I was in trouble big time. A first year college student that got arrested when trying to break in to a girlfriend’s house over the holidays. I was promptly bailed out, but my parents who lived in Las Vegas were flying in for the arraignment.

I spoke to Mom over the phone offering no reason for my arrest after repeated attempts for her to understand what in the hell was I thinking. Since I was not forthcoming with any information she hung up on me, although I did find out she had an attorney post my bail.

The company I worked for was planning a talent show to help raise funds for a day care center for the employees. The CEO had promised to match any funds raised, dollar for dollar, so the enthusiasm to put together a good show was shared by all. Most of the people that worked for the company were middle income, so a day care facility would help the majority of the employees.

I, my good friend Paul, a couple passing acquaintances, and several other people who were complete strangers to me were convinced by various of our friends to help them run one of those interactive entertainment events. We didn’t know our friends were associated with such a thing, nor had we ever heard of this one. We were invited to a free run-through of the event so that we would know how it was supposed to work.

“Tammy, I love what that magical wreath did to me.” Sara loved her new elven body as she looked at her reflection in the full-length mirror.

“I’m glad you like your new body because I hate what it did to me.” Tammy walks up and stands next to Sara.

The magic from the ancient Christmas wreath they found had changed both. Where Sara was turned into a five-foot-six-inch busty, curvy female elf, she was turned into a female elf who resembled Judy from the Tim Allen Santa Claus movies.

Helena and Alex stood side by side in the dim corridor of the mag-train, the low hum of its engines reverberating beneath their feet. They had just received word that the warning had come through in time. Morgan’s message, decoded by the Empress Consort, confirmed that an attempt to harm Alex was imminent. Connor’s plot had been laid bare.

Now, it was their turn to respond, a testament to their unwavering courage in the face of danger, their determination shining through every action they took.

She leaned back in her seat and her eyes narrowed. Oh, don’t you dare, young man!