Page 48 of Courting the Krampus
Diana: Maaaaaybe…
Natalie: You tease. Love it for you.
Diana: How’s the trip?
Natalie: Eventful. Very, very eventful.
Diana: Details, please.
Natalie: We’re still between places, but when we’re settled let’s have a video chat. I want all YOUR details too.
Diana: Deal.
Chapter twenty-three
Jasper
The sight that greets us when our sleigh enters Pehmolelu is one that my wildest imagination can’t dream up.
“Holy fuck,” Natalie whispers, reflecting my exact thoughts.
Fluffy garlands of pine with strings of golden light zigzag across the main street, ribbons of red drawing one’s eye to the extravagant wreaths at their centers. Each shop front is decorated in the same style, awnings of red laced with green garlands, golden lights and candy-cane ribbons adorning windows and doors.
We’re wide-eyed and awestruck as Merry and Jolly pull us directly toward the gigantic Christmas tree at the top of the street decorated in much the same style. The star on top winks at us, beckoning us closer to the small crowd of elves waiting in welcome.
Before we’re even out of the sleigh, a choir starts up with an a cappella medley of Christmas carols, and I automatically reach for Cole and Natalie’s hands on either side of me.
Everything is beautiful, but it’s also really intense after the calm and peaceful quiet of Puutyöt.
“Welcome to Pehmolelu, dear friends,” a tiny female Christmas elf greets us cheerfully, and perhaps a bit shrilly, once the choir has finished.
At just over three feet tall, the friendly elf possesses an effervescent energy that makes her feel like a giant. Maybe a couple of giants. Her traditional knee-length elvish dress is bright red and green. Elaborate golden stitching stands out starkly on her sleeves, and a fluffy white collar covers her neck. Her pointed hat is bigger than her head, and the jingle bell on its tip is so large it puts the six on my horns to shame.
“Thank you for having us,” Cole says politely. He gestures to the elves standing around the Christmas tree and to the choir. “This is such a warm reception. I’m Cole, this is Jasper, and that’s Natalie.”
The Christmas elf claps her hands and does a couple of tiny jumps before looking back at the other elves expectantly. They echo her clapping and add in whistles and cheers.
When they quiet down she rambles off her plans for us. “We’re so excited to have you here. We’ve taken the liberty of organizing a schedule for you. First, we’ll take you to put some warm food in your bellies, then you can go around and visit some of the shops. You know, do a little shopping, taste the local food. We make the best cookies in the North Pole and you just have to try them.” In a conspiratorial whisper she adds, “Maybe you can boast about them to the other villages. If you like them, of course.” Changing back to her default bright voice, she says, “Tomorrow is all about our workshop and you can each make your own teddies. It’ll give you a great opportunity to see what we do and how it can help the children. Everyone needs a teddy.”
I glance at Cole and scream at him with my eyes that this was not part of the plan. He smiles at me, then crouches down to talk to her. “That sounds wonderful. I’m sorry, I didn’t catch your name.”
“Oh, silly me.” She giggles. “I’m Twinkle Tinselbottom. But you can just call me Twinkle.”
I clear my throat and suppress my smile. Natalie and I do our best not to make eye contact.
Cole continues kindly, “It’s nice to meet you, Twinkle. Is there somewhere we can maybe refresh before the tour starts?”
Thank fuck he asked that. The plug Natalie chose for me is a vibrating one. She and Cole took turns switching it on at random times throughout the journey, edging me all day. I really want to get them in a private room soon so we can take care of my very pressing needs. We weren’t exactly planning on having such a jam-packed schedule as soon as we arrived.
“Of course. There’s a bathroom in the restaurant we’re going to. My mom is the best cook and has been working on her soup all day. She opened her shop in…” I tune the rest of the backstory out and tilt my head at my mates, needing them to do something before Twinkle moves us into the town permanently.
Natalie smirks at me and shakes her head, her eyes implying this is a consequence of my dare last night.
Cole listens patiently to Twinkle’s story, clearly less affected by her high voice than I am. I’m not sure if he’s indulging her in order to prolong my edging or if he’s genuinely interested, but his tone is friendly when he says, “Wow, what a lovely story. I’m starving and look forward to the hearty meal your mother has prepared.” That makes me frown at him because he knows exactly how needy I’m feeling, and now I’m sure he’s just playing with me.
“So, Twinkle. Tell us more about the town. Are you the mayor?” Natalie asks. My mouth turns down at her also joining in on my torture, vowing to myself that I’m going to make her—both of them—pay for it when we’re alone… eventually.
Twinkle giggles, folding in half like it’s the funniest thing she’s ever heard. “Mayor? I wish. But that is the best compliment I’ve ever received. I’m definitely writing it in my manifestation diary. I’m in charge of the welcoming committee.”
