some eye-opening revelation that she wants to be social. And luckily it was also showing her effort to do so. So she was on the way to scaling beyond enjoyable congregations beyond her church group. Kim sat with the majority of the part on the one of two sofas beside a young doctor named Patrick. Both eagerly awaiting the flick. And all of them, everyone, averted their attention to the door. Even the couple so heads in the kitchen peeked out.
?Sorry about that everyone. I'm here!?
?There she is!?
?About time!?
?Where've you been!??
?Looks cold out there!?
?Uriko!? little Courtney yelled running right into her so hard a thin shower of snowflakes fell from her jacket. And that jacket was something else. The fuzziest neck like around the hood and big fuzzy pompom balls on the cords to tighten it. An olden coat hangar had room for that one more luckily.
?Where's Connar?? Craig asked.
?Oh he's helping Brandon next door setup his light display in the lawn. He should be in soon!? Uriko said full of energy, having just been out there herself helping speed up the process.
?Uriko what do you want for Christmas?? Courtney asked her, and Uriko grabbed her little hand and tugged her to the closest chair in the living room for her to sit down.
?Well, I can't remember right now. What do you want?? Uriko pried for Christmas spirit, if anyone would have it, it'd be Courtney.
?I want a barbie doll, and a pony.? and Uriko's jaw dropped. This girl, wanted, what she wanted.
?No... ..way...? she paused, ?That's exactly what I want!?
?No way!? Courtney yelled, smiling her pearly white baby teeth and in a giggly squealing excitement same as Uriko. Can never have enough role models at her crucial age.
?Now don't make the same mistake I did. You're only gonna need one, two controllers tops. I bought five with four channels last time. What you should do is go buy a twelve channel controller wholesale up at the general store. You'll be fine doing this with regular lights too but you're not getting your money's worth without some yard displays and icicle and net lights.? Connar said in stance on an artificial mountain supposed to resemble a ski slope when fully decorated with lights at night.
?Yea we got some more in the attic me and Sherri still need to get down. What's the voltage on these things?? he fiddled with the thing before Connar took it and began plugging extension cables and such into it.
?You get one controller per ten-thousand lights. You can get the higher up ones but chances are you won't do one of those, you know, ridiculous light displays. Besides you wanna leave this out if it rains or whatever. Don't buy a high priced one.?
?What else do we need?? Brandon asked.
?We'll take your truck first thing tomorrow go pick up your skiers and those stitched reindeer. You still need an FM radio transmitter, and you already got Craig helping you setup the computer.? Connar did a second look around making sure that they'd done everything so he could get back in the heat.
?Well we got two more rolls of whites. Help me make the ski lanes real quick.? he said, as if this is how he spoke to people. Connar wiped his forehead with his sleeve and then wrapped his gloved fingers around one of the twisty-tied light rolls.
?Come on Lacey!? Diane yelled.
?The movie's starting!? Paul roared with Courtney on his lap, not too far away from Uriko being on that same couch.
?Get outta that kitchen!? Uriko yelled looking back with an enormous smile, out of her winter clothes and glad to be around friends, and the first official sign for her that the season was here. And out came Lacey to everyone's finally. A big bowl of popcorn evidencing the delay as she bounded over the couch and in-between Uriko and her boyfriend. Roll film.
?Here we go.? Uriko said all antsy.
Inside a snowflake
like the one on your sleeve
there happened a story
you must see to-- ZZZZT!
Everyone's faces drew a blank in the darkness at the sudden loss of power. First thing to Uriko's mind was Connar holding a conduit for a yard full of electrical light bulbs and turning into a giant black ash with two eyes. Her, Lacey, and Paul were the first ones to the front door. Anxious to see if everyone was safe. So it was no bother when they went to open the front door and Connar beat them to the punch.
?I think we just knocked out the neighborhood.? Connar said apologetically.
?Ya think?!? Lacey said angrily.
?Are you okay? Is anyone hurt??
?No I think we just had too much plugged in to one controller. We tried to program the lights and boom.? he sighed.
?Well come on in and warm up. We'll light some candles.? Uriko said.
?Brandon okay?? Paul asked.
?Yea he went in to check on Sherri. Lacey did you make cookies?? Connar said sniffing the air.
?Maybe.?
