A Christmas Arrangement Read Online Free PDF Page A

because everybody had their specialties.  And occasionally I would accidently see one of the elves or their assistants leaving the gifts on my porch. 
    My next-door neighbor, Sarah made the best fudge.  Before my grandmother died and I inherited her house, she’d shared her fudge recipe with Sarah.  Elves also brought divinity, white chocolate covered pretzels, nasty squares made with candied fruits, caramels, toffee and oh, the peanut brittle.  It didn’t stop with candy.  There were baked goods, like whole wheat bread, cinnamon rolls, brownies (mint brownies that were rumored to be from the top secret recipe of the BYU bakery), chocolate chip cookies and sugar cookies decorated with great panache and an artful hand.  The gifts started sometimes before December even commenced, clear until New Year’s Eve. 
    I approached the front porch salivating, nearly trembling with anticipation and I wasn’t disappointed.  Two packages had been left at the top of my stairs.  One was a paper plate adorned with a smiling snowman, piled with a mixture of candies, the majority being the jellied fruit things.  Fortunately my dad loved them, so I wouldn’t have to throw them out.  The second was a beautiful lime green and Christmas red striped gift bag with tissue paper stuffed in the top.  Inside was a pretty aubergine colored box tied with gold string and sealed with a gold foil label.  I took it inside with the other goodies to get out of the cold evening air.
    I set my treasures down on the coffee table in the living room and searched for some scissors to open the seal.  The phone rang before I could delve into the mysterious and ornate package.
    “Quincy, I don’t believe it,” Allie’s frantic voice came through the phone.
    “Why, what’s wrong?”
    “Nothing’s wrong.  I’m so excited.  I just talked to my program advisor at school and she told me I got in.”
    “Got in?  To what?”
    “I’m going to be on a TV reality show for interior designers.”
    “What?  Like for a group project?” I asked.
    “No, like a real show.  I didn’t tell anyone I sent in an audition tape.  I didn’t think they’d take me in a million years.  I just did it because my advisor said I should.  But she just called me and I got in.”
    “Oh my gosh, Allie.  This is great!  Have you told Mom yet?”
    There was a pause.  “Um…not yet.  I wanted to tell you first because I knew you wouldn’t freak out like she might.”
    “Why would she freak out?  And thanks, for telling me first.  It makes me feel special.”
    She laughed her musical laugh.  “There’s just one little problem I think Mom might not like.  The show will be filmed in L.A.  It’s eleven weeks long potentially, if I don’t get voted off the show.”
    “Mom is not going to be happy about you leaving the nest to live in L.A. for three months.  In her mind you’re still a teenager.”
    “I know.  I’ll have to break it to her in just the right way.”
    “When do you leave?” I asked.
    “Well…” another long pause.  “That’s the other reason I called you right away.  It’s soon.  I’ll have to rearrange some of my classes for the next semester, but my advisor is going to help me with that, and I’ll get credit for being on the show.  The thing is—I’m leaving right after our Christmas party.”
    I’ll admit I’m a selfish person.  The first thing I thought of was the open house.  Allie had become my right hand on the project.  I was truly excited for her though, and I couldn’t let my voice betray me.  “Wow, that’s so soon.  You have a lot to do.  Do you want me to be there when you tell Mom?”
    “Would you?  It seems childish of me, but I’m really worried about how she’ll react.”
    “I totally understand.  This is so great, Allie.  I’m so proud of you.  You’re going to be the best designer on that show.”
    “Thanks, sis.  You’re the best.  I love you.”
    Hearing my sweet