“Thank you, Santa,” said Rudy.  “That is all I ask, is to be given a chance.”

   The next day, all of the bucks were waiting at the games.  They were ready for the events to begin.  Sprinter had told them that Rudy would be joining them.  They were strongly advised that they had to be nice to her.

   The day was beautiful.  There was just the right amount of sunshine shining on the snow to give it a wonderous luster.  It was like a holiday at the North Pole.  Everyone, elves, reindeer, Mrs Claus and Santa were at the games.  Hermey walked up to Rudy and gave her an encouraging hug.  “You are going to be stupendous,” he said.  “I know you can do this.”

   “Thanks, Hermey,” said Rudy.  “I know that I can do this too.  I can’t wait to see the look on everyone’s face when they see me fly.”

   Jazz and Rudy parents soon joined Rudy and Hermey. 

   “I am so proud of you, Rudy,” said Rudolph.  “You are my little girl.”

   Rudolph gently touched his red nose to Rudy’s red nose.  “Thanks daddy,” said Rudy.  “I can’t wait to get started.”

   “Jazz,” said Rudy.  “You are competing too, right.”

   “Yes,” said Jazz.  I am competing, but I already know that you are going to do better than me.”

   “That’s okay,” said Rudy.  “Maybe you will still make it and we will be able to fly together.”

   “That would be great,” said Jazz.  “I would like that very much.”

   Sprinter soon called for everyone’s attention.  “We are going to get started now,” he said.  “Rudy, I know that you are anxious to begin, so show us what you can do.”

   Some of the buck quietly snickered, but Rudy ignored them.  She walked up to the starting line and began her leap.  Soon she was running and leaping and flying through the air.  She was graceful and poised.  It soon became clear to everyone that Rudy was just as good if not better than many of the bucks.

   After the games were over, Santa announced the winners of the games.  “The winners will be flying my sleigh this Christmas Eve,” Santa said.  Tango and Scurry were the first names that Santa called.  All the other bucks listened with anticipation.  They all wanted a chance to fly Santa’s sleigh.  One by one, a bucks name was called.  Rudy was beginning to think that Santa was not going to give her a chance.  Finally, Santa called Jazz’s name.  Rudy was happy for him.  She tried to keep her chin up as she listened to Santa.  She wondered why he had not called her name yet.

“Rudolph,” said Santa.  “You will be flying my sleigh this year along with the other young bucks.  I want a reindeer with experience on my team.  We never know what the weather is going to be like and I need your nose to guide the way.   This year, there will be a new reindeer beside you.  Rudy, you will be up front beside your father leading my sleigh.”

   Rudy could not believe what she had just heard.  First she gave her father a big hug.  Then her mother, then Jazz and Hermey, and finally, Rudy gave Santa the biggest hug ever.  “Thank you, Santa,” said Rudy.  “I will not let you down.”

   “I know you won’t,” said Santa.  “I watched you perform.  You were by far the best.  I had my doubts, but you proved yourself.  From now on, if there is ever a doe that wants to participate in the reindeer games, and maybe fly my sleigh, she will be given the chance.”

   Christmas Eve finally arrived.  Excitment, magic was in there air.  Everything was ready.  The sleigh was packed.  The reindeer were hitched up to the sleigh.  Now it was time to take off and deliver the toys to all of the good little girls and boys.

   Side by side Rudolph flew with his little girl, and Rudy like her father will go down in history.