Nick and Noel

Chapter 1

The chill of autumn hung in the winds as displays of skeletons and ghouls were laid to rest as the Big Apple bade its goodbye to Halloween and prepared itself for the holiday rush. The sounds of the city were all alive and well, and they rang throughout every building. It was no different at the top of one of New York's skyscrapers, where the Wonderdream Toys offices were located. Inside the art department, the transition was happening for the anticipation of the holidays ahead. People were bobbing and weaving through all the decorations being transitioned leaving no one unscathed, especially poor Holly Day.

Holly was pin-balled between decoration and person all morning long. First, a skeleton dropped on her scaring her out of her wits. Then she got tangled up in some tinsel like some kind of cattle being tied up. Not to mention her wrecking a stray jack-o-lantern as she was trying to carefully make her way past the hall. To say Holly was clumsy was an understatement but things usually go her way. People find her endearing, her high spirits get her out of tough situations, and her belief in miracles always pushes her to be the best. Nothing could stand in her way. All except an ornament in her path making her slip and fall right in front of the elevator.

Right as the elevator opened up, a chill was suddenly felt in the air. Holly looked up to see the one person who always seemed to stand in her way, Noel Winter AKA the Ice Queen of Wonderdream. Her round appearance and warm skin reminiscent of warm cocoa may seem inviting but it's anything but. She stared down at Holly with a scoff and rolled her emerald eyes as she said her trademark,

"Typical..."

Holly stands to her feet feeling suddenly embarrassed by her unsightly appearance.

"Sorry Noel," she starts, "All this transition stuff is getting hectic but it's fun!"

"Yes fun," Noel starts. "It would be more fun and appropriate if it was done overnight and not cause a ruckus."

Before Holly could say anything Noel walked past her, easily ducking under a large plastic candy cane and marching straight toward her desk. Saying that Noel wasn't fond of the holidays was an understatement. She downright would be her meanest during this time. Her glares would be sharper, her tongue would feel like poison, and some say icicles would form around her desk. No one knew or dared to even ask why Noel was so vexed during the holidays but it was best not to cross her path.

As Noel settled in her chair she took a look around at everyone giving her a look before going back to work themselves or at least pretending to. She was used to people staring at her especially after she talked to Holly. To be fair, it's not like Noel thinks very highly of Holly to begin with. Holly is a clumsy unprofessional that tends to always make things worse yet gets all the glory when she fixes the thing she broke in the first place. Every time Noel points this out, everyone looks at her with dislike in their eyes. The Ice Queen is at it again. What kind of logic is that?

However, this year might be different.

Noel was so busy stewing in her frustrations that she didn't notice her boss, Carol Bell, calling everyone's attention. As the crowd formed around Carol, Noel quickly got up and made her way into the crowd. People parted away from her like they might turn into solid ice if they touched her. The sight made Carol look concerned but put a smile on her aging face and took a deep breath preparing herself.

"Well everyone, we have made it to the home stretch! We are officially in the holiday season!" her words met with grand cheering and clapping.

"As we know the holiday season is one of our biggest and busiest seasons. Our artists always bring out the best and I want this year to be our best one yet. It brings me a heavy heart to say that this holiday season will be my last. After more than 40 years seeing each one of you grow into something special has been the best 40 years of my life. I don't want to leave here with someone who doesn't know all the talent that I know this department has. So, I've got a fun idea to get everyone motivated. I am willing to give the position of Lead Designer here at Wonderdream Toys to the person who can impress our greatest investor! Each of you will have an opportunity to present so be sure to bring everything you've got!"