Forever (A Mortimer and Sarah Story)

The wedding was over.  Christmas was too.  The residents of the North Pole were on a week long vacation.  January 2nd would start the new Christmas season.  New toys would be developed.  There would be meetings.  Committees would decide which old and favorite toys would be continued to be made. Or not.

Yo- Yos had been continued last year after days of heated debate.  Children still played with Yo- Yos.  They just never asked for them anymore.   An over abundance of string had won the day.

Drones were voted down in two minutes.  Elves had no use for spyware that would be lost in the trees within three minutes.  It was decided the humans could make those themselves.

The Christmas Village was not quiet during the week of rest.  Elves did not get on planes to visit sunny isles.  They slept twenty minutes late.  They ate two breakfasts.  They slid down snow covered hills.  They ice skated.  They signed up for reindeer rides.  Backgammon tournaments were big this year.  It might have been considered a craze if the elves were supposed to be working.

Mortimer the Head Elf and his new wife Sarah continued to enjoy their honeymoon.  All alone in their cozy cottage.  They ate and drank snifters of brandy.  They got silly.  They played Twister.  They watched the first few seasons of Gilmore Girls.  They reveled in each other’s company.  They enjoyed being alone.

They’d been married for five days when there was a loud knock on the door.  Mortimer swished the door open.  He was ready to order anyone standing there to get off of his front step.  Barring Santa that is.  He didn’t order Santa around.

It wasn’t Santa.  Instead, he found his mother Maisie standing on his snowy stoop.  She had her pet fox wrapped around her neck as usual.  Mortimer was glad that the unfriendly creature was asleep when his mother swooped in for an enormous hug.

She smelled of expensive perfume and gingerbread.  She grabbed Mortimer by the face.  She kissed each of his cheeks in greeting.  She left copious amounts of bright red lipstick behind.

“Darling!  Merry Christmas!  Happy New Year!  Congratulations on the wedding that I wasn’t invited to.” she cried in glee as she pushed her way past him into the warm and untidy living room.

“Twister?  Really, Darling?  Is that the best you can do on your honeymoon?  Oh, my goodness Mortimer.  I tell everyone I know that you are a romantic.  Now, I have to tell them that you play Twister on your honeymoon when you should be………….” Maisie said before she was interrupted.

“Mother!  Yet again you give no warning that you’re coming for a visit.  There are no laws governing honeymoon activities.  I believe playing Twister is well within our rights.  A parental visit during a honeymoon?  If that isn’t against the rules it should be. ” Mortimer said.  He still stood at the door.  He hadn’t closed it.

Maisie didn’t feel welcomed.  Mortimer had gotten his point across.  The fox awoke from his nap.  He stretched his legs and gave a mighty yawn.  The fox picked up on his mistress’s thoughts and growled at Mortimer before falling asleep again.

“Shut the door, Darling.  My fox doesn’t like being cold.  He keeps me warm.  I keep him warm.  Be a dear.  Cut the tinsel and close that door. ” Maisie said in her sharpest voice.

Mortimer shut the door.

Maisie bent over and deposited her sleeping fox on the braided rug in front of the fire.  She divested herself of the red velvet cape she was wearing.  She used it as a blanket.  She tucked it around her pet.  When she had her fox warm and cozy she stood up to her full four and a half feet of height.

She put her hands on her hips and she glared at her son.

” I come bearing gifts.  Not for you.  But, for your wife.  No!  Don’t interrupt me.  I gave birth to you.  I have loved you for almost a thousand years.  You finally…………finally get married and you don’t have the decency to invite your own mother!  I said don’t interrupt me.  I am here to tell you that a mother’s love is forever.  Oh, don’t cringe when you hear me say that word.  Forever!  A mother’s love should not be wasted however.  Thank goodness you have married a good elf.  An elf with a big heart.  Big enough to include me in her life.  Even if I am her exact opposite.  Because of Sarah………….and only because of her…………..was I able to view your wedding celebration.”  Maisie said as she finished what was left of the brandy in Mortimer’s snifter.

