Santa's Newest Reindeer by Denis Trom

those people? You’ve made little promises to
    me before, like taking out the garbage and sweeping out the
    garage, but this is the biggest promise you have ever made, and
    in public. Think of all the kids you are going to disappoint,
    not to mention Mom and Dad and Gramps and Grams.” Will
    gave her a look that begged for answers. He was embarrassed
    for her and for the whole family. He could envision what it
    was going to be like facing his friends at school. He feared for
    his parents’ reputation and how Gramps and Grams would be
    treated wherever they went. He could hear the whispers and
    see the ridicule. And how would his sister ever recover from
    such a regrettable mistake? They would probably have to move
    out of the country. His brain was spinning.
    “Will, are you going to help me or what?” she spoke in a
    calm and deliberate tone. She did not raise her voice, nor did
    she look away from him.
    “Me? Me? Why do you always involve me in your shenanigans?”
    “Because you are my twin, and you know how I think, and
    I know how you think. We are wired alike.” She smiled at him,
    and all he could do was shake his head.
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    De n is t rom
    “What have you got me into this time?” he asked rhetori-
    cally, not wanting to hear the answer.
    “Pizza’s on. Come and get it,” beckoned Grams, standing in
    the doorway. “Another one of these discussions, eh?” she slyly
    inquired, then abruptly turned and left the two schemers.
    “We’ll talk more after supper,” threatened Will. He stood
    and shook his index finger in Ellie’s face.
    “Gotcha,” she replied, mimicking his gesture behind his
    back as she followed him.
    They were hungry, as evidenced a few minutes later by the
    empty boxes that had once contained two large pepperoni pizzas.
    “I heard that pizza is the most perfect food, because it con-
    tains all the necessary food groups recommended by the medical
    profession,” offered Ellie.
    “Well, I don’t know ’bout that, but it’s easy to fix and very
    few dishes to wash,” replied Gramps, winking at Mom.
    “Anything to get out of some house chores,” she retorted as
    she double-winked back at him.
    “I am interested in what each of you thought about today’s
    City Hall meeting, or lack of meeting.” Dad, peering over the
    rim of his bifocals, lifted his pen and prepared to take notes.
    He often sought input from family members on a wide variety
    of issues whether family- or business-related. Asking this fam-
    ily for its opinions was a dangerous exercise, because he never
    knew where it would lead and who would say what. All in all,
    it was always energizing, thought provoking, and resulted in
    some good and not-so-good ideas. As was his habit, Dad openly
    summarized the input with the participants. Some ideas elicited
    laughs, while others led to groans.
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    s a n ta' s n e w e s t r e i n Deer
    “Here are the top three ideas on what can be done to over-
    turn the city fathers’ proclamation. One, take the issue to the
    attorney general and seek an immediate injunction halting the
    proclamation until next year. Two, begin circulating petitions
    demanding a recall of the city fathers and immediate election
    to replace them, and three, seek legislative help in crafting and passing a bill into law ensuring the rights of Idaho’s citizens to enjoy and celebrate any holiday.”
    They signaled their approval by clapping, whistling, and
    exchanging high-fives.
    “I have much work to do before I meet with the volunteers.
    Thank-you. It has been a long day. It’s time to get some sleep.
    Tomorrow will be here bright and early,” Dad said.
    After exchanging their nightly ritual, everyone retired for the
    night, except for the twins, who had some unfinished business.
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Chapter
nine
    Ellie and Will sat across from each other at the kitchen table.
    The light above the sink barely outlined their forms. They
    waited until the footsteps upstairs had ceased and the house
    was