Elizabeth adjusted her long sleeved, spring green velvet, mid thigh length dress that was trimmed with fluffy white faux fur. A matching Santa style hat sat on her barrel curled hair, and green and red horizontal striped stockings covered her legs. She completed the outfit with a large red belt around her waist, and black, ankle high buckled witch's boots that curled at the toes. She pulled some napkins out of the dispenser and blotted her outfit. One of the children had accidentally spilled soda on her, and she was trying to soak up the wetness.
I hope it doesn't stain, she said aloud.
What does it matter Liz,? she then thought inwardly. After this day is over, you can probably burn this costume.
It was Christmas morning, and she had arrived early at the Waldorf Astoria, where the children's party was being held. She twirled in the bathroom mirror, laughing at how silly her plastic elf ears looked. Elizabeth was exhausted. She and her festively dressed coworkers were up to their eyeballs in the task of running after several boisterous children, and with all of their collective energy, Elizabeth wondered if they were doing the right thing by allowing them sugary treats.
Who came up with this idea again,? she said to herself.
Oh that's right Liz. Not only did you suggest and plan this party, you also volunteered to spend your time keeping fifty children happy for a few hours. Now get back out there and do your job!
The party was already in full swing, where various toys, games, delicious foods, candies, and excited youngsters with their parents occupied the hotel's magnificent Empire room. Elizabeth thought of all the trouble she went through to book the room in the first place. After calling several managers, being put on hold for long stretches, and having the phone slammed down on her several times, she finally reached an event coordinator who let her convince him of how good it would look to the public if they allowed underprivileged children to enjoy their hospitality for a few hours on Christmas morning.
Liz,! a woman named Sally, who was dressed as a snowman, suddenly came into the bathroom. She placed her white round head on the counter and leaned against the wall.
I'm beat. One of the kids keeps trying to steal my nose. And he keeps throwing ice cubes at me! He says I'm a snowman, so I should be able to handle it. How much longer?
Maybe half an hour? Elizabeth giggled. We have the place till twelve.
Elizabeth was fond of Sally, who worked as an audio recordist for Cityscoop's television show. What are you doing after this Sally?
I'm meeting my husband at Grand Central, and then we're going up to Westchester.
His family or yours? Elizabeth asked.
His… Unfortunately his. She rolled her eyes. His mother…that woman is a worse mother in law than Endora on Bewitched!
Elizabeth laughed out loud. She can't be that bad.
Sally shook her head. Oh yes she is. And my brother in law has a couple of little demons that he calls his children. I have to sit there grinning and tolerating all of them tonight!
Sally sighed heavily and flipped her curly black hair over her shoulder.
So what about you Liz, what are your plans?
I'm going to Greenwich for the night. And tomorrow, I'm going home to California for a few days.
Greenwich? Well excuse me! Who do you know in Greenwich?
Elizabeth grinned. A very handsome gentleman, who'll be here in about forty five minutes to rescue me from this madhouse.
A madhouse of your own invention Elizabeth. Mike told us you pretty much planned this whole thing.
And I catch you here, slacking off in the bathroom, she joked. And who is this handsome man in Greenwich anyway? Is he your beau,? Sally teased.
Something like that. We're actually eating with his family later.
Oh? Well let's hope you have a better time than I do. My excuse for a mother in law drives me to drink, and I'd even rather go out in the freezing cold to smoke than spend five minutes with her.
She has me wanting cigarettes again… and I quit five years ago!
Liz? Another elf came into the room. It was Veronica, who worked with them as a data wrangler. Oh, there you are, she said. Hey Sally. Where are the balloons? I can't find them anywhere, and the little munchkins are getting impatient.
I'm coming, Elizabeth said. See you Sally. If we don't talk again, see you next year, she promised, putting her arms around the huge girth of the white costume.
See you Liz, Sally returned, hugging her warmly with her huge white arms.
Good luck with dinner, Elizabeth said, as she and Veronica went back to the party room.
Five minutes later, Elizabeth watched as the excited children waited in line for the balloon reindeer that were being constructed by a man dressed as gingerbread.
Elizabeth bit her lip, and scrutinized her surroundings. All of the children seemed content and happy. She had been a little tense at the beginning of the party, worrying about how things would turn out. But she was more nervous about what would happen after the party. She'd be leaving soon to spend the rest of the day with Nicholas and his family. Elizabeth had always liked the Morrows, and she knew they were fond of her. But that was before she was dating their son.
Elizabeth heard a voice behind her.
I can't believe I'm doing this, her boss Mike said, as he adjusted the stuffing in his Santa suit. I've already had three brats pull my beard, one of them punched me in the stomach, and my toes have been stepped on all day. You and your ideas Liz!, he scoffed in annoyance.
It's good for our reputation, Elizabeth tried to placate her boss. Scooping out the Christmas cheer! She giggled.
Ho Ho Ho, Mike rang out, as a girl of about seven ran up to them.
Santa?
Yes?….. Mike gritted his teeth, forcing a smile. Uhhhhh?
Tasha, Elizabeth prompted.
Tasha, Mike said, with the jolliest smile he could muster.
I really love the doll you gave me, but I want a makeup kit too, Tasha pouted.
Oh you do…. do you? Well, ho ho ho. Santa doesn't have one in his sack.
Tasha's pout grew exponentially.
Well how about this Tasha, Elizabeth bent down to the little girl's level. We'll go over there and get your face painted, however you want. Elizabeth pointed to the makeup artists who were busy creating intricate designs on the children's faces. Do you want flowers? Or perhaps a butterfly?