What a time for Sarah to be taking a sauna thought Mortimer.  Sarah wouldn’t come out until she was as red as a lobster and as tender as a piece of over cooked spaghetti.

Maisie sat in the small blue velvet chair in front of the fireplace.  She tapped her finger on the lip of the snifter.  Mortimer filled the glass.  He was a bit upset to see his mother in that chair.  That chair now belonged to his new wife. He thought of it as Sarah’s chair.

“How did you get here, Mother?  I didn’t hear a train whistle.  The reindeer are all accounted for.” he said as he checked all the red lights on his reindeer tracking system on the wall.

“I don’t need trains, Darling.  And reindeer rides?  How quaint!  You forget, dear heart.  Your mother is a flying elf.  With two wishes at my disposal.  A snap of my fingers and a chant off my lips got me here in an instant.  The fox however.  Well, my darling baby will be terribly sleepy for a few days.  I gave him the choice to stay home with Olaf.  But, he wouldn’t be parted from me.  The fox.  Not Olaf.” Maisie explained as she glanced at her pet fox sleeping off the trip on the rug.

At that moment the sleeping fox decided the red velvet cape was too warm.  He used all four paws to toss the covering aside.  He stretched in front of the fire.  The fox lie flat on his back with his four paws twitching slightly in the air.

Mortimer found himself wanting to pet the soft white underbelly of the sleeping animal.  He decided against it however.  He didn’t want to spend the rest of his honeymoon re-growing a hand.

“Where is your lovely wife, Mortimer?” asked Maisie.

She raised her hand to ward off his answer to her own question.

“Wait.  Our psychic connection is still open.  She’s in the sauna.  She’s knows I’m here.  She’s in no rush to join us, dear son.  Sarah is the reason I was able to view your ceremony.  You might not have invited me over the miles to join you.  But, she did.  I saw it all.  The poinsettias.  The altar in front of the train station.  Polar Bear rides.  Oh, Darling.  What were you thinking?  Letting a human girl plan your wedding.  You invited a teenager to Christmas Village.  At least the girl had the sense to have Santa officiate.” Maisie said.

Mortimer sat in his own recliner facing his mother.

He placed his chin in his hand.  He settled in for a long lecture.  His mother had some manners.  But, she also had spice and bite.  She didn’t do this kind of thing quickly.

“Imagine my surprise.  I’m hard at work selling elf made toys.  I’m dealing with humans that wait until the last minute to buy Christmas gifts.  All of a sudden my sight goes while I’m at the cash register.  I had to sit out my biggest money making hours.  Olaf thought I was having a stroke or something.  My vision was taken over by your wedding ceremony.  The ceremony that I wasn’t invited to.”  Maisie said quietly.

Mortimer realized that his mother’s feelings were hurt.

“I’m very sorry, Mother.  Very sorry indeed.  It just happened so fast.  It wasn’t planned.  I’ll tell you all about it someday.  Perhaps, not today.  I’m supposed to be on my honey moon here.” said Mortimer in a placating tone.

Maisie stared him in the eyes.

“I forgive you, Darling. I’ll read all about it I suppose.  When that infernal teenager you invited writes her stories.  Oh, Mortimer.  You weren’t thinking there.” sighed Maisie.

She saw the look on her son’s face.  She’d had a thousand years to learn how to read his expressions.  She could read him like a book.

“Oh, ho.  Santa had something to do with this.  You don’t need to go any further.  I see his saintly hand in this.  And, his using the word Forever didn’t get by me, Mortimer.  That was the most serious moment of your life.  And, I missed it.  Almost.” sighed Maisie in exasperation.

Maisie actually looked worried.  She had dropped her bossy routine.  She rubbed her temples as if a head ache was approaching.

“Forever!” she whispered as she watched her sleeping fox.

“Oh, no worries, Mother. We discussed that word with Santa.  He assures us that heaven is still within our reach.  He promised that one day we would grow old and turn into star dust” Mortimer quoted.

The word Forever had been uttered by Santa during their wedding ceremony.  Right before the word Amen.  It was Elf Lore that the word Forever meant immortality when said by Santa.  Mortimer and Sarah had questioned Santa about this very thing.  They had been assured that some day they would grow old.  Heaven awaited them.  Santa promised.  Santa wasn’t a liar.

