This is the second book in the Morg & Mags Adventure Series. To read the first book, click here.
Chapter 1 – Goodbye, Snowflake Cove
Snowflake Cove was covered in a blanket of glittering snow, the kind that sparkled like sugar crystals under the streetlights. Inside their cozy little home, Morgan and Magdalena were packing their things—but not for a vacation.
“We can’t even tell Rime or Zoey where we’re going?” Magdalena asked, her voice soft as she folded her favorite purple sweater.
Morgan shook her head. “Nope. That’s the whole point of witness protection. We have to keep it a secret so no one can find us.”
Magdalena, still a little confused, set the sweater down and sighed. “But why do I have to go? All I did was play my drums and bake cupcakes! What do the feds want with me?”
Morgan—soon to be Gina Linetti—zipped up her suitcase and gave her sister a serious look. “It’s not about you, Mags. It’s about my 3D printer.”
Magdalena stopped folding. “The one from last Christmas?”
Morgan nodded. “Remember how it got recalled? I was just messing around, trying to print those Sanrio keychains, and I noticed something was off with the way it heated up. It didn’t cool down properly, so I checked the settings.”
Magdalena’s eyes widened. “And?”
“And I found a hidden code buried in the software,” Morgan said. “It looked like it could override the safety features.”
Magdalena gasped. “You mean… it could start a fire?”
“Or worse.” Morgan’s voice dropped to a whisper. “I told Mom, and she helped me report it to the Consumer Product Safety Commission. They investigated, and now the company’s in big trouble. The government needs me to testify about what I found.”
Magdalena’s mouth dropped open. “So you’re a whistleblower?”
Morgan smirked. “Not exactly.” She struck a dramatic pose. “More like a hero.”
Despite her nerves, Magdalena couldn’t help but giggle. Morgan always managed to make things sound exciting. Still, the thought of leaving Snowflake Cove felt heavy, like the snow piling up outside.
Their mom poked her head into the room. “Girls, time to go. The moving truck’s out front.”
The sisters looked at each other. It was really happening.
Outside, the truck was packed with boxes and bags, including the art supplies Magdalena refused to leave behind. Snowflakes swirled through the air, and Magdalena took one last look at the ice-covered lake where they used to skate.
“Do you think we’ll ever come back?” she asked.
Morgan slid her hoverboard into the backseat of their car and grinned. “Of course. But when we do, we’ll have a whole new story to tell.”
As they climbed into the car, Magdalena thought about all the stories she’d told in school and the UIL storytelling competition she’d been so proud of. Now she’d have to tell the biggest story of all—the story of Chloe the panda and Gina the polar bear, two sisters with brand-new lives.
And this time, it wouldn’t just be pretend.
Chapter 2 – New Names, New Looks
The drive to Pineberry Grove felt endless. Snowflake Cove disappeared behind them, replaced by winding roads, empty fields, and towering pine trees.
Magdalena—or Chloe, as she was now called—stared out the window, clutching her sketchbook. She wasn’t ready to say goodbye to Magdalena entirely, even if the government insisted she had to.
Morgan, now Gina Linetti, was sprawled out in the backseat with her headphones on. She was humming along to a song and tapping her fingers on her hoverboard like it was a drum. She didn’t look nervous at all.
“How can you be so calm?” Chloe asked, snapping her sketchbook shut.
Gina grinned and slid her sunglasses down her nose. “Because I’ve been preparing for this moment my whole life.”
Chloe raised an eyebrow. “What moment?”
“The moment when I get to reinvent myself!” Gina flipped her sunglasses back up. “I mean, think about it. New name, new look, new town—I’m basically a superstar going incognito.”
Chloe smirked. “You’re ridiculous.”
“I’m serious!” Gina leaned closer and whispered, “I wanted the plastic surgeon in LA, you know, the one who fixed Demi Moore and Lindsay Lohan. But the government said they’ve got state-of-the-art AI-driven costumes that are so good no one will be able to tell who we are.”
Chloe rolled her eyes. “You’re acting like we’re movie stars.”
“Maybe we are,” Gina said, striking a dramatic pose.
When they finally arrived, Chloe pressed her face against the car window and stared in awe.
Pineberry Grove looked like something out of a snow globe. Quaint cottages with colorful shutters and steep, snow-covered roofs lined the streets. Strings of twinkling lights crisscrossed between lampposts, and the storefronts glowed with warm, golden light. The bakery’s window displayed trays of frosted cookies shaped like snowflakes, and a toy shop had shelves stacked high with stuffed animals and games.
