The Christmas when Ali was six years old was the snowiest Christmas of her life. She was living in Miramichi, and the snow arrived early that year; by December 20 there was at least six feet on the ground and school had been canceled. They were renting an apartment in the basement of a house on Frances Street, and every morning Digger had to go outside and shovel out the area in front of the windows so the light could get in.
On December 23, Gigi called to say she didn’t think she could make it for Christmas. The roads were terrible and the person who was supposed to drive her had backed out. It was hard not to feel glum. That night, Digger brought home a Christmas tree he’d found on the side of the road. They’d strung popcorn, hung paper snowflakes, and made sugar cookies, but it didn’t feel like Christmas without Gigi.
Around six o’clock on Christmas Eve, there was a knock at the door. Digger opened it and there was Gigi, laden down with presents, groceries, and her suitcase. She’d managed to snag a place on the last train leaving Saint John that morning, but hadn’t called due to rumors that the trains might stop running thanks to an incoming storm. But the train made it through, and so did Gigi, and Christmas was saved.
The same combination of surprise and happiness surged through her when she opened the door to Murray and Cassie.
“Hello?”
“Hey,” said Murray, pointing to where the red carpet started at the bottom of the stairs. “Cool.”
Cassie leaned forward so she could see into the living room. “We came to help you decorate for the party, but I guess you’ve got it under control. Cool piñata,” she added, pointing at the piñata Digger had hung that morning. Shaped like a dinosaur, it was the only one he could find in Saint John. But Ali had sworn they needed a piñata, and he wouldn’t disappoint her.
“You came to help me decorate?” Ali was afraid she might cry.
“I promised I would,” said Cassie, who blushed.
“We owe you an apology,” broke in Murray.
“What for?”
Murray smiled. “We talked after you left Thursday. It must be hard to find out you have special powers. We realized we’ve been treating you like a science experiment, not a friend.”
“You still want to be my friend? Even after all the stupid stuff I’ve done?”
Cassie swallowed hard. “Murray reminded me last night that sometimes I can be a bit much. Ever since Emily—”
Murray jumped in. “What she’s trying to say is: we want to be friends with you, Ali.”
“I’d like that.”
“Phew,” said Cassie. “Glad that’s out of the way. Want to know how today went?”
Ali had forgotten all about the Toastmasters event.
“She wants to tell you because she was great,” said Murray, pretending to look disgusted.
“Really?”
Cassie turned her usual pink. “Even better than Ashok.”
“How did Alfie do?”
“He couldn’t come. Something came up.”
“Murray and I were teammates.” Cassie paused. “It’s too bad. Alfie is really good.”
Murray nodded. “And people can have more than one friend, can’t they?”
Cassie’s mouth twisted into an embarrassed smile. “Yes, Murray, people can have more than one friend. Would you consider coming back to debate team, Ali?”
Ali visualized the Post-it notes. If she was going to be real friends with Cassie and Murray, it was time they knew the real her. “Nope. I joined because of Alfie. I hate public speaking. Even if I practice and get better at it, I’m never going to love it.”
Murray grinned. “You are not a good debater.”
“Murray!” Cassie sounded scandalized.
Ali laughed. “No, he’s right. I’m not. But I love to swim, so I’ve decided to try out for the swim team.”
“You should do what makes you happy, but I’m glad you joined the debate team, even if it was only for a while and because of Alfie,” said Cassie with a shy smile. “We might not be friends otherwise. Besides Murray, you’re my first real friend since—”
“Emily.” Ali didn’t know what had happened between Emily and Cassie, but they’d talked about each other enough that she knew they regretted not being friends. “You know, I think Emily really misses you. I bet if you talked to her, you guys would be friends again.”
“She’s right. What do you have to lose, Cass?” Murray coaxed.
Cassie hesitated. “I’ll think about it.”
“Hey, would you guys like to come to the party?” asked Ali, changing the subject.
Murray pumped the air with his fist. Cassie beamed. “What time does it start?” she asked.
“Four o’clock. Gigi will be excited to meet you.”
Murray eyed the currently empty dining room table. “There’ll be food, right?”
“Tons.”
He grinned. “See you at four, Sloane.”
Cassie grabbed Murray’s arm. “Let’s go—we need to get permission! See you at four, Ali!”
Ali watched them bike away. As she closed the door, there was a thump upstairs. Gigi must be awake. This was going to be a great day.