Post by Danielle Basch on Nov 17, 2017 17:35:07 GMT -5
Del Amo Fashion Center
Torrance, CA
Thursday, November 16, 2017
A massive red throne sits amongst an elaborate holiday scene, beside a beautifully-decorated Christmas tree, with Santa himself perched in the throne as he watches one happy child head off to meet his parents as the next child comes in for his turn. Only one child remains, as the mall is in the process of closing down for the day, and most of Santa’s “helpers” have left for the day, save for two enthusiastic elves, one of them none other than the newly-crowned South Bay Champion, Danni LeBlanc, clad in a festive red dress.
The final child, a young girl, no more than nine years old, wearing a light brown cardigan is sitting on Santa’s lap, with her mother standing not that far away, a big smile on his face as Santa listens to her.
Girl: ...But more than anything, I want a new diamond necklace for my Mom.
”Santa”: Oh, really? Has your mom been a good girl this year?
Girl: She’s been VERY good, Santa! She makes my breakfast every day, and she takes me to school, and then she goes with me to hockey practice...
”Santa”: HO! HO! HO! She sounds like a very good mother, indeed. But why do you want to get her a diamond necklace?
Girl: I’d like to get her one, but it would take me too long to save up my allowance.
“Santa” looks over at the girl’s mother, who is blushing out of mild embarrassment. He nods in her general direction, then turns back to the little girl.
”Santa”: Well then, you tell your mother that I’ll be watching, and if she keeps up the good work, there just might be something special for her on Christmas morning.
The girl’s eyes light up as she turns her attention to her mother, then back to “Santa”.
Girl: Thank you, Santa!
The little girl pauses, squinting a little as she glances at Danni, who is standing off to the side.
Girl: Can I ask you a question?
“Santa” nods his head, and despite the ridiculously full white beard, he can’t help but smile.
”Santa”: Sure, you can! What’s on your mind?
She tips her head in Danni’s direction.
Girl: Is Danni LeBlanc REALLY one of your helpers?
”Santa”: She is today. She’s taking time out of her busy schedule to help me look over my list. You can call her an... Elf on Reserve.
The girl looks up at Danni, who smiles and nods her head to confirm what “Santa” is saying.
Danni: Santa needed some extra help today, and who am I to turn the Big Guy down?
Girl: That would put you straight onto the Naughty list if you did!
Danni nods her head in agreement.
Danni: Exactly! So, are you ready to take your picture now?
Girl: Um...
Danni: Is something wrong?
Girl: Did you bring your South Bay Championship belt with you?
Danni: As a matter of fact, I did. I never leave home without it!
Girl: Would it be alright if I took my picture with Santa, holding the belt?
Danni: Sure it would! But be careful; it’s kinda heavy.
Danni smiles as she reaches behind the throne, pulling out her championship belt. The little girl eagerly holds out her hands as Danni carefully hands her the belt.
Girl: So’s my little brother!
Everyone within earshot of the little girl’s wisecrack immediately bursts into laughter. After a few seconds, the laughter subsides as everyone regains their composure.
Danni: Alright... here you go. Now, I’ll just step out of the way, and...
Girl: No, wait! I want you to be in the picture too, Danni!
The little girl holds a hand up, as if reaching out for Danni before she can get too far away. Danni stops, tilting her head.
”Santa”: HO! HO! HO! Well, you heard her, Danni! You wouldn’t want to disappoint our little friend here, would you?
Danni: Of course not, Santa! In that case...
Danni moves in beside the throne, placing one hand on “Santa’s” shoulder and the other on the little girl’s shoulder. Together, the three of them look into the camera.
“Elf”: Alright, on 3, say “REINDEER!” One, two, three!
Everyone: REINDEER!
They all smile for the camera, and the little girl hands the South Bay Championship back to Danni before running up to her mother with a big smile on her face. As mother and daughter converse with the other “elf,” Danni hoists her belt over her shoulder, then moves aside to allow “Santa” room to get up from his seat. With her picture in hand, the little girl gives one last wave to them before following her mother down the corridor. Once they’re out of sight, the other elf walks up to the pair with a grateful smile on her face.
”Elf”:: I wanted to thank you guys again for agreeing to do this on such short notice. When the guy that usually plays Santa had to take his wife to the hospital, I thought for sure we’d have to shut down for the day. You guys really saved our hides!
Danni: Think nothing of it! I remember coming to this mall when I was a kid. Granted, it’s changed a lot, but the one thing I always looked forward to was coming to see Santa. Back in the day, this was the only mall in the South Bay with TWO Santas, which I thought was cool. Besides, it was fun being on THIS side of the camera for once.
”Santa”: It didn’t kill your own belief in Santa Claus?
Danni: Nah. My mother would tell me that these mall Santas were all serving as messengers to the Big Guy himself. And it made sense to me, so that’s what I believed.
Danni looks up at “Santa,” a sly smile on her face as she winks at him.
Danni: You looked like you were enjoying yourself, too, Donny....
Glancing around, “Santa” makes sure that no children are within sight. With the coast clear, he pulls the hat and beard down to reveal the face of Danni’s fiancé, Donovan Basch. With the unnecessary fluff no longer obscuring his face, Danni can now enjoy Donovan’s devilish smile in all of its glory.
Donovan: Okay, so I suppose there’s no point in denying it, then.
Danni: Seeing you make all those kids smile... I can tell you’re going to make an amazing father one day...
Donovan smiles, then takes a look at his watch.
Donovan: Well, Danielle, I suppose we should head home.
Danni: I don’t know about you, but I’m kinda hungry.
The other elf silently excuses herself and walks away, leaving the engaged pair to themselves.
Donovan: Well, you know this neighborhood a lot better than I do. What’s still open at this time of night?
Danni: There’s a Denny’s right up Hawthorne Boulevard.
Donovan nods his head.
Donovan: Works for me. But first, I REALLY need to get out of this suit!
Danni giggles as she slips her arm into Donovan’s as they start down the corridor. After they’ve walked a few yards, Danni scans Donovan from head to foot with a flirtatious smile on her face.
Danni: You know, I just bought some mistletoe...
Donovan: Save it for when we get home, Mrs. Claus....