\u201cSchrodinger, Jack, did you want some tea?\u201d Molly leaned her head out of the kitchen and looked at the two of them as they snoozed by the wood stove. There had been fitful spits of snow all day, and the cold (a thank you from Old Man Winter, Molly was sure) had kept most people from coming out to the store. Well, that and the fact that the next day was the Snow Queen\u2019s ball. Everyone was prepping for that. The result was a tea room that only held the hound and the CrossCat.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Molly was actually glad for the respite, because it meant that she could concentrate on decorating the other gingerbread houses for Sunday without worrying about being interrupted. Decorating the houses always brought her back to college, and the cake decorating course she\u2019d taken, which had been one of her favorites.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
But decorating was a grueling task, and her back and shoulders needed a break.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Jack declined, preferring to snooze next to the stove, but Schrodinger, after a moment of consideration, got up and stretched before joining her in the kitchen. Molly pulled out their personal mugs and filled them with hot water before dropping in a Christmas tea bag and an Earl Grey tea bag. She moved the most recently finished house to the sideboard to finish hardening, and set the mugs on the island.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
\u201cAre you hungry?\u201d she asked.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Schrodinger considered that question too as he watched the steam rise from his steeping tea. I think so,<\/em> he said finally. I don\u2019t remember the last time I ate, which means it\u2019s been a long time since you ate too.<\/em><\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cGuilty,\u201d Molly said, chuckling. \u201cThis is a good chance to try my new scones.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n His ears perked up. Are these the ham and cheese ones?<\/em><\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cYes.\u201d Molly took two of them out of the refrigerator and put them on a small tray, which she slid under the broiler. \u201cYou get to be the test subject who can actually tell me what you think,\u201d she said. \u201cI send a batch to the Station with Drew earlier, but he hasn\u2019t gotten back to me.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n They\u2019re probably busy with all the guests coming in for the Ball,<\/em> he reminded her. I\u2019ll be surprised to see Drew before tomorrow night.<\/em><\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cMe too.\u201d Molly pulled two plates out of the drawer and pulled the tray out from the oven. The fragrant smell of cranberries and ham filled the room, and she sighed happily.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n You are amazing,<\/em> Schrodinger said, watching as she cut the scones in half, revealing the oozing interior.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cDon\u2019t say that until you try it,\u201d she warned. \u201cIt could be a bad idea.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cIf by bad idea, you mean you shouldn\u2019t eat too many, because your clothes won\u2019t fit, then I agree,\u201d Aunt Margie said from the doorway. \u201cThose smell amazing.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cWould you like one?\u201d Molly didn\u2019t wait for her to answer, but handed her one of the plates and got another scone from the fridge.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Aunt Margie put the plate firmly back in front of her niece. \u201cYou eat first,\u201d she said. \u201cI know you haven\u2019t eaten much today, because you\u2019ve been decorating. I can wait five minutes.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Molly didn\u2019t argue, but lifted one half of the scone to her mouth. The scone itself was buttery and sweetly tart, the cranberries bursting in her mouth, and the savory ham (from one of the local farms, which had also supplied the cheese) and melted cheese were a nice counterpoint. \u201cYes,\u201d she said, after swallowing. \u201cThese are definitely staying on the menu.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n She turned back to the oven after taking another bite and pulled Aunt Margie\u2019s scone out.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Yes, I agree,<\/em> Schrodinger said. You should do some turkey ones too.<\/em><\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cOh my gods, turkey with stuffing.\u201d Aunt Margie\u2019s eyes lit up. \u201cOr mashed potatoes.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cThat might be a bit hard to put in a muffin,\u201d Molly pointed out, but her mind was already racing through possibilities. \u201cAlthough maybe a taco one, with cornbread. Or a pizza one.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Aunt Margie took a bite of scone and sighed happily. \u201cI think these are better than your sandwiches, to be honest,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cThey\u2019re more labor intensive, though,\u201d Molly pointed out. \u201cBread dough is easy.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cTrue.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Schrodinger finished his scone and sipped at his tea. You could probably do it as a loaf,<\/em> you know, he said. And serve slices.<\/em><\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cThat would work,\u201d Molly agreed. \u201cMaybe after Christmas we\u2019ll experiment a bit more.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Sounds good to me.<\/em><\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cSpeaking of sounds, I think we have guests,\u201d Aunt Margie said, as the front door banged open and happy shouts were heard. \u201cToday was the school party, wasn\u2019t it?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cWhat gave you the first clue?\u201d Molly asked, chuckling. \u201cThe shouting, or the banging?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cMolly, Molly, Molly, we brought you a present!\u201d Lily shouted, as she and Zoey barged into the kitchen. \u201cLook, look, look!\u201d She shoved the wrapped box into Molly\u2019s hands, then hugged both Aunt Margie and Schrodinger.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cOh, what is this?\u201d Molly opened the gift and pulled out an apron, decorated with all sorts of cookies and cupcakes. \u201cOh, how lovely! Did you guys make this?