by J L Gillham
“You’re not on my list! And no one gets in who’s not on my list.” The elf named Jolly holds up a clipboard as he shouts toward the tunnel. There must be a stranger standing on the other side of the barrier. It seems as if the stranger persuaded the elf on the outside to let him pass, but still needs approval from the elf on the inside.
This is strike one for my plan to use the front door to escape. I’d have to convince not one but two elves to let me pass.
As Jolly listens to a response I am too far away to hear, he puffs his chest and raises his well-defined butt chin. Jolly is one of my least favorite elves. It’s not because he is the head of the hardest part of my training, The Santa Simulation. It’s because of the joy he gets from watching me fail. When I do my worst, he is the jolliest. All the elves rotate being the watchdogs here. That means either Jolly has already finished setting up my next session or is headed there once he’s relieved from this duty.
Suddenly, I remember the secret entrance I fell into yesterday. Why hadn’t I tried that first? I debate about whether to continue with my current plan or go back and explore inside Homebase.
Just then, there is a tap on my shoulder. I whip around.
“What are you doing here?” Nicky gives me a smirk and brushes past me.
“I called in the order!” Nicky shouts as he closes the distance between himself and Jolly. I follow closely behind my brother, for once letting him take the lead.
“I am sure you do not need to be reminded of the importance of clearing all orders ahead of time.” Jolly hasn’t turned to face Nicky but is still staring at the magical tunnel. I hadn’t noticed it before, but in Jolly’s right hand is a red whistle. The green cord attached to the whistle is around Jolly’s neck.
“Put that thing away.” Nicky swats at the whistle. Then he takes the clipboard out of Jolly’s left hand, and uses the pencil hooked to the metal clasp at the top. “There.” After scribbling what I assume is the order onto the paper, he hands the clipboard back to the elf.
“Not so fast,” Jolly says, holding up his hand.
At this side of the dome, there is an intricately carved wooden door frame encasing the tunnel. The magical barrier inside the frame shimmers as the elf Tinker passes through it, waving at Nicky.
When I was five, I had been obsessed with bubbles. Dad even made a shallow pan wide enough for me to stand in. He and Mom took turns lifting up the large ring that encircled me. A giant bubble formed around me, and I squealed with delight until it popped. Then they would do it again and again. The way the barrier shimmered made me think Winter Wonderland was less of a snow globe prison and more of a bubble, if only I could squeal loud enough to pop it.
While both elves discuss whomever is on the other side, I determine to take advantage of their distractedness. I run toward the entrance of the tunnel, a firework shooting into the sky. As I move, I place both hands on my shoulders to secure my go-bag. When I find no straps there, I realize I left it behind. Fiddle-d-fizz. Too late to go get it now. This is it. I’m going to finally make it out.
When I pass the still-arguing trio, Jolly shouts, “No!” Then whistling sounds erupt. And not just nearby. It’s as if there are countless sirens hovering hundreds of feet above us in the air alerting all of Winter Wonderland to what’s going on here. From the rooftop of Homebase, fireworks shoot into the air. While still moving, I turn my head to see the display. There is an explosion of red in the sky.
I face the entrance once again, covering my ears with my hands. And I don’t stop running.
CHAPTER EIGHT
As I try to hasten through the tunnel, it feels like someone hit the slow-motion button. Instead of hurrying, I’m using all my energy to push through the invisible. It reminds me of trying to run while in a pool. Finally, I make it out the other side. And I smack right into someone. We both fall to the ground in a rolling tumble.
The wind gets knocked out of me for the second time in two days. Once I am able to begin breathing again, I give myself a moment to focus on my surroundings.
“If you wanted a hug, all you had to do was ask.” The young man opens his arms out, cocks his head to the side, and winks. That’s when I notice his dark-brown hair that reaches to his ears. It matches his drinkable hot-chocolate-colored eyes.
It’s Finn, the boy I know from town. That’s when I realize he was the one here yesterday who was talking to Nicky when I dangled from the ladder like an ornament on a Christmas tree. I haven’t seen him since my sixteenth birthday last year.