A tall Christmas tree stood in the center of the town square, its branches heavy with ornaments and ribbons. Children were ice skating around a frozen pond, their laughter echoing through the crisp evening air.
“It’s so cute,” Chloe whispered.
“Adorable,” Gina said, adjusting her sunglasses like a movie star. “I can totally work with this.”
Their new house looked like it belonged in a fairy tale—a brick cottage with flower boxes under the windows and a porch swing dusted in snow. It fit right in with the charm of Pineberry Grove. Chloe’s nerves settled a little as she stepped inside.
The warm glow of the fireplace and the smell of cinnamon made the house feel welcoming, even if it wasn’t quite home yet.
Chloe’s eyes went straight to the room at the end of the hall—her room. Her very own room. No more sharing! She stepped inside and gasped.
The walls were painted deep purple, just like she’d always wanted. A fuzzy white rug covered the floor, and a framed picture of a panda eating bamboo hung above her desk.
“It’s perfect,” Chloe whispered.
Gina appeared in the doorway, balancing her hoverboard under one arm. “Check out my room. It’s got mirrors on the walls and space for dancing. I’m going to practice my recital routine every single day.”
Chloe laughed. “I bet the neighbors will love that.”
“Of course they will,” Gina said. “Who wouldn’t want a professional dancer living next door?”
Chloe flopped onto her bed and stared up at the ceiling. For the first time all day, she felt a little bit excited. Maybe this wouldn’t be so bad.
But before she could get too comfortable, Gina’s voice rang out from down the hall. “Hey, Chloe! We need to pick out new birthdays!”
Chloe sat up. “What?”
“Part of our new identities,” Gina said, poking her head into the room. “We can’t keep our old birthdays because people might figure out who we are.”
Chloe frowned. “But I like being a Pisces.”
“Well, now you’re… whatever you want to be,” Gina said. “How about a Leo? Leos are supposed to be super creative.”
Chloe hugged her pillow. “Pisces are creative too. And emotional. And good listeners.”
“Fine.” Gina shrugged. “You can still act like a Pisces. It’s not like anyone’s checking your horoscope.”
Chloe wasn’t so sure. Could she really pretend to be someone else and still be herself?
Gina gave her a playful nudge. “Don’t overthink it. You’re going to rock this new life.”
Chloe smiled, but deep down, she knew it wouldn’t be that easy. Tomorrow, they’d have to start school in a town where no one knew them—and where they couldn’t tell anyone the truth.
She glanced at the panda picture on her wall. If a panda could be happy with just bamboo, maybe she could be happy with a fresh start.
Chapter 3 – Welcome to Pineberry Grove
Chloe tugged at her sweater as she stepped into the front office of Pineberry Grove Elementary. It felt weird not seeing familiar faces, and even weirder knowing no one here would ever know her real name.
Next to her, Gina twirled in place, clearly showing off her new look as a polar bear. Her white fur practically shimmered under the fluorescent lights.
“You’re going to make us stand out,” Chloe whispered.
“Good,” Gina whispered back. “If we stand out, no one will suspect we’re hiding anything.”
Before Chloe could argue, the school secretary, Mrs. Maple, bustled over to greet them. She was a red squirrel wearing glasses that balanced precariously on her nose.
“Welcome, welcome!” she said, clapping her paws. “You must be Chloe and Gina!”
Gina stepped forward confidently. “That’s us! Ready to take Pineberry Grove by storm.”
Mrs. Maple chuckled. “I like your energy already.” She turned to Chloe. “And I hear you’re an artist?”
Chloe blinked. “I… um…”
“She’s amazing,” Gina interrupted. “Wait until you see what she can do!”
Chloe’s cheeks burned. She still wasn’t used to Gina bragging about her.
“Well,” Mrs. Maple said, “you’ll have plenty of chances to show off your talents here. We’ve got an art contest coming up next week. And I believe you’re both dancers?”
Gina struck a pose. “Born to dance.”
“Wonderful! Rehearsals for the recital are already in full swing, but I’m sure you’ll fit right in. Now let’s get you to your classrooms.”
Chloe followed Mrs. Maple through the hallways, feeling like everyone was staring at her. Gina, of course, seemed to love the attention, flashing smiles and waving like she was already famous.
In her classroom, Chloe found an empty seat next to a small arctic fox with bright blue eyes.
“Hi!” the fox whispered. “I’m Maria.”
“Chloe,” she said, offering a nervous smile.
“I love your sweater,” Maria said. “Purple’s my favorite color.”
Chloe relaxed a little. “Mine too.”