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cWe picked out the fabric,\u201d Zoey told her, dancing around excitedly. \u201cMrs. Collins sewed it for us! Do you like it?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cI love it!\u201d Molly gave them each a hug. \u201cIt\u2019s the best Christmas present ever!\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cYay!\u201d Lily and Zoey said, bouncing around her. \u201cWe hoped you\u2019d like it!\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Molly slipped the apron over her head and tied it off. \u201cI\u2019ll wear it right now!\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Jack, woken up by the noise, came in and was immediately mobbed as well. Molly let them be loud for a bit, and then clapped her hands together. \u201cOkay, okay, time to do the Advent Calendar and then let me finish decorating!\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n They rushed over to the Calendar, hunting feverishly for the golden number. \u201cI see it, I see it!\u201d Zoey called, touching the number 20 where it nestled in the pipe of one of the snowmen. Then they all stepped back as the snowflake zoomed out of the Advent Calendar and whirled madly around the room.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n In its wake was a long white ribbon that floated down onto Lily and Zoey\u2019s outstretched hands. On the ribbon, in red and white candy-cane letters, it read, \u201cToday is a sweet day! It\u2019s cold and clear and just right for a snowball fight!\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Which will be perfect to run off all their energy, Molly thought, as the girls cheered and Jack barked. \u201cOkay, then follow the snowflake!\u201d she called, cutting through the noise. \u201cDon\u2019t forget your coats and hats and mittens!\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n To their credit, both Lily and Zoey grabbed Jack\u2019s and Schrodinger\u2019s coats on their way out the door, still following the snowflake. Molly shook her head and looked at Aunt Margie, who was still sitting and eating her scone placidly. \u201cWill that tire them out, do you think?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cEventually,\u201d Aunt Margie said. \u201cNow, since it\u2019s quieter, how about a cup of tea?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <><><\/p>\n \n \u201cHold still, Jack!\u201d Lily said, as she struggled to get the straps tied on the hound\u2019s coat. \u201cHold still!\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n But the snowflake is going to disappear!<\/em> The hound gave a mournful howl but stopped squirming.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s not! It never has before!\u201d Zoey said, as she snapped the last clasp closed on Schrodinger\u2019s plaid coat.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Indeed, although it was vibrating rapidly and spinning through a rainbow of colors, the snowflake hadn\u2019t moved forward from the position it had taken right outside the store. Once Jack and Schrodinger had their coats in place, Lily and Zoey pulled their hats and mittens back on and they all burst out into the cold December sunshine that had burst through the clouds.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n It was only noon, so there was plenty of light to see the snowflake by. It led them back down the street to the park, and even before they got within sight, they could hear the whoops and shouts of joy. \u201cWho\u2019s down there?\u201d Zoey shouted.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cI don\u2019t know!\u201d Lily shouted back. \u201cLet\u2019s go find out!\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n As they turned the corner, they saw a massive snowball fight going on in the park. Snowballs were flying fast and furiously, and for a few moments, they just stood and blinked, watching the game.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n There\u2019s Drew!<\/em> Schrodinger said suddenly. Over by the statue!<\/em><\/p>\n <\/p>\n Zoey looked and saw Molly\u2019s tall boyfriend, snow coating most of his dark hair. As she watched, he aimed and threw a snowball, hitting another boy square in the back. Then Drew ducked the return throw, already scooping up another handful of snow for another snowball.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n The snowflake was still hovering in front of them, and Zoey wondered if it was as excited as they were. That would explain the colors!<\/em> As she watched, it split into two different snowflakes that hovered in front of her and Lily.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Oooh\u2026<\/em> Jack said, his tongue lolling out as they put their hands out and two perfect snowballs landed in their mittens. Who do we hit first?<\/em><\/p>\n <\/p>\n It was a good question. As Zoey still didn\u2019t know a lot of people in the Cove by sight, she looked over at Lily, who was considering her options like a general. After a few moments, she pointed over to the group that Drew was in. \u201cLet\u2019s do this,\u201d she said, grinning, and shared her plan with the others.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Oh yes!<\/em> Jack and Schrodinger took off towards Drew, weaving through the flying snowballs with skill and grace. Zoey and Lily followed, ducking a little less successfully. By the time they made it to where they wanted, both of them were splattered with snow and laughing hysterically.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cReady?\u201d Lily whispered, and Zoey nodded. Lily looked up and shouted, \u201cHey, Drew!\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n As he looked over, they both let go with their snowballs and hit him squarely in the face. He staggered back, and then fell backwards over Jack and Schrodinger, who were positioned perfectly. Lily and Zoey cheered, and then squealed as his friends rallied around him and pelted them with snowballs.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n For the next hour, they traded snowballs and shouts, enjoying themselves immensely. Finally, Drew threw his hands up in defeat, and everyone jumped on him, bringing him down into the snow. Lily and Zoey tried to help wash his face, but they were laughing too hard to do more than hold him down.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cI surrender, I surrender!\u201d he said. \u201cLet me up before I drown!\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Let him up!