Winter Wonderland (N.H)

9. The Fall Through

Nikki.s P.O.V.

There she is, Stacy the only woman I do not want to see. I don't have any problems with anyone in the Winter Wonderland committee except for Stacy and her "friends". She's always been a person where it's her way or the highway.

Stacy loves Marie, just like everyone else, so without Marie here I know she's going to cause something.

Stacy stands there in her black Louboutin heels, a green long-fitted dress, and her tan winter coat. Her bleach blonde hair styled to a half-up half-down ponytail. She stands there with a powerful presence.

"Well, well, well, if it isn't the new leader. Hi Nikki, how are you today? Excited to lead this meeting?" Stacy breaks the silence of the room.

You could hear the sarcasm and fakeness practically dripping through her voice. Her bright red lips opened showing her overly whitened teeth for a fake smile. Stacy pitched her voice higher to sound more friendly, but you could see through it. She has never liked me and I don't know why. She is definitely not going to like me now that I'm in charge. Maya always says that Stacy's just jealous because she knows that one day Marie will pass her position to me.

Stacy has always sucked up to Marie. I'm not one to hate people, but I cannot stand this woman. When we are setting up for Winter Wonderland, if Marie isn't nearby, Stacy will automatically take charge and make us do stuff that was not planned.

"I'm doing great Stacy thanks for asking. I'm excited about the meeting today!" I respond kindly knowing if I show any kind of annoyance she'll be pleased.

"I'm also doing great Stacy! Thanks for asking me!" Maya replies.

The tension between these two is always so intense. Maya is not afraid to say what she is thinking and she will blatantly not take Stacy's shit. Her mom never got along with Stacy so her dislike for her started when we were young. I can't blame her though. Stacy is a bitch.

"Oh, sorry Maya! I didn't see you there! Normally I would have with your big head." Stacy forcefully put her purse on the table taking a seat in her usual spot. The burn Stacy was trying to make was definitely not it. Maya rolled her eyes and let out a snort.

"Stacy is that all you got? Are we like 11? I have never heard a grown-ass woman say anything like that before. You literally just embarrassed yourself."

Maya spoke nothing but the truth. I just would never openly admit that in front of Stacy. Stacy just rolls her eyes and lets out a puff of air while picking at her nails. She for sure is quiet now. Thank God.

As time went on people started to trickle in I started it feel less nervous because I was seeing friendly faces. Many came up to me and said very positive words of encouragement and that is all I needed to feel confident for the meeting today. Forget Stacy, she is just a speed bump in the road. Let's get this party started!

"Hello! I'm sure most of you know, but if there is someone unaware, as you can see Marie is not here. She is spending time with her family and grandbaby and has asked me to take over for this year's Winter Wonderland!"

Claps filled the room as well as some congrats. At this moment I turn my head slightly to look at Stacy and give her a soft smile. She just sits there with her bright red lips pursed.

"Thank you all so much. Marie has done an amazing job of giving me all the information I will need. Today's meeting is to go over everything that is going to be happening in the upcoming weeks that will have us prepared for Winter Wonderland."

I try to make it as short as possible. Leading up to the event we always are split into groups so certain people are only focusing on one to two parts.

This has really been our secret on how it moves smoothly. By having smaller groups, we can address and fix any problems. It also allows some to feel like they have a bigger part in the organization.

Marie had already pre-picked the groups so that made it even easier. Everyone normally stays in the same groups because they know what they are doing. I explain after giving the groups that they all need to meet once within the next six days to discuss what they need to do and have ready for the event.

"That just about wraps up our meeting today! I hope I didn't do too bad! Are there any questions before I dismiss us?"

I look around and see a hand shoot up in the back. The hand belonged to Heather who is in her mid-thirties. She is very lovely but is just one of the members who aren't as active but is always willing to help when she can.

"Yes, Heather?" I ask motioning my arm towards her to let her know she can speak.

"I'm sure I'm the only one who doesn't know, but will Marie be back for Winter Wonderland? She has never missed one ever."

"That is on me for not saying! Marie will of course be here for it! She wouldn't miss it for the world! She should be flying in the night before. She won't be here for setting up, but will be here for the event."

I take a few more simple questions and some of them are of course things I touched on in the meeting, but I get it. I dismiss the meeting and everyone breaks up into groups to have their usual conversations.

Heather walks up to Maya and I just to have some small talk and catch up on things. I glance over at times and can see Stacy giving me a side-eye. You would think I did something horrible to her. I just focus back on Maya and Heather because I'm not going to let her get to me.

My phone starts to go off in my purse and I dig to take it out just to see who is calling me. The Caller ID reads 'Richards Law Firm'.

"Excuse me you two, I just need to take this call real quick."

I step out into the hallway and answer the call. Richards Law Firm is our major sponsor for this year. They hopped in late but were super excited to be able to finally participate in the event.

"Hello, this is Nikki Shay!"

"Hi Nikki, this is Kyle from Richards Law Firm. We are one of the sponsors for Winter Wonderland this year. Do you have a minute to talk?"

"Yes! What can I help you with?"

"Well, there's no easy way to put this."

Just hearing those few words I could feel my heart rate start to slow down.

"We understand that it is quite last minute, but due to extreme unforeseen circumstances, we cannot fulfill our sponsorship for Winter Wonderland. I assure you the Richards brothers are both heartbroken they cannot help this year. We have reached out to some contacts in hopes that they will be able to fill our spot rather it is just one or some merge together."

I could feel the color from my face just drain. Did just hear that correctly? This can't be happening to me. This is my worst nightmare. Someone please pinch me and tell me I just misunderstood what Kyle said.

"Miss Shay I am so sorry that this had to happen. We will do our best to continue to reach out to more contacts if no one reaches out."

Silence. That's all that is happening on this phone call right now. Rubbing my fingers over my palm, I can feel the sweat building up. I build up the courage to finally say something.

"We appreciate you calling and letting us know. Luckily there are three weeks so hopefully, we can find someone. I'm sorry to hear you won't be able to participate." I shakily let out those sentences.

"Again, we are so sorry to have to do this. If you need anything else or have any more questions later on, please feel free to call us."

"Thank you, Kyle," I say blandly.

Bringing the phone slowly down and end the phone call before I could hear if Kyle says anything else. Keeping my phone in my hand, I just stare at the door that leads to the meeting room with my mouth hanging open.

What the fuck.