Christmas Treasure Read online

  “Somebody I know’s a rotten egg,” Carole sang softly.

  “I know,” Lisa said, pressing one finger against the horseshoe. “Prancer was still dozing when I got to her stall. We’re ready now, though. Which trail shall we take?”

  “Let’s do the field trail,” Stevie said as Belle shook her thick mane. “We did the mountain trail last week.”

  “Okay.” Lisa climbed up on Prancer. “We can use the practice.”

  The three girls rode their horses up the hill behind the stable. Though the air was cold and crisp, the December sunshine sparkled, and the frost that still covered the delicate limbs of the trees glittered, giving everything a festive close-to-Christmas feel. Even the horses seemed to sense the excitement in the air. They all trotted up the hill briskly as if they, too, were looking forward to a holiday.

  “I feel the need for speed,” said Stevie, her nose already rosy from the cold. “We can go all the way to the end of the field and come back by the creek.”

  “Good idea.” Carole patted Starlight’s neck. “These guys are really frisky today. A nice long run will calm them down.”

  “Okay,” said Lisa with a laugh. “Let’s go!”

  Stevie urged Belle into a fast canter. Carole and Lisa followed. They galloped through a small stand of trees, then across the broad yellow fields that opened before them. When the trail wound down into the woods next to the river, Stevie slowed Belle to a walk.

  “Wasn’t that wonderful?” she said, almost out of breath. “I think having sunny weather in December is terrific. It makes you feel so energetic!”

  “It is nice,” admitted Carole as she and Lisa pulled up beside Stevie. “But I really wish we’d have a big snow. Snow makes Christmas and Kwanzaa so much more special.”

  “I know what you mean.” Lisa smiled. “Snow just seems to make everything all the more beautiful.”

  “Horses like snow, too,” said Stevie. “Or at least Belle does. She and I had a wonderful bareback ride when it snowed last winter.”

  The girls rode down the trail to the river, enjoying the combination of warm sun and frosty air. They watched as a pair of cardinals ate bright red berries from a holly bush. A fat gray squirrel scurried under an oak tree, digging up the acorns he’d buried in the fall.

  “Seeing all these animals munching nuts and berries is making me hungry,” said Stevie, clutching her stomach. “Why don’t we ride back and then have some ice cream at TD’s?”

  Carole shook her head. “Stevie, it’s about twenty degrees out here. How could you possibly think about eating ice cream?”

  “Well, the sun’s out.” Stevie glanced at the sky. “That makes it ice cream weather to me!”

  Lisa shivered inside her warm jacket. “Actually, food doesn’t sound too bad. Maybe hot chocolate, though, instead of a chocolate malt.”

  “Okay, then, let’s go. On to TD’s!” Stevie turned Belle around.

  “Let’s take the shortcut through the field and jump the creek,” Carole said. “That way we’ll get to the stables faster.”

  “Okay,” agreed Stevie. “You and Starlight lead the way.”

  Carole and Starlight took off in an easy canter, with Stevie and Lisa following. The golden fields flew by as the horses raced back toward the stable. Soon Starlight and Carole were approaching the creek. As the big bay gelding neared the bank, Carole remembered the slides Max had shown at Horse Wise. She shifted her weight forward in the saddle as she felt Starlight begin to collect his hind legs under him, and she loosened her hold on the reins as he leaped into the air. For an instant they were flying; then, just as fast, they were landing smoothly on the other bank. Carole smiled and gave Starlight a pat. Every time she jumped a horse she remembered why it was one of her favorite things in the world to do.

  Stevie and Belle were approaching the creek at the same easy canter, and at the same spot as Starlight, Belle collected herself and vaulted over the creek. Stevie came down softly in the saddle, then pulled up beside Carole to watch Lisa.

  “Hurry up!” Stevie called as Lisa and Prancer neared the creek. “You’re still the rotten egg!”

  “We’re coming,” Lisa called. She urged Prancer on a little faster and shifted her weight forward in the saddle. The pretty bay mare picked up speed, but when she reached the spot where Belle and Starlight had begun their jump, she abruptly stiffened her legs and came sliding to a halt.

  “Ouch!” cried Lisa, scooting forward in the saddle and bumping her nose on Prancer’s neck.

