“Do you think Ellen believed us?” Melissa asked as she slid into the passenger seat of Jason’s Mustang. “About the tux thing, I mean. For a boy, you really did look sooo pretty that night.”

“You decided to drag me out of the house dressed like a floozy in a fancy dress.” Jason groaned, trying not to laugh...

“Everyone said we were like the cutest couple.” She suddenly stopped and cleared her throat. “Anyway,” she trailed off, “You don’t really have to take me to dinner tonight. I just wanted to get you out of there before Mike slipped up again.”

“No, it’s fine Mel. I want to,” he answered as he started the car, squeezing her shoulder before he backed out of the driveway. “it’s been since graduation, and I want to catch up with what you’ve been doing.” Jace smiled at her..

Melissa smiled brightly at that. “Well, you already know the boring stuff about me and Berkeley. I also took a photography class on the side, you know, just for fun. My roommate’s driving me crazy, though,” she trailed off and sighed, but then she smiled at Jace. “What about you, girl? Other than the Gamma Phi girls breaking your door down?” She tried not to giggle.

“Oh you know, this and that with my bio chem classes. We had a major lab assignment for our final. It was extremely exciting,” Jace practically giggled..

“You really like Bio chem, huh?” Melissa asked, grinning. “I can’t settle on just one science. I guess when I have to it’ll be something Chem though. I’d love to work for Dow or something.”

“Maybe we can open our own Pharm research company if you get good enough?” Jace grinned as he pulled up to the italian restaurant in town.

Melissa giggled. “God I love this place! I haven’t been here since graduation though. I hope they still make their bread sticks from scratch!” she cheered happily

“I figured i’d bring you here again.” Jace grinned, “It’s nothing fancy, but atleast they make good food.”

“Girl, I’ve been living on McDonalds and ramen for the last six months. This place is going to be a feast,” Melissa teased as she slid out of the car. She rushed ahead of him just a bit to get the door, holding it open. She was always doing silly things like that, at least for Jace. Jace just rolled his eyes, giving her shoulder a playful shove.

“You know you love me,” Melissa giggled.

“We wouldn’t have been friends for so long if I didn’t,” Jace teased back.

“Hi, may I help you?” the raven haired girl at the counter asked, but then her eyes widened. “Oh my God, Mel and Jacie! When did you get back?!” she bubbled. It was Jennifer Bunny, one of Melissa’s oldest friends.

“Oh hey Jennifer! We just got back today,” Melissa answered for Jace and herself. “When did you start working here?”

Jennifer giggled. “A few months ago. It helps pay the bills while I’m doing the community college thing, plus I get all the pasta I can stand. The boss says I’d make a great pizza chef if I keep practicing, but Mom wants me to consider the family business too; that’s neither here nor there though,” she bubbled over with cheer. “What can I get you, girls?”

“Those homemade breadsticks for starters.” Jace replied, and then grinned. “And I’ll take a diet coke; got to watch my girlish figure,” he added, winking at Melissa, who did all she could to keep a straight face, until Jennifer answered, anyway..

Jennifer rolled her eyes. “Please, girl. I don’t know why you never went out for cheer with your figure! Coming right up! Vanilla coke for you Mel?” she added with a grin.

“Yeah sure I love Vanilla coke.” Mel giggled quietly as Jennifer walked away and leaned over to Jace, “She’s one of the girls that always thought you were really a girl.”

Jace’s cheeks turned crimson, and he sighed a little. “Yeah, well, it was pretty much confirmed once they all saw me in that prom dress.” His smile turned up a little though, “But it made them all happy to see me “not dress like a boy for one night”, so it was worth it I guess.”

Melissa giggled, “You know how many of the girls came up to me and told me it was about time I got you out of your shell that night?”

Jace laughed quietly. “Wouldn’t have been so bad if I hadn’t had like, six guys ask me for a dance. Honestly I didn’t think security would even let me in the door.”

“As I said to you once before Jace, have you ever really looked at yourself in a mirror?” Melissa smiled. “You really do look like a girl.”

“Sometimes I do wonder, Mel...” Jace trailed off as Jennifer emerged from the back with a still-steaming basket of bread sticks.

