After Christmas... (tom & ellie 2)

2. After Christmas:

Tom said, “Come on Ellie,” and began to build a tower of bricks in front of her. He sang, “Build them up, build them up, build them higher!”

Ellie howled with laughter and couldn't wait,
she pushed with both hands, “All fall down! All fall down!”

Toad flipped, flopped happily.

Tom laughed, and he began to gather them up again. She'd had them for Christmas, along with girly things. He'd had a hamster!

Dad came in from the garden, “Are you ready, Tom?”
“Ready for what?” replied Tom busy building.

“Let's buy a compost bin,” Dad said, “Mum says she'll have Ellie now.”
Tom was surprised, “Aren't they coming?”
“Not today,” said Dad, “Do you know anything about composting?”

“Only what they told us in school, that you put garden rubbish in, and uncooked vegetables.”
“Great,” said Dad, “ I heard you have to put a layer of brown paper in every so often too and worms!”
“Worms?” said Tom, “Are you serious?”
“Yes,” said Dad poker faced. “Worms!”

Mum picked up Ellie. “Ellie and I are off to have our hair done. Ready for the New Year's party”

Mum put Ellie's snowsuit on and popped her into a car seat tied onto a sleigh. She wrapped an extra blanket around her for warmth. Ellie tried to take off her mittens.

Mum laughed. “I'm going to pull you to Anita's.” It was icy cold.
“Who's first?” asked the lady when they got there.
“Ellie,” said Mum, “It's her first time.”
The lady combed her hair and cut it into a neat little bob.
Ellie giggled, “Tickles!”
Mum sat Ellie on her knee while the lady cut Mum's into shape.

“I'll wash it at home,” Mum said.
The lady grinned, and gave Ellie a sweet for being good. Ellie said, “Nk ew.”
“Starting playschool?” asked the hairdresser, “Clever girl.”

Mum looked pleased, “Perhaps after the summer, she's only two yet. We are off to get a pretty outfit from the Dress shop. I want some professional photo's done. Then we're going to sledge down the hill home!”

“Angel?” asked Ellie hopefully...!