“Are you doing the recital?” Maria asked. “I’m in the group dance.”
“Yeah,” Chloe said. “I just started dancing this year, though.”
“That’s okay,” Maria said. “I can help you catch up. I love dancing, but I’m not the best at it.”
Chloe’s nerves eased even more. Maybe she wasn’t the only one trying to figure things out.
When the lunch bell rang, Chloe found Gina in the cafeteria, already surrounded by a group of curious classmates.
“Chloe! Over here!” Gina called, waving her over.
Chloe hesitated, but Maria nudged her forward.
“Sit with me,” Gina said, clearing a spot next to her. “This is my sister Chloe—she’s an artist.”
Chloe froze. How did Gina make it sound so easy? She felt like everyone was staring at her again.
But then Maria spoke up. “She’s going to enter the art contest.”
“Cool!” one of the other kids said.
Chloe looked at Gina, who gave her a quick nod. Maybe Gina was right—if she acted confident, no one would suspect a thing.
Still, as she sat down and opened her lunchbox, Chloe couldn’t shake the feeling that fitting in here might take more than just a new name.
Chapter 4 – Dancing Queens
Chloe tapped her paw nervously against the polished dance floor. The music hadn’t even started yet, but her heart was already racing.
“Relax,” Maria whispered. The arctic fox adjusted the bow in her fur. “You’re doing great.”
Chloe tried to believe her. After all, she’d practiced the routine every night in her new purple room, even using her desk chair as a pretend dance partner. But standing here in the mirrored dance studio, surrounded by other dancers, felt completely different.
The instructor, Miss Bree—a tall flamingo with a voice as sharp as her beak—clapped her wings.
“Positions, everyone!”
Chloe stepped into place beside Maria and glanced toward the back of the studio. Gina was stretching near the mirrors, getting ready to rehearse with the advanced group.
Gina caught Chloe’s eye and gave her a thumbs-up. “You’ve got this!”
The music started, and Chloe forced herself to focus. The opening steps were easy—step, turn, reach—but then came the spin.
Chloe spun too fast and nearly toppled over.
“It’s okay,” Maria whispered, steadying her.
Chloe bit her lip and kept going, determined not to mess up again.
By the end of the song, she was out of breath but still standing.
“Good work, everyone,” Miss Bree said, clicking off the music. “Chloe, let’s work on that spin later. Maria, you’re improving, but watch your timing.”
As the other dancers filed out, Chloe dropped onto a bench and groaned.
“I messed up,” she said.
Maria sat beside her. “You didn’t mess up. You’re learning. And besides, Miss Bree didn’t yell at you. That’s a good sign.”
Chloe laughed. “True.”
Across the room, Gina stepped onto the floor with her group. As soon as the music started, it was clear she was in her element. She moved with sharp, confident steps, flipping and twirling like she’d been born on stage.
“Wow,” Maria said. “She’s amazing.”
Chloe nodded. “Yeah. She really is.”
Watching Gina made Chloe feel proud—and a little bit envious. Gina made everything look so easy. But Chloe reminded herself that this was only her first year dancing. She’d get better.
“You know,” Maria said, “there’s a duet spot open in the recital. Miss Bree’s looking for partners. Maybe we could audition?”
Chloe’s eyes widened. “A duet? I don’t know…”
Maria shrugged. “Think about it. I bet we’d be great.”
Chloe smiled. Maybe Maria was right. She just needed to believe in herself the way Gina always did.
Chapter 5 – A Twist in the Plan
Chloe stared at the flyer pinned to the bulletin board outside the art room.
“Pineberry Grove Winter Art Contest—Entries Due Next Week!”
Her stomach flipped. She’d been so focused on dance practice that she completely forgot about the contest. Now, with the recital just days away, she wasn’t sure she had time to finish a painting—at least, not one good enough to win.
“Are you entering?” Maria asked, peeking over Chloe’s shoulder.
Chloe hesitated. “I want to… but I don’t know if I can.”
“Of course you can,” Maria said. “I mean, you’re an artist, right?”
Chloe swallowed hard. Was she? Back in Snowflake Cove, she’d always loved painting and drawing, but this was different. This time, she wasn’t Magdalena the Pisces with a sketchbook. She was Chloe the panda, and pandas weren’t exactly known for being artists.
“I don’t know,” Chloe said.
Maria nudged her. “You have to try. I’ll help if you need anything.”
Chloe smiled. Maria’s confidence in her was starting to feel contagious.
“Okay,” Chloe said. “I’ll do it.”