“Sorry for the delay. We had um...” she giggled. “Minor technical difficulties. Here ya go.” She set the basket on the counter, and then a moment later, set their drinks down. “This one’s on the house since you guys are like my best friends in the world. Just let me know if you want anything else!”

“Thanks Jennifer,” Melissa answered cheerfully. “We should hang out while Jace and I are on holiday.”

“I’d love that. I’ll stop by your houses soon anyway. I got you guys Christmas goodies!” she bubbled.

Melissa grunted as they walked away,, “I hope not, last year she gave me an easter basket for christmas.”

Jace laughed under his breath. “She gave me a porcelain Easter egg with my name in calligraphy letters - in pink,” he admitted, as he carried their bread basket to their old booth. After setting it down he settled in, watching Melissa as she sat, before taking one of the bread sticks.

His stomach rumbled. He could already smell the garlic, and his mouth was watering.

“God these smell so good,” Melissa giggled, picking one up and shoveling a full quarter of it into her mouth in the most unladylike manner she could manage - and choosing to ignore the odd stare from other diners.

“You should consider dressing like a girl more often though,” Melissa said casually, as if she were suggesting a new brand of toothpaste and not some life altering decision. “You look kinda hot,” she added thoughtfully, while trying not to reveal her real feelings.

No one in school ever figured out she was lesbian, even despite how close she was to ‘Jacie’. If Jennifer suspected, she never showed any signs of it. The hard truth was, she had it bad for Jace because he was so feminine. But she couldn’t tell him that. He’d never forgive her.

“So I think I’m going to have the meatball pasta thingy I had for Prom, speaking of which. How about you?” Jace asked.

Melissa suddenly giggled at nothing in particular. “Oh, yeah that sounds really good. Me too.”

As if on cue Jennifer strolled up to their table. “Hey guys, can I get you anything else?” She winked at Melissa.

“Jeeze Jen. You always did have ears like a rabbit,” she teased. “We’ll have the meatballs and pasta. Oh, extra parmesan on mine please.”

“No parmesan on mine,” Jace commented, “That last time I tried that stuff it made me sick.”

Later on that night Melissa went past her parents office, only to hear raised voices inside. It sounded like her dad and mom and someone else.

“Nick for gosh sakes you really need to talk to Jack! He won't listen to anyone but you, and you know it.” the males voice commented.

“Yes, I know. He’s just trying to protect her. I’d probably do the same for Melissa.”

“Yeah, but the world needs the power of winter again. Things are melting in the flippin north pole for gosh sake!” For some reason the voice seemed like he was trying to swear but it just wouldn’t come out.

“It’s not healthy for her either,” Melissa’s mother added. “The poor kid’s so confused she actually still believes she’s a boy even despite that wretched spell almost completely wearing off. I mean, you saw her last year, dear, in that darling dress Melissa picked out for her. And the magic’s only weakened since then.”

“I know, but we all agreed that it was best for her, after Jack begged. It wouldn’t be right to force this on her now. Maybe the spell won’t break.” Nick commented.

Melissa’s mom suddenly opened the door. “Melissa sweetie, it’s not nice to eavesdrop,” she scolded, even as she smiled at her daughter.

Melissa frowned sheepishly. “Sorry Momma. I heard yelling. What’s going on?”

“Mr. Bunny and your father are talking about Mr. Frosts daughter,” she replied simply.

Nick turned to his daughter at that moment, “Melissa, come in. We have some things to explain to you as well.”

Melissa quietly stepped inside. She hadn’t looked that guilty since she accidentally dropped the ceramic cookie jar when she was seven. “So I was right about Jace?”

“Somewhat dear, yes you were correct that Jace was a girl, but her birth name is Jane, not Jason; his documents are forged,” Nick sighed, “But what I need to tell you is important, and doesn’t leave this room ok sweetie?”

“Ok daddy,” Melissa answered hesitantly, but nodded her affirmation. She looked like she had a lot of questions, but seemed willing to let her father and Jennifer’s dad say what they needed to say without interrupting them.

“You know my name is Nicholas Claus.” He paused only a moment to let that sink in before continuing. “Well, what I’m trying to say is, I am Santa Claus.” He smiled jovially. In fact, he always seemed quite jolly. Melissa had never seen him frown, but this was pure madness..

