"Mike, can we go caroling?" Peter looked up from the Christmas special he was watching on the television. There were people dressed in Dickens-type costumes huddled together with their faces raised upward, their voices blending together in almost perfect harmony.
Mike looked up from the paper he was reading and folded it. He set it in his lap as he opened his mouth to speak. "Well, Peter, old buddy, I'm --"
"Did someone say caroling?" An upper torso leaned over the balcony upstairs. Micky had just gotten out of the shower, his hair plastered to his head. "Aw, yeah! Caroling will be so much fun! With the outfits, the pleasant people --"
"The free food and voice practice, too!" Davy chimed in from somewhere near the stairs.
"Yeah, Mike, we can bring cheer in to people's lives! Promote peace and love and the spirit of Christmas!" Peter pushed out his lower lip at Mike.
Mike considered this for a moment. "Aw, okay, you guys. But don't complain if you get cold or hungry or tired!"
"I won't, I promise! Let me get the songbooks," Peter set off in excitement towards the closet.
"and I'll get the costumes!" cried Micky as he dashed toward his bedroom.
"And I'll go help Micky." David stated after a look from Mike. Knowing Micky, he'd probably find something along the way that would distract him for hours.
Within the next half hour, the four of them were dressed and ready. Bundled in scarves with top hats upon their heads and Peter and Davy with fake glasses, they set out into the dusky evening.
Noelle Brown sat on her windowbox looking out of her upstairs window. It was Christmas Eve, and her wish still hadn't come true.
She stared out at her front yard -- and all the other front yards in the immediate area -- and imagined how wonderful they'd all look covered in snow.
Noelle sighed. Everyone knows it doesn't snow in Southern California. Especially so close to the beach.
She could hear the sounds of her parents downstairs getting ready for dinner. Christmas would be an intimate affair this year because the flu had struck her father, and they didn't want to risk spreading it to any of their older relatives.
Noelle could just imagine the essay she'd turn in to her English teacher this year. What did I do for Christmas vacation, and how does it reflect America's traditional values?
I did a big hunk o' nothin'.
She leaned her head against the windowpane and let the coolness it held sweep over her. It felt so nice when the house was so warm and stuffy from the baking they had done all day.
She could hear music rise up from downstairs: a Bing Crosby record.
Noelle braced herself.
"I'm dreaming of a White Christmas . . ."
It wasn't fair! She really was dreaming of a white Christmas! Why couldn't there just be some freak weather mistake?
Noelle stood up and opened her window a crack and shut her door. The air felt a little bit colder than it had a few hours before. Maybe it was her wishful thinking?
No, her logical side reminded her. It's because night's fallen, and there's no more winter sun.
She moved to her mirror so she could start getting ready for dinner. Even though they were alone, her mother still insisted on somewhat formal dress. This was one of Noelle's favorite memories of the holidays: the pretty dresses and jewelry she would get to wear. It was a tradition she knew she would continue forever.
This year she was in a red velvet gown that flowed down her body to the floor. The sleeves were flared and it would look perfect with her great-grandmother's pearls.
Noelle had just gotten finished putting her earrings on when she heard them.
She rushed to her window and stared for a few seconds before shutting her window and rushing downstairs.
"Mom! Dad! Carolers! They're coming! Isn't that great?"
"Noelle, darling, show down! They're still a house away," her father called from the sofa.
"May I invite them in? When they come?"
"It depends on who they are, Noelle. You understand," replied her mother.
Noelle opened the front door and leaned against the frame, watching them make their way down the street.
"It came upon the midnight clear, that glorious song of old, from angels bending near the earth, to touch their harps of gold . . ."
Her heart sang was they came up the walk. It was one of her favorite carols.
When they stopped in front of the steps, Noelle could feel her parents presence behind her. She turned to look and could see that the smiles on their faces reached their eyes. She was so happy that they were pleased.
As the boys finished the song, her mother rushed forward. "Please! Please come in! You're the boys Mrs. Purdy was talking about, aren't you? The ones who kept up her house for her when she was ill? She couldn't stop talking about you this last week when were were playing bridge. Yes, you're the very images of how she described you --"
"Dot, give these boys a chance to speak for themselves before you decide to adopt them!" her father laughed.