That night, Chloe sat cross-legged on her fuzzy rug, surrounded by art supplies. Her desk was already covered in sketches, but none of them felt right for the contest.
“Still working?” Gina asked, rolling into the room on her hoverboard.
“Trying to,” Chloe said. “But I can’t decide what to draw.”
Gina leaned against the doorframe. “You’re overthinking it. Just draw what makes you happy.”
Chloe looked down at the blank paper in front of her. What made her happy?
Snowflake Cove.
She grabbed her pencil and started sketching the lake where they used to skate, adding trees and tiny snowflakes. The more she drew, the more her old home came to life on the page.
“This is amazing,” Gina said, peering over her shoulder. “You’re totally going to win.”
Chloe grinned, but her excitement faded when she glanced at the clock. It was already past bedtime, and she still had to practice her dance routine in the morning.
“How am I supposed to do both?” Chloe asked.
“You’ll figure it out,” Gina said. “You always do.”
Chloe wasn’t so sure.
By the time the recital arrived, Chloe was running on fumes. She’d stayed up late every night working on her painting and spent every afternoon at dance practice. Now, standing backstage with Maria, she felt like her legs might give out before she even started.
“Just breathe,” Maria whispered.
Chloe took a shaky breath. She could do this. She had to do this.
The music started, and Chloe focused on the steps she’d practiced so many times. Step, turn, reach—spin.
And this time, the spin was perfect.
When the music ended, Chloe could barely believe it. She’d done it. She’d actually done it!
Gina was waiting for her in the wings. “You nailed it!”
Chloe grinned. “Thanks.”
But before she could celebrate, her thoughts turned to the art contest. The deadline was only two days away, and she still wasn’t finished.
Could she really pull off both?
Chapter 6 – Holiday Surprises
The day after the recital, Chloe and Gina finally had a break. No dance practice. No art contest deadlines—at least, not until tomorrow.
“Come on, Chloe!” Gina called from the living room. “You promised to help with the Christmas tree!”
Chloe emerged from her room, still covered in paint smudges. “I’m coming!”
When she reached the living room, Gina was already balancing on her hoverboard, circling the half-decorated tree with a strand of tinsel trailing behind her like a ribbon.
“Are you seriously doing this on your hoverboard?” Chloe asked.
“Obviously.” Gina grinned. “How else am I supposed to reach the high branches?”
Chloe shook her head and climbed onto the couch to hang ornaments near the top. Being a panda had its advantages—like being able to climb anything without fear of falling.
“Careful,” Gina teased. “Don’t knock the tree over!”
“I’m not the one zooming around on wheels!” Chloe shot back, but she was laughing now.
Their mom poked her head into the room. “Looks great, girls. Oh, and Chloe—I got the art supplies you asked for. They’re in the kitchen.”
“Thanks!” Chloe hopped down to grab them, but Gina spun in front of her.
“Hold up! We’re not done decorating,” Gina said. “And you still need to help me pick out gifts for Mom.”
Chloe hesitated. She really wanted to finish her painting, but she also didn’t want to let Gina down.
“Fine,” she said. “But only for an hour.”
Later that afternoon, Chloe and Gina bundled up and headed into town. Pineberry Grove’s main street was lined with twinkling lights and wreaths, and the smell of cinnamon filled the air.
“So, what are we getting Mom?” Chloe asked as they wandered past the shops.
“No idea,” Gina admitted. “But I know what I want.”
Chloe rolled her eyes. “Of course you do.”
They stopped in front of a small toy shop, and Gina’s eyes lit up when she spotted a display of Sanrio squishies.
“Look!” she squealed, pressing her paws against the glass. “They have Hello Kitty, My Melody, and—oh my gosh—is that Kuromi?!”
Chloe laughed. “I guess we know what’s going on your wish list.”
Gina turned and grinned. “Maybe Santa will bring you one too. You could use something cute to balance out all that paint and glitter.”
“Very funny,” Chloe said, but she couldn’t help smiling.
They picked out a cozy blanket and a scented candle for their mom, then spent the rest of the afternoon exploring the shops. Gina practiced spins on her hoverboard in the town square, drawing a small crowd of kids who clapped and cheered.
“See?” Gina said as they headed home. “Told you I was born to shine.”
“You’re impossible,” Chloe teased, but secretly she was impressed. Gina had this way of making everyone pay attention—and somehow, it always worked out.
That night, after the tree was decorated and the presents were wrapped, Chloe snuck back to her room to finish her painting. She was almost done, but something still felt off.