  “Are you okay?” called Stevie.

  “Yes.” Lisa rubbed her nose. “Just shocked. Prancer hasn’t shied at water in months!”

  “Turn her around and try it again,” advised Carole. “Maybe the creek just took her by surprise.”

  “Good idea.” Lisa turned Prancer around, then reapproached the creek at a brisk trot. Again, at the very same spot where Belle and Starlight had leaped into the air, Prancer stopped and planted herself firmly on the ground.

  “She still won’t do it,” said Lisa, shaking her head. “But at least I didn’t bump my nose this time.”

  “Try and walk her over it,” Carole suggested. “Maybe she’s just having a bad creek day.”

  Lisa urged Prancer forward at a walk. The mare took a few steps toward the water, then slapped her ears back and refused to move at all.

  “This is terrible!” cried Lisa. “Her water problems have all come back, and I worked so hard to get her over them. I was even planning to ride her in the Fairfax Competitive Trail Ride next month. We can’t enter if she stops dead still at every mud puddle!”

  Stevie and Carole looked at each other and frowned. “Maybe you should just get off and lead her across,” said Stevie. “I’ve got a carrot you can reward her with when she gets over here.”

  “Okay.” Lisa sighed. She dismounted and pulled the reins over Prancer’s head. “Come on, girl,” she whispered, beginning to walk toward the creek. At first Prancer didn’t budge, but Lisa gave a firm tug on her reins and she began to inch toward the water. “Come on, Prancer, it’s okay,” Lisa said gently, stepping into the shallow water. Prancer sniffed the water dubiously, then suddenly bolted across the creek. Lisa held the reins and ran along after her as she scrambled up the little bank.

  “Whew,” Lisa said, taking the carrot Stevie held out. “That’s hardly what I’d call a smooth crossing.”

  “Maybe she just didn’t want to get her feet wet,” said Stevie, giggling. “That water must feel like ice.”

  Lisa watched Prancer chomp her carrot. “Yes, but if she’d jumped to begin with, her feet wouldn’t be wet at all.”

  “Oh, don’t worry about it,” said Carole. “She’s probably just been ridden too much by Max’s novice students. She’ll calm down once you start training for the competition.”

  “I hope so,” said Lisa as she climbed into the saddle.

  They rode slowly back to Pine Hollow, allowing the horses to cool down on the way. Prancer was again her usual cooperative self. She responded to all Lisa’s aids, and by the time they reached the stable, the girls had only to untack the horses and give them a quick rubdown.

  “I hope I’ll have time to cure you of your water phobia before the competition next month,” Lisa told Prancer as she toweled the mare’s legs. When Prancer’s legs and hooves were dry, Lisa gave her a lump of sugar and walked over to meet Stevie and Carole at Belle’s stall.

  “Bye, Belle,” Stevie was saying, watching as Belle munched the bright red apple Stevie had brought for her. “We’re off to get our own treats at TD’s. Let’s see. I wonder what I’ll have today … maybe a chocolate and pistachio sundae with bubble gum bits. Or maybe a pineapple and pretzel surprise.”

  “Come on, Stevie,” said Carole. “If you don’t cool it with your bizarre ice cream treats you’re going to make the horses sick!”

  The girls walked toward TD’s, the ice cream shop that was the site of most of their official and unofficial Saddle Club meetings. The o
ther shops in the small shopping center were busy; customers bustled about with packages in their arms. Christmas music was being piped into the parking lot from the supermarket, and huge green wreaths with bright red bows hung from every lamppost.

  “Wow,” said Lisa as they walked past the brightly decorated shop windows. “It looks like Christmas is in full swing here.”

  They opened the door of TD’s. Although red and green Christmas lights had been draped from the ceiling and the radio was playing Christmas music, the place was empty. The girls hurried to their favorite corner booth and took off their coats.

  “It sure feels good and toasty in here today,” said Carole as she untied the wool scarf around her neck.

  “Most anyplace south of the North Pole would feel warm today,” said Stevie, sliding into the booth.

  The waitress who always served them made her way to their table. Usually she wore a plain white uniform. Today, though, she’d added a red sweater with a sprig of holly pinned to it. “What’ll it be today, ladies?” she asked pleasantly.