Noelle moved back inside as her mother led them in. She smiled at them as she took their hats and outwear amid various "thank you's." Maybe she would have an exciting Christmas; they all were very handsome, but the shortest attracted her attention the most.
"I've got to get back to the turkey, excuse me. No one wants a burnt turkey for Christmas!" Noelle's mother rushed off back into the kitchen.
"Have a seat, boys," her father ordered. He then turned his head and coughed. "Sorry about that, I'm ill. Flu season, you know. But you're all fine, healthy young men, you should be able to handle it. I'm Mr. Brown, by the way, and this is my daughter, Noelle."
Noelle smiled at each of them in turn as they gave their names.
"I'm Mike, sir, and that's all right. Peter here got sick a while ago and gave it to the rest of us."
"And I'm Micky. That was sure great of you guys to invite us in, some people have downright ignored us tonight."
"I'm Peter! Can I look at your Christmas tree? I promise I won't do anything to it." With her father's nod, he stood up and made his way to the corner of the room where the tree stood.
"I'm Davy. It's a pleasure to meet you both."
There was a short silence before Noelle interrupted.
"Would you boys like anything to drink? We have cider and coffee, and I know there's some tea around somewhere . . ."
"Cider is fine, thank you," said Mike, and with three agreeing nods, Noelle headed off to the kitchen.
"Dinner's almost ready, dear. Could you ask those boys to stay? I daresay they'd enjoy the invitation more from you --"
"Mother!"
Her mother's laugh range out in the kitchen like bells as she handed Noelle four mugs with cinnamon sticks in them. "Go on, Noelle. It'll be about five minutes."
When Noelle rejoined hte group, they were in a discussion about England.
"I came from Manchester. I decided to come find my fortune in the Land of Opportunity."
"Ah, yes. I was stationed in England during the later part of the war. The rural areas are beautiful."
"They are indeed, sir," Davy replied as he turned his attention to Noelle. Her father had engaged in a conversation with Mike and Micky. Peter was now looking at all of their Christmas decorations.
"Thank you, love," Davy had just taken his mug from her. "I would love it if I could have the pleasure of your company."
"Just a moment," she turned to the center of the room and announced, "We would love it if you would join us for Christmas dinner. We won't take no for an answer."
Peter turned away from the hand painted Santa-and-reindeer model on the fireplace mantel. "Really? Wow! thank you so much! A real Christmas dinner!"
Noelle handed him his mug of cider and moved toward Micky and Mike. Her father got up from his seat on the couch and stretched. "If this is so, then I guess I'd better go pull out a few more chairs."
"I'll help you, sir." Peter followed him out of the room.
"We really appreciate this, ma'am," nodded Mike as she handed him and Micky their mugs. "But are you sure you'll have enough?"
"My mother is a firm believer in leftovers for a week," smiled Noelle, "Besides, from the way Peter sounded, I take it you're really starving musicians?"
"Will work for food signs and all, doll. I think the only reason Mr. Babbit has kept us for so long is because last time he tried to evict us --" Micky started giggling and had to pause, "Last time, right as he was throwing our stuff out, another band came along with these wild guitars and hair. You should have seen him fumble over his words!"
"Yeah, 'e was pretty quick to throw our stuff back inside!"
"I could see he was having premonitions of being up all night to blasting music," laughed Mike.
"That had to be the first time he's treaded us nicely. Well, except for the time that Micky was dressed as a woman!" Peter chimed in as he returned.
Noelle opened her mouth to ask about that situation, but was interrupted by her mother.
"Dinner's served!"
The boys all jumped up and followed Noelle into the kitchen, their stomachs leading them more than their minds.
When they had all seated themselves, Noelle's father started the meal.
"Dot, would you please say grace?" And as they all bowed their heads, Christmas dinner began.
An hour later, Noelle's mother was piling extra food into the arms of Mike and Peter.
"Thank you, Mrs. Brown. You've made our Christmas one of the best ever!" Peter absolutely beamed as she slide half a pumpkin pie into his arms.
"Oh, don't worry about it, dear. Just spreading the Christmas cheer!"
