“After the parade, I’ll do some packing. I don’t want to miss a minute of the evening fun.” Amy snuggled up to Skip. “I hope I find the pea in the cake and you find the bean. I’d love to be your Queen for the party.”
“Good luck, you two. Packing is a good idea. I think I’ll go start now,” said Merissa.
She only had enough time to bag her soiled garments and squeeze them into a small suitcase before it was time to leave for the parade. She’d make time after. Merissa grabbed the banner and headed for the large designated room. Rows of tables with costumes dangling on hangers behind confronted them. Members of the crew were there to help the process along. Merissa and Amy had to sign their costumes out and then back in at the end of the parade. The ship had rented them this week for the special Christmas cruise events happening aboard the ship.
Amy and Merissa found an abandoned corner, and pulled the flowing white dresses up over their clothing, sticking the Velcro together at the neckline to hold it tight and in place. For a crown they wore a wide white band with a golden halo jutting upward from the back and appearing to fly just above their heads. Small dainty wings of starched material fastened at the back of the gown to complete the outfit.
Merissa grinned and picked up her banner, waving it high in the air. “This is so much fun!”
“Agreed,” said Amy. “I love this feeling – it’s almost like prom.”
“Prom?” That was years ago. “I’m surprised you didn’t say you like a bride,” said Merissa.
“I might have but…”
“Since when did you pitter-patter around my emotions, Amy Patterson? Let it go. I miraculously have.”
Merissa scanned the room. “There are the fellas.”
“A kingly sight, if I say so myself,” Amy said.
Merissa’s heart quickened at the sight of Chad pleased to see him back in the land of the living.
“Isn’t Skip the most handsome man you’ve ever seen?” sighed Amy.
“I hope things go well for you two out there in the real world,” Merissa said.
“Well, it won’t be for lack of us trying. I can’t wait to introduce him to the gang back home.”
“He’ll fit right in,” said Merissa.
“What about…”
“Please, Amy, just let it go. It’s enough I return home a whole person ready for my Prince Charming whenever he rides in on his horse to rescue me from a life of singledom.”
“Singledom? What’s that?”
“Chad’s chosen state. One fate that will not befall me – hopefully.”
“Never fear. Once the word gets out that you’re up for grabs, you’ll have half the town pounding on your door,” Amy said.
“No doubt you’ll see that they do,” said Merissa.
They laughed and moved to where the photographers were taking pictures. From out of nowhere, Chad and Skip moved in next to them before the flash went off, and it recorded their history in photo land.
The group paraded for over an hour, with stops for refreshments and opportunities to toss candy gifts to those not taking part. They sang every song in the Christmas catalog guitarists led them through the ship, deck by deck. It was amusing to see the variety of looks and comments cast our way. So many people like to watch fun but do not join in. Merissa had been an onlooker for a full year, but would never succumb to that level again. Life was for the living and she had a lot of catching up to do.
After the parade, Merissa and Amy managed a rush pack job and then enjoyed a much longer dress-up time. The last hooray was about to take place. Chad showed up with Skip at early dining and appeared to be in good humor. The group chatted and laughed about the day so far.
The show in the theater was a play of the little drummer boy and the cast did an excellent job in unfolding his story. Merissa found it interesting how the actors somehow incorporated points from the apostle’s creed and weaved it all together in a delightful presentation. One thing she would always remember from this Christian cruise was the theater. Merissa burned the pictures and messages into her being – fun in the sun and feed for the seed – to awaken her soul. She wished she could add, a dove for love, but that appeared not to be in the cards for her.
At nine o’clock, the drums began to beat through the loudspeakers all over the ship. Everyone who signed up for the evening event hurried to the deck and stood in line to receive their piece of cake. It was an old tradition, somewhere in the world, and the director had incorporated the fun into tonight’s festivities. The girls gobbled their piece and just before swallowing Merissa gagged. She withdrew a pea and gasped. Everyone around cheered and the crowd led her to a throne of sorts in the lounge area. She sat on the edge of her seat, not seeking this honor, but smiling for Amy’s benefit who beamed with pride and swore she was a perfect Queen. Merissa sat impatiently waiting for her King to appear, and in the meantime, servers bowed to every wish and command – adding many extravagances she didn’t ask for.
When the King arrived at his throne, Merissa gasped. Out of the thousands of guests aboard, how could it be possible that Chad would be the one to find the bean in his cake? She wondered if the North Pole was still sprinkling some unused magic their way.
Chad looked at her and shrugged his shoulders. He