Melissa frowned, rushing closer. She gently took his hand, checking his pulse. “Mom, call the paramedics. I think dad’s having a stroke!” she said quite seriously. “I knew all those damn cookies would catch up with you some day,” she mumbled.

Harvey, Jennifer’s father, had been quietly waiting for Melissa’s reaction and couldn’t hold in his laughter. “Mel, sweetheart, your dad’s just fine. Haven’t you ever wondered how an overweight guy like him can still jog ten miles without breaking a sweat?”

Melissa blinked, slowly shifting her gaze from her father to her best friend’s father, to her mother. Each gave her an affirming nod. Her knees wobbled a little, and she sank into the nearest chair, staring blankly.

At that moment two small elves burst through the door, “Santa!” the blonde one exclaimed

“Problems at the workshop!” the red headed one exclaimed.

They both stopped and looked at Melissa and then to Nick, stating in unison, “Oooops; sorry sir!”

Melissa slowly stood and approached the pair. She walked around them once, and then shook her head. “I knew I should’ve listened to Jace about the parmesan. Or maybe I hit my head getting out of her car.”

Nicholas laughed deeply. “It’s alright, you two. I was just telling her our little family secret anyway. What’s wrong at the workshop?”

“James keeps saying he wants to go on strike because of the snow issues.” They both tried to explain to Nick at once.

Nick exhaled softly. “Oh dear. I’ll stop by Jack’s on my way. This can’t go on any longer, I’m afraid,” he sighed, turning to his daughter. “Melissa, dear, would you like to come see where your dear old dad really works?” he asked with a jovial grin. “Might as well have some good come of this.”

“Sure whatever, if you are really Santa then you can whisk me off to the north pole, otherwise I’m just dreaming.” Melissa sighed.

“That’s the spirit,” her mother said cheerily as she gave Melissa a hug. “But put on your good coat, dear. It’s going to be freezing up there!”

“But I don’t have-” Melissa started to argue, when suddenly she found herself wearing a fluffy white fur coat.

“Now then, shall we be off? You two take care of my little girl. Show her around, make her feel at home, ok?” Nick said, and the elves giggled as they each took Melissa by the hand.

Just before the room began to fade, Jennifer’s dad grinned, reaching up to pull off his hat. For a moment, Melissa swore she saw long rabbit ears pop up. She shut her eyes tight.

The three of them appeared quickly into a large room full of other elves. As Melissa slowly opened her eyes, her jaw dropped. A modern facility greeted her, yet at the same time it almost looked like a ‘My First Christmas’ playset.

“Welcome to the North Pole.” The blonde elf smiled cheerily. “I haven’t introduced myself properly. I am Misty.”

The red headed elf giggled. “And my name is Tamara.”

Most of the other elves had stopped whatever they were doing - some making simple toys, others programming complex electronics, to stare at Melissa. She blinked a couple of times and then looked down at her guides.

“Everyone, you remember Melissa Claus?” Misty said tol the other elves.

One of the elves, who looked to Melissa like she couldn’t be more than eight or nine years old, was dressed in a floor length gown and carrying a silver mug of some sort of steaming liquid, and approached the pair. “We thought you were going for the big man?” she asked in a voice that matched her appearance perfectly. She smiled up at Melissa nonetheless though.

“We did, but he had to go talk to Jack first, and thought it would be a good idea for Melissa to come here with us.” Tamara announced.

“Would you like some hot cocoa dearie?” the elf asked, offering her mug. “It’s fresh, with a dash of cinnamon, just like you used to like it when you were a wee girl,” she added with a wink.

“This place is huge,” Melissa whispered as she looked around, but suddenly turned back to the elf. “What do you mean like I used to like?”

A chorus of giggles erupted from the elves across the workshop. “You don’t remember any of this, do you? I suppose it’s no surprise living in the mortal world for most of your life. Your Dad brought you here when you were little - about three, I think?” she asked, glancing at Tamara and Misty for confirmation.

“Yes, I think that’s right,” Misty answered.

“She’s really grown!” Tamara giggled. “But Santa asked that we make her feel welcome, and that’s what we’ll do.”