A match illuminated the room just briefly and Paul steered the tiny flame to a candle wick and then one to the next to the next, she brought warm light to the room. Courtney wasn't scared one bit, neither were the other children. They all thought it was cool.
?Well what do we do now?? Diane asked.
?Wait for the power to come back on?? Craig suggested.
?I don't know.? Alison said stretching.
?Excuse me dear.? The fashion tycoon said so discreetly only the person he'd addressed heard him, little Courtney. And his mannerism so nicely came for nothing more than him taking a seat beside her. And you had to say, that was one fine suit.
?I wonder how long it'll take them.? Miller said by the window.
?I'm not sure, hey Connar? Do you see something in the hall??
?Yea what is that?? he asked.
?I don't know. Courtney, what is that?? Uriko asked.
?I don't know.?
?You don't know??
?I don't know.? Courtney said smiling, going to investigate as she was obviously being sent to.
?What is that?? Uriko asked smiling, smiling more and more the closer she got, until Courtney looked back to her, her dad and Paul with a big present.
Uriko gasped! ?Presents??
?There's more here!? Connar got the privilege of discovering.
Linda's accompanying attendant tonight was a teenage son, Chris; whom was rather surprised to hear his name called and a present given to him. Smaller than Courtney's, but that was to be expected. For a teenager, a small gift was likely something electronic and high-priced. And well, electronic was right. Was one of those entertaining twenty question balls. Kevin's daughter Amanda had one, and Kim's little boy Jason had one. If you don't remember him he was the toddler who was bundled up from head to toe and impossible not to laugh at or pinch his plump little cheeks.
Courtney held her present, asking if she could open it now without actually asking it. Mom said ?Go ahead.?
?Yea go ahead you guys if it's okay with Mom.? Uriko said, urging them on, she wanted to see their faces. One gasp after the next.
Courtney got a big assorted box of colored pencils and a big stencil picture of the forest with a tiger and parrot and other various jungle settings. It had a risen groove of a black furry sort that made sure you colored in the lines no matter what. It was only a matter of what colors she'd use. She was excited. Jason got the latest from Nerf, but it was just one more variation of a feathered football to add to their list. And Amanda got the cheapest mp3 player you're likely to see in your life. It was a joke to think she'd use it, but she fronted glee and at the most would open it later.
There wasn't much Lacey had to seal away in tupperware after the party. There would have been such a case if someone else were in the kitchen. And absolutely none of the two cakes were left. The power eventually came back on and they caught the second half of their movie and enough of it to still hold the children's interest. Most of them had seen it before anyway.
Connar laid on the couch with his backhand on his forehead and nose that wouldn't stop sniffling. He didn't dress entirely warm out in the cold but a lot of it was Brandon keeping him out too long. Just habit to ask for help when the things are right there for the doing with some people. Catherine, Kristi, and May had all left together, almost as quickly as Linda did. Baby steps, into the social world as it were. Lovable Paul and all the joy he was to have around, left about the time of Kevin's crew and dear Courtney who had showed to be a major highlight of his attendance. The balance of the world maybe, because he was a major highlight for a lot of other people this night. Casie stayed a little longer than the others. She had gotten into conversation with Uriko out of the silence and she wasn't convinced to buy a coat like Uriko's until she insisted she try it on.
And then going to say goodbye to Lacey, nice to meet her, and give her a hug that hopefully this neighborhood party was a bridging for a loving and caring community that helps one another. But a couple recipe secrets slipped and she ended up staying a little longer talking to her. Kim shared the couch opposite the one Connar sprawled out on with the handsome Miller and Mr. Decausey had taken off after a brief debate by the door with the young doctor.
?I put the pie in the fridge and the cookies are on top. There weren't too many left, and I'm taking some back home.? Lacey handed the tupperware and her purse to Brad by the door while she put her coat on.
?The roads are iced, be careful.? Connar said at the couch, a cold well on the way.
?Just get a hot theraflu going Connar. Hot chocolate would be fine too.? she turned to Uriko and whispered:
?You'll take care of him.?
?Drive safe.? Uriko hugged her, smile mirrored over her shoulder. Smiles weren't easily purchased from this one either. ?Thanks for coming Brad.?
?No no thanks for having me.? He smiled and Uriko almost swooned, he was, full of hunk.
?It was nice meeting you.?
