Page 66 of The Cosy Travelling Christmas Shop

Chapter 21

There was nothing more reminiscent of childhood than a Christmas panto, Seren decided as she clasped Freya’s hand tightly in her own and guided her through the throng. The pair of them were going to the theatre to see Aladdin, and Freya was beside herself with excitement and brimming with energy.

But first, they were off to get a burger and fries. Nicole didn’t let Freya have much in the way of fast food, but she usually allowed it on occasions like these. Besides, Nicole wasn’t here to see it.

The three of them had intended to go to the panto together but Nicole hadn’t felt well this evening. Aaron, her other half, was working so either Seren and Freya went on their own, or Freya would miss out on the treat and no one wanted that.

Freya hung onto Seren’s hand as she skipped along at her side, and now and again she’d play a truncated version of hopscotch on the flagstones.

‘Can I have popcorn?’ Freya asked.

‘Let’s see what’s there, shall we?’ Seren cautioned. She hadn’t been to the theatre since last Christmas when she’d accompanied Nicole and her daughter to see Dick Whittington, and she couldn’t for the life of her remember whether the theatre sold popcorn, or whether it was more up-market refreshments. She knew they had a bar, so maybe she could ply Freya with a bag of crisps and a glass of something fizzy instead.

‘Will Dame be there?’ Freya asked, her face turned up to Seren’s. Her nose was pink from the cold and her eyes were bright in the light from the streetlamps and the shop windows.

‘Dame who?’

‘Youknow,’ Freya said, hopping up and down and tugging at her arm. ‘Dame. She was there last time and Mummy says she’s always there. But she’s not really she. She’s him.’

Seren frowned, then her face cleared as she understood what the little girl was referring to. ‘Do you mean the Pantomime Dame?’

‘Yes! Pantomine Dame.’

‘Pantomime,’ Seren corrected.

‘Whatever.’ Freya danced sideways and pulled a face at herself in the window of a card shop. ‘I look like a monkey.’

‘That’s because youarea monkey,’ Seren said. ‘And did you just “whatever” me?’

Freya giggled and Seren swung her up into her arms. The little girl’s legs clamped around her waist and her arms circled her neck.

‘See what I mean? Monkey.’ Seren nuzzled her face into the child’s neck and blew a raspberry. She growled into her ear, ‘I’m a big lion and I’m going to eat you all up.’

‘No, God-Mummy!’ Freya squealed, and Seren’s heart melted. Freya had taken to calling her that ever since Nicole had explained to her that Seren was her godmother. It was too adorable for words.

‘Roaaarr!’ Seren cried, nibbling the little girl’s neck and pretending to bite her.

Freya was laughing so hard she slipped from Seren’s grasp and slid to the ground, landing on Seren’s toe.

‘Ow! I was wrong. You’re not a monkey – you’re a hefty efelump. I don’t think efelumps should have burgers, and they definitely don’t like fries.’

‘Aww.’ Freya bounced on the spot like an excitable puppy and Seren was about to chase her down the pavement when she became aware she was being stared at.

‘Seren?’ Tobias was standing in front of them, his head cocked to the side.

‘Oh, hi,’ Seren said, reaching out for Freya’s hood and grabbing hold of it to make sure the child didn’t run off. ‘I’m glad I bumped into you. I meant to ask you about my invoice.’

‘Oh, er, right. Haven’t you had it?’ Tobias glanced at Freya who was trying to squirm out of Seren’s grasp.

When the little girl saw him staring, she quietened down immediately and shuffled closer to Seren.

‘No, that’s why I’m asking,’ Seren said.

‘I see. I believe I posted it a few days ago. If you haven’t had it yet, I expect it’s because of the Christmas post.’

‘You could email it?’

‘Why don’t you wait a couple of days. If it hasn’t arrived by then, give me a shout.’

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