Moonlight Flower

Chapter 9 - First Christmas Party

Christmas Eve. 8:00 PM

The Family Hot Spring House's crew prepared a big celebration for this Christmas Eve. The Reception Hall was decorated with simple decors. There was Christmas tree on the corner, lights all over the hall, banner at the middle platform, and many more. There were only few people gathering. Even so, the party would start soon. This happens every year because as we all know people like spending Christmas at home, or any other place. It's good that the costumers last year was still there. Most of them were families. Musica's group was also here: him, Clarence, Abie and Sora. All of them were wearing casual dresses with Christmas hat. Children were also in costume of their favorite cartoon character.

Ms. Ann Madrigal was in red blouse. She looked young despite her age. She gave her opening speech. "This Christmas Eve celebration is held here in Family Hot Spring House yearly. I and my mother believe that this special occasion is not just spending it with your own family, but it's also spending with other people who always make us happy. I call it like an extended family. And that's you, our costumers, who make us happy. Thanks for being here again. Everyone, thank you very much."

Everyone gave applause.

She continued, "And I also want to say that I'm happier to celebrate this day with you. Because, it's my birthday today!"

Another applause was heard.

"Please enjoy. We've prepared a lot of games and surprises to everyone! So, don't fall off! We'll going to party until tomorrow!"

"YEAH!" everyone chorused.

>>>>>>> <<<<<<<

The first game started. Form a group with three to five members. Each group must find 14 letters that complete the popular phrase M-E-R-R-Y-C-H-R-I-S-T-M-A-S. They would search for these at the whole house in the rooms and hot springs.

They finally started. The letters were scattered and hidden. They must find all these to win special gifts. Over 45 minutes of searching, there was already a winner. It's a family. Each member received a gift.

Second game was "Follow the Leader". There should be four members per group. Do the same moves the previous game did. This game was full of fun since it's not just an individual copying moves but a group. If ever one of the members gets it wrong, the whole group is out.

Everyone joined, even the girls of the house. The first ones to lead were Ms. Ann and Mrs. Grace. Everyone loved this game though many groups were eliminated already. Over half an hour of this game, only one group stood out. It was Claire's group. She's with her three roommates. Each member received a gift.

Many other games followed.

In the middle of game, someone approached Ms. Ann and Claire, who were talking to each other. That person was Mr. Willard André.

"Good evening, Ms. Annie, Ms. Claire," he greeted them.

"Oh, Mr. André! You're here!" Ann said. "You said you wouldn't make it."

"Oh, sorry," he said. "I said that this morning because Lance told me he wouldn't go and I don't know how to get here. But just this night, he said we should come anyway. He just changed his mind occasionally."

"Good! Anyway, where's he?" Ann asked, looking around.

"He's still outside. But he'll come here in a minute."

She nodded. "Your son is really handsome. I want to take picture of the two of you together."

Mr. André laughed. "Is that so?" Then they both laughed.