THE BIG HOLIDAY SALE
By Fashion Doll Swap Group

'Twas the night before the big after Thanksgiving shopping day and all through the house, not a creature was staring, except Barbie and her friends. As they sat and had hot tea with smiles on their face...

Barbie was planning her shopping tactics and counting her money. Midge had visions of warm fluffy sweaters in her head. And was trying to decide what size each wore. Ken was on the couch stuffed from the wonderful dinner and very hopeful he wouldn't have to venture out in the early morning cold. Little Kelly was on the floor watching the doll on TV that she would adore and wondering if the doll had got put on her Santa list. She whispers to Skipper that she wanted that doll too. Skipper rolls her eyes and does a little chuckle as she had already decided to get the doll for Kelly that very next day. Lea was longing and seemed very intent on her tea but her mind was wondering if her special guy would give her a ring.

Kayla was thoughtful and very quiet. Her eyes scanned the rest of the group. She noted Ken's glazed eyes and smothered a small laugh. Perhaps he shouldn't have had that second piece of apple pie? Kelly climbed Kayla's lap. Kayla fondly stroked the toddler's hair. This was so nice... egg nog, a warm fire and good friends! Especially since they had to go out and face the mobs tomorrow... a feat Kayla was NOT looking forward to! She glanced at Barbie and shared a grin. They already had the first store planned!

Now was the time to settle to bed for tomorrow they had a big day ahead. But they were all anxious for tomorrow to come. Except for Ken who had been recruited to help carry the packages. So restless they were untill the first light of dawn. At the first store they stood in line waiting to see what they would find. Ken was thinking to himself "What's the big fuss? It's just a sale". The doors began to open and the crowd began to push. Dashing through the doors and rushing down the aisle. All of a sudden Barbie stopped in her tracks as she had just realized her credit cards were all max-ed! But being the gentleman Ken was, he turned and said to her "Don't worry, I have mine". Barbie turned to him with a grin while thinking to herself, "He has no idea what he just did ".

Boy was her grin big! and she had plans of gifts dancing in her head. Down to asle six to grab some mittens , down row 10 to get two stuffed kittens!

Back to isle 2 to get 10 stuffed bears. Then right by that jewelry counter near the stairs. Diamond rings and things. Shining and glistening. Ken stands behind her with a little velvet box behind his back. Grinning and smiling from ear to ear. As Barbie turns around he breaks out the box. She smiles and becomes overtaken in the moment. "Is it, is it - the ring", she thinks. He opens the box and much to her surprise...

She couldn't believe what appeared to her eyes--dazzling and sparkling--the ring the ring-she looked up at Ken and the twinkle appeared and the grin on his face went from ear to ear. "You like it?" he said. "I looked for days. Went to this shop and that. Sales clerks were busy and people were rude and then there's the dude that stepped on my toes. But it's all worth it if you like it. It's for little Kelly's nose-"

Barbie cried out, "Why?". Ken said, "Don't you see. We are all hipper now. Kelly wants a nose ring." Ken winked and whispered to Barbie, "Don't worry it's only a magnet. You see the boys Allen, Brad, Scott and Ricky had told me what the girls really want. Skipper some hair color and Midge a bellypiercing and you know you secretly want a tattoo."

Barbie exclaims, "Well. I thought I was finally getting a ring. My gosh, you bought Kelly a ring before buying me one? Even Kelly gets a ring before Barbie. Even if it is a nose ring. She's only a kid. And Midge gets married before me. And now 2 kids. Well, woe is me. Always a bridesmaid and never a bride. I don't plan to be an old maid. Ken? This is not working for me".

So the story ends until next time. Will Barbie ever get that ring? Will she ever get that man? Tune in next time.

~~~ THE END ~~~