I wanna look like a princess, Tasha demanded, placing her hands on her hips. And I want white hair like yours!
White? You mean blonde?
Yes. And I want to wear a crown too.
Elizabeth snickered. This child was certainly not shy about expressing herself.
OK, Elizabeth smiled. I'm sure we'll find a way to turn you into one today, although we might not be able to change your hair.
She led the little girl to the artists' table, when two children, both boys who couldn't be more than five years old, came up to her.
Elf Liz, can you play cars with us?
The children grabbed both of her hands and pulled her away, but not before Tasha gripped the fabric on her dress and gave both boys a scathing eye. Elf Liz is gonna make me into a princess,! she challenged.
But we wanna play with our new cars! We need Elf Liz to make them work. The boys pulled harder.
Children please, Elizabeth begged as she saw Nicholas at the far side of the room laughing at her. One at a time. Elves only have two hands.
Before she could figure out who to satisfy first, a hand tapped her shoulder. Elizabeth turned around to face her producer Annette, who was dressed as Mrs Claus.
Liz, we're wrapping up in five minutes. Most of the parents are ready to go.
But I want Elf Liz to help! Tasha whined.
Why don't you just leave? Annette whispered in Elizabeth's ear. I see your date has arrived, she smiled, motioning to Nicholas.
You're sure?
Sure I'm sure. You've done more than enough for today and you haven't had time to sit down.
Elizabeth looked down at the two boys, anxiously tugging at her dress.
Mrs Claus, she said, reading the boys' name tags. Can you please put batteries in…. Kevin and Kyle's cars so they'll work? Please?
Ummm, sure kids, Annette said with her cheeriest smile. …..But Santa and I have to go out back and feed the reindeer. And you can play with the cars after you get home.
Reindeer? Kyle said. Can we see them?
Oh boy, Annette rolled her eyes as she walked away with the two children.
I'll see you next year then? Elizabeth called out to her.
Next year, Liz, enjoy the rest of your holiday.
Can we go now Elf Liz? Tasha's eyes were bright and hopeful.
Sure, Elizabeth said with fatigue, as the child pulled her to the makeup table where a woman named Sarah was putting away the various paints and pencils.
Sorry Liz, no more, Sarah said. We have to wrap it up.
But I want you to paint me. Tasha frowned. I want to show my Mom when she comes to pick me up.
I don't think we have time to turn you into a princess, Elizabeth said apologetically.
It's alright, I don't want to be a princess any more, she said, looking at the bright butterfly stickers. I want this instead.
OK, I'll do yours really quick, Sarah promised. You're my last butterfly for today, she smiled at the little girl.
Tasha pulled Elizabeth towards her and whispered in her ear. I know Santa isn't real. But my mom told me not to tell the other kids.
Oh? Elizabeth smiled. Well you're a very good girl to keep the secret.
Elizabeth sighed in relief as Nicholas walked towards her. He pulled her away as Sarah began her work.
Can I get a Christmas kiss? He reached out to hold her and planted a kiss of her forehead.
No, Elizabeth pushed him away. I have ginger ale spilled on my costume. You don't want to get all sticky do you?
I don't care, Nicholas said, pulling her close. If I tell you what I want, will you put in a good word for me to Santa Claus? He kissed her, this time on the lips.
I don't know, Elizabeth said, returning the kiss. Have you been a good boy this year?
Elf Liz has a boyfriend, Elf Liz has a boyfriend. Tasha grabbed a candy cane and started laughing as if their kiss was the funniest thing she'd ever seen if her entire young life.
She suddenly looked at the entrance and saw her mother walking through the door. Within seconds, the little girl was at her side, showing off her painted face.
Finally. Elizabeth sighed with relief, and put her hand on her head.
Nicholas, let's get out of here. We're corrupting the youth, she giggled.
They were nice enough to let us use the staff's room and it has a shower, and I need to make myself presentable. To wash all this sticky stuff off me. Let me just get the key.
You look really cute, Nicholas smiled. Looks like I missed all the fun. I can't wait to see the pictures from earlier.
Elizabeth removed the hat from her head and placed in in the small bag she packed for later. Mrs Wexford had told her that she could spend the night at her home. She put up her hair, took a quick shower and put on the clothes she brought with her.
Is this festive enough,? she thought to herself, as she examined her red sweater and tan flared skirt. Her outfit was simple, but suited the season. She placed some knee high red socks on her feet, grateful for their warmth. The forecast called for below freezing today.
It will have to do. I don't want to dress up like a Christmas tree.
Elizabeth applied some pale pink lip gloss, added a thin layer of her favorite mascara, and then brushed through her hair, leaving the golden curls falling softly at her shoulders. She looked in her small bag, checked that she had everything she had brought with her and went to the lobby to meet Nicholas.
Another kiss? Nicholas smiled as he held Elizabeth's hands and examined her. She planted one on both his cheeks.
Merry Christmas, Elizabeth whispered in his ear. She put on her coat and gloves, ready to face the frigid temperature.
Shall we? Nicholas placed his hand at the small of her back, as they walked towards the front entrance.
This is some hotel, Nicholas said, as he looked up at the ceiling and the elaborate clock in the center of the walkway.
It's beautiful, Elizabeth agreed. Have you ever stayed here?
No, never. We used to stay at the Plaza when I was a kid and we were here in the city.
Nicholas started the engine, and within twenty minutes, they moved out of the city and drove on interstate ninety five towards Connecticut...
