“Yes Ma’am! You’re right, I can always have it cleaned and return it right after the audition and the hospital, tomorrow, right?”
“Exactly,” she says pushing her into the back room.
When Serenity returns a half hour later, Bailey’s mouth drops open. “You look… Magical.”
Her makeup is done in blues and whites. Her hair is braided and crossed over the top of her head to create its own nest for the crown to rest upon. She has white above her eyebrows to accentuate the blue of her eyes and pale lips to not detract from the simplicity. She is ready. They turn on Christmas Music and dim the lights. Bailey’s has spent the afternoon getting ready for this shoot. She records Serenity singing White Christmas with a black backdrop, and uses digital photography to put a winter forest behind her. Later when Serenity changes her clothes, the video is posted.
“Tomorrow we will see how many hits you have, and hopefully this will generate a record deal!”
The girls laugh and talk until midnight. Serenity kisses her sister goodbye, and they agree to meet tomorrow at the hospital and have dinner, before the audition. She grabs her guitar and sits down, needing to relax, she strums a few chords and decides on her songs for tomorrow, and then she sleeps, dreaming of three pairs of chocolate eyes.
Serenity has visited the children’s hospital in Portland for the last five years. She loves singing and spending time with the children. Now as she walks singing with her white guitar, they stare in awe at the beautiful queen. Representatives from the radio station hand out gifts, with the parents help. They like to give the gifts out early in the season so the parents have time to plan for Christmas.
On the last song in her set she begins to strum her guitar when her blue eyes connect with a pair of dark eyes, from the costume shop yesterday. Serenity is startled for a moment, he has long black hair that just touches his collar, and a short, sexy, black beard. Why didn’t she notice that yesterday? He is much taller than her five foot six inch frame, standing about six foot four has a muscular body that has her mouth watering.
His intense eyes never leave hers as she sings. A waving hand draws her attention and she lights up at the sight of his son. Jealousy strikes for a moment and he is shocked by his reaction to this beautiful woman.
“Okay boys and girls this is one of my favorites, so sing along, if you know it.” She starts to sing, “Do you hear what I hear, Do you see what I see, said the night wind to the little lamb, do you see what I see, way up in the sky little lamb, do you see what I see….” When Serenity sings the crowd goes silent. Her husky voice wraps around his body, causing chills to erupt and his soul is touched. His Mother is standing in the back with his Father, and they smile at the sound of her voice bringing the true meaning of Christmas to the families.
Serenity sings and the children stare and the parents wipe away tears, as all find the meaning of Christmas in the peace of the message she brings. Nick moves forward pulling Noel, to stand beside his son. “Her eyes, Michael, look at her eyes,” he whispers. Her eyes are glowing with the message of Christmas and no one can miss the unique snowflake shaped pupils.
“The Winter Queen, has been found.”
Chapter 4
“I can’t find them.” Bailey says.
“What? Why would they come and then leave without a word? That’s strange.” Serenity says scanning the crowd. “I was hoping to apologize and thank them for their kindness.” Sighing she rubs her neck.
“Well, I’m sure you will see them again. We have enough time to get you to dinner and your audition. I have a hot date later with James and I don’t want to be late!” Bailey says guiding her sister to the car.
“You will have him speechless in that silver dress, sister. You look gorgeous.” Serenity smiles as she blushes. Her sister has the same colored blue eyes but that is where the resemblance ends. Her short brown bob, highlights her blue eyes and Bailey looks like a tiny elf. She is petite where Serenity is taller and more, lush. Over dinner the two talk about the audition and Christmas plans.
“Thanks for everything, Bailey. I will call you tomorrow and find out how your evening goes. I want every hot detail.”
Bailey gets serious, “I’m okay now, Ren. You have gotten me through the storm.” Grabbing her hand, she continues, “This is your time and I will help you all I can. I want you to be happy.”
“The thing is Bailey, I am happy here with you. I am only doing this audition for the money. It will set me up for a little while, and allow me to concentrate on my music. I love being here and my work at the hospital makes me feel fulfilled. I love to see their faces light up with joy, instead of fear and pain. Honestly, I wish I had more time to do this kind of work but I will content myself with this, until I make it big.”
“Good. Now go break a leg, or knock em dead, which is it?” Bailey asks laughing.
“I will take both! If that doesn’t work, I’ll use my pistol!” she tells her laughing and kisses her goodbye before leaving for her audition.
Serenity drives the fifteen miles to the office building and sighs, cars everywhere. As she slows her car down she realizes people are lined up for a chance at this part. “Looks like I’m in for a