“Santa isn’t a liar.” murmured Maisie.  “But, he is quite capable of telling the truth in installments.”

At that moment Sarah came through the door.  She was red in the face and indeed walked like her muscles had been removed from her body.  Mortimer jumped up to greet her. She sat in the chair opposite her mother in law.

“A cold drink, please Mortimer.” uttered Sarah as she smiled at her husband’s mother in the other armchair.

“Maisie!  I felt you were here.  What a nice surprise!  I hope you’ll stay as long as you can.  You’re very welcome here.” said the new bride.

Mortimer pressed a cold glass of cider into his new wife’s hands.  He leaned in and wiggled his eye brows at her.  Sarah ignored his signals.

“Thank you, Daughter.  I’m here for a short time only.  No need for a fuss.  I’ve just dropped in to say hello and congratulations.  I need a quick word with Santa before I leave.  Also, I have a gift for you.” Maisie said as she stared at the door.

The stare worked.  A timid knock came at the entrance.

Mortimer opened the wooden door to find two of the large furniture moving elves standing at attention.  They doffed their hats at the sight of the High Exalted Elf.

“Delivery, sir.  May we carry this inside?” asked the mover with the foreman feather in his cap.

“I suppose so.” said Mortimer.

He stood aside.  Maisie jumped out of her chair and directed the movers to place the item in the corner.  She had used her foot to move the Twister game out of the way.

The movers left after having been tipped with a small bottle of rum.  They grinned ear to pointy ear.  There would be no more working for them that day.

Sarah arose from her chair and stood in front of the gift.  She pulled the tarp off of the object to find a trio of cradles.  The cradles were connected.  Maisie came forth and showed her how they worked.

A large dial with a handle wound them up.  The cradles rocked back and forth as one with a soothing clicking sound.  The wood shone from hours of sanding.  The ends were intricately decorated with woodland creatures and snowflakes.  This is what a family heirloom looks like when it is brand new.

“Oh, my!” gasped Sarah.  “How very perfect!  Thank you!” as she shyly gave her new mother in law a hug.

Mortimer stared at the cradles.  He stared at his wife hugging his mother.  The mother that was interrupting his honeymoon.

“Very nice, Mother.  But, don’t you think you’re rushing things just a tiny bit?” he said with a nervous chuckle.

Maisie and Sarah looked at each other and turned to Mortimer with smiles.

Maisie bit her lip to stop herself from blurting news that was Sarah’s to tell.

“It happens quickly with elves my age, Mortimer.  We will be needing these cradles in the near future.” said Sarah.

“There will be three.” said both females together.  They laughed and held hands to celebrate that their psychic connection was still working.

“And, now I need to rush.” said Maisie as she gathered her cloak and fox.  “I don’t like to leave Olaf for long.  You never know with these humans.  Gone two days?  He might forget I ever existed.”

She hugged and kissed and cooed and left the pair alone with the aroma of her perfume.

Maisie arrived at Santa’s office door moments later.  She didn’t even knock.  Santa looked up to find her standing over him while he sat at his desk.

“Save the Merry Christmas.  And the Happy New Year.  Keep your Ho Ho Hos.  That can all wait.  I want an explanation, Nick!  And, don’t leave anything out.  Tell me all about Forever.” Maisie demanded as she settled into a chair.

The fox woke up long enough to growl at Santa.

“This is none of your business, Maisie.” Santa said quietly.

“It most certainly is my business, Nick!  Mortimer is my son.  Don’t tell his mother that this is none of her business.” Maisie said sternly.  She stared Santa right in the eye.  As did the sleepy fox.

“Oh, Maisie.  Mortimer is not the chosen one.” Santa said cutting to the finale of a Forever explanation.

“Sarah is.” he added.

For the first time in her long life………..Maisie was at a loss for words.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Undecorating The Christmas Tree

The Christmas I was ten my brother brought home a kitten.  He came home from college with duffel bags of dirty clothes and a kitten on his shoulder.

