Waking up from a Dream

Note: Merry Christmas, everyone!

*When Sally opened her eyes, she saw that she was back in her Grandfather's parlor & it was morning. Then she noticed something was missing*

Sally: Nutcracker?

*She saw that she was back in her nightgown & her locket was gone. She started looking around for her Nutcracker. Just then, Maximilian entered the room*

Maximilian: It's about time you got up. I see the mice had a party of their own last night.

Sally: It wasn't a party. It was a war. The Nutcracker was fighting the Mouse King, who shrunk me with his golden scepter!

Maximilian: I've never heard such a story, even from your Aunt.

Sally: It's not a story. It really happened!

*Just then, Elias ran into the room*

Elias: Time to open presents!

*Sally stopped him*

Sally: Elias, did you take my Nutcracker?

Elias: Why would I want him? He's just a hunk of wood.

Sally: You're wrong! He's really a King! An evil mouse was ruling his land. The mouse had a bat.

Maximilian: What's all this foolishness? Perhaps I should send for a doctor.

*Then Aleena entered the room*

Aleena: And this is where I grew up.

Sally: Aunt Aleena, have you seen my . . . *just then, a very familiar hedgehog, wearing a black suit, entered the room* Nutcracker . . .

*The hedgehog smiled at her as her eyes went wide with recognition*

Aleena: Look who I ran into while I was taking my morning stroll. Uncle Drosselmeyer, Sally, Elias, this is Sonic, the nephew of a dear friend of mine.

Sonic: I'm very happy to . . . Meet you.

*He took Sally's hand & kissed it*

Maximilian: Such familiarity. In my day, we would never have -

*Aleena stopped him*

Aleena: I've taken the liberty of asking Sonic to stay for Christmas dinner.

Maximilian: But this is a most -

Sally: Wonderful idea.

*Maximilian went quiet for a moment*

Maximilian: I suppose it wouldn't hurt to have the young man stay for supper.

*He left the room as Sonic & Sally took hands. Aleena then took Elias by the hand pulled him away from the presents under the tree*

Elias: But what about the presents?

*Once everyone was gone, Sonic put the gold locket in Sally's hand*

Sonic: May I have this dance?

*Sally turned to the owl on top of the clock, who's eye twinkled at her. She put her locket on & turned to her*

Sally: I couldn't say no to the King.

*The two of them started to dance around the room. The snow globe now had a miniature version of them inside*

(Abigail's POV)

*Lacey, Sasha, & I were still sitting on the floor of the dance studio as I finished my story*

Sasha: So if Sally hadn't been brave, she never would have found out she was a Princess.

Abigail: That's right.

*Sasha was quiet for a moment*

Sasha: Can you guys help me practice until I know all the steps?

Lacey: Of course.

*She & Sasha stood up & I started the music again*

(Barbie in The Nutcracker - Kelly manages to perform the ballet steps by ovami nyu on YouTube)

*Sasha took a deep breath as she & Lacey started to dance. This time, Sasha was following along perfectly. She even got the step she missed before right. The two of them danced until they ended with a pose*

Sasha: I did it!

*I picked her up*

Abigail: I always knew you could.

Lacey: Me too.

*Lacey & I both gave her a hug*

If you are kind, clever, and brave, anything is possible.