<\/em> Schrodinger said. Molly won\u2019t feed us if we drown him!<\/em><\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cOkay, okay!\u201d Luke reached down and pulled Drew to his feet. \u201cI\u2019m not giving up Molly\u2019s food!\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cGood to know you value something,\u201d Drew said ruefully, brushing ineffectively at the snow that coated him. \u201cLet\u2019s go see if she\u2019ll feed us now.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Zoey realized that she was hungry, and nodded. \u201cI bet she\u2019ll have something good!\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Drew smiled down at her. \u201cShe always does!\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cSomething good\u201d turned out to be grilled ham and cheese sandwiches on Molly\u2019s herb and cheese bread, spread with a tangy mustard. And she had steaming mugs of hot cider with sticks of cinnamon to stir it, something Zoey had never seen before. She seemed unsurprised to see Drew and Luke joining the others as they trooped into her kitchen through the back door.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m glad you chose the back,\u201d she said, looking at the line of melting snow that they had tromped in. \u201cAunt Margie would have killed you if you\u2019d come in the front like that.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cGive us a little credit,\u201d Luke said. \u201cWe knew that.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Molly laughed and started handing out mugs as everyone shed their wet overclothing. They had to send Jack back outside to shake himself off, but then they all settled down to enjoy the good, warming food.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n As she ate, Zoey looked around at all the houses Molly had decorated. They were all similar, but each one had something that made it unique. Some had snowmen in the front yards, or decorated Christmas trees. There were wreaths in all the windows, and lights were piped along the outside edges.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cAre you done with all the houses?\u201d she asked Molly.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cAll done,\u201d Molly said. \u201cThe only thing I have left to do is make the marzipan presents for the sleigh.\u201d She looked at them. \u201cWhich is why, if you want to help, I have another project for you.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n All four of them perked up. \u201cWhat project?\u201d Lily asked.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Molly went into the pantry and came back out with a huge bowl of fluffy popcorn. \u201cWho wants to help me make popcorn snowballs?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cMe!\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Zoey looked surprised – Drew and Luke had joined in as enthusiastically as she and Lily had. Molly laughed and pointed to the counter, where she had a stick of butter waiting in a butter dish, and a pile of sheet pans. \u201cSomeone grab that stuff, and follow me,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Drew took the pans and Lily lifted the butter dish down carefully, and they all trooped into the tea room. Molly set down the bowl of popcorn, then went back into the kitchen and came out with a pot in her hands. She carefully poured the contents of the pot over the popcorn, and then, to Zoey\u2019s surprise, coated her hands in butter and reached in to stir the popcorn all around. As she did so, Zoey realized there were chopped nuts in with the popcorn.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cThis is how you do it,\u201d Molly said, demonstrating. \u201cIt\u2019s not hot, so you don\u2019t have to worry about that. Make sure your hands are well coated in butter, so the popcorn won\u2019t stick to your fingers.\u201d She scooped out a handful and shaped it into a ball. \u201cLike this. Then put it down on the wax paper. Can you guys do the rest?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n They all nodded, and she left them to the task. Zoey giggled a bit as she coated her hands with the butter – it felt so weird! But as she took her first handful of the sticky popcorn, she realized it was definitely needed.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cNow remember,\u201d Luke said, winking at her. \u201cWe\u2019re not allowed to eat it all, Drew. Not yet.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Drew, who had a piece of the sticky popcorn half-way to his mouth, glared at Luke before defiantly popping the piece in and chewing.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cNo eating all the popcorn!\u201d Molly called from the kitchen. \u201cAnd that includes you, Drew!\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n They all laughed and began to roll popcorn balls.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n After they had finished and trooped back into the kitchen to wash their hands, Molly handed them bowls of silvery white sprinkles to put on the snowballs. \u201cYou could use coconut, but not everyone likes that,\u201d she said. Then she gave them small treat bags with silver snowflakes on them and green twist ties, to put all the snowballs in, as well as a big bowl, and sent them back out.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n They quickly developed a system – Zoey and Lily would each roll a snowball in their bowl of sprinkles, then drop it into the bag that Drew and Luke held out for them. Then the techs would twist the bag closed with a tie, and hand it to Schrodinger and Jack, who would put the finished snowballs into the big bowl.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n By the time they had finished, Molly had finished the last of the marzipan packages for the sleigh, which was decorated with snowflakes and lights. \u201cGreat job!\u201d she said, moving the sleigh to the sideboard. \u201cNow, you can take two each home, and don\u2019t forget that we\u2019re meeting here tomorrow before the ball!\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cHow could we?\u201d Lily bubbled, dancing around. \u201cWe\u2019re going to the Snow Queen\u2019s Ball!\u201d<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" \u201cSchrodinger, Jack, did you want some tea?\u201d Molly leaned her head out of the kitchen and looked at the two of them as they snoozed by the wood stove. There had been fitful spits of snow all day, and the cold (a thank you from Old Man Winter, Molly was sure) had kept most people …<\/p>\n