The rest of the day was spent in putting up Christmas decorations. Kate from her couch was directing the groups of friends and family which appeared. Martha made glogg and Alexis made more hot chocolate with Card's help. The decorating party was made merry with Christmas Cookies which Martha with help from Jim made. The football game was on and everyone was having a merry old time. Card seemed to be right there whenever Rick needed anything. A tack or a screwdriver it did not matter. She seemed to anticipate what he needed before he knew.
Card reveled in this festive atmosphere. This celebration was new and exciting even though she did not understand any of the significance of what was going on. To her it just seemed like and excuse to party. She remembered looking out her window when the guards would cut loose. At least the firearms in this place are locked up. The guards not so much gunfire would be heard as long as the party lasted. Card thought the guards seemed to like their parties.
It was night once the decorations were strewn across the loft. Everyone looked at each other in anticipation. The tree brought by the boys stood center place. Card was chosen to place the angel on the top. She knew it was an honor but still was confused why. Rick said.
"Let there be light."
Ryan flipped the switches and the various lights came on. It was beautiful. Rick hugged Card. He was proud of what she accomplished. Card for her part stood in wonderment. She and her Dad did this together. She had never done a group project before.
"So Card look what you and I accomplished? Pretty Cool… Huh?" Rick asked.
"Yeah Dad it's very cool indeed. Let's go play with the train now that is runs under the tree and through the village." Card said.
Rick hugged her and followed her lead.
Kate was amazed how well it looked from her perch on the couch.
"Hey Baby Girl do you want a cookie?" Jim asked holding a basket of Christmas cookies.
Kate looked at the selection and she spotted a cookie which was the kind she and her mother would make. A lone tear came to her face. She was still missing her mother after all this time.
Rick looked over at his wife and saw how emotional she was becoming. He thought he would go console her but Jim was there. He had it under control besides he was having more fun with his daughters. One daughter in particular he was making new memories hopefully happy ones. Rick vowed to make sure he gives Card as many happy memories as the sad ones he knew she had to experience in her short life.
Eventually the party ended and everyone packed up and left. The Boys were bickering about the football game. Espo's team won which upset Ryan.
"Merry Christmas" Rick shouted to the departing guests.
"Merry Christmas to you Rick and Family" they all yelled back.
Rick closed the door. Alexis had arrived with her nightly changing of the bandages.
Kate took quick care of it and Card watched.
"Could I do this next time?" Card asked Kate.
"Sure Baby Girl I am sure Alexis would not mind you practicing on her." Kate said.
"Yeah Card it will be fine you can practice tomorrow." Alexis said.
"You promise?" she sent.
"Yeah Card I pinky swear it!" Alexis hugged her sister.
It was late after 10 Card just realized. She was having so much fun she did not notice the time. She looked around the room was not sworn at or even looked at funny. She hugged everyone then headed to bed.
"Mom Card did not go to bed at 8 tonight." Alexis said.
"Yeah I noticed but did you see her freeze when she noted the time?" Kate said.
"Yeah I did. It looked like she was anticipating something not very pleasant. But when it did not come she relaxed again." Alexis observed.
"That poor dear" Martha said. "What kind of treatment did she have to suffer if she broke her curfew?"
"I do not know Martha" Kate said. "Whatever it was…She was not going to like it."
"Well we can speculate all night Come on Martha time for bed." Jackson said.
"Right you are Jackson good night all." Martha said as Jackson guided her up the stairs.
"Good night baby girl your mother would have been so proud." Jim hugged then whispered in her ear.
Kate holding back the tears
"Good night Daddy." Kate said.
Jim kissed Alexis on the head then went upstairs.
Rick said good night to Alexis then picked up Kate and took her to her nightly bath.
Soon the whole household was asleep. It had been a long and happy day.
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Card awoke at 6 her normal time but she was still sleepy so she ignored the time and rolled over and went back to sleep.
Alexis awoke in her chair to the sounds of retching and swearing. Wait she was not supposed to hear. She looked around then got up the looked in the mirror. The bandages were still there. Dr. Berry said it would heal in a few weeks. It was barely one. Yet her hearing a bit muffled but it was there. Well the antibiotic cream must be working she thought.
Kate had finished retching and staggered out to the couch.
"Hello Alexis sleep well?" Kate asked.
Kate noticed Alexis did not have her iPhone with her when she spoke.
"Mom I'm fine wait I'm more than fine I can hear again." Alexis said.
"Well that is wonderful news, Alexis" Kate said hugging the younger woman.
"I can't wait to share this news with everyone I'm so happy." Alexis said.
"That is great Alexis would you mind getting me my breakfast I'm a bit tired. Your siblings awaken me several times last night." Kate said.
"Sure…Mom…Just wait right there." Alexis said skipping into the kitchen.
"Yeah where else would I be?" Kate muttered.
Alexis quickly returned to the living room with Kate's bowl of nuts and berries. Alexis had a bowl of yogurt and granola mixed. They both ate quietly. Since no one else was awake not even Card who normally was the early bird of the family.