Beauty and the Were-Tiger: Enchanted Christmas *COMPLETED*

Chapter 4: "As long as there's Christmas"

Words count: 3600

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Adabelle, Nicky and MC went to the attic to find 'someone' who will be able to help with the Christmas decorating. MC, being the candle, that he is, using his flames to guide the trio the way. 

But there were a lot of stairs leading towards the attic and they were only halfway up. "One-thousand one, one-thousand two, one-thousand three..." Nicky said. Nicky was counting the whole way up the stairs. "Are we there yet?" He asked. "Not yet." Adabelle said. 

"Oh, boy, there sure are a lot of stairs here. One-thousand seven, one-thousand eight, one-thousand nine, one-thousand ten..." Nicky said as he kept counting. On the other hand, someone or something was following them, and he wasn't too far behind. And it was Landon panting. He took a deep breath and stop for a moment to catch his breath as he sighs. He continued on following them.

In the attic with Adabelle, Nicky and MC...

There were wall to wall of wooden crates of Christmas wrapping papers, chest that has ornaments in it and many more. "Hello?" Adabelle asked. No one was answering them. So, Adabelle tried again.

"Hello?" She asked. Nicky was by her feet so he get a better look. "Do not be afraid, mes ami? It is I, MC. We have come to pay you a little visit." MC said. Adabelle was too, looking around while holding MC in her hand. The sound of creaking which made Nicky looking back at the chest. He got startled as he hid by Adabelle's foot. "MC?" A female voice asked. "Colette." MC said. She and the other Christmas decorations were coming out of the chest to greet MC and the other two. 

"Ah, MC, finally." Colette said. The ornaments were so excited as they chattering. "I thought we were to be locked away in this dusty attic forever." Colette said. 

"Ah, Colette, mon amour. Your eyes are still so lovely after all these years." MC said. "MC, please! You'll tarnish the halo." Colette said. Adabelle clears her throat. "Oh, yes. This is Adabelle, our guest." MC said. "Hello, Adabelle." Colette said. "Pleased to meet you." She said. "And this is Colette. She is the castle decorator." MC said. "You mean was the castle decorator. I am not responsible for this baroque atrocity." Colette said. 

She began to walk away from MC and twirl in a small circle. "When I was in charge, the castle was full of light and beauty." She said. MC chuckles. "But, Cherie, that is why we have come." He said. The other ornaments were surrounding the group. "Gather around, mes enfants. We are planning the greatest..." He said. The ornaments gasps. "Christmas celebration ever!" MC said. 

The ornaments were cheering with joy as one of them jump up with excitement along with Nicky. Adabelle giggles. Landon who is hiding behind the crates sighs as he rested his cheek in the palm of his hand. The cheering continues but Colette wasn't having any of it while her arms were crossed. "No, stop!" She yelled. The cheering stops as everyone look towards Colette who is angry. Adabelle gasps. MC hopped over towards her. 

"What is it, Cherie?" He asked. "Why do you raise my hopes...I, I mean, their hopes only to have them dashed? Well, no more." Colette said as she and the ornaments began to walk away in sadness. "But it's Christmas Eve. Without you, we'll never get the castle decorated in time." Adabelle said. "Ha! Christmas. Hmph! I refuse to hope for it anymore. I will not be disappointed again." She said. 

"But this is to be the greatest celebration ever. We cannot do it without you." MC said as he held her hands. "Well, but of course you cannot. Christmas takes planning and organization. No. No, I won't do it. It won't change anything." Colette said. She turn around as she crossed her arms once again. Adabelle got down on one knee. "I believe it will." She said to the castle decorator.