Two days before Christmas, most familys are rushing around, looking for that one gift that every child wants, but always seems to be sold out. As for the Kingdom, most are trying to get that last buisness deal before the holiday. They have their gifts all ready, in advance. It is impossible to think that one of the family's would not be ready, they are always ready. However, Christmas isnt always happy for everyone. Every year is different, and all we can hope for is that our family are together, and that we are happy, and that the holidays brings you everything you wish for.

Sitting in her bed, Dawn Sundale was not looking at anything. She stared blankly into the air, thinking about her family. There were just two days until Christmas, and she was locked into a small room. All she wanted was to get out, and hold her children, spend time with them over the holiday. A tear slipped down her face, the tiny droplet being absorbed by her jacket. The bed creaked a little, its old wood had seen better days. She was stuck in a prison, and she needed to get out, see the sky again, smell the air and most of all, see her children. Yet she was not going anywhere, at least not for now.

Lucy Rubyshine sat at the dining table, thinking about her lost child. Her thought's faded as Maria-Rose sat next to her. "Mom," she said. Lucy snapped out of her daydream. "Yes honey." "I need a ride to school, the bus left without me," Maria-Rose told her. "I can't honey, I have to go somewhere," Lucy lied. "Where?" "It doesn't matter where, here is some money, get a cab," Lucy said. Maria-Rose took the money, and walked out of the room, leaving Lucy in tears. She had just lied to her own child. She was a mess, and she needed a drink. She made her way to the bar, and poured herself a large glass of Vodka.

Sitting in her restaurant, Sophie Snowstep was typing up a list of things to do. As she wrote, Noah walked in and went over to her. "Hey honey," he said. "How's it going?" Sophie sighed. "Slowly. I have been running around trying to her things done, but I always forget things, so I am making a list." "Good idea, do you want some help?" he asked. "No. The builders are upstairs ripping something out, and everything else has to be done after they are finished, so there isnt much to do," she told him. "This place will look good when its done," Noah said, looking around. "I hope so. They are starting to lay the wooden flooring down here, and I am hoping to paint the walls after the

holidays. I can't believe the builders stayed this long, they said they will work until today, then take extra time off after Christmas. I am okay with that, most of the work should be done by tonight." "That's good. Well I should go, see you when I get home," Noah said as he left, leaving Sophie working on her list.

Holly Sundale sat in her mom's car. She had just returned from looking for her mother. She had looked everywhere, and was worried. The police were in her home, with Poppy, waiting for a phone call, or anything to let them know where she was. Teams were looking for Dawn, every member of the force out there searching. As Holly was about to get out of the car, her cell phone rang. "Hello, mom?" "If you want your mother back, you must pay us one million dollers. Get the money out of your account, and leave it behind the cafe downtown. At the bank, there will be a letter marked with your name, it will give you the details of how to get the money out. Your mother is safe, but if you dont get us the money, she will be killed." The phone went dead, leaving Holly in tears. She ran out, and into the house to find the police officers.

"Dawn," a man said, waking up the sleeping captive. Dawn gasped as she awoke. She grabbed at her stomach, she was so hungry. "We have just called Holly, and everything is in motion, you should be out of here soon." He walked off, leaving her alone. Just before he left, he said. "There is food on the table." Dawn rushed out of the bedroom, and to the table, where a simple meal was waiting for her. As she sat down, she heard the car leaving the driveway. Now is my chance she thought. Getting up, she ran to the door, and jumped over the banister, then down the stairs. The door was locked, but Dawn knew how to open it. With a swift kick, it burst open, hitting the wall behind it. Dawn looked out, it was clear. She ran down another set of stairs, and got to the main door.

It was locked. Dawn started to panic. Her legs were shaking, and her hands were slick with sweat. Looking out of the glass, she saw the Kingdom, the large homes and tree's growing around them. She was so close to home, yet she was trapped in this house. She was out of breath, she heart racing. Turning around, she saw a back door, and ran for it. It was open, fresh air burst into the house, and splashed her face. She sighed, it was lovely. Birds sang, children laughed. This was freedom, and she was once again part of it. She almost lost her footing on the steps in her haste to get out of here. She ran, ran for the Kingdom, ran through the garden, and around the side of the house.

"Damn it, how could you forget to get your wallet? We are getting lunch, idiot," Greg, the kidnapper wearing the green face paint said. Xander look at him. "You were rushing me." "Just go and get it, and we can get out of here." Xander opened the door, and got out. As he stood up, he glanced at the house. "She got out," he yelled as saw Dawn running from the house. "Get her!"

Dawn stopped, and screamed as she saw the kidnappers pull up. She spun around, and ran. Greg got out of the car and started to chase her. "Xander, get the car and go around the other way," he yelled. Dawn turned the corner, and ran past the open door she escaped. The car reversed out, and drove around to the other side of the house. Dawn saw it, but didn't stop. She kept going, running out of the yard and onto the street. She saw her home, and sprinted for it, not stopping for anything. The kidnappers were behind her, but she didn't care. Nothing would stop her form getting to her home.

"Lady's and gentlemen of the jury. Ming Stonewalk is not a killer. Throughout her marriage, she put up with abuse from her husband, she put up with his affairs and his gambeling. Even though she had all this thrust apon her, she still kept it together for her child. She was always a caring person, always wanted the best for everyone. She hasn't got a hateful bone in her body. She loved Matthew, even after what he did to her. She has told you she is innocent, she has told you where she was. We don't know why killed Matthew, but we do know that Ming couldn't do something like that. She is a sweet, kind, loving person. You have two options here. Send this woman to prison for something she didn't do, or rule not guilty, and let her live her life. Its up to you, I hope you make the right choice," Grance Roundhouse told the jury in her closing.