The Christmas Elf (Jenlisa)

Chapter 6

Jennie turned back to the stove, checking everything, then removed the turkey breast from the oven and started slicing it. She filled three plates with turkey, stuffing, green beans and cranberry relish, added liberal helpings of gravy, and set the plates on the table along with a bowl of biscuits.

"Dinner's ready!" she called out to the girls.

Seconds later, Ella dragged Lisa back into the kitchen by the hand.

"You sit here, Miss Lisa!" Ella said, pushing her into the chair next to the one with her booster seat. "I made the cram-berries, you have to have lots of cram-berries!"

Jennie spent most of the meal watching Lisa interacting with her daughter. She was impressed how she didn't talk down to her, didn't use baby talk, and listened attentively when Ella spoke.

After the meal and the pumpkin pie, Lisa suggested to Ella that she bring her favorite boardgame to the table. They played Connect-Four while Jennie got some of the dishes cleaned up, and then Ella insisted they had to watch The Grinch Who Stole Christmas since it had been a Christmas dinner. Ella had watched it at least once a day since Thanksgiving.

Ella asked if she could sit on Miss Lisa's lap while they watched, and Jennie found she was almost jealous of how much attention Lisa was giving her daughter instead of her. When she realized that, all she could do was shake her head and smile.

By the end of The Grinch, there was a heavy look in her daughter's eyes signaling it was bedtime.

"Mommy, can Miss Lisa read my story tonight?" she asked, after brushing her teeth and putting on her PJ's.

"Honey, our guest has already done a lot for you tonight, and I don't think—"

"I'd be happy to read you a story, if it's okay with Mommy?" Lisa said, from behind them. Jennie turned to see Lisa leaning against the door frame.

"Are you sure? You've done so much already."

"I'd love to! Story time is right up an elf's alley." She came over and sat on the edge of the bed. "What story are we reading tonight?"

"Dog Man!" Ella exclaimed, happily.

"Just one chapter," Jennie ordered. "You can sleep in the bottom bed with me tonight, Ella. Scoot over against the wall and give Miss Lisa some room." She stood and took Lisa's place, leaning against the door.

Lisa flopped down next to Ella on the bottom bunk with an exaggerated sigh, and opened the chosen book to the page that was marked.

"Let's see now...here we go. 'Dog Man was trying to...' wait, this isn't right. Hang on." She reached up, crossed her eyes, pressed her nose, and said, "Zap!" then continued reading the story in her high, squeaky elf voice.

By the end of the chapter, Ella could barely keep her eyes open. Lisa tucked Lili Unicorn under Ella's little arm then pulled the blanket up over her. She stood up, giving Jennie room to lean over and kiss her daughter on the forehead. Then they quietly closed the bedroom door and made their way to the couch.

Jennie sat in the middle of the sofa, and was mildly startled when Lisa sat down and threw her legs over Jennie's lap as she leaned back against the arm of the sofa. It was unexpected, but also felt familiar. Comfortable.