She glanced at the panda picture hanging on her wall and smiled. Maybe she wasn’t the only one learning how to stand out in a new place.
Chapter 7 – Secret Missions and Sanrio Shopping
The next morning, Gina burst into Chloe’s room without knocking.
“Wake up!” she said, spinning in a circle on her hoverboard. “We’re going on a mission!”
Chloe groaned and pulled the blanket over her head. “What mission?”
“To find the perfect Christmas gift for you, obviously,” Gina said. “But first, we have to get something for Maria.”
Chloe peeked out from under the blanket. “Why do I have to go? Can’t you shop by yourself?”
Gina raised an eyebrow. “Do you trust me to pick out art supplies?”
Chloe sat up. “Good point. Let me get dressed.”
An hour later, the girls were wandering through Pineberry Grove’s shops, weaving between holiday shoppers and sipping hot cocoa.
“So, what are we looking for?” Chloe asked.
“Something Sanrio, obviously.” Gina pointed to a display of plushies in the toy store window. “Maria said she likes My Melody, right?”
Chloe nodded. “And she’s obsessed with stationery.”
“Perfect.” Gina marched inside, heading straight for the shelves packed with colorful notebooks, pens, and squishies shaped like Hello Kitty and Kuromi.
Chloe followed, taking a moment to admire the neatly arranged rows of items. “I forgot how cute this stuff is.”
“Are you kidding?” Gina grinned. “It’s the best. Sanrio is basically the definition of cute. You’ve got Hello Kitty, who’s all about friendship and kindness, and My Melody, who’s sweet and loves baking. Kuromi’s the rebel, but even she’s adorable.”
Chloe picked up a pack of Sanrio stickers. “I guess I see why you like them so much.”
“Because they’re awesome,” Gina said. “Now, help me decide—squishy or notebook?”
“Why not both?” Chloe suggested.
Gina laughed. “Spoken like a true gift expert.”
As they left the shop, Chloe spotted Maria coming out of the bakery across the street, balancing a box of cookies.
“Maria!” Chloe called, waving.
Maria waved back and hurried over. “Hey! I was just thinking about you.”
“Me?” Chloe asked.
“Yeah! I need your help with something.” Maria held up the box of cookies. “I’m making a gift basket for Miss Bree, and I thought you could draw a card to go with it.”
Chloe’s stomach fluttered. “You want me to draw something?”
“Of course!” Maria said. “You’re so good at it.”
Chloe felt a burst of pride. She still wasn’t sure if she fit into her new life, but moments like this made her feel like maybe she did.
Gina nudged her. “Told you everyone loves your art.”
Chloe rolled her eyes but smiled. “Fine. I’ll do it.”
Maria clapped. “Thank you! I owe you one.”
“Don’t worry about it,” Chloe said.
As Maria walked away, Gina leaned in close. “See? You’re totally winning at this new life thing.”
Chloe smirked. “Says the polar bear who just spun through the square like she was in a parade.”
“Hey, it’s not my fault I was born to stand out,” Gina said, twirling her hoverboard in a circle.
Chloe laughed. “I guess we both are.”
Chapter 8 – Trouble on the Dance Floor
The day of the recital arrived faster than Chloe expected. She stood backstage in her sparkly purple costume, nervously tapping her paws.
Maria adjusted her bow. “You’re going to be amazing. Just breathe.”
Chloe tried, but her heart was pounding. What if she messed up? What if she tripped? What if—
A loud crash echoed through the theater.
“What was that?” Chloe asked, peeking around the curtain.
In the wings, Gina was standing next to her hoverboard—now lying on its side with one wheel spinning. She looked horrified.
“No, no, no!” Gina muttered, pacing in circles. “I was just warming up, and it slipped out of my hands!”
Chloe hurried over. “What happened?”
Gina pointed to the hoverboard. “It’s broken. The wheel won’t spin right. How am I supposed to do my solo?”
Chloe bit her lip. Gina’s hoverboard routine was the highlight of the recital. Without it, Gina wouldn’t get to show off the moves she’d practiced for weeks.
“Can you dance without it?” Chloe asked.
“I don’t know,” Gina admitted. “I’ve only practiced with it. What if I can’t keep up?”
Chloe put her paws on Gina’s shoulders. “You don’t need that hoverboard to be amazing. You’re the best dancer I know.”
Gina took a shaky breath. “Really?”
“Really,” Chloe said. “You were born to shine, remember?”
Gina straightened her shoulders. “You’re right. I am born to shine.”
The music started for Gina’s solo. She gave Chloe a quick hug. “Wish me luck.”