I shake my head. “I wasn’t trying to hug you. I was...” How do I answer that? I’d rather not get into an explanation about trying to break out of my prison. “I was saving you from a bee sting.”
“A bee? In winter?” he asks.
Of course, there was no bee. But for a split second, I forgot what season it is. “When I saw that insect hovering around you, I ignored how annoying you are and tried to save you from being stung.” My explanation was awful, but I was committed to it now, so I went with it.
Finn nods his head. “So, I guess I should be thanking you then?”
“Yes, you should.” I hold my head up high and stare at him in the hopes he’ll feel uncomfortable under my scrutiny and walk away. No such luck. I turn my attention to the snowmobile pulling a sled with a medium-sized crate on top.
“Attack!” says a voice from above me.
I look up to see five elves catapulting from the nearby trees. They land, release themselves from the harnesses, and then circle the stranger who is still sitting next to me. Each elf has a weapon. Two elves stand in a fighting position holding what look like red and green paper throwing stars.
The third elf has a giant sack, possibly used to grab and contain any danger. The fourth elf lifts a giant salt shaker up high over his head, except inside there aren’t little white particles, but gold flecks.
Before I have time to figure out what is inside, I notice the fifth elf. He is pointing a stuffed animal at the stranger. The horse’s eyes are red. “One word and I’ll fire,” the elf says. Part of me wants to speak just to see what the plushy weapon will do.
CHAPTER NINE
“Thanks for bringing the delivery on such short notice.” Nicky exits the tunnel.
I realize that’s what Nicky and Finn were talking about yesterday when I eavesdropped from on high.
Finn rises, then offers me his hand. I reach to take it, then pull back, rising to my feet without any help.
Finn chuckles as he stares at me. I break the connection and face the entrance to Winter Wonderland, exhilaration overwhelming me.
“Lower your weapons,” Nicky says. The five elves salute my brother, then return to their post in the treetops.
Nicky and Jolly stare at me. Nicky’s face is all screwed up, trying to solve the puzzle of my odder than usual actions. Jolly’s face is awash in horror. “You’re not. You’re not. You’re not,” the elf repeats over and over.
It’s at this time I realize the alarm is still going off. Four more elves rush through the magical barrier to the scene of the crime. “What’s going on?” one asks.
“Is it Ebenezer?” another shouts. Then I hear him mumble, “That bald-headed, baby-faced elf.” This is the only description I ever hear about Ebenezer. Whether he shaves his head or simply can’t grow hair, I don’t know. I also wonder about the description of him being baby faced. Does that mean he has smooth skin? The few times I’ve asked I never get an answer.
None of the newcomers are armed with weapons. I’m too excited to be unnerved. I discovered how to get out. But I can’t just make a run for it. Not only did I forget my go-bag the one time I succeeded, but everyone is watching.
Suddenly, I am being pulled back through the barrier by a trio of elves. “Not safe. Not safe at all,” one murmurs. I let them lead me away.
“I was only trying to help with the delivery.” I put all the whimpering I can into my voice.
They release me once I’m back on the other side
, safe again in Winter Wonderland. Finn rides his snowmobile through the entrance, unfazed by the alarm still going off and my not-so-polite welcome.
“Can you do something about that?” Nicky asks Jolly. The elf blows the whistle again and everything goes quiet.
That gives me an idea. If I can only figure out how to steal an extra whistle, if it gets blown on my escape I can turn the alarm off myself.
Grunting sounds pull me from my thoughts. Jolly seems to be having a hard time removing the lid from the crate. Finn switches off the vehicle. I watch as Finn and Nicky step up and take over, lifting the lid. Jolly begins inspecting it. He leans over it and immediately pulls back, waving his hand in front of his nose.
“Dessert,” Finn says and chuckles.
“Yeah, if you’re a thousand-pound animal,” Nicky adds.