Melissa took the offered mug and took a sip as another blonde elf came up to Melissa. “Care for some cookies? They are fresh out of the oven!” she was quite bubbly and reminded Melissa of a young Jennifer.

“This can’t be a dream,” Melissa finally giggled out. “I’ve never been treated this nicely by my own imagination. Yes, I’d love some thank you.”

The elf bounced over to a plate on one of the tables and brought it over, almost dropping it twice. “Oh cracker snacks. I’m sorry,” she exclaimed as she dropped the plate finally at Melissa’s feet.

Melissa knelt to pick up the plate with one hand, trying not to giggle. “It’s ok.”

A taller elf, male, came up to them, looking rather cross. “Misty, Tamara, and you clumsy youngling, why aren't you working?”

Melissa frowned at the elf. “Because Daddy told them to show me around while he talks to my friend’s dad, Jack.”

The elf looked Melissa over critically, and then smiled as he curtsied, “I’m sorry Melissa. I didn’t recognize you. Its been ages since you graced us with your presence,” he said with a jovial smile that only looked a little forced. “Ok, you three, you’d best do as the boss man commanded and make sure she had a good time while you're at it!”

Melissa snorted quietly, whispering, “Who jammed a candycane up his chimney?” She couldn’t figure out why, but she felt compelled to hug the young, clumsy elf, and knelt to put her free arm around her.

“Oh thats Erich. He’s the elf in charge when the boss man isn’t here.” Misty explained, “At least he’s nicer than James.”

“That wasn’t James?” Melissa groaned, and in a moment of pure amusement to the elves within earshot, perfectly mimicked her father with an exasperated “Oh dear.”

“Oh no, James is an asshole. He would have told us to get to work, and then made you work too,” Tamara sighed.

“Wow. I never thought of elves as being capable of swearing. … Then again my only source on you guys was those tacky 1980s Christmas specials that they still air every year,” Melissa added with a giggle. “Misfit toys and a dentist and stuff.”

Misty and Tamara both giggled then Misty said, “They do us no justice, but yes and no on the swearing. We can swear until Santa comes to the Workshop. That’s the standing rule.”

“Same at home,” Melissa giggled. “The only time I’ve ever sworn around my parents was that time Dad’s bowling ball rolled off on my foot. Then they both learned I could swear.”

The clumsy elf tripped on her feet as the three of them walked to one of the doors. “Ginger Snaps!” she exclaimed.

Melissa giggled quietly. “I thought Mom said it was going to be cold here, but it’s really nice.”

“You haven't been outside yet,” Tamara advised.

“And met the reindeer yet,” Misty finished.

“Oh, shoot. I forgot to bring an apple for Rudolph,” Melissa said half-jokingly.

“That’s ok!” the younger elf exclaimed, “I’ll go get you one for her!” she announced, running off.

“Wow. Rudolph’s real? So like, what’s the deal with the nose? Am I going to have to try not to stare?”

Misty giggled, “That’s just a story. Her nose doesn’t glow, but she’s a damn good tracker. Oh, a warning Melissa, since you haven’t been here in a long time: the reindeer do talk and they don’t pull your fathers sleigh. In fact he doesn’t need a sleigh anymore. They used to back when the world was smaller but not anymore, so now they just relax and play all day.”

“Hey, that brings up another question. Actually I’ve got several, but I have to ask the one question like, EVERY kid ever has asked. How the hell does he get around all in one night? Does he like, freeze time or something?”

Misty giggled. “Magic! He’s got the ability to travel anywhere instantly. He only visits those on his list, too. Lately his list has been growing though. A few years ago it was shrinking.”

“I’m surprised he even bothers with how few people believe anymore. I mean, no offense, but I stopped believing in this stuff when I was in the second grade. I’m still having trouble believing magic and elves are real, or that my dad’s really Santa,” she added hesitantly. “But as a science major, I can’t deny the physical evidence - just rationalize it.”

Tamara grinned, “You don’t have to believe in Santa for him to be real.”

“You can believe a hot stove isn’t real all you want,” Misty added, “But it’d still burn you if you put your hand on it!”

The elves and Melissa giggled.