“You don’t need it,” Chloe said.
Gina stepped onto the stage, and Chloe held her breath as the lights dimmed.
Without the hoverboard, Gina improvised, adding extra spins and leaps to fill the gaps in her routine. It wasn’t what she’d planned, but it was still dazzling.
By the time the music faded and Gina struck her final pose, the audience erupted into applause.
Chloe cheered the loudest. “You did it!”
When Gina ran backstage, Chloe hugged her tight.
“You were amazing,” Chloe said.
“I know,” Gina said with a grin. “But I couldn’t have done it without you.”
Later, as the recital ended and the girls posed for pictures with their new friends, Chloe felt something shift inside her.
For the first time, she didn’t feel like she was pretending to be someone she wasn’t. She was still Chloe, but she was also Magdalena—kind, creative, and a great listener.
And Gina? She’d always been a star. The hoverboard was just an accessory.
“Ready for the art contest tomorrow?” Gina asked as they walked home.
Chloe smiled. “Ready as I’ll ever be.”
Chapter 9 – Art Under Pressure
Chloe’s paws trembled as she carried her painting into the school gym, which had been transformed into an art gallery for the contest. Rows of easels displayed colorful paintings, sculptures, and collages.
Maria walked beside her, carrying her own piece—a clay sculpture of a snowflake.
“Wow,” Maria said, looking around. “There’s so much talent here.”
Chloe swallowed hard. “Maybe too much talent.”
Maria stopped and turned to her. “Hey, don’t do that. Your painting is incredible. Remember what Gina said—you’re amazing.”
Chloe took a deep breath and nodded. “You’re right. I can do this.”
She found her assigned easel and carefully set up her painting—a snowy scene of the lake back in Snowflake Cove. The tiny details of ice skaters, pine trees, and swirling snowflakes shimmered under the lights.
“It’s perfect,” Maria said.
“Thanks,” Chloe replied, though her nerves weren’t so sure.
The judging started an hour later. Chloe sat with Maria and Gina in the audience, watching the judges—two owls and a raccoon—circle the room, pausing at each piece.
“Yours is definitely the best,” Gina whispered. “They’re going to love it.”
Chloe squeezed her paws together as the judges stopped at her painting. They leaned in, whispering to each other and nodding.
Then the raccoon judge pointed at Chloe.
“Oh no,” Chloe whispered. “They’re coming over.”
“Relax,” Gina said. “Smile and be polite.”
The judges approached, and the older owl cleared her throat. “This is a beautiful piece, Chloe. Could you tell us what inspired it?”
Chloe froze. Her mind went blank.
Then, she remembered what Gina always said—own it.
She smiled. “This painting reminds me of my old home. It’s about memories and how even when you move somewhere new, you can still carry those memories with you.”
The raccoon smiled. “That’s a lovely message.”
The owls nodded in agreement before moving on to the next entry.
“You nailed it!” Gina whispered.
Chloe let out a breath she didn’t realize she’d been holding.
Finally, it was time to announce the winners.
“In third place… Parker the porcupine for his sculpture, Winter’s Glow!”
Polite applause filled the room.
“In second place… Maria the arctic fox for her sculpture, Frozen Wonder!”
Maria squealed and ran to accept her ribbon.
“And in first place…” The owl paused for effect. “Chloe the panda for her painting, Snowflake Memories!”
Chloe’s jaw dropped.
“You did it!” Gina shouted, practically shoving her toward the stage.
Chloe climbed up to accept her ribbon and certificate, her paws trembling.
“Congratulations,” the owl said. “Your work was not only beautiful but heartfelt.”
Chloe grinned. For the first time since they’d moved to Pineberry Grove, she felt like herself—and it felt amazing.
That evening, back at home, Gina hung Chloe’s ribbon on the Christmas tree.
“It’s official,” Gina said. “We’re unstoppable.”
Chloe laughed. “We make a pretty good team, don’t we?”
“The best,” Gina replied.
Even though Chloe sometimes got on Gina’s nerves, she couldn’t help but be impressed by her little sister’s talent. Gina wouldn’t trade her for anything—well, maybe for a little peace and quiet now and then.
Chloe looked at her painting, now proudly displayed on the wall. No matter what came next—whether it was more contests, more dances, or even the trial—she knew they’d face it together.
Chapter 10 – The Truth Comes Out
The house was quiet except for the sound of wrapping paper crinkling as Chloe and Gina finished packing Christmas gifts for their mom.
“This one’s for you,” Gina said, sliding a small box across the table.
Chloe raised an eyebrow. “You already got me a present?”
