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Stories & Imaginings >> Cookies & Drabbles >> Christmas Eve advent drabble
(Message started by: Carolyn P on Dec 24th, 2003, 9:05am)

Title: Christmas Eve advent drabble
Post by Carolyn P on Dec 24th, 2003, 9:05am
By Christmas Eve Joey knew Nicola a lot better than she had before, but was, like Linda Stone, unable to put her finger on any particular problem, just a general unease about the girl’s attitude to life. Nicola had calmed down and unbent a little after her oddities on the day she arrived, and the Maynards put her behaviour that day down to nerves and uneasiness with a new situation. The family had spent the intervening week in shopping and skiing alternatively, and Joey had insisted that they spend as much time outdoors as possible, “Whilst you can,” being her ominous remark. The girls with a wide experience of the alpine winters were happy with this, but the boys returning from University and Public School in England were not as happy.

“I need to spend some time in the workshop,” growled Mike that afternoon when Joey had sent them outside yet again, “I still haven’t finished dad’s present.”
“Off you go then, just keep out of mother’s way till suppertime. She has her hands full with those proofs, and there is no way she will want them hanging around over Christmas,” was Steve’s response to this, the boys having found ways to deal with their mother over the years.

Felicity took Nicola into the garden with Cecil, Phillipa and Geoff and her own twin Felix and proposed a snowman-building contest.
“The trips can judge when they come back, unless they want to build their own,” she concluded.
“Aren’t they too old for that?” queried Nicola, who so far had only met Len as the youngest mistress, and therefore very defiantly an adult. She had steered clear of all three of the eldest girls, thinking that they would be too grown up to bother with the younger children.
Felicity and Felix grinned, “Not bloomin likely,” replied Felix, “Last winter they all began a snow giant, but it never got finished because every time they went out they ended up throwing bits of his body at each other. I think Margot even tried dissecting him at one point.”
Nicola gaped at this, and Felicity took advantage of her silence to split them into pairs to build, ignoring Phil’s request that she build with Geoff and pairing Nicola with Geoff, Felix with Cecil and herself with Phil. They began with an earnest and were soon joined by Steve and Charles who fell to helping everyone, or rather making lots of suggestions whilst flinging snowballs around. As dusk fell the trips returned, took one look at the creations and declared that it was impossible to tell what any of them were. They were then pelted with snowballs and it was tired heap of children who finally made their way into the house to change for supper.

Nicola was glad of some space to herself as she was bathing and changing. The afternoon was the first time she had seen the whole family in action so to speak, and she was surprised by the friendships and enjoyment they took in each other’s company. ‘I almost wish,’ she thought, and then stopped herself before she went any further. She brushed her hair with a ferocity that would have surprised any observer and went downstairs to see what they would be doing next.
 
 
 


Title: Re: Christmas Eve advent drabble
Post by Carolyn P on Dec 24th, 2003, 9:05am
The trips had been discussing Nicola as they changed, sharing a room once more for the festive season. 

“She seems a nice kid, how come you were so reserved about her Len?” asked Con.
“Oh, I don’t know, she is a bit of a loner, and there is a certain quality about her, I could almost think she was hiding something, but I have no idea what, or even if it something that should concern us.”
“I agree, the poor girl will be subject to enough questioning from the school. Let her have a break here,” this came rather heartfelt from Margot and Len looked at her curiously before changing the subject, asking Con how she was getting on with her book.
Margot reddened under Len’s gaze and turned away, sitting on the side of the bed to adjust her stockings. Her head bowed, she remembered her own uncomfortable time with the communal life at school and wondered afresh if she was really ready to commit to another style of communal living no matter what she felt her calling might be.
‘Would God really call me back to that? I don’t know if I can face the lack of privacy again,’ she thought as she pulled up her stockings and fastened her suspenders. She reached down and slid on her slippers and stood, then turning resolutely to face the others said with a hint of her old self, “Lets go quickly and see if we can still slide down the banisters, before Phil or Geoff see.”
Laughing Len and Con agreed, and they carried out this plan, Len going last and landing at her father’s feet with a fit of giggles, but Jack merciful in the light of the season just shooed them into the salon where the big fir tree was waiting to be trimmed.
 

