I watched from the kitchen's door, Lola and dad were watching that New York parade, happily cheering from their couch. To join their excitement was harder than it looks. I sigh as I trace back to yesterday night in my room, talking senses to my sister's so called grand prize.
"Sis, aren't you happy for me?!"
"Lola, don't you find this odd?! A gloomy elf working at a cheaply stand, suddenly gives you a trip to this so called Christmas Town?!"
"No. According to him, it's suppose to be a newly amusement park that is really fun! And I get to stay for a whole month!"
"And, where is this located? He didn't give us anymore details than that! What if it could be a shady trap or a really knock-off place you have to stay for that long of time?!"
"Sis, you are worrying too much! It's probably in southern California, where the other amusement parks are! Beside, nobody can hurt me! Not with my speed and slingshot skills!" She said proudly.
"Do I exspect a little girl going alone to this park you won at this small market stand, with no parents to watch out for their daughter's safety?!"
"He said, no grown-ups are allow to come! They're just get in the way! I won't be alone, I can bring one friend with me!"
"I find that even more concerning! No adults means, could lead to kidnapping or worst!"
"I can protect myself! Besides, it makes sense! Mostly kids would believe in Santa Claus and his gifts are ment for good boys and girls like me."
"I don't think 'good girls' pellet customer's hand."
"Hey, I did apologize, didn't I?! Oh, I hope Santa would show up there! Maybe Christmas Town can be good as the real thing in the North Pole!" She jumped up and down. I sigh.
"Lola! There's no such thing as Santa Claus or a magical town in the North Pole! Get your senses right. Don't go!"
"Sis, you maybe only a teen-ager but, you need to relax and stop acting like a grown-up! I'm getting tire, we're tell mom and dad tomorrow! I know they'll be happy for me!" She ran out the door before I could say another word. I cried to myself in frustration.
Back to the present, We all sat at the dinner table, our parents share their 'thanks', a tradition we do before we eat the feast. When it was Lola's turn, she stood up from her chair.
"Mom, dad? Before I share my thanks, You must hear this most awsomely spectacular wonderful news!" A little overkill much?
"While me and sis were shopping, I took part in a little prize raffle and won a trip to this amusement park called Christmas Town!"
"Far out, man! That's groovy!" Cheered dad.
"Certainly sounds fun" Said mom. No surprise, no concern.
"Yeah, me and a guest get to spend a whole month there! Leading to the big Holiday itself! The trip begins in two days!" Both my parents grew shockness in their eyes, about time they're being a parent!
"A whole month you say, dear?"
"And leaving just in two days?"
"Well actually in one day now. But don't worry, it's 100% safe and I'll be home before Christmas day!"
"Then, I'm sure we got nothing to worry of. Christmas day is the most important day than the days leading towards it."
"So, dear? Who are you bringing?"
"Well, it was tough. most of my school kids are so boring to hang out for a month so_" I spoke up.
"Hey, you are just going to let this kid go on her own to a place where no adults are to come! You guys should be a bit more concerning than that!"
"I won't be in trouble because, I'm inviting you, my big sister!" If I had food in my mouth, I would probably choke. I stood up.
"Lola, I thought it was only for children?!"
"Yes and 'those under 21'. You are only half older age than me. I'm sure my big sister would protect me from any harm. And, you need more fun in your life! Mom and dad told me you was a very happy kid. I want to help you relive your lost childhood!"
"Lola, those days are gone." I blush and slowly sat down.
"Don't be like that, honey. I'm sure you'll keep your sister safe from any harm. And have some fun!"
"You got me on my knees, Layla, on how happy you were as a child. Yes, enjoy your trip with your sister. Have a good time!"
"Yes, dad." I quietly said. It's hard to talk to my parents about my lost childhood. I just can't bear to tell them.
"Now, for my thanks. I am thankful for my good parents, my winning the prize, and of course, my big sister, Layla!" I sigh, we begin to eat.
The next day, at the food course at the mall. Lola ran to join some kids at a balloon vendor nearby. I sat in sadness at a table with my friend, Kelly, while we warp up Black Friday shopping.
"Layla, it's not good for your health to be frustrated like this."
"I know, Kelly. Can I really take this seriously?! A gloomy guy in an elf costume, running a charity stand, somehow my sister winning the grand prize. Even he was in complete shock, phoneing his boss if they should go on with it!"
"Maybe this 'park' has recently open and they're not sure if it a good idea to bring your sister there."
"That maybe true. My parents put me in charge to watch over her, as usual. I always feel like a parent to her more than a sister."
"If this whole trip turns out to be shady, sure keep her from danger. But, if this trip is worthwhile, you should take an easy. Your parents didn't force her to choose you, she chose you herself. She wants you to enjoy yourself."
"Kelly, this 'Christmas Town' might only apply to children. Why else can't any adults come?!"
"Because, many adult lose that child innocent when they grow. Though, some can still be a child at heart, she's trying to help you remember."
"You are the only one I had told about that movement of my life! How can I relive my childhood after that event?!"
"That was eight years ago. You've learned and move on."
"Yeah but, I got to make sure something similar doesn't happen to Lola! She's too hyperactive and not be concern about the danger ahead!"
"Then, bring a balance to that. She's still a kid. She can have fun but, be watchful as well. But, you have to be happy about yourself."
"It's hard to be the black sheep of the family. Perhaps, you're right. I should try to have fun on this trip." Some one yelled, as we turned to face the vendor's stand. Lola has popped all the balloon with just on pellet. Cheering about a perfect shot she made. Some kids cheered, some kids cried. I shamefuly hid my face. "And teach her some responsibility." My friend supported me, as we walked up to pay for the damage.
Later in the night, I packed up my things; pepper spray, emergency phone, pocket knife, all for defense, just in case something bad happens, warm clothings, few books to read, hygiene items and one case for my guitar. If I feel sad, I'll strung my guitar and work out my trouble. I then, stare at the window and cried a little. How can I relive my lost childhood after what happen! I do hope Lola behaves herself. At least I'll be there to control her, mostly. I shouldn't make a big deal about it, it's only a children's amusement park. It'll be done and over with. As I went to bed, I'll soon learn that 'amusement' is probably not the right word to described what is up ahead.