“Of course.” Gina grinned. “I’m always prepared.”
Chloe shook the box, and Gina gasped.
“Don’t shake it!”
Laughing, Chloe set it down and went back to tying ribbons. But her smile faded when she spotted her sketchbook sitting open on the couch.
Her most recent sketch wasn’t of Pineberry Grove or the Christmas tree—it was of Snowflake Cove. The frozen lake. The mountain backdrop. Everything they had left behind.
And it was labeled: Home.
Chloe’s stomach dropped. She’d meant to keep that sketch hidden, but now it was sitting out in plain sight. What if someone saw it?
“Chloe?” Gina’s voice broke her thoughts.
Chloe quickly closed the sketchbook. “What?”
Gina frowned. “What’s wrong?”
“Nothing,” Chloe said quickly.
Gina’s eyes narrowed. “Don’t lie. You’re acting weird.”
Chloe bit her lip. “I messed up. I left my sketchbook out, and I labeled one of my drawings ‘Snowflake Cove.’ What if someone sees it? What if it blows our cover?”
Gina’s serious expression softened. “It won’t.”
“But what if—”
“Chloe,” Gina interrupted, stepping closer. “No one’s going to connect it to us. It’s just a sketch. And besides…”
She picked up the sketchbook and flipped it open.
“This is amazing.”
Chloe blinked. “What?”
“It’s beautiful,” Gina said. “And even if someone asks about it, you can just make up a story. You’re the best storyteller I know.”
Chloe smiled faintly. “You really think so?”
“Duh.” Gina smirked. “Now quit worrying and help me finish wrapping these gifts before Mom catches us.”
The next day at school, Chloe couldn’t stop thinking about the sketchbook. She carried it everywhere, afraid to leave it behind in case someone found it.
During lunch, Maria spotted her flipping through the pages.
“Is that your art?” Maria asked.
Chloe froze.
“Can I see it?”
Chloe hesitated. She wanted to say no, but something in Maria’s kind expression made her pause.
“Okay,” Chloe said, sliding the sketchbook across the table.
Maria flipped through the pages, her eyes wide. “These are amazing.”
“Thanks,” Chloe said quietly.
“Where’s this one?” Maria asked, pointing to the sketch of Snowflake Cove.
“It’s just a place I imagined,” Chloe said quickly.
Maria studied it for a moment, then smiled. “Well, it looks magical. You should totally draw more places like this.”
Chloe relaxed. Maybe Gina was right—no one suspected a thing.
That evening, Chloe sat in her purple room and stared at the sketchbook. She thought about everything they’d been through—the new names, the new town, the secrets—and how much she’d grown.
She wasn’t just Chloe the panda anymore. She was still Magdalena, too. And no matter where life took her, she’d always carry Snowflake Cove with her.
And maybe that wasn’t a bad thing.
Chapter 11 – The Big Reveal
The letter arrived in a plain envelope, but Gina recognized the official seal right away. She grabbed it off the kitchen table and ripped it open.
“It’s from the government!” she said, her voice echoing through the room.
Chloe looked up from her sketchbook. “What does it say?”
Gina scanned the page, her eyes widening. “They need me to testify.”
Chloe sat up straight. “Already?”
“Next week.” Gina folded the letter carefully and let out a long breath. “It’s happening.”
For the first time since entering witness protection, Gina didn’t look so sure of herself.
Chloe walked over and sat beside her. “You’ve got this. You’re the one who found the problem in the first place.”
Gina bit her lip. “What if I mess up? What if I forget what to say?”
Chloe shook her head. “You won’t. You figured out what was wrong with the printer when no one else could. You’re the reason it got recalled. That makes you the hero, remember?”
Gina smiled faintly. “More like a whistleblower.”
Chloe laughed. “A heroic whistleblower.”
Gina took a deep breath. “Okay. Let’s do this.”
The day of the trial arrived, and Gina felt like her paws were glued to the floor as they stepped into the courthouse.
“You sure you don’t want me to come in with you?” Chloe asked.
“I’ve got this,” Gina said, trying to sound confident. “Besides, you’ll be right outside.”
Chloe nodded and gave her a quick hug. “You’re going to be amazing.”
Inside the courtroom, Gina stood tall as she answered the lawyer’s questions. She explained how the 3D printer’s safety features had been overridden and how she’d discovered the hidden code while experimenting with Sanrio keychains.
She even brought in a printed example as evidence—a tiny Hello Kitty figurine that made the jury smile.
By the time she stepped down from the witness stand, Gina felt like she’d danced her best routine—flawless and fierce.
