the most wonderful time of the year

Wischard (Mari's stepfather, Sebastian's house) household
December 2047


Marianne giggled, jumping up and down on her bed, a grin permanently etched onto her face. It was Christmas eve, how could anyone possibly expect her to go to bed? Even though her mother and Sebastian and even Maryse had came in and told her and Bonnie to go to sleep, she just didn't think she could.

There was so much excitement running through her veins. She felt like she could run a whole marathon. This was the best night of the year. Christmas was better than Halloween, better than Easter, even better than her birthday itself.

Jumping off her bed with another giggle, she stared out her window, looking up at all the stars above as if she'd get a chance of seeing Santa's sleigh pass.

"Oh, Christmas," Marianne sighed softly, pushing strands of her hair out her face clumsily. "Best time of the year, don't you think?" Grinning, she twirled around to face Bonnie, her face lighting up.

It was her mother's favorite time of year. Perhaps that's why she was at the window. Maybe she was waiting for her family to appear in the snow swirling around outside. In the silk pajamas she'd borrowed from Mari's older sister - big on her, dwarfing the small blond that barely spoke in the presence of others - she remained by the window, watching the walkway in front of Mr. Sebastian's house for any signs of movement.

"Mama always liked Christmas." She said softly, drawing a small boat on the fog of the window. "Santa always had to bring my presents to the boat, even though he's a Clyde. The first, even. That's what Daddy told me."

Taking in her best friend, the infectious happy smile on her face faded away. How could she possibly be happy when her friend was so sad? Mentally kicking herself, she stepped towards Bonnie, wrapping her up in her tiny arms.

"It must be cool to be related to Santa," Marianne sighed softly. Smiling softly, she bumped her shoulder against her friend. "Hey, maybe you can get him to give us a few extra presents this year?" She looked at her hopefully, for even just the tiniest hint of change in her expression.

If Bonnie wasn't happy, then she wouldn't be.

Doodling clouds around the boat and adding small waves, the slight blond tensed the slightest bit as her friend approached. Nuzzling into Mari's hold, Bonnie nodded, the corners of her lips twitching upward by the smallest possible fraction, the most of a smile she'd given since they hadn't come back. "I hope so. He did before, but Daddy always-" Her voice broke slightly, but she swallowed it down, ignoring the way her eyes burned. "-always asked him to. I don't know if Uncle Nick will listen to me."

There was a pause, before her voice could be heard, soft and hesitant. "...Mari?" She asked softly, playing with the hem of her shirt. "Do you think Uncle Nick will bring them back?" She had asked the one at the mall, and he had... had said...

"Maybe if we... if we turn on the porch light? So they know I'm here?"

She broke into a relieved smile. Even the smallest hint of a smile was good. If she'd been in the same position as Bonnie, she didn't know what she'd do. But she was going to try her best. Because Bonnie was her best friend, and the only thing she really wanted from her was her own happiness.

Everything else was secondary. In the years to come, she'd place it above her own. But for now, she was simply content with just the smile.

"Of course he will," she whispered, her grip on her best friend tightening in response. "Why wouldn't he? You're a Clyde."

She paused, blinking at her for several moments, trying to come up something to say. "If he finds them, of course he will." She finally said, nodding her head.

"Of course," she murmured, pulling away. Holding out her hand, she offered a small, sad smile. "Ready?"

Blue grey eyes became pale white - just as the snow outside - before fading back to their original color. A small hiccup almost crossed her lips, but a deep breath countered it. The words would become the prayer for a orphaned child, the desperate cry for imprisoned teenager, the secret on the lips of the fully grown woman.

"I'm a Clyde."

Fingers tightening around her friend's, Bonnie nodded again. "I'm a Clyde." She repeated. "And we're the best of the best."

Her eyes widened hopefully, lighting on Mari with happiness. "And he'll have to find them, won't he? Santa can see everything." Tugging the frail girl after her, she ran out of their room and stomped her way down the stairs, her expression such a change from her usual depressed and lost feelings that both adults didn't even hide away the presents they were currently wrapping. Other than stepping before them, they did nothing. Rushing across the room, the small girl stood on her tiptoes to reach the light switch, fingers spread, spine as elongated as she could make it. She wasn't anything but a little girl there, wishing to see her mother's smile and remember the feeling of her father lifting her up in the air and spinning her.

She just wanted her family back.

A small grin wormed its way onto her face as she watched Bonnie's eyes shift in colour, even for just a moment. She had never cared what anyone else said, her ability was the coolest thing on earth. How many other people could change their appearance? Very few, she was sure.

"Exactly," Marianne nodded, squeezing her hand back. "You're perfect." Her grin widened, her brown eyes glimmering. Bonnie was. She was pretty and smart and funny. And most importantly, she was her best friend.

Despite herself, the first year grinned. "Of course he will. Santa's magical. He can do everything and anything." As soon as she said it, she felt instantly guilty. What if they didn't come back? Would it partly her fault for making Bonnie think they would? But she didn't dwell on it - couldn't. She had to smile and at least look happy for her friend.

Running after her, a small smile lighting up her face as she watched the blonde, she paused a few steps behind her, gaze flickering from her to the porch, grinning as the light flickered on.

Maybe the Clydes would come back and defy all odds. For Bonnie's sake, she prayed they would.