Somewhere between the back patio and the house…we lose Michael. Raul and I open the door to Ms. Fuller’s bedroom, where the computer is…but are stopped in our tracks when we see her sitting there.
Ms. Fuller: May I help you two?
We didn’t want her to know why we were there and we never thought about what we’d say if she was actually in her room or at the computer.
Raul and Alida: *stammers* Uhhh
Ms. Fuller: *suspicious* You two okay?
Alida: Yeah…we just need to use the computer?
Ms. Fuller: For homework?
Raul and I respond at the same time with different answers…
Alida: Yes Raul: No
Ms. Fuller: Well…which is it?
I know that anything we say or do on the computer from that point on would be even more suspicious, so I decide to let it go for now.
Alida: Uh…no. Never mind…we’ll just go watch some TV.
I grab Raul’s arm and drag him out of the room before he says anything to give our true intentions away. We’d have to find another opportunity to solve the mystery behind Ms. Fuller’s scar. As we stand outside of the bathroom…Michael, who’s sitting on the toilet, opens the door.
Michael: Did you find anything guys?
I’m not sure if he really needed to use the bathroom or if he’d chickened out of our mission, but I don’t get a chance to find out because Ms. Fuller soon enters the room.
Ms. Fuller: *as she passes by* Please close the door, Michael! *looks at Raul and I standing there* You two okay?
Alida and Raul: Yes ma’am
We walk over to the tv to avoid looking like two mice caught in a trap. Ms. Fuller brings Darwin out of the bedroom and places him in his highchair. Then gives him a sandwich. I sit there as if I’m watching TV with Raul, but I can’t take my eyes off Ms. Fuller. I’m more determined than ever to find out why she has a scar on her face.
Ms. Fuller announces that it’s time to open presents and my obsession with her scar is temporarily forgotten. We gather around the gifts and take turns opening. Michael, Raul, and I all receive some new toys and a set of new pajamas each.
After the gifts are opened…Ms. Fuller tells us to go change into our pajamas for storytime. The gifts are cool, but I’m hoping there’s a lot more to Winterfest than just that.
As I’m leaving the room, Ms. Fuller picks up one last gift.
Ms. Fuller: *surprised* What’s this?
I want to stick around to see what she got, but I hurry up and change…anxious to see what’s next.
Michael and Raul seem to be just as anxious because we all return to the front room at the same time. We take our places on the couch as Ms.Fuller begins reading.
Ms. Fuller is just finishing up the chapter when all of a sudden…we hear this loud cheerful chuckle coming from outside. Raul, Michael and I are frightened by it, until we see who it is…Father Winter!
Ms. Fuller gets up to put the book away.
Ms. Fuller: Let’s all say hello to Father Winter. *to Father Winter* Thank you so much for coming!
Michael immediately jumps up and greets him.
Father Winter sounds sort of like someone who can’t decide whether they want to laugh or speak. It’s as if he has the funniest joke inside that only he’s aware of.
Father Winter: Hey there! Have you been a good boy this winter?
Michael: *overly excited* Yes! I’ve been very good!
Father Winter: Then I have something very special for you!
Father Winter hands Michael a nicely wrapped gift. Michael grabs it, thanks Father Winter…then immediately rips it open. I can’t tell what it is, but Michael seems very happy with it.
Michael: Thank you! Thank you so much!
Ms. Fuller: Alright Michael. It’s time for bed.
Father Winter sits down on the couch as if he’s done for the evening. Raul rushes over…
Raul: Hey! What about me?
Father Winter: What about you? Have you been a good boy this winter?
I know Raul hasn’t and if Father Winter is everything he says he is…he should know that too.
Raul: I’ve been very good.
Father Winter: Then I have something for you too!
Father Winter stands up and gives Raul a gift. I try not to be too disappointed. I always thought Father Winter was all-knowing like he’s said to be. Unless the definition of being ‘good’ has changed…then he’s lost his touch a bit. Then again…I’m a bit relieved too because I haven’t exactly been the best behaved either…especially since I lied to Ms. Fuller about going to drama club.
After Raul has received his gift and heads off to bed…Father Winter starts walking towards the door.
Father Winter: Well…I guess that’s it for me. Time to head to the next house.
I rush over to him and wave my hand.
Alida: What about me? Do you have something for me too?
Father Winter looks down as if he didn’t see me there the whole time.
Father Winter: Oh! You’ve been so quiet and patient…of course, I have something for you too! But first…I have a question –
I answer before he can get it out.
Alida: I’ve been good!
Father Winter: Yes…I can see that you have.
Father Winter bends over and places a gift gently into my hands. I take my time opening it…doing all I can to cherish the moment. I lift the top and see a toy car…specifically a Banana Bank Heist model van. It’s an interesting choice. I’m not sure whether to be happy about it or not.
Father Winter: Well…I guess I’ll really get going.
I stop him before he can leave.
Father Winter: Yes? What else can I do for you?
I don’t really believe that he’s magic like I used to, but I still hope that he has some sort of power.
Alida: Can…? *slight pause* Can you make sure that my mama has a good Winterfest too? That’s all I really wanted.
I don’t stick around for an answer. I turn and head towards my room…satisfied and full of hope that my wish will come true.
(Generation 1 Chapter Summaries)