Chloe nearly applauded. Seeing Gina stand tall and confident after testifying, she was never prouder of her big sister.
Back at home, the girls sat by the Christmas tree, admiring the lights and reflecting on the day.
“You were incredible,” Chloe said.
Gina leaned back against the couch. “I guess I was.”
“So what happens now?” Chloe asked.
Gina grinned. “Now we wait for the trial to end, and then…”
“…we go home,” Chloe finished.
Gina smiled, but her eyes wandered to the purple walls of their new house and the panda picture on Chloe’s wall.
“Or maybe we have two homes,” Gina said softly.
Chloe nodded. “Yeah. Two homes and one amazing story.”
Chapter 12 – Home Sweet Home?
Snowflake Cove looked exactly how they remembered it—snowy rooftops, twinkling lights, and the frozen lake reflecting the winter sky. But as Chloe and Gina stepped out of the car, everything felt different.
“Is it weird that it doesn’t feel like home anymore?” Chloe asked, clutching her sketchbook.
“Nope,” Gina said, balancing on her hoverboard as she rolled down the driveway. “We’ve changed. It makes sense that home feels different too.”
Chloe looked around at the familiar sights—their old front porch, the snow-covered trees—and smiled. “I guess we have changed.”
Gina grinned. “I mean, I’m basically a celebrity now.”
Chloe laughed. “Testifying in court doesn’t make you a celebrity.”
“No, but saving people from dangerous 3D printers does,” Gina said, striking a dramatic pose.
Chloe rolled her eyes but couldn’t help smiling. It was good to see Gina being her confident self again.
Inside the house, their mom and dad were waiting with hugs and hot cocoa.
“We’re so proud of you girls,” their dad said. “You handled everything better than we ever could’ve imagined.”
Their mom smiled. “You showed so much courage—both of you.”
Chloe glanced at Gina. “So… does that mean we go back to being Magdalena and Morgan now?”
Their parents exchanged a look.
“You can be whoever you want to be,” their mom said. “Morgan and Magdalena will always be part of you. But so will Gina and Chloe.”
“And after everything you’ve been through,” their dad added, “I think you’ve proven you can handle whatever comes your way.”
Gina grinned. “So we can keep our cool names and be heroes too?”
Their dad laughed. “Absolutely.”
Chloe hugged her sketchbook. “Maybe I’ll always be a little bit Chloe.”
“And I’ll definitely keep some Gina sparkle,” Morgan said.
Their mom smiled. “Then I think we’ve got the best of both worlds.”
Later that evening, the girls sat by the fireplace, drinking hot cocoa and flipping through Chloe’s sketchbook.
“Oh, and there’s more good news,” their dad said, walking in with his phone. “Maria’s family is moving to Snowflake Cove!”
Chloe’s eyes lit up. “Really? That’s amazing!”
Morgan grinned. “Looks like you won’t be the new kid at school after all.”
Chloe laughed. “I can’t wait to introduce Maria to Rime and Zoey. And to Magdalena—since she’s only ever known me as Chloe.”
Morgan smirked. “I think Maria’s going to love Magdalena just as much as Chloe.”
Chloe beamed, feeling a wave of excitement for the first time since they returned home. Everything was falling into place.
As the fire crackled and snowflakes danced outside the window, Magdalena felt a sense of peace. Snowflake Cove wasn’t just home—it was part of their story, the place where everything began. But Pineberry Grove had become part of their story, too.
“Do you think we’ll ever go back?” Magdalena asked.
“Maybe,” Morgan said. “But no matter where we are, we’ll always be the same—Magdalena the artist and Morgan the dancer.”
“And heroes,” Magdalena added with a grin.
“Exactly.”
As the fire crackled and snowflakes danced outside the window, Magdalena and Morgan knew one thing for sure—no matter where life took them, they’d face it together.
Concluding Thought
In the journey from Pineberry Grove back to Snowflake Cove, Gina and Chloe—now Morgan and Magdalena once again—discovered that who you are isn’t defined by a name or a place. It’s shaped by the courage to face change, the creativity to reinvent yourself, and the love you share with those around you.
Their adventure showed that no matter where life takes you, home is more than just a place—it’s the people who believe in you and the memories you create together.
As our story ends, let’s carry forward the lessons of Morgan and Magdalena: to be brave in the face of new beginnings, to celebrate growth and transformation, and to cherish the friendships that make every journey worthwhile. For the greatest adventures often lead us back to where we started—only stronger, wiser, and ready for whatever comes next.