They all unpacked the decorations from the crate that had been brought down from the attics earlier and then interspersed with a light buffet style supper spent the evening decorating the tree.
“It’s beautiful,” gasped Nicola as they stood back, and dimming the salon light, switched on the tree lights. They stood a moment looking, and Joey having heard the girl’s gasp placed a hand on her shoulder and said, “It is rather isn’t it. I always feel there is something slightly magical about Christmas Eve, a possibility, you know, or even a knowledge that somehow, it will be all right with the world.”
Nicola blinked back a tear at these words, knowing that her mother, her only family was in a war zone was not a comforting thought, and Joey’s quiet confidence was something she longed for. Joey seeing the emotion cross her face stood in front of her, partially hiding her, giving the child a moment to compose herself, and then waved an arm towards the tree saying, “Lets sit down at last,” and moved across to where two low chairs stood together under the tree, and taking one of them picked up her youngest two children and placed one on each knee. Jack took the other chair, and Margot sat at his feet, leaning against his knee. The other children came and sat down on the floor and on the multitude of cushions that Freudesheim possessed. Jack had pulled Nicola with him as he had gone to his seat and now she sat next to Margot on the floor between Jack and Joey, at the heart of this family.
It was Steve who asked for the first story, teasing his mother about why his middle name was ‘Green’, and once started the stories flew thick and fast. Joey told about a Christmas on the Tyrol when she was only 12, Jack told about the festival in the New Forrest of his boyhood, and finally Jack reached behind his chair and opened his Bible, reading the story of the first Christmas from Luke’s Gospel:  “In those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus… Joseph also went up from Galilee, from the city of Nazareth, to Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and lineage of David, to be enrolled with Mary, his betrothed, who was with child.  And while they were there, the time came for her to be delivered.  And she gave birth to her first-born son and wrapped him in swaddling cloths, and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn…”
Jack continued to read, reverently, but with great feeling as he told first of the visit of the shepherds and then of the visit of the magi and the flight into Egypt. Nicola listened, and was struck by the simplicity of the tale.

There was a pause as Jack shut the book, then Joey passed Phillipa and Geoff, who by this time were nodding over to Anna, before going to the piano and playing some of the much loved carols. They all joined in the singing before hearing the clock strike 11, Jack packed them all off to bed. Nicola went to her tiny room, and was soon asleep, wondering for the first time if families could be good things after all. 


Title: Re: Christmas Eve advent drabble
Post by KB on Dec 24th, 2003, 9:21am
*starting to believe Rachel's threats were nothing but hot air, as this is turning into a relatively harmless story*

*worried I may regret that bravado*


Title: Re: Christmas Eve advent drabble
Post by Rachael on Dec 24th, 2003, 9:25am
Carolyn, that was magical, thank you and just perfect for Christmas Eve  :)

Don't know about anyone else but I now want this story to take both routes - Carolyn to follow the serious route which she's doing so well and Rachel to take us down the comedy/horror route

May we have both?
Pretty, please?
With a cherry on top?


Title: Re: Christmas Eve advent drabble
Post by Esmeralda on Dec 24th, 2003, 10:34am
Agreed - it's all lovely and Christmassy and, so far, innocuous.

:( *Sad because there are only 3 more instalments to go.

Title: Re: Christmas Eve advent drabble
Post by Chloe on Dec 24th, 2003, 11:06am

on 12/24/03 at 10:34:56, Esmeralda wrote:
:( *Sad because there are only 3 more instalments to go.

Oh no i hadn't thought of that yet! 

But i've loved them all so far so i can't comnplain!  :)


Title: Re: Christmas Eve advent drabble
Post by NickiL on Dec 24th, 2003, 11:13am
I agree with Rachael - wanting a beautiful Christmassy ending and a shock horror Rachel one too!

Such a good story - Thanks Carolyn and Rachel  ;D


Title: Re: Christmas Eve advent drabble
Post by KB on Dec 24th, 2003, 11:36am
*reminds people that this one isn't finished yet*

Title: Re: Christmas Eve advent drabble
Post by NickiL on Dec 24th, 2003, 11:54am
We know! That's the problem! Having to wait!!

Will it be a nice ending or a multiple deaths one?!  ;D

(not that multiple deaths can't be nice every now and again....  ;) )


Title: Re: Christmas Eve advent drabble
Post by xanthe on Dec 24th, 2003, 12:45pm
Thank you Carolyn that was lovely  :-*

Title: Re: Christmas Eve advent drabble
Post by Ally on Dec 24th, 2003, 12:46pm
Ooohh I feel all Christmassy now, what a wonderful story for Christmas Eve.  I'm now really scared about what Rachel will do!

