Page 58 of Christmas off Script
Leo put his index finger and thumb against his forehead, making the letter L.
‘There isn’t any significance,’ Scott blustered.
‘Prepare for a smackdown, boys,’ Leo said gleefully. ‘Go on, Ella. Deliver the killer blow.’
‘The white represents purity, and the red symbolises Christ’s blood,’ Ella said with a smile. ‘And another significance of the shape is if you turn the cane upside down, it represents a shepherd’s staff.’
Scott frowned at her and swiped his phone open.
‘It’s quicker just to google “is Ella right”,’ Leo said. ‘Or “will we always come second to the Noel it Alls?” Spoiler alert, the answer for both is a resounding “yes”.’
Finn growled and Ella smothered a grin.
‘Okay!’ Libby said. ‘Let’s get started.’
Leo raised a hand. ‘Can I propose an important motion?’
Her eyebrows raised, but she still smiled. ‘Yes, of course. What is it?’
‘Thank you. I’m concerned about people’s commitment to the spirit of Christmas.’
Henry rolled his eyes. ‘Leo, it’s still November.’
‘Only thirty days to go! The countdown is on!’
‘The dress rehearsal is in twenty-two days,’ Connor said.
‘This is all about dress,’ Leo continued.
Libby looked confused, and Henry put a hand on her knee. ‘He wants us to wear Christmas jumpers or t-shirts to every rehearsal.’
‘Bingo!’ Leo replied happily. ‘Ella and I have committed fully to this idea, but the rest of you are lagging behind.’
‘I’m game!’ Steve said. ‘I’ve got some brilliantStar Warsones.’
There were other murmurs of assent around the circle.
‘Finn?’ Leo asked.
‘I don’t have one.’
‘Yes, you do. I bought you one last year with a picture of the Grinch on it.’
‘I had to throw it away.’
‘What?!’ Leo spluttered. ‘Why? He’s your brother from another mother!’
Finn shrugged. ‘I used it as a work t-shirt and it got trashed.’
Leo shook his head. ‘And that’s why you don’t deserve to win the Christmas quiz. No respect.’
Henry cleared his throat and Leo raised his hands. ‘That’s all. Carry on, Libby.’
‘Okey dokey! Well, the first piece of amazing news is that thanks to our star—’
‘Me!’ Arthur cried happily.
‘Theotherstar,’ Libby continued, ‘Zach. We’ve completely sold out of tickets and there’s a waiting list for any returns!’
