Saving Christmas

Chapter 3

  I was stuck at home today because Kevin had woken up extra early to take the car. I was in my bedroom, watching television when I heard Mum call my name. I quickly switched off the television and went downstairs. Mum gave me a shopping list.

"I need you to go to the grocery store just here to buy these", Mum said.

"Sure", I said and reluctantly put on my winter coat and mittens and went out to buy things on the shopping list.

I walked on and on till I reached the grocery store. The store was filled with Christmas decorations and lights. The cashier at the counter greeted me with a smile as I sorted out the groceries and placed them on the counter.

After buying the groceries, I went home. I looked all around me and realized that I couldn't stay idle anymore. There was virtually nothing to do at home. I had just helped my mum around the house and did my house chores, having nothing to do. I took my winter jacket and mittens and went outside, trying to remember the route to Daphne's house. I knocked on the big, wooden door. As I was waiting, I looked around the house. Daffodils, lilies and daisies decorated the front porch. A couple of armchairs were also on the porch.

"Hey, Kim. Come in", Daphne said.

I heard the sound of a phone ringing. Daphne looked at the phone and went to the kitchen. She returned a few minutes later.

"I never expected Christmas to be so boring", I told Daphne.

"Why is it so boring?" Daphne asked me.

"I have nothing to do at home. I could just die out of boredom", I answered.

"Who says you have to stay at home".

"Well, I don't know any fun place to go to".

"I have a great idea. It might ease your boredom", Daphne said with a smile on her face.

"What is it?" I asked, leaning closer to listen to what Daphne had to say.

"Well, the children at the Sweetwater Community Church are putting up a Christmas play. The teacher in charge of the play's leg is broken. That was what the call I just had was all about. And I think we should volunteer to help the children prepare for the play. What do you think?"

"I think that it's a great idea. We have nothing to do at home, anyway".

"Ok, then. Let's go!"

"Right now?"

"Yeah".

We grabbed our winter jackets and mittens. We soon arrived at the Sweetwater Community Church. Daphne led me to the 8 year old class. A middle-aged women who had blonde hair and blue eyes sat down in the middle of the class, reading a Bible story. All the children sat around her, listening intently. When the middle-aged woman saw Daphne and I, she walked towards us and hugged and greeted us.

"Daphne! Look at you! You've grown so big", the middle-aged woman commented.

"I'll take that as a compliment, Susan", Daphne said.

"And you brought a friend too", Susan said, looking at me.

"Yeah, I did. Her name's Kim. She's spending her Christmas here in Sweetwater".

"Oh, that's good to know. So what brings you here today?"

"We heard the bad news and we've decided to help".

"That's great! You can start with cleaning the place up. These children are so messy".

"I think you've misunderstood me. I meant that we actually wanted to help with the Christmas play".

Susan turned to face Daphne.

"No. That's my job. When I see you doing well in the basic tsks I've given you, then I'll think about you helping with the children with the play".

Daphne looked like she was about to say something but she kept quiet. It was final. No one could argue with Susan. We sat at the back of the class. I listened wih keen interest to the Bible stories Susan told the class. I loved the way Susan told the Bible stories. She would raise or lower her voice where it was necessary. She was a great storyteller. All too soon, the day came to an end. Daphne and I stayed behind to clean to classroom. After we were done with that, we left the church and took a bus.

"Well, this wasn't what I expected", I said, sliding into the seat next to Daphne in the bus.

"Me neither. But remember what Sarah said. At least, we have some hope in that", Daphne assured me.

"I'm a bit scared that we might mess up everything. I just want everything to be perfect", I said.

"Yeah, same here. Don't worry. It's going to be just fine".

Soon enough, I arrived home. I did my house chores. After doing that, I went to my bedroom and fell asleep.