Lacey played her a wink and smiled, ?Merry Christmas.? turning to the door.
Uri deep breathed when the door closed and she made a last check of the den and kitchen for any leftover dwellers. Just her and Connar. She turned the television off and hit the couch opposite Connar crumpled wrapping paper and all.
?Would you like some hot chocolate??
?I would love some hot chocolate. But. Let's just rest a moment.? he said with a stopped-up nose and other sickly depressants.
Uriko sighed, ?What's it all about Connar. Why can't it go back to the way it used to be??
?What do you mean?? he sat up.
?There was magic when you had presents under the tree, and then Christmas morning there would be more presents, and a bicycle!? she recalled.
?Well there still is, for those kids.? he comforted with reassuring eye contact.
?What happens to us though? What are we supposed to do? Can't we be the kids also?? Uriko said full of hope.
?Someone's gotta set the stage for the children in the way you and me were raised. Just one of the bitter bites we take in the grown up shoes. We can love the greats of childhood all we can, but as far as we can go with it is seeing it come to the next generation as best as it can.?
?With adulthood comes the poison of life?? Uriko asked.
?Something like that.?
Uriko thought about that from there on the couch to her mirror self brushing her teeth later that night. Connar walked by the bathroom in his pajamas and carrying a pillow in one hand and a heater in the other, but backtracked seeing Uriko.
?You okay??
?mmm? Yea, yea I'm fine.? she spit. ?Just a little tired. Brandon had quite a list of errands for us today.?
?Go figure, the downsides of neighboring communion.? he bypassed her again. A pause, and she resumed the tooth wash.
Back downstairs she went to turn the kitchen light off contrary her original intentions of leaving it on all night she like usual changed her mind last minute. The fireplace had three stockings each with a little chubby Santa or reindeer paperweight and hook to hold it. She smiled and headed to the kitchen counter and saw her calendar on the December sheet, and what a lovely calendar it was. Running an ink pen on a string down to a notepad of dark and light purples which had already been written on.
2 cups flour
? cup sugar
2 sticks butter
? tsp baking powder
? tsp salt
Lacey's infamous cookie recipe. Uriko tore the page from the top of the notepad and grabbed the pen, putting it to paper.
What do I want for Christmas?
Courtney had asked her most serious question all night. And before meeting the crucial people that make this world go round, Uriko was pretty sure she knew the answer to it. But the world's only as good as the people in it. So where you live and who you know can put you in Heaven or Hell. And Uriko wasn't perfect, naturally, and neither were the people she knew. On their best day, they were the norm. Other days, depression, standard paying jobs, bills, misunderstandings, arguments, friendships in disrepair, hatred, grudges, and the things nearly every human being goes through. Trade one out for another, and take them all from the wise rich. Money can buy happiness when everything you look at is beautiful. But you couldn't put a price on dear friends, not in the amount Uriko regarded them.
What an impacting little girl to get her cogs turning, and refresh the adventurer in her to find the meaning of Christmas again. It was almost newfound in her, to jump into her mind and look around at what was going on. Life saying:
You aren't matured enough at the moment to handle the real issues of life, so here are some fantasies.
Of course, worry over a red-nosed reindeer being able to guide Santa's sleigh over making the next house payment. Fuel for your dreams, your imagination, and hope to stick in your back pocket for that special day when it's just a little too rainy. And just like that, she began to write.
Dear Mr, Claus
Hello Santa!! How are you doing up in the north pole now a days? I know it gets a bit nippy up there, So I hope you get a red fuzzy scarf to go along with your suit for Christmas. And what about Rudolph? And Vixen..Donnor..Blitzen..And well all the other reindeers! I feel they need little shoes for their hooves to keep them nice and toasty. Now Santa, I don?t always ask for a lot but I have a wish list this year. If you want to make sure I?ve been doing everything im supposed to, go right under your nice list and find my name, you know you probably put it there at the beginning of the year and forgot it was there. Well everyone?s been so extremely nice to me and I think they deserve something special! Im not to sure exactly what they all want, but I?m sure if you get them one thing they really really been hoping for which I KNOW you know it would make them super happy! Please Make the ones I love feel all warm and fuzzy inside?I love you Santa!