"Ma'am, at least let us sing one more song for you before we go." Mike started toset down all the plates he had in his arms.
"In payment?" Micky finished.
Noelle's mother didn't have a chance to reply before Davy started.
"The first Noel, angels did say, . . ." Davy winked at her as the others joined in.
Noelle was in heaven. This was her song -- one that she had always felt proud of ever since she was a little girl.
Her mother rushed off to find some more bags for them to carry their load in, and her father was at the back of the house getting some more firewood. She was left alone with them as they sang.
By the time they had finished, Noelle's mother had returned and had everything packed properly for them to carry home.
"Now, you boys take care of yourselves. I'll be checking in with Mrs. Purdy every once in awhile, . . ." warned her mother.
"We will, Mrs. Brown," replied Davy, as he retrieved his coat and hat from the pegs by the door.
"Mom, I'll walk them to the sidewalk," Noelle said as she rushed outside. If she hadn't, her mother surely wouldn't let her.
As the boys joined her, she felt perfectly full and joyous. "I can't thank you guys enough. You made my Christmas special. I thought it was going to be a real drag before I saw you guys coming."
"Eh, it was nothing. To tell you the truth, we wouldn't be here if Peter hadn't suggested it," Micky laughed and tipped his hat to her as they started to set off down the walk.
"Err . . ., Noelle, may I speak to you for a minute?" Davy asked.
She nodded and he took her hand, leading her off underneath one of the trees in the front yard. "Don't wait up for me, guys!"
"We weren't going to, Jonesy!" shouted Micky, as they were already a house down the street.
Davy laughed as he turned back to Noelle. "So . . ."
"So . . . ?" she continued.
"So, do you think that I can see you again?"
"Oh, I don't know . . .," smiled Noelle, teasing. "It all depends if you come singing up my walk again."
"Good heavens," Davy said, raising his eyes to the sky. He paused for a moment and his eyes glittered mischeviously. "I think I can arrange that."
"You mean it? You want to see me again?"
"If I didn't do you think I'd be here, or walking back up the street with them?"
"Point taken," Noelle smiled as she wrapped her arms around herself.
"It is a bit nippy out here, in'n't?"
"Yes, a bit . . . well, goodbye, Davy. I should get back inside before I get sick, too. Then you'll never get to see me again!"
"Just a moment, love, . . ." Davy grabbed her hand and looked upwards again. "What a surprise. Mistletoe!" He pulled her close and wrapped his arms around her.
Noelle couldn't help but melt into him. Her head was spinning. She was going to get her first kiss, her first real kiss . . . "Yes, indeed, what a surprise . . ."
Davy moved his hand to her chin and tilted her face up to his. "Merry Christmas, darling," he murmured before placing his lips on hers.
Noelle was on cloud nine. This all feels so much like a dream! Oh my gosh . . . Before she knew it, the kiss was over.
They held each other's gaze for a moment before Noelle leaned her head against him, giggling.
"I hope it wasn't that funny," he smirked, as he wrapped his arm around her should and they started walking back toward the pavement.
"No, no, it's just . . . I'm so happy." Noelle stopped him when they reached the sidewalk. "I guess I'll be seeing you soon."
"yes, of course," agreed Davy.
It was then that Noelle felt something wet upon her neck. And her hand. And her forehead.
Noelle looked up and gasped in surprise.
"Davy! it's snowing!"
"What?" He looked up, too, and a snowflake landed on his nose.
Noelle could not contain her excitement. She ran around, twirling and swinging her arms. It was too good to be true.
"Noelle!" Davy laughed. "Be careful! Don't hurt yourself!" He ran over to her and hugged her.
"Davy, I can't believe it! This was my Christmas wish! It came true!"
They stood together, letting the snow fall on them.
"Isn't it amazing?" he asked.
Noelle nodded. "Davy, somehow I feel like I was meant to share this moment with you."
"You too?"
She giggled and he kissed her forehead.
They remained that way, standing together as the snow fell around them until Noelle's mother and father came outside. They, too, had a small celebration and if you were to look upon the scene at that moment, you would see two happy couples embracing with the moonlight shining upon them.