Lee grimaced at the costume hanging in the closet. Had he really
volunteered to help out at the charity Christmas spectacular? Yes,
he had. The entire family had decided to participate. But why had
he told them he'd be whatever character they needed, instead of
picking out his own outfit? Because he had no idea what he expected
or what he was getting himself into. It wasn't something he'd ever
done before. Oh well, it's better than some of the other
possibilities he could've been given to wear. At least he didn't
have to wear a pair of tights.
He picked up the toy rifle and pointed it. Not bad. It did look
realistic enough. He just wished he didn't have to wear the make
up. Those red circles on his cheeks were going to look comical, but
then every toy soldier sported the same look and uniform. He'd be
one of several.
If anyone had told him five years ago, he'd be playing a toy soldier
standing attention at the entrance to the North Pole, he'd have said
they were insane.
"I'm ready." Amanda called from behind the closed bathroom door.
He wondered what costume she'd been assigned. She'd spirited it away
when she got home and told him she wanted to model it for him. He
hoped she was a sexy Mrs. Claus.
"Close your eyes."
Eyes closed he heard the door open and the sounds of bells tingling
as she walked into the room.
"I'm ready."
Lee opened his eyes and saw his wife. "What are you wearing?"
"My costume. Silly."
"What are you?"
Amanda smacked his arm playfully. Bells jingled. "I'm one of
Santa's elves."
He had to admit Amanda looked cute in her bright green tights,
matching tunic top that had points on the hem with little bells
attached. And the shoes with roll up toes had a bell attached to
each point. Then there was the pointed cap with another bell on
top. He just wished there weren't so many blasted bells.
End
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