Title: Re: Christmas Eve advent drabble
Post by Mollio on Dec 24th, 2003, 1:41pm
Lovely story. Perfect for the time of year that's in it. Nice touch to give the Bible extract...kind of reminds us of what it's really all about, doesn't it? We tend to forget so easily. 

Happy Christmas, one and all, and a prosperous 2004.
Mollio

Title: Re: Christmas Eve advent drabble
Post by Mollio on Dec 24th, 2003, 1:45pm
Lovely story. Perfect for the time of year that's in it. Nice touch to give the Bible extract...kind of reminds us of what it's really all about, doesn't it? We tend to forget so easily. 

Happy Christmas, one and all, and a prosperous 2004.
Mollio

Title: Re: Christmas Eve advent drabble
Post by Lesley on Dec 24th, 2003, 5:03pm
Thank you Carolyn - that was lovely!

Waiting for Rachel's bit.....
 
 
 

waiting.....
 
 
 

waiting....
 
 
 

Still wai.... Oh b*gger it - I'll go wrap some presents!


Title: Re: Christmas Eve advent drabble
Post by Rachel on Dec 24th, 2003, 5:50pm
Around 2am, Nicola awoke with a start. She lay in the dark, thinking about the day before, remembering the beauty and simplicity of the family event. A little smile crept over her face as she considered her own special offering to the Christmas tree, not yet revealed.

Climbing out of her warm bed, Nicola rummaged for a few minutes in her drawers, before pulling out a tissue paper wrapped parcel, and very carefully peeling back the layers to reveal the porcelain figurine. It was a fairy, dressed in delicate layers of crystal organza in shimmering pink, with silver wings, and a cloud of golden hair. Nicola snickered to herself, put it back in the drawer and pulled out a second figure. This one was also dressed in pink, but more the shade of bubblegum, or Barbie, it’s hair was a garish orangey/red and the wings were more reminiscent of snot than silver. It’s plastic face looked exactly like a certain CBBer named Katherine Bruce (loves you KB ;) ). Gleefully, Nicola scuttled down the stairs and into the Salon where the Christmas tree stood, shining in the moonlight. Nicola stood on a chair, removed the star from the top of the tree and replaced it by very firmly wedging the fairy in its place. If the figure had been capable of facial expressions, it would have winced as it was rammed on top of the tree, but as it was a figure, it continued to smile inanely.

Nicola decided to take this opportunity to explore a little more, not having had privacy to really take note of anything in the downstairs part of the house, Moving softly, as she had been taught, she went from room to room, opening drawers, peering in cupboards, and reading anything she came across. It was quite an informative journey, and told Nicola a lot about the internal mechanics of the Maynard family.

Nicola thoughtfully put down the papers she was reading in Joey’s study, wondering for the first time if she really should be doing this. However, the pages she had just read were so enticing that Nicola easily put her qualms aside and carried on reading, yawning slightly as the time passed. Of course, Joey had never considered her study would ever be invaded in this way, and therefore had never considered the need for locking up private papers, but Nicola had a niggling suspicion that one document that should have been here was missing. Very carefully, she replaced the papers, and began lifting others, gently riffling through layers searching for the information she really wanted.

A noise startled Nicola, coming from the kitchens. Very gently, she crept along the passageway, and saw a sight that brought a gleam of pleasure to her eyes. Laid out on the kitchen table were the beginnings of the Christmas feast, sumptuous, delectable and extremely tempting. Nicola thought a little nibble wouldn’t hurt, and began by tasting some of everything. She knew nobody would notice the little inroads she made into the feast, and was also playing on her status of guest if she was found out. She grinned, picturing the scene in her head: “’Oh Mrs. Maynard, I’m so sorry’, pause for tear, ‘I didn’t mean to, I thought it was alright, Felicity’, choke, sob, tears roll down face, ‘I mean’, choke completely”, yes, that should work if necessary. Eventually feeling rather more stuffed than she liked at this time of night, Nicola wandered back through the house, pausing once more before the tree with it’s lovely fairy, still looking hideously pink and grin-ly. Nicola wondered if anyone in the house would even noticed it had changed until the time came to take the tree down. It would be amusing if they didn’t!