Always a believer,
Uri
Ps: If at all possible?maybe there?s a small chance I could get a..you know..one of them ponys with the whispy tails... You know, if he?d fit if your sleigh and everything...If it?s to much trouble though..don?t worry about it! Thank you!
Light switch down.
?Merry Christmas!?
?December first already! Merry Christmas Paul!? the man responded in holidaic glee to the cheery fellow opposite his side of the door; the warm, welcoming inside.
?Hey the whole family's here! Come on in. Put your coats up. Merry Christmas! How are you my dear?? he rotated an obvious dear friend and trustworthy loaner of his craftsman tools to the man's wife. A fur bundled beauty doing her bit and then some for deserving and undeserving party attendants with her smile alone. The shy but not very shy middle child fresh into her teens. Very reserved but incapable of dodging Paul's hug. Her name was Amanda. And lastly the little one, Courtney. An infant so brilliantly dressed it was a marvel she wasn't snatched up and cuddled by every party goer there. And there were many.
The door closed, sealing the music and laughter and muss of congregating. Paul seemed very taken with this family, but he couldn't have been too taken. These weren't the dearest of friends, just a bunch of neighborhood party neophytes probably in their second circannual Christmas party. And it was as much of a hit as it was a redeeming for lack of spirit last year. Cocktails and garnished cold shrimp just didn't have the spirit people were looking for there, and tried to make there. Not that they had this year, but they were doing a lot better. Family friendliness and a lot more smiles and social excellence. No one left out of the jokes and left out of the circles. This was a much, nicer example.
And Paul was happy, he was just as happy as little Courtney whom he made happy with his daddy-like tickles and greetings and indescribable ways of making her smile. He had to get everyone a drink. Tiny alcohol-tipped beverages for his friends, apple cider for Courtney and the big sister. They passed by this very talkative pair, catching up on neighborhood gossip.
?There's Debbie. Can you believe how fast she lost her baby fat?? a lovely flower, Alison, said.
?I would never have guessed she has a newborn. I think she got right back in the gym as soon as she was able to though. She's always been real big on exercising, doesn't surprise me.? Diane was her name.
A simple look around at the group had so many individual things going on you wouldn't believe it. The people were picked exquisitely for this. Not so much neighbors, who got an invite because they were neighbors. But people and friends who got invited because they were amazing people and friends. Intelligent and creative fellows, playing games in this group and fashioning the tools for those games out of simple party favors and having everyone gathered in a hysterical mess. Did I mention there was candy?
Canes of candy, homemade fudge, cookies of course, chex mix, and two cakes. Two mouthwatering towers of multiple chocolates, soft coats of coconut, and a soft icing and fluffy interior that your blessings would get counted that night if you got a second piece. Cakes impossible and in no way, store bought. Let alone brought over by anyone but the kitchenmaster of the night. Appointed in no way, but taken aggressively as soon as she arrived. And to no complaints, not with desserts that good.
?Where's our hostess tonight??
?I saw her just a second, she seemed busy. Bless her heart,? she took a laugh at the thought. ?Not a moment to spare greeting everyone tonight and seeing about things.? Alison said.
?We should snatch up some cookies for her before they're all gone.? she joked. A joke easily put into action.
?Nah, the way Lacey's pitching them out of the kitchen. We'll probably all go home with a plate.? she turned the sharp little ginger snap glass to her lips for an intake of zesty flavorful instant warmth. Likewise her compatriot in converse one of Lacey's favorites. A candy caney martini a warm-hearted barman taught her, but that's where the history gets fuzzy so we'll leave the origin of the drink at that. Back to it, peppermint schnapps, vanilla vodka if possible but whatever may be in the current refrigerator should do fine, and crushed candy canes for the rimming.
?Is everyone fine on cookies cause I just made another batch.? Lacey said out of the kitchen for a moment and with a voice as loud as the crowd around the refreshment table. Mistakingly holding her hands out for layman's labeling to get her answers as quickly as possible. Precious oven time likely being wasted by the second in her eyes. She wanted, no she had to get back in that kitchen. But again, mistakingly placing her hands out she should have known they would not get left ungrabbed.
?You can take a minute away from that slaving oven to have a drink!?
?No I can't Paul! Let me go!? Lacey warded with resisting force but the mob was more than she, as was their laughter when she succumbed to higher power and became more or less the victim of hugs and hands none to shy to rub that head obviously a play on her super short haircut.
