***
Skye opened the kitchen door and just stood there, as Mr. Figg was helping Sara with some logs for the fireplace.
“Now, what do you think, should we have the logs in the kitchen fireplace or the living room fireplace. What do you think, Skye?” Sara asked, and then saw the look on Skye’s face. “Okay, honey what’s up. Why that look on your face?”
“Why can’t I watch the big ball come down, when the clock strikes midnight tonight?”
“Oh, well, we don’t do that here,” Sara, said lamely.
“What’s she talking about, Sara?” Mr. Figg asked confused.
“Oh, Mr. Figg,” Skye started, “we make popcorn, chips and dip, and turn on the TV and watch movie stars and singers performing and watch the crowds in Times Square in New York. Then the big ball slowly starts down this huge pole, and when it reaches the bottom, it turns bright and the New Year displays, welcoming in the New Year with Guy Lombardo, playing Auld Lang Syne.
And, if you’re with a boyfriend or husband, you kiss them at the stroke of twelve. The little ones bang pots and pans, and darn it, it’s a lot of fun.”
Sara and Gerald walked over to the kitchen table and sat down opposite Skye.
“This is fascinating, I want to hear more,” Gerald said, propping his hand on his jaw.
“Well, there’s lots of dancing, crazy hats, blow ticklers, horns and lots of New Year’s Eve parties. Don’t you people get out at all?”
“Yes, well, I know all about that, Skye, since I stayed with Julie one New Year’s Eve, when she was about to have the twins,” Sara answered. “So I do know what you’re talking about. Yes, it was fun and I really enjoyed myself.
“We already mentioned it to Carol Jean and she said she never heard of a big silver ball on New Year’s Eve. She also said the other channels go off the air around 11:50 so the Keepers can promise stuff,” Skye groaned. “How can we celebrate New Year’s Eve, without the big silver ball dropping?”
Gerald looked at Skye and told her that they don’t really celebrate New Year’s Eve. “No one really knows what the New Year will bring, so we are cautious and celebrate quietly. But you get to make out a wish list of things you want to happen.
“Oh, whoopee! Skye yelled. It sounds really lame to me.
“Skye, don’t be disrespectful to Mr. Figg, he’s just trying to help you understand,” Sara admonished.
“Yeah, it does sound lame,” Laura said, standing in the doorway.
“Now don’t you start?” Sara said, pointing her finger at her daughter.
“I really like the way Julie and Stan celebrate, and I do mean celebrate New Year’s Eve. Why can’t we do that here?” Laura was getting a little agitated.
“I don’t think the Keepers would approve, Laura.” Mr. Figg said, seriously.
Laura glared at Gerald and he decided to leave.
“Well, I hope you get all of this straightened out, girls. I’ve got to leave for now, but don’t do anything crazy.” Gerald got up and put his coat and hat on, then wished them all a good night, as he walked out the door.
“I have an idea, Skye,” Laura said with a mischievous grin on her face.
“I don’t want to hear it,” Sara said, walking out of the kitchen, but she had a smile on her face as well.