I was pretty happy about it.  My mother…………not so much.  She imagined that she was allergic to felines.  They didn’t bother her breathing but touching them made her skin break out.

My eldest brother never conversed with me much.  He was eight years older and little girls were pretty useless as companions I suppose.  He’d tease me a little as he couldn’t all together ignore me.

“Why don’t you have a job or something?” he’d ask me.  “Do you really just lay around all day watching cartoons?”

“I can’t get a job!” I’d reply in consternation.  “I’m only ten.”

“So, you haven’t gotten engaged or married since I left?” he’d tease.

“No!  I don’t like boys.  They smell awful and they hit.  They can’t play with girls.  If they lose?  They beat you up.  I’m not getting married you silly.  I’m only ten and boys are gross.” I replied.

I decided to change the subject.  I could see that he was all done talking to me until next summer.  I wasn’t all that interesting.

“What’s your cat’s name?” I asked as a gray kitten ran through the room at the speed of light.

He thought about it.  A little too long I thought.

“I just call it Cat.  You can name her if you want.” he offered as he put on his coat to go somewhere.  He wasn’t around much that Christmas break.  I suppose he went back to his part time job.  He had friends.  He preferred hanging out at their houses.  Maybe he had a secret girl friend.

I decided to call the little grey whirlwind “Fluffy”.

“How original.” my brother said to me as he left the house.

Our Christmas tree was up.  It was different this year.  My mother hadn’t taken out the box of ornaments we were used to.  No hand made ornaments.  No pipe cleaner elves made in kindergarten.

She wanted a grown up tree.

The artificial tree was the same.  The lights were the same.  But, this year it was decorated with satin balls only.  They were red, green, blue and gold.  She sighed with happiness looking at that tree.  I found it dull but it made her happy.  I missed our regular mismatched ornaments.

I don’t think the three males in the house even noticed the change.

The kitten did.

Fluffy knocked the tree over three times in one day.  Mom couldn’t catch the little thing to lock it in the bathroom or basement.  Fluffy was fast and she was adept at disappearing the minute she knocked the tree over.

I helped place the tree upright.  I lie on my belly and collected satin balls that had rolled all over the room.  A little gray paw batted at me from under the sofa.  I told Fluffy to stay where she was if she knew what was good for her.

My father came home and was told to anchor that tree to the wall.

“Where is your son?  Why isn’t he here keeping that cat under control?” my father bellowed.  He was not happy about putting screws into his living room wall to anchor a tree down.  He knew after Christmas he’d have to spackle those holes.  Touch up paint.  Paint a whole wall because my mother would be able to differentiate the difference in color.

Daddy knew this all in a flash.  The kitten flashed too.  Right up the tree.  But, this time the tree stayed put.

My parents walked away from the tree.  Away from the living room.  They needed a break from naughty kittens.

“Oh, Ralph.” my mother said.  “It’s just a couple of holes in the wall.  Just think.  Our son was so lonely at school he went and got himself a kitten.  He felt all alone.  He got himself a little companion.  I think it’s absolutely sweet.  He’s more family oriented than he lets on.” my mother said to calm my father down.

“He’s a good soul.  Such a kind heart.” my mother went on.

“Okay, Ellie!  I get it.  Don’t push it.” my father said as he sipped his coffee.  I listened to the whole conversation from the other room.  I had been watching the kitten climb my mother’s sheer curtains.  Fluffy was hanging by her claws from the curtain rod.

I didn’t mention this to my parents.  I just grabbed the kitten with one hand and disengaged her with the other.  I placed her in the little hallway closet.  I was afraid she’d poop in someone’s shoe.  But, she was in trouble.  She knew it and promptly fell asleep in there.

The kitten became stealthy.  It hid out during the day and was not interested in human company.  During the night ………….Fluffy undecorated the tree.  Every night.

She chewed on satin balls.  She got her little claws stuck in them.  Every day my mother would sit me at the kitchen table with her nail scissors.  There I would save the satin balls.  I would trim the threads.  I would return them to their satin glossiness.  I’d rehang them.

Every day.