?Lacey!? Diane called.
?Hey wrap up in there we're about to watch the Grinch and the Christmas he stole.? Paul said if that would have to be the last thing he would say to Lacey for a while. Of course it were what with her swaying to her calling.
?Yea Lacey you gotta watch the movie with me.? young Courtney, taken with the beautiful young woman and ever growing role model. In the kitchen from her parents eyes, in all womanness in her own.
?Oh I will dear. I just have to make a feeew more cookies and we'll watch a movie, okay?? Lacey was careful of touching her hair as it was so well prepared for this party as was her entire getup. A dark sleeveless dress with red sleeves and stockings under it, and a magnificent red bow in her hair. Be a crime to mess with it, as her mother surely threatened her. ?Good evening ladies.? she began, a second behind saying more as she always was but company always intervened.
?Planning on coming outta the kitchen tonight Laces?? Diane moved for friendship so discreetly, calling her what her closest friends do.
?Oh my god I love those earrings.? Alison just had to reach out and touch them. True, Lacey had cut her hair, hair what would have been a travesty to chop but over and done with. So wearing the diamondy earrings she wore kept her sparkle upstairs where she preferred it. Second her smile after that was said.
?Thank you.?
?Have you seen our hostess tonight??
?Isn't she still outside?? Lacey questioned, looking about the congregation. ?Yea she was out helping Connar with the decorations, unless she's upstairs. Oo girls I gotta go before smoke starts coming out of the kitchen.? she reached and grabbed for them several times in a most Lacey wave goodbye.
?Good lord, in this cold? She must be freezing.? Alison said before Diane's laugh.
?You haven't seen the girl's coat have you?? shaking her head and leaving Alison in sustained smile to something she didn't know about that maybe she should.
?And what do you want for Christmas little girl?? Paul in his best Santa voice to his best little friend.
?I want, a barbie doll. And a brush for her hair. And jumprope, and if I can have a pony I want a pony.? ever the critical Courtney, but because Paul had to know.
?My that's quite a list! Do you think you'll get those things, have you been a good girl??
?Mommy says I've been very good. But daddy says I still have to be good cause Santa can tell every day until Christmas.? Courtney said, putting all eyes on her father, Paul's good friend, Kevin.
?.... .he does!? he defended safely amidst their already present laughter.
Oh what a congregation it was, and little did Courtney know, there would be presents this night. One of the surprises for the teens and few other children that were able to attend this night, courtesy of the hospitable hostess.
Everyone was in attendance tonight. The finest clothier this side of reality, pinching new martinis with a pocketsquare and sitting them back down just as shiny as they were served beside his other two empty glasses. Rather reserved but get him in conversation and see where it takes you, or let him get remotely near the piano stool and hear him engage everyone in a holiday classic. This man was Pearle DeCausey. Among him Lacey's posse of regular party goers and girlfriends far too close to miss such a celebration and abundance of cooking. They were Catherine, Kristi, and May. Not counting her date for the night, a rather musclebound Croatian by the name of Brad. Always those one syllable names on those aerobics instructor bodies.
Also in attendance was Craig, the computer man. Over to help Connar tune the lights outside to Christmas music and by no means assist in any voting that might be going on throughout the month for best decorations. But he was inside, oddly enough, being heavily responsible for Lacey's extended time in the kitchen what eating so many cookies and all. Grandpa of the party head a lovely head of white hair. A very Lee Marvin looking fellow. His name was David, there father to one of the young family women all about the holiday spirit this year. A fellow by the name of Miller was simply put good company. A tiny white paper plate and a sleigh red napkin piled high with cookies and treats the little plate was probably not insured to support. Casie, an adorable single newcomer in the neighborhood and despite shyness she couldn't refuse the hostess' personal invitation that she'd made in person. And she was starting to show glad she came. New friends, and there making more by the second. This was one of those rare parties, everyone was enjoyable. The right combination of these specific people, not a drop of bitterness. And surely they'd gathered at least on one occasion to oogle Lacey's new stag. Linda was one of the older single women not hiding well her lack of social skills. Likely having just experienced some eye-opening revelation that she wants to be social. And luckily it was also showing her effort to do so. So she was on the way to scaling beyond enjoyable congregations beyond her church group. Kim sat with the majority of the part on the one of two sofas beside a young doctor named Patrick. Both eagerly awaiting the flick. And all of them, everyone, averted their attention to the door. Even the couple so heads in the kitchen peeked out.
