Alice and Her Doll

Chapter 12

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The first thing Carrie did when she got home was report straight to her room and check to see if her painting of the camera was dried. She lifted up the green skirt of her bed and bent down to check out the artwork. Carrie slid it out from under her bed and examined it. She lightly tapped the picture. She decided it was dry.

Carrie locked her door and sat down with the painting, scissors, tape, a bow and wrapping paper. She got to work on wrapping her mother's present.

................

When she was done, Carrie neatly topped it off with a big red bow and slid it back under her bed until tomorrow. Carrie smiled when she thought about her mother's birthday the next day.

*****

"We have to get a move on things!" The Infector hissed. "We need to make more process!"

The Infector picked up the doll and threw her across the attic. She landed with a thud.

"What was that for?" The doll said, rubbing her head and staggering over to her master.

"You are not supposed to make friends with Carrie, you idiot!" The Infector "All you're supposed to do is ruin their lives!"

"What do you want me to do?" Sally said in her high-pitched voice. "Burn down their Christmas tree?"

"Now you're cooking!" The Infector smiled evilly. "Ruin. Their. Lives. Simple!"

*****

The town sparkled and shone with Christmas cheer.

Ben, Fiona and Carrie walked through the brisk night air. They were surrounded by festive lights, merry people and Christmas music.

"I was right!" Fiona declared. "And you two sourpusses didn't want to go to the town's Christmas Festival,"

Ben stuck his hands in his pockets and blew out a visible breath. "I gotta hand it to you Fiona, you were right,"

"Am I the only sane one here?" Carrie questioned. "Yeah, it's Christmas, but we got a case of ghosts on our hands, and I just think that we should be doing something productive,"

"Yea, yea," Fiona rolled her eyes and smiled.

The trio stopped at various little shops outlined with twinkling lights. They stopped at the bakery, the toy shop, one of the little carts that carried candles and crosses, and a lot more.

There were many carolers singing Christmas classics. All of the town's residents had on their finest attire.

It was a cheery atmosphere.

Finally, they arrived at the Christmas tree, which was the center of town. It was at least ten feet tall and glimmered with thousands of blue, red and green lights scattered amongst the tree.

The three best friends had to tilt their heads back to see the golden star placed delicately at the top of the monster tree.

"Wow," Carrie trailed off. Her eyes shone with Christmas spirit and her smile was like a child's.

Ben looked over at Carrie and gave her a hug. She looked up at him and nestled her head into Ben's warm neck.

Meanwhile, Fiona was buying some candies and treats. Divinity, pecan muffins, Christmas cookies, etc. She was a glutton for sweets.

When Fiona ventured off to Carrie and Ben, she said, "Okay, you two. Break it up."

Ben cleared his throat and Carrie quickly straightened up and looked away. They were both blushing fiercely.

When they were done with celebrating in the town, Fiona went home and wished them a Merry Christmas. Ben walked Carrie home.

It was dark on the streets and freezing. Carrie hugged her self and chattered her teeth.

"Here," Ben took off his coat and wrapped it around Carrie. She smiled up at him. It was terribly romantic.

"Thanks," Carrie said.

They walked for a few more blocks in silence when they arrived at Carrie's home. Ben and Carrie walked in sync up to her door and stopped.

"Well, thank you for walking me home, and thank you for giving me your jacket. Here-" Carrie took Ben's jacket off and handed it to him.

"Thanks, and have a Merry Christmas, Carrie," His eyes were so kind and gentle.

Carrie was about to turn and open the door when Ben grabbed her chin and kissed her. It was very sweet. Carrie couldn't believe it, but soon gave in and wrapped her arms around his neck.

They both pulled away and smiled awkwardly at each other.

"Good night," Ben said, jogging off toward his own home.

Carrie smiled in relief and happiness. She opened the frosty front door and went to her room.

Carrie sighed and was about to plop on her bed when she stared in horror. Her painting was on her bed and was ripped and torn. Carrie covered her mouth and focused on breathing.

Blood was everywhere on the walls and her bed and the painting. Written in this blood were the words, "Don't trust anyone".

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