Author's note-
Sorry for being so late. I'll try to get back on track later today!
-SOS
14. Bells
"See you guys at the big holiday parade!" Percy called, slipping on his jacket as he stood with one foot inside the door of their house. "Find some good seats, okay?"
"Bye! See you later," Annabeth replied, waving to her husband. The kids were reading a very interesting book, so they couldn't care less where their father went. Annabeth looked fondly at them before waving again and then shutting the door behind him.
"Are you going to be in the parade with us?" Bella asked. "I don't want to ring the bells alone." This year, the Jackson-Chase family decided to enter a float in the big holiday parade, and their design was Santa's sleigh, because even though they didn't believe in Santa Claus, other kids did, and it was a holiday tradition anyway. Bella's job was to ring the bells while Blackjack pulled the sleigh, and Percy was going to be Santa Claus. Ethan was going to dress up as an elf, but all Annabeth had done was come up with the idea.
"I don't know, honey," Annabeth answered. "Do you have your costume all ready?" This was directed at both of the kids, as Ethan was still sitting on the couch, reading his book. "Ethan, I'm talking to you."
"Yeah?" He looked up. "I laid it out on my bed, Mommy. Should I change into it now?"
"Sure, why not?" Annabeth replied. "We should get going soon anyway."
Bella jumped up too, and grabbed her dress from where it was hanging up in the closet. She then ran into the bathroom while Ethan dashed into his bedroom to change also. They both came out into the hallway at the same time, and Annabeth grinned. It was a good idea, she thought, to have them dress up.
Bella had an off-white dress with a gold sash that matched her gold bells that she was holding. She also wore a gold headband with sparkles. Ethan wore a green jumpsuit, with a red elf collar and red elf slippers. He also had a red and green elf hat.
The best part was when the door opened and Percy came in. He was all decked out in his Santa Claus costume, with the beard and everything. Annabeth laughed and hugged him, just to feel the pillows he had stuffed inside his jacket. "Let's go," he said, holding the door open. "Your chariot awaits."
The parade was a success. Bella rang the bells, and Ethan danced around. Percy laughed "Ho, ho, ho!" for a very long time, and Blackjack even flew a little at request. And everyone congratulated Annabeth on her wonderful family, and amazing idea.
After all, it was the holiday spirit.