?Sorry about that everyone. I'm here!?
?There she is!?
?About time!?
?Where've you been!??
?Looks cold out there!?
?Uriko!? little Courtney yelled running right into her so hard a thin shower of snowflakes fell from her jacket. And that jacket was something else. The fuzziest neck like around the hood and big fuzzy pompom balls on the cords to tighten it. An olden coat hangar had room for that one more luckily.
?Where's Connar?? Craig asked.
?Oh he's helping Brandon next door setup his light display in the lawn. He should be in soon!? Uriko said full of energy, having just been out there herself helping speed up the process.
?Uriko what do you want for Christmas?? Courtney asked her, and Uriko grabbed her little hand and tugged her to the closest chair in the living room for her to sit down.
?Well, I can't remember right now. What do you want?? Uriko pried for Christmas spirit, if anyone would have it, it'd be Courtney.
?I want a barbie doll, and a pony.? and Uriko's jaw dropped. This girl, wanted, what she wanted.
?No... ..way...? she paused, ?That's exactly what I want!?
?No way!? Courtney yelled, smiling her pearly white baby teeth and in a giggly squealing excitement same as Uriko. Can never have enough role models at her crucial age.
?Now don't make the same mistake I did. You're only gonna need one, two controllers tops. I bought five with four channels last time. What you should do is go buy a twelve channel controller wholesale up at the general store. You'll be fine doing this with regular lights too but you're not getting your money's worth without some yard displays and icicle and net lights.? Connar said in stance on an artificial mountain supposed to resemble a ski slope when fully decorated with lights at night.
?Yea we got some more in the attic me and Sherri still need to get down. What's the voltage on these things?? he fiddled with the thing before Connar took it and began plugging extension cables and such into it.
?You get one controller per ten-thousand lights. You can get the higher up ones but chances are you won't do one of those, you know, ridiculous light displays. Besides you wanna leave this out if it rains or whatever. Don't buy a high priced one.?
?What else do we need?? Brandon asked.
?We'll take your truck first thing tomorrow go pick up your skiers and those stitched reindeer. You still need an FM radio transmitter, and you already got Craig helping you setup the computer.? Connar did a second look around making sure that they'd done everything so he could get back in the heat.
?Well we got two more rolls of whites. Help me make the ski lanes real quick.? he said, as if this is how he spoke to people. Connar wiped his forehead with his sleeve and then wrapped his gloved fingers around one of the twisty-tied light rolls.
?Come on Lacey!? Diane yelled.
?The movie's starting!? Paul roared with Courtney on his lap, not too far away from Uriko being on that same couch.
?Get outta that kitchen!? Uriko yelled looking back with an enormous smile, out of her winter clothes and glad to be around friends, and the first official sign for her that the season was here. And out came Lacey to everyone's finally. A big bowl of popcorn evidencing the delay as she bounded over the couch and in-between Uriko and her boyfriend. Roll film.
?Here we go.? Uriko said all antsy.
Inside a snowflake
like the one on your sleeve
there happened a story
you must see to-- ZZZZT!
Everyone's faces drew a blank in the darkness at the sudden loss of power. First thing to Uriko's mind was Connar holding a conduit for a yard full of electrical light bulbs and turning into a giant black ash with two eyes. Her, Lacey, and Paul were the first ones to the front door. Anxious to see if everyone was safe. So it was no bother when they went to open the front door and Connar beat them to the punch.
?I think we just knocked out the neighborhood.? Connar said apologetically.
?Ya think?!? Lacey said angrily.
?Are you okay? Is anyone hurt??
?No I think we just had too much plugged in to one controller. We tried to program the lights and boom.? he sighed.
?Well come on in and warm up. We'll light some candles.? Uriko said.
?Brandon okay?? Paul asked.
?Yea he went in to check on Sherri. Lacey did you make cookies?? Connar said sniffing the air.
?Maybe.?
A match illuminated the room just briefly and Paul steered the tiny flame to a candle wick and then one to the next to the next, she brought warm light to the room. Courtney wasn't scared one bit, neither were the other children. They all thought it was cool.