The stench of whale blubber is so strong I hold my breath. It must be packed in ice, but Jolly is a vegetarian. Even the sight of meat makes him gag. Jolly takes a magnifying glass out of his pocket and inspects every inch of Finn’s sled.
The lid now secure again, Finn turns his snow mobile back on and inches it forward at a slow pace. Nicky jumps on the small back section of the trailer not covered by the crate. They head toward the barns. I race after them, wishing I’d put on a warmer coat before sleuthing.
I don’t even chide myself for that second strike. No go-bag and a coat that definitely wasn’t warm enough. But for once, it doesn’t matter how unprepared I was. As fast as I can, I race after the boys.
I let my mind fill with memories of my unforgettable sixteenth birthday party last year—unforgettable because of how awful it was.
ALONG WITH MY ENTIRE family at the dinner, there were about thirty others from the nearby town. Some women wore modern outfits. A large number of young and old had on traditional Alaskan native clothing. One mother still had on her Caribou skin coat. Her daughter, who clung to her side, had on a similar but smaller coat. The little girl tugged at it, most likely hot. The mother must’ve noticed, because she helped her daughter shrug out of the coat and then did the same with her own.
Everyone mingled, danced to the music, and snacked on the finger foods. Even though my birthday was on Christmas Eve, it’s always celebrated a day or two after Christmas so Dad can focus on delivering gifts to the world. And, so he can get a little sleep once he’s done. Another reason I celebrated it late was because Cole and his family always began their yearly visit right after Christmas.
I tried to be a good hostess and went from group to group, making obligatory small talk. To ease into forcing myself to be an extreme extrovert for the evening, I started with Cole’s parents. Alexander and Dominique were chatting with my mom. I joined in the conversation, making sure to compliment Dominique on her dress.
I glanced at Finn. One couldn’t tell he’s only half Alaskan Native since his father has blond hair and blue eyes. Finn’s dad left Oklahoma to spend a winter exploring Alaska and fell in love with not only the wonders of nature, but Finn’s mother as well.
Finn wore his jean jacket with fuzzy lining, a white thermal top peeked out from the bottom. I was glad he hadn’t dressed formally as I preferred his rugged look.
Our eyes met, and he gave me a wide grin and waved, a clear sign he wanted to talk. I looked away, pretending I hadn’t noticed. It would take a few minutes for me to muster up the courage to go talk to him. Finn’s shaggy brown hair always needed to be pulled back from his face. Instead of tucking a thick strand behind his ear, he ignored the hair.
Cole stood in a corner, avoiding eye contact the entire time. After every third group I visited, I made a pit stop to chat with him. Finally, I’d greeted all the visitors, except the only person I really cared about attending, Finn.
Just when I was preparing to walk over to him, Aurora, Finn’s little sister, approached Cole and me. Aurora wished me a happy birthday. The fifteen-year-old girl from town carried on the conversation about how lovely everyone’s outfits were, not seeming to notice she was doing most of the talking, or rather, all the talking. Although her dress was modern, there wore touches of her heritage, like the silver whale-bone belt buckle and matching charm that hung from her necklace. She was just as tall as her brother and had the same dark brown eyes and thick hair, except hers was ramrod straight.
“If you’ll excuse me,” I said to Aurora, without looking at her. I avoided eye contact with Cole, knowing he’d be glaring at me for leaving him with this chatterbox.
I beelined to Finn. He’d visited Winter Wonderland more frequently since he and Nicky became good friends. That relationship was definitely a strike against him though. However, despite his bad taste in friends, it was time to let him know about my lifetime crush kept secret until now.
“How about some special hot chocolate? It’s one of Winter Wonderland’s best-kept secrets.” I offered him a mug, which he took and sipped immediately.
“Wait!” I shouted. But he’d already pulled the drink back and made a face.
“Wow, that’s hot!” He licked his lips.
“Sorry, I should’ve warned you before handing over the steaming mug.”
We both stood there, blowing on our drinks for the next minute. After clearing his throat, Finn began talking. “So, there’s something I’ve been meaning to ask you.” Finn stared at me.
