Christmas morning was full of excitement. Purity and Bea had not expected presents, but Prudence had collected all the gifts she’d bought for them over the last few years and wrapped them up in Christmas paper. The girls ordered room service – including some hot chocolate.
“But, we can’t take this stuff home!” pronounced Bea.
“I’ll just keep it then, like I have all along,” said Prudence. “And you should see your savings accounts! Grandma and I have squirreled away $600 for each of you. Can we say shopping spree!”
“Who cares!” said Bea. “We can’t use it now anyway.” Bea threw down the present in her hand and ran into her room.
About a half hour later, Prudence tapped on her door.
“Room service is here,” Prudence said.” Do you want to eat it in your room?”
“Yes!” said Bea. Prudence slipped the plate through the doorway.
“Can I come in and eat with you?”
“I guess,” said Bea.
“What’s wrong Bea? You just don’t seem like yourself,” asked Prudence. When Bea did not answer, Prudence continued. “Are you angry because I missed your birthday?”
“Yes,” answered Bea.
“I said I was sorry,” pleaded Prudence. Please don’t think it has anything to do with you. I was busy and this separation has had its toll on us. We cannot allow petty things to separate us, Bea. We MUST stick together! Remember when you lost my phone? Did I stay mad at you?”
“No,” said Bea.
“Did I even get mad at you?” asked Prudy.
“No,” said Bea, starting to sniff.
“Please Bea…Please don’t let bitterness and resentment drive you away from me. I know you don’t agree with all my choices. And I’m not going to agree with all of yours,” said Prudy. “Someday, you might show up on my doorstep with purple hair, a nose ring and tattoos all over your body – but I’ll love you anyway. Please forgive me my forgetfulness and move on.”
Bea was in her sister’s arms almost before she could finish speaking. Bea sobbed. She wept for all the nights she wished for her sister’s arms and they were not there. She just let it all out. Prudence held her throughtout her cryout. Purity peeked into the room. When she realized what was happening, she threw her arms around the two of them too. They all cried a little…and then Prudence started to giggle.
“What a crazy sight – three grown up gals crying together. Imagine if Kris could see this!? He’d think we were quite a sight!” They all started laughing now. It was absurd. But strangely, they all felt much better too.
“I guess we all needed a good cry!” said Purity.
“So what are we going to do today?” asked Bea.
“How about we get all dressed up and see the Rockettes at Radio City Music Hall,” said Prudence.
“I don’t know what THAT is. I just want to get to go ice skating at Rockefeller Center,” said Purity.
“No problem,” said Prudence. “But I bet you”d rather skate at night among the lights!”
“Yes!” The girls said in unison.
They all got dressed in the dresses Prudy brought them from Paris. Purity noticed that Prudy was using a new curling iron.
“How does this curling iron work?”asked Purity.
“I was just figuring it out,”said Prudence. “Grandma gave it to me for Christmas. I thought I’d watch a video on YouTube to teach me how to use it. I’ll mirror it onto the TV so you can see it too!” Prudence used her phone and set it to “airplay” over the TV.
“That’s really cool! Can I use it?” asked Bea.
“After I’m done with it,” said Prudence.
The girls took a taxi to the Radio City Music Hall. They got their balcony seats and prepared themselves for the show. All of a sudden, Santa came onto the stage and introduced the famous Radio City Music Hall Rockettes-
“What a workout!” said Purity.
“I’m tired just watching them.” said Bea.
After the show, the girls went to lunch. Then they hopped on the Hop On, Hop Off Bus that toured the city. This way, they could see various sites around the city easily. They went to the Empire State Building – which Bea remembered was pictured on their website: www.SketchyScribe.com. They also visited the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island. Of course they window shopped along the way. When the sun set, the girls made their way to Rockefeller Center.
As they entered the center, Purity and Bea looked down and saw the world famous ice skating rink. It was smaller than they had imagined. But that did not sway their desire to go ice skating.
https://youtu.be/UNNRD-n5Nuo