Chapter Text
Nicky knew that Joe was pretending when he said he wasn't sad about the broken snow globe. Most of all because Joe loved his little sister Betty and he hated seeing her crying. Joe also said it was his own fault that he forgot to close the door to his room, so Betty crawling into his room would happen sooner or later. Before their mother could prevent it, Betty got her small hands on Joe's beloved snow globe and broke it. That was why Nicky had summoned all of their friends to a very secret meeting now that Joe was gone for the weekend.
"I'm only here because you said there were Christmas cookies," Andy declared the moment she stood in Nicky's room.
"Andy," Quynh said. "We're here because Nicky asked us to come over. Not because of the Christmas cookies."
"If you say so," Andy replied. "Hi Book, how is the leg?"
"I don't want to talk about it," Booker replied as he dumped down in the big chair Nicky had in his room. "And I haven't forgiven you yet, Lykon."
"As I recall it, you ending up with a broken leg is also your own fault," Lykon said. "You could just have done...."
"Boys," Quynh cut in. "Could you not save it for another day? Nicky wants to talk with us, so let's hear what it's."
"And eat some of these delusions Christmas cookies," Andy said but a look from Quynh made Andy shut her mouth.
"Even though they're only 9 and 11," Lykon said. "They're so married."
Booker laughed but a look from Quynh made both Lykon and Booker shut up.
"Where's Nile?" Quynh asked.
"On her way," Nicky replied. "She is asking her uncle for something I need for Joe's Christmas gift. And I also need your help or I hope you'll help me."
"Of course, we'll help you, Nicky. Right, friends?" Quynh asked as she looked at the other who nodded. "Everyone is happy to help. Now, what is it you need our help with?"
"You all know about Joe's snow globe," Nicky said. "So, I want to make a new one as a Christmas gift to Joe."
"Wouldn't it be easier to buy a new one?" Booker asked.
"If you don't want to help," Quynh said. "Then the door is there, Booker."
Quynh pointed at the door.
"I didn't say that," Booker said. "Ok, tell us more about your plans."
"I talked with Joe's mother, she said we could use the old greenhouse in their garden. It's dome-shaped, so it can be the shell," Nicky said. "But I need help with filling it."
"I'll do anything as long there are Christmas cookies," Andy said. "Hi, I was eating those."
"Share with the rest," Lykon said as he took the plate. "Or didn't they tease you any manners in the cave you were raised in?"
Lykon handed Booker a Christmas cookie before Lykon ate the last two. It was there Andy jumped Lykon and they rolled around on the floor.
"Wasn't it you who just said that we should share?" Andy wanted to know.
"I did share," Lykon said. "With Booker."
Nicky looked at Quynh while shaking his head. Andy and Lykon always fought over the cookies or every kind of sweet food.
"Ah, I see we have reached the point of the evening where Andy and Lykon are fighting," Nile smirked. "It would have made me sad to miss out on it."
"This was a bad idea," Nicky said looking sad. "I'm going to do it myself."
"No, we'll help you, we promised," Quynh replied. "Nile, help me with separating them."
Before Quynh and Nile could separate Andy and Lykon, Booker slammed one of the crutches into the floor and everyone looked at Booker.
"Could you not save it for another day?" Booker asked. "Or have you forgotten one of the rules we have? When someone asks for our help, we help. No matter what."
"You're right," Andy said. "Sorry, Nicky."
"Sorry Nicky," Lykon said. "You were saying?"
Lykon sat down in the bean bag, while Andy sat down on the bed.
"What did your uncle say, Nile?" Nicky wanted to know.
"That we could borrow one of his smaller snow machines for two hours on Sunday," Nile replied. "He'll also provide the ice."
"Fantastic, then we got the snow for the snow globe," Nicky replied. "Then all I need is help with the interior. I made a plan. Just a moment."
Nicky took a piece of paper from his desk and showed them his drawing.
"I was thinking there should also be Christmas candy, lights, music, and a snowman, just like there were in the broken snow globe," Nicky said. "Who wants to do what?"
"Since I can't walk, I do the music," Booker said. "I got a new ghettoblaster."
"I can do the lights," Quynh said. "With the help from Andy."
"Sure," Andy replied. "Nile, do you still have that light chain? Together with the one Quynh has it should be enough to cover the greenhouse."
"Yes, I have," Nile replied. "I can get the Christmas candy."
"And I'll help you with the snowman, Nicky," Lykon said. "But I was thinking. Maybe we should talk with the neighbours next to Joe's house before Booker turns on his new ghettoblaster."
"I'll do it tomorrow," Nicky replied. "I still need to finish cleaning the greenhouse."
"Wait, what," Andy said. "Are you saying you have been cleaning today? Without help?"
"Is nothing," Nicky replied. "I don't mind. Not when I know it will make Joe happy."
Andy stood up and placed her arm around Nicky's shoulders.
"Tomorrow we'll all meet at the greenhouse and help Nicky with the cleaning, right?" Andy asked. "Or else I'm getting Booker to read out of rules we have."
Everyone promised to help tomorrow.
"And no one is to tell Joe about our plans," Quynh said. "It's a surprise."
Everyone promised to not tell Joe anything.
"Oh it reminds me," Nile said. "We need money for the Christmas candy. Could you all bring 5 dollars?"
Everyone promised to bring 5 dollars tomorrow.