The holidays were over.  My brother packed up his duffel bags with clean clothing.  He slapped me on the back.  He shook my father’s hand.  He gave my mother a hug and he headed out the door to his car.

My mother called after him.

“Aren’t you forgetting something?” she inquired.

“I don’t want any brownies, Ma.” he answered.

“No, I’m talking about your kitten.  You’re forgetting your kitten.” she said as she started to pile the cat dishes and food on the kitchen steps.

“Oh, that’s not my cat.” he said as he threw the bags full of clothing and towels into his trunk.

“What?  What did you say?” my mother hissed.

“That’s not my cat.  I was the last one to leave the dorm because I had a late exam.  That little kitten was scratching at a door.  I couldn’t leave it all alone in a dorm for a month.  Some idiot just went on Christmas vacation and abandoned that kitten.” he said as he went to get into the driver’s seat.

My mother grabbed the kitten and pushed the aluminum kitchen door open with her hip.  She marched it out to my brother’s car.  He rolled down the window and grabbed Fluffy.

“Have a good semester.” my mother said as she went back into the house.  She slammed the door behind her.

My father sat at the table laughing until tears rolled down his cheeks.

“Okay!  He wasn’t lonely.  He wasn’t bereft without us.” she said to him as she washed her hands at the sink.

“But, he’s becoming a man with a good heart.” she said.  “He has a good heart!”

She took the kitchen trash can over to the tree.  The satin balls filled up the little plastic bin. She tied the garbage bag shut with a knot.  She opened the kitchen door and threw the bag in the general direction of the garbage can.

Our old mismatched and beloved ornaments showed up again the next year.  Fluffy didn’t.

Postscript:  Don’t worry about Fluffy.  She was returned to her rightful owner.  She turned out to be a he named Max.

 

 

 

 

Sweet Christmas Tradition

People don’t like their traditions messed with.  Especially at Christmas time.

We all have our own holiday traditions.  The tree should be set up in that particular corner.  The angel on top might be bedraggled after being there for a generation.  But, she’s dusted off and put in her rightful place.

The cookies are baked.  We frequent our favorite stores.  Our beloved music must be found on CD since the old phonograph stopped spinning.  Our Christmas traditions are important to us.  Down to the candy we buy for ourselves and for gifts.

I work in a really sweet candy store.  The windows are decorated to make your heart happy.  The smell of warm fudge greets folks as they walk through the door.  The cases are lit.  One wall is shelf after shelf of “nostalgia” candy.

This candy haven is loved.  Shopping there at the holidays is part of people’s tradition.  They walk through the door and sniff in contentment.  They tell us they love it here.  It is there favorite place.  It’s their first stop when they are in town.  One little guy told me that he likes this candy store better than Disney World.

People have been frequenting this place for the 19 years it’s been there.  It’s owned by a beautiful blonde with big blue eyes and a great smile.  Folks are disappointed when they don’t find her  behind the counter on their Christmas foray into the world of candy.  Because seeing her is part of their tradition also.

I try to make up for it with chat and extra attention.  That’s kind of hard during the Christmas season.  There are people staring and waiting to be rung out.  The phone is ringing with people asking questions about ingredient lists.  Is it too late to ship?  What time are we open until?

I love working in this candy store as much as the customers love coming into it.  It’s a very happy place.  All the people that work there feel the same way.  We call the place “our baby store” and we take good care of her.

There was another beloved candy store a few towns over that has closed.  Our name is similar.  We carry some of the same candy but not all.  That other store closed two years ago.

Disappointment is something extra we are dealing with at this busy time of year.  We explain over and over again that we can’t magically make that other candy store reappear.

And no, you didn’t shop there last year.  It’s been gone for two years now.

How do I know this?  Because I’ve been trying to make these people feel better for that long.  I feel for them but their whining over something I have no control over can start to grate on my nerves.

Their comments can make us feel like we’re second best. And, believe me.  The store I work in is second to none.  I try to be sympathetic at the loss they are feeling.  I assure them that this beautiful store will soon be their new tradition.

Some folks come in and discover that we are different but excellent.  They sigh in disappointment that we don’t carry a certain type of candy.  They pull themselves up and look around for a new favorite.  I make suggestions.  I find something similar for them.  I promise they are going to love it.

