Page 2 of Naughty Elf: Alfie
Why the heck did Santa wink at me?
He claps and everyone settles down. “I want to thank each and every one of you for your stellar service once again. We’ve had an excellent year.”
We all whoop and holler our agreement.
“And I’m sure you’re eager for me to announce my sleigh helper this year.”
My shoulders drop and I scuff the floor of the loading dock with my toe.
“As you may know we’ve been changing traditions around here in #22.Everyone willget a chance to ride with me. But some need me more than others. It’s our time to get to know each other and chat while doing a good job with our deliveries. This year’s helper is Alfie.”
My head shoots up. “Me?!” I point to myself. This can’t be happening. I’ve been bad.
“Yes, you, silly.” Santa grins. “Enjoy the celebration and meet me back here in two hours.”
“Yes, sir!”
A few people grumble around me, and I brush them off. Santa has a plan and if that plan means I get to ride with him this year, then I’m happy. As I make my way to the party hall, a few elves pat me on the back and wish me good luck.
I’m almost too excited to party. There’s all my favorite party snacks, and you know the whole RIDING WITH SANTA!!
I scream internally and bounce around to the beat of the DJ. Two hours come and go in a flash and before I know it, I’m back at the loading bay. The reindeer are already harnessed to the sleigh. They stamp their hooves, no doubt ready to go.
“Alfie.” Santa gives me a warm smile as he enters the bay.
“Santa, are you sure you meant to pickme?” I point to myself again.
“Absolutely.” He scrubs a hand over my head, making my already unruly curls go every which way. “We have a lot to talk about.”
I swallow and nod, not entirely sure that we do. Oh, snowflakes, what if he wants to chastise me for the entire trip? I don’t have it in me to sit through an entire night of lectures.
He must sense my discomfort. “Alfie, breathe for me.” He clamps a big hand on my shoulder.
I nod and do as he asks.
“Grab a set of winter gear. It’s not too awful cold on our route this year with the mild weather, but I don’t want you freezing if you get cold.”
I rush to my locker and grab my gear, then stuff it in a shrinking bag as I run back to Santa.
“Are you ready for the ride of your life?” Santa asks as he holds out his hand to lift me into the sleigh.
I bite off an inappropriate response as I climb in.
“Oh!” I sink into the ridiculously comfortable seat and place my bag with winter gear beside me. A yellow quilt slides up over my knees. A lap bar comes down and clicks into place.
“Don’t want you falling out.” Santa taps the side of his nose and starts calling his reindeer. He only has five, but it doesn’t slow him down. There’s a jolt, and for a few intense moments, it feels like we’re free-falling before the magic takes over and evens us out.
Santa chuckles while I white-knuckle the lap bar.
“We have precautions in place. You won’t fall to your doom.” He pats my shoulder and I just nod.
“It’s one thing knowing that and another experiencing the death defying magic.” My heart pounds so hard I feel the beat in my head.
Another chuckle and Santa shakes a red Thermos at me. “I have hot apple cider and hot chocolate, if you’re interested.”
“No cider for me.” I shake my head. “Gives me the runs.”
Santa snorts. “More for me.” Then hands me a blue Thermos. “It’s mint hot chocolate, if that’s okay.”
