UNEXPECTED NEWS

Lindsay and Mal walked into the house to meet Nicholas. He was holding a cup of tea. It was beginning to snow outside and the atmosphere was generally cold and pale. Nicholas smiled when he saw them. He watched them come into the house with a huge smile on his face.

"Lindsay," he said. "What a pleasant surprise." He told her and she smiled back at him. So did Mal.

"Hello Nicholas." She said to him as he offered them seats which they took.

"How are you doing?" He asked her.

"I'm good. " She said as she glanced at Mal. Mal walked towards where she was smiling at Nicholas.

"Compliments of the season Nicholas." Mal said to him. Nicholas chuckled at that.

"It is the season of yuletide." He responded with a nod. "What can I offer y'all? I've got coffee and hot chocolate." He offered and Lindsay smiled at that.

"We're fine. " She said to her.

"Cut the crap Lind," Nicholas said. "I insist. What would you like to take?" He asked them as he glanced from Mal to Lindsay.

"We'll have cof