“Hey, do you guys know anything about my friend Jane?” Melissa asked. “Dad was in the middle of talking to another friend, Jennifer’s dad about her, and I only got bits and pieces... I’m worried about her.”

Tamara looked over at Misty, and Misty nodded, then picked up, “Jane is Jack Frosts daughter. There is a huge prophecy about her and that she will bring back winter.”

“Jack Frost,” Melissa echoed. She literally brought up her hand, and smacked her palm to her forehead. “Oh my God. I can’t believe I never got that. But why put her through all this? You have no idea the kind of torture I’ve put her through, and I’m her best friend,” she giggled quietly.

“There are forces that don’t want her to exist,” Tamara answered ominously.

Tamara opened the door to the outside as a large male elf entered pushing past them rudely, “God forsaken deer. You three! Feed them before I eat them!” he grumbled as he went inside.

“How does a surly prick like that become an elf again?” Melissa asked, assuming she had just met James.

“That’s James, and yeah I agree he is a prick, but you are just born a elf. Doesn’t always mean you're nice.”

“Heh. Kind of like a certain dwarf,” Melissa giggled.

“You mean Grumpy?” both elfs giggled, “He’s always grumpy, but not in a bad way. He’s come around here a few times to help Santa.”

“He’s real too?!” Melissa gasped. “I’m... not... really dreaming am I?” she finally admitted. “This is just way too real. Wait, um, does this mean I’m … magic too?”

“Yes. You, Jane Frost, Jennifer Bunny, and some others live in the real world, but the rest still live in the Story-book realm.” Tamara answered, “The workshop exists between both worlds.”

“This is so cool. I wish I could tell Jane. Hell, I wish I could tell Jane she really is a girl. I mean, she’s fooling no one but herself. And she is soooo cute.” She suddenly stopped herself, blushing.

“If your father is going to go talk to Jack, I’m sure that she will know soon,” Misty advised. “Poor girl. This is going to be a lot for her to handle. She’s definitely going to need friends.”

Melissa nodded. “Jen and I’ll be there for her. I mean... Can you keep a secret?” she suddenly asked.

“Yes but you’d best hurry. The little one’s on her way back, and she’s a blabber mouth,” Tamara giggled.

“It’s just, I’ve had feelings for Jane since we first met. I even asked her to prom hoping she’d take the damn hint. But I’ve put my feelings for her aside for the sake of our friendship this long, so I can do it a little longer.”

“Don’t wait forever. I almost lost Tamara because I was shy.” Misty giggled.

Melissa’s jaw dropped. “Wait... You mean you’re... I mean...” she stumbled over her words. She couldn’t fathom what she was hearing. “Nobody where I’m from knows I even like girls, least of all Jane,” she sighed. “No, that I love Jane. I’m crazy about her.”

“Aww, you should tell her!” the young elf bubbled happily, just before she tripped and tumbled arse over ears. The basket she was carrying miraculously only lost one apple, which rolled to a stop at Melissa’s foot. Melissa blushed, but giggled a little as she picked up the apple, offering it to the little elf.

“You know what? You’re right. I should just tell her. But I don’t want to lose our friendship - and friends are what she’s going to need. I’ll just … tell her the truth, and then tell her I’m her friend first.”

“Sounds like a plan,” Tamara answered cheerfully. “Misty and I are friends first, and lovers second.” Tamara grinned, adding, “Even Santa approved of our relationship.”

Melissa blushed furiously at that. “Um, yeah, I haven’t really had the heart to tell my parents I’m lesbian yet,” she trailed off. “I kept hoping Jace- I mean Jane would take the hints so I could at least pretend to be dating a guy - even if like, everyone sees her for what she really is,” she giggled.

“Um, sorry. I didn’t mean to totally sidetrack you guys. You were going to introduce me to the reindeer?” she asked, sounding almost as excited as the proverbial kid on Christmas morning.

“Oh! Yes, this way. They’ love to hang out here in their fuzzy form.” Misty grinned and led Melissa through the snow, which was cold, but not as bitterly freezing cold as she was expecting. “Ok the Reindeer playroom is up ahead.”

It was in fact, more like a play castle. Melissa had mistaken it for a large hill in the distance, but now she could clearly see the large building, decorated in various Christmas-themed decorations.