I nod, not trusting I wouldn’t sound like an idiot.
“Would you...” Finn broke eye contact with me and looked at his drink, then took another sip. Without looking back in my direction, he continued, his tone subdued. “Would you like to hang out with my sister, Aurora?”
“What?” I blurted out before I could stop myself. That was the last thing I thought he was going to say. Then, without thinking, I responded honestly. “I’m not allowed out of Winter Wonderland because of an evil elf.”
I clasped my hand over my mouth when I realized I’d just accidentally shared the big secret. My eyes widened in horror. Would he tell everyone? Would I be grounded for the rest of my life?
Dad has a handful of rules. Some of them I agree with, like don’t go into the caves alone. Some of them I’m not so sure about, like keeping from the people in the nearby town the knowledge that Ebenezer would like nothing more than to sneak into Winter Wonderland to kidnap me and ruin Christmas.
Shouldn’t they be told? Then they could prepare and know to be on guard. However, I promised not to share it with anyone outside of our family, except Cole’s family of course. That’s because they’ve known about Ebenezer from the beginning.
I stared at Finn, wondering if he would believe me if I said I was just kidding. His mouth was wide open. And his expression was fear mixed with concern.
That’s when I decided I disagreed with Dad, at least when it came to Finn. If this boy truly did deserve my affection, didn’t he deserve the truth too? After all, weren’t relationships that succeeded based on the truth?
“Good,” Finn said as he looked away.
“Good? Really? I just told you my life is being threatened and your response is ‘good?’” I took a look at him, wondering if I’d misjudged him all along.
Then Finn chuckled. “Good that you weren’t trying to hurt my sister’s feelings.”
I followed his gaze and saw he was looking at Aurora, who was still talking to Cole. I bit my lip, realizing how close those two siblings were. In all my life, Nicky’s never said or done anything so kind. Aurora was lucky to have such a caring brother.
“I always encourage Aurora to join me when I do the deliveries so she can spend a little time with you. She looks up to you.” Finn’s tone was upbeat, but it lowered as he continued. “Unless you think she’s in danger visiting you.”
“Nope, just the future Santa,” I say.
“And are you in danger here?” He tries to put humor in his voice, but there is a tinge of fear.
A laugh escaped. “Honestly, I don’t even know if my parents are telling the truth. I mean, I’ve never seen the evil elf.”
&n
bsp; Finn shook his head, then looked at his mug before he took another tentative sip of his drink. “So, I didn’t know you were a prisoner here.”
Truth be told, my lack of a relationship with his sister had little to do with Ebenezer the elf. I’d never spent much time with Aurora. And, it was hard for me to know how to behave with anyone outside of my family, except for Cole.
“But why haven’t you ever told me about this before?” Finn faced me.
I frowned. He didn’t ask why Nicky never told him. Why would he have expected me to? I couldn’t read the expression on his face. Concern? Fear? Annoyance?
“You have no idea what it’s like living in Winter Wonderland. Every day it’s Christmas. Just once I wish we could celebrate another holiday. Like Halloween. Or even President’s Day! But no, we have to greet each other with ‘Merry Christmas!’ even in the middle of summer. I should just start saying ‘Aloha’ instead, but I can’t.
And you know why? Because, I’m the next Santa so I have to play by the rules more than anyone else. And I couldn’t tell you or anyone about the evil elf out to get me, because that would cause a panic. But don’t worry because I’ll just remain stuck in this magical place called Winter Wonderland carrying on until I’m too worn out to lift my sack full of gifts. Then I’ll pass on my legacy to my child. Merry Christmas!”
As I rambled, Finn leaned further and further back like I was coughing and contagious. After a chuckle, he stood up straight. “So, you’ve never been outside of Winter Wonderland? Ever?” He took a step toward me and leaned in.
“Nope.” I shrugged my shoulders.
“I’d love to take you to visit...” Finn begins.
“Happy Birthday!” shouted a little girl who looked to be about six. She held up a gift bag.