?Well what do we do now?? Diane asked.
?Wait for the power to come back on?? Craig suggested.
?I don't know.? Alison said stretching.
?Excuse me dear.? The fashion tycoon said so discreetly only the person he'd addressed heard him, little Courtney. And his mannerism so nicely came for nothing more than him taking a seat beside her. And you had to say, that was one fine suit.
?I wonder how long it'll take them.? Miller said by the window.
?I'm not sure, hey Connar? Do you see something in the hall??
?Yea what is that?? he asked.
?I don't know. Courtney, what is that?? Uriko asked.
?I don't know.?
?You don't know??
?I don't know.? Courtney said smiling, going to investigate as she was obviously being sent to.
?What is that?? Uriko asked smiling, smiling more and more the closer she got, until Courtney looked back to her, her dad and Paul with a big present.
Uriko gasped! ?Presents??
?There's more here!? Connar got the privilege of discovering.
Linda's accompanying attendant tonight was a teenage son, Chris; whom was rather surprised to hear his name called and a present given to him. Smaller than Courtney's, but that was to be expected. For a teenager, a small gift was likely something electronic and high-priced. And well, electronic was right. Was one of those entertaining twenty question balls. Kevin's daughter Amanda had one, and Kim's little boy Jason had one. If you don't remember him he was the toddler who was bundled up from head to toe and impossible not to laugh at or pinch his plump little cheeks.
Courtney held her present, asking if she could open it now without actually asking it. Mom said ?Go ahead.?
?Yea go ahead you guys if it's okay with Mom.? Uriko said, urging them on, she wanted to see their faces. One gasp after the next.
Courtney got a big assorted box of colored pencils and a big stencil picture of the forest with a tiger and parrot and other various jungle settings. It had a risen groove of a black furry sort that made sure you colored in the lines no matter what. It was only a matter of what colors she'd use. She was excited. Jason got the latest from Nerf, but it was just one more variation of a feathered football to add to their list. And Amanda got the cheapest mp3 player you're likely to see in your life. It was a joke to think she'd use it, but she fronted glee and at the most would open it later.
There wasn't much Lacey had to seal away in tupperware after the party. There would have been such a case if someone else were in the kitchen. And absolutely none of the two cakes were left. The power eventually came back on and they caught the second half of their movie and enough of it to still hold the children's interest. Most of them had seen it before anyway.
Connar laid on the couch with his backhand on his forehead and nose that wouldn't stop sniffling. He didn't dress entirely warm out in the cold but a lot of it was Brandon keeping him out too long. Just habit to ask for help when the things are right there for the doing with some people. Catherine, Kristi, and May had all left together, almost as quickly as Linda did. Baby steps, into the social world as it were. Lovable Paul and all the joy he was to have around, left about the time of Kevin's crew and dear Courtney who had showed to be a major highlight of his attendance. The balance of the world maybe, because he was a major highlight for a lot of other people this night. Casie stayed a little longer than the others. She had gotten into conversation with Uriko out of the silence and she wasn't convinced to buy a coat like Uriko's until she insisted she try it on.
And then going to say goodbye to Lacey, nice to meet her, and give her a hug that hopefully this neighborhood party was a bridging for a loving and caring community that helps one another. But a couple recipe secrets slipped and she ended up staying a little longer talking to her. Kim shared the couch opposite the one Connar sprawled out on with the handsome Miller and Mr. Decausey had taken off after a brief debate by the door with the young doctor.
?I put the pie in the fridge and the cookies are on top. There weren't too many left, and I'm taking some back home.? Lacey handed the tupperware and her purse to Brad by the door while she put her coat on.
?The roads are iced, be careful.? Connar said at the couch, a cold well on the way.
?Just get a hot theraflu going Connar. Hot chocolate would be fine too.? she turned to Uriko and whispered:
?You'll take care of him.?
?Drive safe.? Uriko hugged her, smile mirrored over her shoulder. Smiles weren't easily purchased from this one either. ?Thanks for coming Brad.?
?No no thanks for having me.? He smiled and Uriko almost swooned, he was, full of hunk.
?It was nice meeting you.?
Lacey played her a wink and smiled, ?Merry Christmas.? turning to the door.