“So that’s what they do all day now that they don’t have to pull the sleigh anymore, huh?” she teased.

“Like your parents, they are royals around here,” Misty giggled.

“Oh God. Does that make me some kind of princess? I mean my parents called me their little princess growing up, but I didn’t think anything of it.”

“Yes, and Jane is a Princess too. You both are literally royals,” Tamara answered.

“There are several kingdoms in Story-book.” Misty added..

“Story-book,” she echoed. “That name sounds familiar for some reason. So I’m a magical princess from a fantasy land and my future girlfriend is the proverbial Snow Princess. Somebody remind me to ask Dad what kind of magic I have, if any,” she teased, as she followed her tour guides.

Misty opened the door to the Reindeer play room, and Tamara called, “Now Rudolph! Now Dasher, Now Dancer, now Prancer and Vixen! Come Comet! Come Cupid! Come Donner and Blitzen! Everyone we have a guest.”

“Do you REALLY have to say it like that?” a female voice groaned before another added, “Oh boy, can we eat her?!” Melissa squeaked, ducking down to hide behind Misty.

“Hey! No eating me, I brought apples! You guys do like apples right?”

“Oh good God yes. Apple pies?” Dancer commented as she approached. Each of the reindeer were much larger than Melissa, and she couldn’t help noticing that they all sounded female.

“Fresh apples, but I’m sure sweet pea here would whip you guys up some apple pies if I ask nicely?” she asked, glancing at the little elf with a giggle. “I didn’t know what to expect, but I didn’t want to visit empty-handed either.”

“I do have a name you know,” the little elf giggled.

“Yep. Her name is clumsy,” Rudolph answered in a rather wise tone, paused, giggled, and added, “No, seriously her name is Rachel.”

“Well, I’m Melissa. Um, I’m... apparently the big man’s daughter,” Melissa answered, blushing.

Blitzen kicked a soccer ball to the front and approached. “Yeah, we know who you are. I used to give you rides around the skating pond when you were little” She sounded a little more spirited than Rudolph, who definitely gave Melissa a feeling of refinement in her tone.

Melissa’s eyes widened. “God, I haven’t been skating in years. I wish I could remember this place, and all of you.”

“Hey it’s no big deal. You’re here now, and you can remember us from now on,” Dancer replied sweetly.

“I hope so. I’ve seen so much in just a short time. I don’t ever want to forget it.”

“Hey girls, let’s introduce ourselves properly,” Dasher announced with a clip of her hoof, and suddenly all the reindeer started to transform. They stood upright and, a moment later, nine tall elves, easily as tall as Melissa, now stood before her.

Dasher had gone from near-black fur to hair as black as night, with crystal clear blue eyes, dressed in a comfortable, light blue jacket and black leggings extending down into a pair of black patent flats. Dancer’s hair was a rich sapphire blue. Prancer’s, as white as Melissa’s coat, was offset by her pink jacket and knit cap.

Vixen was the least like her name, wearing a floor length gown that Melissa thought made her look like a Princess from a child’s fairytale. Donner and Cupid each had chestnut brown hair and green eyes - they almost looked like twins, but for some faint differences in their facial features. Comet had light ginger hair, almost strawberry blonde, in a long ponytail. Blitzen’s hair was chestnut, in a tight bun, and she wore a tracksuit with athletic shoes, quite a stark contrast to the rest.

Rudolph, smiling brightly, had deep, fiery red hair and wore a white faux fur coat just like Melissa’s, over a red turtleneck sweater dress and black leggings..

“Holy shit,” Melissa whispered. Her eyes were as big as a couple of Rachel’s cookies. “They definitely left that part out of the songs.”

Rachel corrected with a giggle, “You mean Holly flakes.”

“Holly stakes?” Melissa teased, playing on her favorite Charles Dickens story.

“Don’t encourage her!” Rudolph groaned playfully.

Misty giggled. “She doesn’t like to curse even when Santa isn’t here. She says its not proper for a workshop elf to swear.”

“I think it’s cute,” Melissa giggled.

Dancer rolled her eyes. “You would,” she teased. “Oh, you don’t know the different kinds of Elves do you?”