Suddenly Nicola spotted something she had missed earlier, a pile of parcels and packages were placed under the tree, beautifully gift wrapped and shining with ribbons and bows. She wondered if anyone knew exactly how many there were, for the pile seemed enormous to her eyes. A little smile curved over her face as she spotted a little package with her own name on it. Moving quickly, Nicola very carefully unwrapped several of the packages, her dainty fingers ensuring the paper and ribbons were suitable for rewrapping. Nicola spent a glorious hour looking at the gifts various family members had chosen for each other, but she didn’t touch any of the parcels she found with her own name on. For those she was prepared to wait. 

Without warning, a tear trickled down over Nicola’s nose. She brushed it impatiently away, but another, and then a third followed it. Choking slightly, feeling a real pang of an emotion she couldn’t describe, Nicola carefully replaced all the parcels, all the evidence of the family’s intense love, back under the tree and crept softly back to bed.


Title: Re: Christmas Eve advent drabble
Post by Esmeralda on Dec 24th, 2003, 6:04pm
How inquisitive!  How mysterious! 

Also Rachel, how restrained, but it fits in beautifully, thank you.

Title: Re: Christmas Eve advent drabble
Post by Rachel on Dec 24th, 2003, 6:27pm

on 12/24/03 at 18:04:55, Esmeralda wrote:
Also Rachel, how restrained, 

 

It was a real effort believe me   ;)


Title: Re: Christmas Eve advent drabble
Post by Ally on Dec 24th, 2003, 6:43pm
Fabulous!  Esmerelda is right this is mysterious, why is she so curious about the Maynards?  And how does she know so much?

Title: Re: Christmas Eve advent drabble
Post by Lesley on Dec 24th, 2003, 6:45pm
Thank you Rachel!

Title: Re: Christmas Eve advent drabble
Post by xanthe on Dec 24th, 2003, 8:19pm
*admires Rachel's restraint*

ooh, it is so pretty and sparkly... shiny-shiny...


Title: Re: Christmas Eve advent drabble
Post by Vikki on Dec 24th, 2003, 8:32pm
A beautiful christmassy beginning Carolyn! Feeling all tearful! 

Rachel, you've managed to combine humour and emotion beautifully here!


Title: Re: Christmas Eve advent drabble
Post by KB on Dec 24th, 2003, 9:09pm

on 12/24/03 at 20:19:39, xanthe wrote:
*admires Rachel's restraint*

ooh, it is so pretty and sparkly... shiny-shiny...

I would have expected it to be rusty through lack of use!  ;)

And why am I suddenly worried? 


Title: Re: Christmas Eve advent drabble
Post by Carolyn P on Dec 24th, 2003, 9:13pm
I'm really pleased with the effect that my part has had. I was slightly worried that I might have over sugared it and made it slightly too 'waltonish'.

I've just read Rachel's bits for tomorrow, boy, are you all in for a treat.

I wonder what KB will make of today's post!  ;D


Title: Re: Christmas Eve advent drabble
Post by KB on Dec 24th, 2003, 9:18pm
*wibbles ever so slightly*

Title: Re: Christmas Eve advent drabble
Post by Pat on Dec 24th, 2003, 9:28pm
This is getting more andmore intriguing.  Hoping I can get on this laptop tomorrow to keep reading! 

Title: Re: Christmas Eve advent drabble
Post by Rachel on Dec 24th, 2003, 9:30pm

on 12/24/03 at 21:18:32, KB wrote:
*wibbles ever so slightly*

 

Does this response mean you haven't actually read todays bit??

I did kind of wonder at the lack of reaction from you!

Rachel ~ sniggering still


Title: Re: Christmas Eve advent drabble
Post by KB on Dec 24th, 2003, 9:31pm
Yes, Rachel, of course I have, but knowing you, that's a mere nothing! *is going to walk around that little bit straighter today*

Title: Re: Christmas Eve advent drabble
Post by Susan on Dec 25th, 2003, 12:51am
Lovely story. Carolyn you got that first part just right - perfect Christmas Eve.  Rachel the second part was lovely too.  Very mysterious.

Thank you both for all the hard work you've done on this especially at such a busy time of year.


Title: Re: Christmas Eve advent drabble
Post by Chloe on Dec 25th, 2003, 10:53am
Thank you Rachael it was lovely

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