Noel

"It's really cold outside tonight," Sam said, pulling the hood closer to her forehead as her friends persisted onward. The blond looked up at the sky; so many of the stars were shining; one brighter than all the rest, though.

"I know," Tori replied, covering her eyes from incoming snow. "I'm freezing. I guess it's better than burning to death like we did yesterday."

"Right?" Sam agreed. Their feet leaving light impressions on the white surface of the ground, Sam Puckett, Tori and Trina Vega, Carly Shay, Jade West, Freddie Benson, Beck Oliver, Andre' Harris, Zoey Brooks, and Nicole Bristow continued onward, still not able to see their destination.

"It'll be worth it," Carly said, bundling her cloth outfit to her neck. "I know it will." Spencer was back taking care of the babies, Ned and Jennifer, and insisted the teens go; he wanted this to be their best time of the year.

The air was next to freezing, and it kept getting darker outside. Their legs were tired, their heads iced over, and their strength fading. "I can't wait to see him!" Cat excitedly shrieked, jumping up with joy. Jade happily put her arms around the redhead to pacify her, then continued walking along her side. Carly smiled, then looked over at Freddie, who was tucking his hands into his pockets. Moving gently, Carly took his right hand within her own; keeping it warm.

"Thank you," Freddie said, beaming with joy.

"Here," Trina said, taking Freddie's left hand and Andre's right.

"Thank you so much," Andre' said, taking Sam's hand. The blond in-turn, took Tori's hand. Jade and Cat took each other's hands, then let Beck join with his girlfriend, and Zoey.

"I'm so glad to have you guys," Zoey said, taking Nicole's hand. "Thanks, babe," Nicole said to her best friend. The group continued over a tall hill, then saw it.

"Oh my gosh!" Cat cried, so excited and bewildered. "Come on!" Jade and the others followed the redhead down the hill, towards where the star was shining the brightest and purest of lights.

At long last, the friends made it to the nativity. Sheep, so wully and soft kept close to their young lambs. Cows, donkeys, and camels cradled each other, as well as the family; a young man and woman, and a small bundle. Cat entered under the wooden roof, stepping foot on the hay, then waited with reverence. The woman smiled and gestured for the kids to come closer. Jade bit her lip to keep from bursting into loving laughter, and walked up to the baby; he was so calm, so tender, had such love in his little eyes. Carly rested her arm on a sheep that looked like he was smiling, and saw her friends circle around her.

"He's beautiful," Sam said, gazing at the babe.

"What's his name?" Beck asked, sounding shy.

"Jesus," the mother and father lovingly answered, keeping their child warm and safe from the snow. The teenagers smiled and remained around the family as the wind blew so cold in a night so deep.

It is the night of the dear savior's birth...

Merry Christmas, everybody!

Love, Emeralddusk