Home Is Where The Heart Is

Part 1

The human world always managed to fascinate Brendon. In elf school, instead of studying about Christmas and toys, he studied everything that had to do with humans.. He knew more than most elves and maybe that’s why Santa chose him to go to earth. Apparently a large number of people didn’t believe in Christmas anymore. Rumor in the elf mill said that children were beginning to think that their parents are putting presents under the tree. Some parents were actually signing presents as Santa from themselves! When belief begins to fall then production rate slows and Christmas spirit is threatened. There is no Santa if people don’t believe in one, which is why special elves are sent down to the human world to revive the missing spirit. This year, Brendon was assigned Las Vegas, Nevada. Usually most elves were assigned to the task of helping the whole city in spirit, but Santa had a special case for Brendon.

“You’re specifically supposed to stay at the mall,” Santa explained, pausing patiently to allow Brendon’s cheers to calm down. When the elf was quiet, Santa continued. “You’ll be working at Pete’s salon across from a candy store. Inside that candy store works a boy. His name is Ryan Ross and I need you to focus on him and just him. William and Gabe will be handling the rest of the mall, other elves working on the rest of Vegas.”

Which brings Brendon to present day Nevada, just one month away from Christmas. Inside the assigned mall there were a bunch of people walking around. The young elf was in awe of it all. It was one thing to read about it, but to actually experience it? Breath-taking! He fit right in, too. Pete had picked out a few things for him to wear. As of now, he was dressed in skinny jeans and a band t-shirt. It took a moment but the elf managed to gather directions to the salon and made his way there. The glass doors were pulled open, a hot beat booming through speakers set up all around the salon. The DJ was stationed above what looked to be an espresso bar, mirrors aligned in two rows back-to-back , each hairstylist stationed in front of one. Beads divided the wash room and the dressing room from the rest of the place. It was chic and something Brendon’s never experienced before.

The elf made his way towards the front desk where a beautiful blonde girl sat, dressed in a red, strapless dress, her lipstick matching the color. She was on the phone, quickly writing something down in an open book in front of her. “Alright! See you at noon!” Hanging up the phone, the woman looked up, eyes shining as a friendly smile crossed her face. “Hello! Welcome to Angels and Kings. Do you have an appointment?”

Brendon shook his head, smiling politely. “I don’t,” he answered, then speaking again before she could reply, “I’m actually here to see Pete. My name’s Brendon Urie.”

Recognition flashed across her face and she smiled again. “Oh, yes. I’ve heard about you. Hello! I’m Keltie!” she proclaimed, holding out her hand for Brendon to shake. “Pete told me that you should show up today. He’s actually with a client right now but I’d be happy to show you around if you’d like!”

Brendon was grinning like a mad man as he answered. “That would be fantastic!” He had a good feeling about this girl, especially since she spoke with just as many exclamation points as he did. Keltie did one hell of a job giving him a tour. Thirty minutes later, the woman was back behind the counter, Brendon seated on it and chatting happily with her. They’d become quick friends. Of course he would only be talking about his favorite subject in the world. “I know it’s a month away but I’m ready for it!”

Keltie giggled and nodded in agreement. “I love Christmas. The hot chocolate, the egg nog, the presents, the spirit, the love and the snow! I also love spending time with my family. They’re back in New York so I don’t get to see them all that often,” she exclaimed, a saddened tone darkening the edges of her words . As the phone began to ring, she muttered a quick apology and held up a finger to excuse herself to answer it.