December 9 – Noemi<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Molly wasn\u2019t surprised to see the final member of the Terrible Trio, Noemi Miller, take Sue\u2019s place once the cardinal was installed on the tree. Noemi was the quietest of the four of them, but her serene countenance hid a wicked sense of humor. She was a computer specialist and helped, among other things, keep the computers at the Gate Station running. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWhen I got the invite for this, I too knew instinctively which ornament I wanted to give,\u201d Noemi said. \u201cI wasn\u2019t born here, but I might as well have been, since we moved here when I was two. My earliest memories are of this town, and the amazing people who make it up. There\u2019s just something about Carter\u2019s Cove that calls you back, even if you leave for a bit.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
What does she mean?<\/em> Schrodinger asked. Where did she go?<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cCollege, in New York City,\u201d Molly said. \u201cShe got a full scholarship to Barnard, and it was an opportunity she couldn\u2019t pass up. I\u2019m glad she came back, though.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Me too! Otherwise, I wouldn\u2019t have gotten to meet her!<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n Noemi held up her ornament, and Molly nodded to herself. The grey clouds wrapped around them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Is this NYC?<\/em> Schrodinger asked her, when the clouds cleared. <\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cYes. This is where the college is located.\u201d Molly looked around the bustling crowds and colorful decorations. \u201cIt\u2019s called Morningside Heights, near Harlem. There\u2019s an amazing pastry shop, and we went there when we visited her. Among other places.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n It\u2019s busy. But I like it!<\/em> Schrodinger sounded as if he were surprised.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cIt\u2019s busy,\u201d Molly agreed. \u201cBut it\u2019s fun for short visits.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n She watched as Past-Molly and her three friends walked down the street, arm-in-arm, as snowflakes drifted down from the sky. \u201cI\u2019m so glad you were able to come!\u201d Past-Noemi said. \u201cNow I can show you what I love about this city.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cLove enough to stay after college?\u201d Past-Lai teased gently.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Past-Noemi laughed. \u201cNo. For all the wonderful things about New York, I miss home.\u201d She looked around. \u201cThere\u2019s not enough snow, and while seeing the Macy\u2019s parade in person was neat, it would have been more fun watching on the tv with you guys, eating Molly\u2019s cookies and danish and drinking hot chocolate.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cYou only have 3 more years!\u201d Past-Molly said. \u201cAnd then you\u2019ll be back! Besides, I sent you cookies!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cYou did, and they have been a good link to the Cove,\u201d Past-Noemi said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n They stopped, and Past-Sue looked at Past-Molly and Past-Lai. \u201cShould we show her now?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cShow me what?\u201d Past-Noemi looked at the three of them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cThis.\u201d Past-Lai pulled a present out of her leather bag and handed it to Past-Noemi. \u201cSomething to help with the home-sickness.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Past-Noemi opened the present and gasped. \u201cOh, you guys! This is awesome!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cWe thought you might like it,\u201d Past-Sue said, and the other two nodded, grinning.<\/p>\n\n\n\n But what is it???<\/em> Schrodinger half-stood on his back paws, putting one of his front paws on Molly\u2019s leg to see better.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Past-Noemi pulled a small evergreen wreath from the box. It was about the size of two hands cupped together, and in the center was a gingerbread man holding a small wooden sign that said, \u201cWelcome to Carter\u2019s Cove South\u201d on it. <\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cSue made the wreath,\u201d Past-Molly said. \u201cI made the gingerbread man, and Lai painted the sign.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cAnd then Molly worked her magic on it,\u201d Past-Lai said. \u201cSo it won\u2019t ever fade.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cEver?\u201d Past-Noemi asked.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cEver,\u201d Past-Molly said. \u201cOr at least until we aren\u2019t friends anymore, which will never happen.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n The grey surrounded them and brought them back to the Cove just as Noemi handed over the wreath. \u201cI know it\u2019s usually meant to go on a door, but I couldn\u2019t resist bringing it,\u201d Noemi said. <\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cIt\u2019s perfect as it is,\u201d Jade said, smiling at her. \u201cWe\u2019ll find a place for it. Thank you for bringing it.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n And it\u2019s still as fresh as it was in the vision,<\/em> Schrodinger said, watching as Jade hung the wreath on a branch. On the giant tree, it fit perfectly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cOf course it is,\u201d Molly said, smiling. \u201cWe\u2019re still friends, after all.\u201d<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" December 9 – Noemi Molly wasn\u2019t surprised to see the final member of the Terrible Trio, Noemi Miller, take Sue\u2019s place once the cardinal was installed on the tree. Noemi was the quietest of the four of them, but her serene countenance hid a wicked sense of humor. She was a computer specialist and helped, …<\/p>\n