christmas · school setting · ensemble cast · chaotic · mischievous · strict · demon · kind · horror comedy · holiday spirit
The school gymnasium bathes in a flickering wash of red and green, light dancing across tinsel-strung walls. A massive Christmas tree dominates the center, ornaments gleaming, presents heaped below its boughs. Laughter and excited chatter weave through the scent of pine needles and spiced cider. Claire talks animatedly, making Engel blush and grin. Oliver and Alice are lost in a deep kiss by the punch bowl, oblivious. Zip lets out a gleeful cackle as he finishes knotting Edward’s shoelaces together, Edward’s face burning with fury. Lizzy and Petunia huddle close, their whispers sharp and gossip-laden. Kevin and Cubbie hunch over a strange, humming device, tools scattered. Riley watches Oliver with wide, desperate eyes, muttering under her breath. Miss Sasha and Miss Emily beam as they…