The grandfather clock struck 5. It was time for guests to start arriving. The Stanban parents normally did a good job of entertaining the adults, leaving Rue and Ahiru to amuse their peers. It was normally the same set of youths every year.
Mytho and his family were the first to arrive. He greeted his girlfriend with the usual hug and kiss.
"Merry Christmas, my dear." He said.
"Merry Christmas, Mytho." She replied sweetly.
"Merry Christmas, Mytho." Ahiru said. Mytho looked over Rue's shoulder to see Ahiru. "Ahiru!" He said happily, "Look how tall you've gotten! You look so adorable in that pink dress." He patted her head. Ahiru's cheeks flushed with embarrassment. He still saw her as a little girl.
After Mytho would arrive, the rest of the guests would follow in the same order as they did every year. Next would be the very flamboyant Femio. Then the stoic Autor, who would refuse to mingle with anyone. Except on the occasion for Malin, who liked to sit in the corner of the main hall and draw the party guests. Lysander and Hermia often arrived together, as they were a couple. Followed by Freya and her little sister Lillie. Freya was always so calm and collected, which was the complete opposite of her sister. After the sisters would arrive, that would mean Pique wasn't far behind. Pique and Lillie were like fire and gasoline, but the more troubling part was when they would wrap Ahiru up in their mischief!
There's no need to go into details here, but let's just say that wasn't the first grandfather clock the Stanbans owned.
The daughters led the other youths from the parlor and into the main hall. Here there was a large space for everyone to go about their business. Whether it be sitting in one of the nooks along the tall windows to admire the snow or waiting in one of the corners to admire the large Christmas tree in the center of the room, everyone had their place. Off to the far left side of the room was a record player close to the fireplace. As per usual, the first thing Rue did was move to the player and began to wind it up.
(Decoration of the Christmas Tree)
As Rue led the first dance with Mytho, Ahiru followed the usual routine with her guests. Carrying a small tray, she approached Autor and Malin.
"Autor, I brought you some tea." She placed the small cup in front of him. Autor only nodded in approval. 'Always a riveting conversation.' she thought sarcastically. She walked behind Malin to get a better look at her drawing. "Those poinsettias are really pretty, Malin! You always draw flowers so well!"
Malin smiled, "Thank you, Ahiru! I'll save a drawing for you after I finish this one of Rue."
"I'd like that."
As Ahiru walked away, she had to shake off that disappointed feeling of being overlooked for Rue again. She didn't have time to pout for long, because she immediately had to catch herself from falling over as Lillie ran past her. That meant Pique was coming next! Moving quickly, she stepped to the side to let Pique run past her. In her next motion, Ahiru grabbed Pique's wrist to keep her from running into more poinsettias. "Pique, be careful! You and Lillie could break something!"
"Oh come on, Ahiru!" Pique rolled her eyes, "Why don't you come outside with us! Lillie wants to show how she makes a snowman."
Ahiru let go of her friend's wrist, "Maybe later." Pique shrugged and ran off.
Ahiru sighed. 'Same as always.' Still holding onto the tray she made her way to where Femio, Lysander, and Hermia were. Before she could say anything, Femio spoke. "Ahiru! Oh don't you look so adorable!"
Ahiru internally twitched. "Hello everyone. Lysander, I figured you would want coffee by now." She placed the cup by him.
Lysander smiled, which was a rare site. "Thank you, I appreciate that. But I'll take it later. I think we'll go dance."
"Yes!" Said Hermia, "Ahiru, you should come with us!"
"I will in a minute. I still have to play hostess for a little bit longer."
Lysander chuckled, "Looks like you'll have to find another partner, Femio."
Ahiru wasn't sure if Femio was faking or actually felt rejected. The three moved along to the dance floor. Ahiru looked back at the dancers. She watched her sister wistfully as she danced with Mytho. They seemed so perfect for each other. Not to mention, Rue just always seemed so put together. Ahiru sighed and wondered if she'd ever get to be like that. Her eyes wandered over to see Freya sitting by the window. She walked over to her.
"Freya, I'm surprised you're not dancing."
"Oh!" Freya turned to Ahiru, "I will shortly. I just wanted to watch the snowflakes for a little bit."
"You and Lillie sure like the snow."
"Certainly! Especially the snowflakes. Come see!"
Ahiru sat next to Freya as she pointed out the sparkling white snow outside. Freya was right, it was a gorgeous sight to see! Ahiru felt a tap on her shoulder. She turned to see her father. "May I have this next dance?"
Ahiru smiled, "Of course, Papa."