  “I’ll have hot chocolate, please,” said Lisa.

  “Me too,” said Carole.

  “A wise choice,” the waitress remarked as she scribbled on her pad. She gave Stevie a wary look. “And for you?”

  “Uh, I’ll have one scoop of pistachio ice cream with strawberry sauce and coconut sprinkles,” Stevie said with a smile. “In honor of Christmas.”

  “Christmas?” The waitress raised one eyebrow.

  Stevie nodded. “The pistachio’s green, the strawberry sauce is red, the coconut’s white. Christmas colors.”

  “I see.” The waitress shook her head in disbelief. “Coming right up.”

  Lisa giggled as the waitress walked back to the counter. “Only you, Stevie, would order ice cream in Christmas colors!”

  “Well, you’ve got to get into the spirit of the season.” “Speaking of the spirit of the season …,” Carole began.

  “Oh, please, let’s not discuss our Secret Santas,” begged Stevie. “Mine is just too grim to talk about.”

  Carole smiled. “No, I wasn’t going to talk about Secret Santas. I wanted to ask you guys if you’d like to help me and my dad out.”

  “Sure,” said Lisa. “Doing what?”

  “Well, he and a lot of other Marines have worked really hard all year on their annual toy drive. You know, that’s where the Marines collect money and toys for needy children at Christmas. It’s a great thing to do for little kids who won’t have much of a Christmas otherwise.”

  “And?” Stevie smiled politely as the waitress returned with two cups of steaming hot chocolate and a dish of pale green ice cream covered in red sauce and little white curls of coconut.

  “And now, since it’s getting close to the holidays, a lot of Marines will be on leave. My dad’s in charge of the whole operation this year, and he’s going to need some extra help distributing the toys.”

  “That sounds like fun,” said Lisa, stirring melted marshmallows into her hot chocolate. “I’d be glad to help. Only first I’ve got to help my mother cook about a million different Scottish dishes and clean our house. Our cousins are coming over from Scotland to spend Christmas with us.”

  “Really?” Stevie took a big bite of her ice cream. “I didn’t know you had any relatives in Scotland.”

  Lisa nodded. “The Rosses. Sarah Ross is my mom’s first cousin. She’ll be coming with her husband, James, and their children, Eliot, Douglas, and twin toddlers.”

  “Wow,” said Carole. “That’s a lot of people.”

  “Tell me about it.” Lisa rolled her eyes. “I don’t know where we’re all going to sleep, much less eat and celebrate Christmas.” She took a sip of her hot chocolate. “But I’ll be glad to help you and your dad whenever I can.”

  “Me too,” said Stevie. “But I’ll have to help between rehearsals for the Christmas play. After all, I’m going to be singing the solo.”

  “Oh, Stevie! I didn’t know you’d gotten the solo.” Carole’s dark eyes grew wide. “That’s fantastic!”

  “Well, I haven’t exactly, officially gotten it yet. But I know I will. I mean, I’ve taken weekly voice lessons from Ms. Bennefield since October, and I’ve bought a new dress and I’ve even invited Phil to come and see me.” Stevie licked strawberry sauce off the back of her spoon. “Anyway, my only competition for the part is Veronica diAngelo, who’s managed to be an even bigger jerk at rehearsals than she is at the stable.”

  “I didn’t think that was possible,” said Lisa.

  “It is, though,” Stevie replied. “You wouldn’t believe how she runs around the stage bossing everybody like she’s some big star. I mean, we’re only rehearsing the chorus parts right now, so everyone is supposed to be equal. But not Veronica! The lights have to be perfect, everybody has to know their lines exactly, and heaven help anybody who has to cough or sneeze when she’s ‘getting in touch with her character.’ She is one royal pain. I don’t know what I’ll do if she gets the solo.”

  “I didn’t even know Veronica could sing, much less act.” Carole warmed her hands around her cup of hot chocolate.

  “She can’t,” said Stevie. “Every time she opens her mouth she sounds like a cat that’s caught its tail in a lawn mower.”

  Carole and Lisa both burst into giggles. “Stevie, that’s awful!”

  “I know.” Stevie shrugged. “But it’s true.”

  “When is your play going to be?” Lisa asked.