Melissa shook her head. “Up until tonight I didn’t know elves were real - no offense.”

“Ok,” she answered, “Workshop elves are small like Misty, Tamara, Rachel and the rest, and they can build anything. We are shapechangers. We are taller then workshop elves, and tend to prefer our animal forms. You are what they call magical Elves. You can do all three jobs and then some.”

She paused, and Rudolph added, “That means that yes, in a pinch, you could turn into a reindeer and help pull the sleigh, if we still had to tow that God forsaken thing,” she teased.

Melissa seemed for a moment transfixed on Dancer, starring quite intently as she listened. “Wait,” she suddenly blinked. “You mean I’m an elf?”

Rodolph giggled, “You mean you haven't noticed your pointy ears? Even in the mortal world your ears should be slightly pointed.”

Melissa blinked again, and slowly reached up to touch her ears. She squeaked. “Oh, holy night, I’m a vulcan!”

“Oh god they aren’t that bad are they?” Donner exclaimed as she grabbed a mirror and rushed over, pushing Melissa’s hair back. “Oh thank God. They aren’t - see?”

Melissa, looking this way and that, sighed, relieved. “They just felt that way, but I can see what you mean now. I guess because I’ve never had short hair I just never noticed.”

Misty tilted her head slightly as she looked at Melissa, “Not even when you tuck your hair behind your ears?”

Melissa laughed as she shook her head. “I guess I’ve just always ignored it. It’s one of the funny traits of living in my world. People ignore what’s right under their noses - just ask Jane.”

“Say girls any of you up for some ice skating?” Prancer asked.

“Oh, gosh,” Melissa squeaked again. “I’d love to, but like I said earlier I haven’t been on skates in years. I’m afraid I’d just hurt myself.”

“Its like riding a bike! Don’t worry, the ice is cushy here, you won’t hurt yourself. It’s a perk of living on the border between realms,” Donner injected, “Besides, you seem to be wearing the proper attire to go skating anyway.”

“Okay, you talked me into it,” she giggled, practically bubbling over with excitement. “Thank you - all of you - for making me feel so welcome by the way. This is all so surreal.”

“You’re family; that’s why,” Cupid answered, giving Melissa a hug/ “We are cousins after all.”

“I just have one thing that’s been kind of nagging at the back of my mind tonight... Jane’s really a girl, disguised as a guy. I’m … not going to turn into a guy am I?” she asked, quite serious.

Everyone giggled, “No you were born a girl, and no major magic was used on you that anyone knows of.” Comet commented.

“Oh, thank God,” she sighed with relief. “Okay, crisis averted. Now we can have some fun - and I promise no ‘reindeer games’ jokes.”

Rudolph snorted. “Smart girl.”

Misty stood at the edge of the pond and took a magical photo of Melissa skating on the ice, “See you are a natural on the ice!” she called out, snapping another of Prancer, which she handed off to Tamara, whispering something in her ear. Tamara giggled, cupping her hands over a snowball. When she opened them again, a small snowglobe had replaced it. She slipped it into her pocket.

Melissa laughed as she leapt into the air and spun. She slipped on the landing, but Dancer caught her and sent her into a spin, giggling as she skated away.

“You know all those lame stories about us in your world?” Rodolph asked as she skated up closer.

Melissa skidded to a stop and turned to face her, her cheeks turning just a little bit redder. “Um, yeah? Not like I asked about them or anything beforehand, honest,” she answered guiltily.

“Some of them are cute, but I really wish people would quit saying I have a glowing nose.” Rudolph sighed.

“Yeah, now that I’ve met you I can honestly say you have a really cute nose,” Melissa answered. “And it’s neither red, nor shiny,” she added, trying not to giggle.

“Thanks I pride myself on my nose!” Rudolph giggled. “So are you going to shy away from us all again or can we start to come visit you and your family on Christmas like we did when you were a baby?”

“I’d love it if you could visit us, and I’d love to come back here and visit you too,” Melissa answered honestly before hugging her. “I wish I could’ve grown up knowing all of you. This place is just so amazing.”

“Then it’s settled,” Vixen announced as she stepped out onto the ice. “We’re spending Christmas in the Mortal world this year!”