TWO
"Hey, sweetie," Phoebe said when Cole had emerged from his chat with Gerald, "everything okay."
"Yeah, yeah," said Cole nervously. "Can you give me a hand with something?"
"Sure. What's up?"
"What's the matter Cole?" Piper asked. "You seem nervous."
"Well," said Cole, "it seems the firm has a tradition of sorts. You know they have these parties every year. And the most junior member of the firm, meaning me this year, usually has a specific responsibility."
"What kind of responsibility?" Paige asked.
"Uh, well, they are planning on bringing in some of the kids from the shelter later," said Cole. "So the people can see just exactly who it is they're helping."
"That's a wonderful idea," said Paige. "So, what's your responsibility? Are you supposed to go get them or something?"
"No, not exactly," said Cole. "It seems that part of the festivities includes a visit from Santa. He hands out gifts to the kids. Apparently it's a tradition that dates back to when the firm first opened."
"That's nice," said Piper. "I'm sure the kids will love it. So what do you need Phoebe's help with?"
"Well," Cole hedged, "the responsibility I mentioned is playing Santa Claus. It's voluntary, of course, but it's tradition. Gerald just asked me if I'd be Santa for the kids."
"Cole, that's great," said Phoebe. "You have been saying you want to learn to be more human. I don't think you could pick a better way to do that."
"Yeah, but," Cole stammered, "the problem is, I have no idea how to be Santa. As I'm sure you're aware Christmas isn't exactly a major holiday in demonic circles. Oh, I know about all the traditions and stuff. But what does Santa actually do?"
"That's easy," said Piper. "You say 'ho, ho, ho' a lot, you smile, and you ask the kids what they want for Christmas. Oh, first you ask them if they've been good little boys and girls. Then you hand them a present and move on to the next one. Should be a piece of cake even for you."
"She's right," said Phoebe. "Christmas is about giving and sharing. Just treat each child as if they're the most special child in the world. Santa is all about children. They all love him and to him each one is unique and special. Just keep that in mind and I'm sure you'll do fine."
"Just say 'ho, ho, ho, huh?" asked Cole.
"Well, not like that," Paige shook her head ruefully. "You have to put some volume to it. Lower your voice some. Try to make it more of a laugh. Oh, and don't forget to say 'Merry Christmas'. That's a big part of it too."
"Gerald says the kids will be here in about an hour or so," said Cole. "He said I can put on the suit just before they get here. Phoebe, I was wondering if you could help me with this? You guys seem to know all about this stuff and I would really like to make a good impression and get it right."
"Sure thing, sweetie," said Phoebe. "It's really easy, you'll see. A little coaching and you'll be the best Santa they've ever seen."
"Great," said Cole. "I really appreciate it."
"Mr. Turner."
They all turned toward the sound of the hesitant voice to see a young woman standing near them. The small brunette appeared to be about 20 and raised a hand to nervously pat her hair into place although it was in perfect order.
"Oh, hello Sherry," said Cole. "Sherry, this is Phoebe and Piper Halliwell and Paige Matthews. This is Sherry Johnson, one of our legal secretaries."
"Nice to meet all of you," Sherry said quietly. Her face pinkened slightly as she handed Cole a foil-covered plate.
"I made these for you," she said hurriedly. "Sort of a welcome to the firm thing. It's kind of tradition here."
"You guys seem to have a lot of traditions," Piper struggled to keep the amusement from her voice and exchanged a knowing glance with Paige.
"Oh, Mr. Barnes is very big on tradition."
"Why, Sherry, thank you," Cole pulled back the foil to expose a tray of neatly piled brownies cut into two inch squares and laden with nuts. "They look delicious."
"Well, it's also tradition that you eat the first one," said Sherry. "They're very good. They're my specialty."
The girl's color deepened even further at the self-praise.
Awkwardly Cole picked up the top brownie and popped the square into his mouth, chewing quickly. Unwilling to insult the girl by informing her that he didn't really care for brownies with nuts.
"They're very good," he said. "Would you girls like to try one?"
"On, no," Sherry said quickly. "They're just for you. I'm sorry. I don't mean any offense. It's just our way of showing Mr. Turner how much we appreciate him and having him in the firm."
"No offense taken," said Phoebe, smiling. "We understand tradition."
"I'll just put these in my office," said Cole. "I can snack on them during the day. Thank you, Sherry, this was very sweet of you."
"My pleasure, Mr. Turner," the young woman beamed happily.
"I think someone has a crush on you," Paige teased as Sherry moved off to mingle with other guests.
"Nonsense," said Cole. "You heard what she said. It's tradition."
"No, I think Paige is right," Piper grinned. "That look in her eyes and the smile on her face wasn't one of friendship. Better keep an eye on him Phoebe, it seems he has an admirer."
"That's enough," said Phoebe. "Who could blame her? Besides she can't be more than twenty or twenty-one. I'm sure the crush will pass soon."
"Come on Phoebe," Cole said uncomfortably. "We have a few minutes to mingle before I need to change."
Paige and Piper just smiled as they moved off into the group of people.