  “The same day as the Pine Hollow Christmas party,” Stevie answered. “But don’t worry. I’ll have time to sing and chat with my adoring fans and still come to the Christmas party.”

  “We’ll be sure and tell everybody at the stable to bring their autograph books.” Carole laughed.

  “Yes,” said Lisa. “I know they’d hate to miss the great Stevie Lake.”

  Carole looked at her watch. “Gosh,” she said. “I’ve got to hurry. Dad and I are driving over to the toy warehouse this afternoon to start our inventory.”

  “I’ve got to hurry, too,” said Stevie, scraping up her remaining ice cream. “I’ve got my last voice lesson with Ms. Bennefield today.”

  “I’ve got to hurry, three,” added Lisa. “Although not to anything fun. I’ve got to go home and help my mom.” She sighed. “Today we’re washing all the upstairs windows and baking shortbread.”

  The girls got up to pay their checks. “When shall we ride again?” asked Lisa. “I can’t wait to get out of the house already, and I’m not even there yet.”

  “Instead of riding, why don’t you guys come over to my house tomorrow afternoon?” suggested Stevie. “I bought this awesome dress to wear when I sing the solo, and I’d like to try out my audition song on you. I’ve only sung it once for Alex, and he acted like he was going to throw up.”

  “Sure, Stevie.” Carole smiled as she gave the waitress her money. “I’d love to.”

  “Me too,” said Lisa. “It sounds like fun.”

  “Okay, then. Come over about three o’clock?”

  “Great,” said Carole as she put her coat on and prepared to go back into the frosty December air. “I’ll see you guys tomorrow at Stevie’s.”

  CAROLE LEFT TD’s and hurried over to the bus stop, reaching it just as the bus pulled up and the doors opened. She climbed in, deposited her fare, and turned to find a seat. Usually the bus wasn’t crowded on Saturday afternoon, but today was an exception. The seats were almost all filled by a noisy troop of Brownies on their way to see The Nutcracker. Carole was almost at the back of the bus before she found a spot to sit down.

  “Whew,” she breathed, falling into the seat as the bus lurched forward into the traffic. “I guess the closer it gets to Christmas the more hectic it gets.”

  She relaxed and looked out the window. It really would be nice if it would snow this Christmas, she thought, picturing everything coated in soft white powder. We could take a trail ride in the snow, and then instead of a snowman, we could build a giant s
now horse at the entrance of Pine Hollow. The image brought a smile to her face. Then, suddenly, her smile turned to a frown. She had almost forgotten about the most important thing that had happened at Pine Hollow that day—the Secret Santas! What had Max said? Do some good deed for the person that they wouldn’t ordinarily do for themselves? She pulled the slip of paper out of her pocket, LISA ATWOOD was spelled out in Max’s squarish handwriting.

  “Oh, brother,” Carole whispered, frowning again. What could she possibly do for Lisa that Lisa wouldn’t do for herself? And when on earth would she do it? She and Lisa were almost always together, and Lisa was the most well-organized person she knew. She always did her homework on time, she was never late on a science project, and she usually had the entire summer reading list read by the end of June. Carole sighed. There was nothing she could think to do for Lisa. Stevie, on the other hand, would have been easy. Anybody could do a hundred good deeds for Stevie that she would never get around to doing—like straightening up her cubby at Pine Hollow, or giving Belle’s bridle a good saddle soaping. Carole shook her head. Whoever had drawn Stevie’s name was going to have an easy time. Lisa was another matter entirely.

  The bus veered around a corner, then rolled to its stop. Carole rose to get off. She would have to think about being a Secret Santa later. Right now she needed to get home and help her dad with a warehouse full of toys.

  Colonel Hanson was waiting when Carole walked through their kitchen door. He had changed out of his khaki Marine Corps uniform and was wearing jeans and a green sweater.

  “Hi, honey,” he said, giving her a big hug. “How was Horse Wise today?”

  “Well, it was an adventure,” Carole said, remembering how she and Stevie had sneaked through the back door like spies. It seemed as if almost anything Stevie Lake was involved in was an adventure. Carole smiled up at her father’s puzzled frown. “But we had a good time.”

  “You and Stevie weren’t too late, were you?” he asked.

  Carole shook her head. “We didn’t miss anything really important.”