Mary Kendall, A Ghost Story
Snowflake Surprise
Damien was up late decorating the house to celebrate Snowflake day. He rummaged in the storage room over the garage and found the boxes that came with him from Riverview. Four of the ghosts were drafted to help him. Jamie also helped once he arrived home from his ghost-hunting job. Betty kept an eye on Mary to make sure she stayed asleep and didn't come down while they were putting out the decorations. Damien wanted to surprise her. They finished in record time with all of them working and were able to get a few hours of sleep. Damien dressed in a holiday sweater for the day and went downstairs to prepare a nice breakfast for everyone. Flipping pancakes is his favorite part of cooking other than eating them of course. He whistles and hums holiday songs as he fixes the meal.
https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50445296423_45e705c9de_b.jpghttps://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50445988216_e03c158ee8_b.jpgJamie comes downstairs looking pretty fine in a winter sweater. "Happy Snowflake Day! It looks great Damien! Very festive."
Damien walks over to light the fire. He says a silent prayer to the Fates,
'no fires today please'."Happy Snowflake Day to you as well! Thanks so much for helping. We got it done pretty fast working together."
https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50445987661_1250ae2fd7_b.jpghttps://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50445295693_8a266a67c5_b.jpgMary, hearing Jamie and Damien talking floated downstairs. She stopped and stared in wonder at the huge festive tree in the room with gaily wrapped gifts tucked around the tree and the lights twinkling in the foliage.
"It's beautiful! When did you guys do this? You must have been up all night."
Damien smiled at her. "It was a team effort and it didn't take long with all of us working together. We wanted to surprise you."
"I am surprised and amazed and love it. Thank you so much! I remember the excitement and joy of Snowflake day celebrations as a little girl. This brings back many wonderful memories. Thank you so much, Damien and Jamie."
https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50445295538_2e335ee34d_b.jpghttps://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50445987316_ea62eb1ec8_b.jpgDamien had found a few mismatched chairs in the storage room as well as a table. He cleaned them up, and they now had a place for all three to sit and eat at one time. They enjoyed the pancakes and talked about their favorite Snowflake day memories from their childhood while they ate. He asked Mary to invite Emmaline and anyone else she wanted to a gift-giving party that is to start at 1 pm. He has already invited the house ghosts to be present for the party. The three of them play a few rounds of dominoes which they all remember enjoying with their families on Snowflake Day's in the past.
https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50446170167_b8479b3d6d_b.jpghttps://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50445295313_5af349b357_b.jpgEmmaline arrives on time for the party. She thanks Mary for the invitation, and Mary introduces her to Damien. They chat about Mary and Emmaline thanks Damien for trying to assist Mary.
"It is my pleasure to help Mary," Damien replies.
Emmaline, who has the gift of sight stares into Damien's eyes. She nods apparently satisfied with what she observes.
She cryptically informs him, "You must maintain the faith, keep your mind open and follow your heart."
She blinks and tells him she must leave for work, despite it being Snowflake Day. She hands him a card. "Mary told me you required some help renovating the house. Rebecca is not frightened of ghosts or any other occult. Rebecca is a talented builder and artist and would do wonders on this house."
Damien thanks her for coming and asks her to visit Mary anytime. "She needs her friends and considers you a true friend. Emmaline agrees and goes over to say goodbye to Mary.
Damien looks at the card. Rebecca Renovates. No job too small or too big. Fully licensed for all your construction needs. He tucks it into his pocket to call after the holiday.
The house ghosts arrive, and the party is in full swing.
https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50445294763_622031cd25_b.jpghttps://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50445294723_768937b58a_b.jpgIn a short while, it is time to open the gifts. All the gifts were very thoughtful. Everyone enjoyed the laughter and fun of guessing what was inside and opening the packages. Damien had set out a few snack platters and those were soon emptied by the eager guests. Jamie winked at Damien and told the ghosts he was taking them to the festival for the rest of the day. Jamie wanted to give Damien and Mary some time alone.
Betty set her hands on her hips. "You know we can't leave the lot."
"You can if I take your gnomes with us." He and Damien hauled the gnomes to the truck that he borrowed. The ghosts followed and settled in the truck on each other's laps and in the bed of the truck.
They arrived at the festival lot and scattered to enjoy their favorite winter activities.
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