Uri deep breathed when the door closed and she made a last check of the den and kitchen for any leftover dwellers. Just her and Connar. She turned the television off and hit the couch opposite Connar crumpled wrapping paper and all.
?Would you like some hot chocolate??
?I would love some hot chocolate. But. Let's just rest a moment.? he said with a stopped-up nose and other sickly depressants.
Uriko sighed, ?What's it all about Connar. Why can't it go back to the way it used to be??
?What do you mean?? he sat up.
?There was magic when you had presents under the tree, and then Christmas morning there would be more presents, and a bicycle!? she recalled.
?Well there still is, for those kids.? he comforted with reassuring eye contact.
?What happens to us though? What are we supposed to do? Can't we be the kids also?? Uriko said full of hope.
?Someone's gotta set the stage for the children in the way you and me were raised. Just one of the bitter bites we take in the grown up shoes. We can love the greats of childhood all we can, but as far as we can go with it is seeing it come to the next generation as best as it can.?
?With adulthood comes the poison of life?? Uriko asked.
?Something like that.?
Uriko thought about that from there on the couch to her mirror self brushing her teeth later that night. Connar walked by the bathroom in his pajamas and carrying a pillow in one hand and a heater in the other, but backtracked seeing Uriko.
?You okay??
?mmm? Yea, yea I'm fine.? she spit. ?Just a little tired. Brandon had quite a list of errands for us today.?
?Go figure, the downsides of neighboring communion.? he bypassed her again. A pause, and she resumed the tooth wash.
Back downstairs she went to turn the kitchen light off contrary her original intentions of leaving it on all night she like usual changed her mind last minute. The fireplace had three stockings each with a little chubby Santa or reindeer paperweight and hook to hold it. She smiled and headed to the kitchen counter and saw her calendar on the December sheet, and what a lovely calendar it was. Running an ink pen on a string down to a notepad of dark and light purples which had already been written on.
2 cups flour
? cup sugar
2 sticks butter
? tsp baking powder
? tsp salt
Lacey's infamous cookie recipe. Uriko tore the page from the top of the notepad and grabbed the pen, putting it to paper.
What do I want for Christmas?
Courtney had asked her most serious question all night. And before meeting the crucial people that make this world go round, Uriko was pretty sure she knew the answer to it. But the world's only as good as the people in it. So where you live and who you know can put you in Heaven or Hell. And Uriko wasn't perfect, naturally, and neither were the people she knew. On their best day, they were the norm. Other days, depression, standard paying jobs, bills, misunderstandings, arguments, friendships in disrepair, hatred, grudges, and the things nearly every human being goes through. Trade one out for another, and take them all from the wise rich. Money can buy happiness when everything you look at is beautiful. But you couldn't put a price on dear friends, not in the amount Uriko regarded them.
What an impacting little girl to get her cogs turning, and refresh the adventurer in her to find the meaning of Christmas again. It was almost newfound in her, to jump into her mind and look around at what was going on. Life saying:
You aren't matured enough at the moment to handle the real issues of life, so here are some fantasies.
Of course, worry over a red-nosed reindeer being able to guide Santa's sleigh over making the next house payment. Fuel for your dreams, your imagination, and hope to stick in your back pocket for that special day when it's just a little too rainy. And just like that, she began to write.
Dear Mr, Claus
Hello Santa!! How are you doing up in the north pole now a days? I know it gets a bit nippy up there, So I hope you get a red fuzzy scarf to go along with your suit for Christmas. And what about Rudolph? And Vixen..Donnor..Blitzen..And well all the other reindeers! I feel they need little shoes for their hooves to keep them nice and toasty. Now Santa, I don?t always ask for a lot but I have a wish list this year. If you want to make sure I?ve been doing everything im supposed to, go right under your nice list and find my name, you know you probably put it there at the beginning of the year and forgot it was there. Well everyone?s been so extremely nice to me and I think they deserve something special! Im not to sure exactly what they all want, but I?m sure if you get them one thing they really really been hoping for which I KNOW you know it would make them super happy! Please Make the ones I love feel all warm and fuzzy inside?I love you Santa!
Always a believer,
Uri
Ps: If at all possible?maybe there?s a small chance I could get a..you know..one of them ponys with the whispy tails... You know, if he?d fit if your sleigh and everything...If it?s to much trouble though..don?t worry about it! Thank you!
Light switch down.