BEFORE NOON (On Hold)

Chapter 13- Christmas eve surprises

From the mall, down to the fair as the morn paradise fountain; were crowded by people who came for sightseeing, while some came to shop for the celebration of the next day.

The Dagda was a popular place people fetched every Christmas Eve, it has a trim feeling of connection with oneself and the heavenly realm.

With the manger that is set at the base of the tree. Which has hundreds of angels descending upon Baby Jesus, while shepherds are climbing the rough terrain to go worship him. And the soft sounds of the jingle bells, to the melody of the Christmas song playing in the background. As though hidden speakers were connected all around the massive building.

From the morning of the 24th day to the next day, the building remains as cherry as the sunbeam. People dressed in white, green and red attire for Christmas Eve.

Some danced and played around, while some engaged themselves like they were in some romantic getaway, cameras were clicking because the sight was as beautiful as the rainbow.

Emily dressed in a green crop top and a green long palazzo, she stood with her face lifted to the sky, and her eyes closed, as she took in the scent of the atmosphere, with a long take of breath. Her closed lips widens in smiles, and two dimples popped out of her cheeks. Her long black lashes fanned her cheeks. She was elated to be there.

A wave of soft chuckles and giggles interrupted her, as she glanced down and saw two kids, a boy and a girl. They were poking some inanimate white horses that were positioned in the middle of the building. Each poke makes the horse neigh, making them laugh. She took a step forward and stood behind them, bending to be on the same level with them. While she watched smilingly.

The little boy was the first to notice her presence. He turned and they locked eyes. Emily simply grinned at the little boy, and he returned the gesture after some seconds.

"It makes a funny sound when you poke it." The little girl said while turning to meet her eyes also. "Oh hey!"

"Hey!" Emily ruffled her hair.

The little girl giggles and shook her head, to make her hair fall nicely."I'm Mimi, what's your name?"

"Emily" she replied.

"I want to ride that horse" the little boy gushed.

"Me too." the girl says cheerfully.

"Ride a horse?" Emily asked, still bent, looking from face to face.

"Yeah, please help us up" The boy pouted.

Emily ogled at them, and for a moment she thought maybe approaching them was a bad idea. She had no idea what they were talking about, and she couldn't ask what they meant.

"Put me up there before her please" the boy pleads.

Up there? she thought.

"And at the end Clinton, we still ride the same horses, they are two, aren't they?" The girl snapped at the boy, motioning at the horses.

Emily followed her motion and realisation hit her. Horses? That's it!. She laughed lowly, and they glanced at her. She cleared her throat a bit awkwardly and rubbed her palms.

"If you...two fight, I will ride the...horses"
She folded her arms, feigning her seriousness.

"Oh no!"The kids chorused.