Some people won’t be helped by my sympathy.  They ask for something.  I tell them that we don’t carry it.  They remind me that the other place had it and they’ve been buying it for twenty years.  I remind them that that store is out of business.  I tell them I’m sorry.  I understand it’s sad when yet another tradition bites the dust.  Especially at Christmas.

So, they word their request a different way.  If you don’t get the answer you want?  Ask again.  Use different words.  Maybe the outcome will change.

Please, people.  I’m so busy here.  I’m not lying to you.  What you want does not exist here.  No matter how you word it.

I deal with their disappointment.  I’ve dealt with anger.  I told one lady that I don’t have a magic wand.  It’s not that I don’t want to make her happy.  I can’t.  I deal in candy.  Not, magic.

She rewords her request yet again.  Perhaps I’m stupid.  Maybe I don’t understand this language.  Before she gets going again all the way back to the beginning of her story……….I put a stop to it.

“I DO NOT HAVE WHAT YOU’RE ASKING FOR.  We have never carried it. Please!  Take a look around.  This place is packed with wonderful gourmet candy.  Try something different.” I say.

We are never going to carry the chocolate covered BACON she was looking for by the way.  Our store is owned by a vegetarian.  A vegetarian that has always wanted to own a pot bellied pig.  Not going to happen.

I hand signal for another clerk to take my place.  I go into the back room.  I lean against a cold wall for a minute.  I breathe deeply.  I crack open a box containing chocolate coconut clusters and I stuff one into each of my cheeks.

And, then the phone rings.  The dreaded phone.  Christmas phone calls are never easy.  Someone is looking for something we don’t have.  I’m supposed to personally know every other candy maker in the world.  I should be able to send them onto the place that carries such a thing as maple nut coffee stirrers.  I get sighed at.  I get hung up on.  I’m on the naughty list for sure because yet again……….I’m not a magician.

One man boasted that he does all his shopping locally.  At Mom and Pop stores.  I congratulated him.  I told him that his shopping style was deeply appreciated.  Then he took a half hour of my time.  He wanted to be introduced to every candy in the case personally.  He wanted to know who made what.

A lot of our candy is made on site.  Not all of it is.  It is all of the highest quality.  But, really.  We don’t pump out our own Jelly Belly jelly beans.  We don’t make Clark Bars.  We don’t make the candy necklaces.

His questions were incessant.  I answered what I could and deflected him right and left.  It was like a tennis match.  I talked him into buying thirty Santa lollipops that I had made myself.  “Tied the red ribbons with my own little hands.” I assured him.

Onto the butter crunch.

“Who made it?”  he asked.

“It’s made by a famous candy company in Albany.  You’re going to love it.  How many boxes would you like?” I asked.  I was trying to speed him up.

“But, who made it?” he wanted to know.

I started to lie.  Blatantly.  To let him know that he was on my last nerve.  I kept it light in tone.  Only my closest friends would know that I wanted to put my hands around his throat by this time.

“It’s made by elves.” I replied with a straight face.  I am an actress in my spare time.  I can bullshit with a straight face to any stranger.  They tend to believe me.

“What’s this elf’s name?” he asked.  He was serious as all get out.  Perhaps he is an actor in his spare time also.

“Her name is Sarah.  She’s quite beautiful.  A red head with big blue eyes.  The candy company in Albany puts her in the front window so people can see her making the candy.  She has to stand on a stool of course because she’s only three feet tall.  She doesn’t like being on display like that.  Elves tend to be pretty shy.  But, she especially hates being in the front window because she has to wear a hair net.  She hates wearing a hair net.  And the rubber gloves are always too big for her.  They just can’t find disposable gloves in elf size.” I explained as I leaned wearily against the candy case.

“How many boxes do you want?” I said as I slid the case door open with a bang.

“I’ll take twenty.” he said.  He was happy to buy that butter crunch because now he could tell all the recipients that it was elf made.  By a red headed elf named Sarah.  Sarah who abhors hair nets.

Score with the elf story.  I’ll have to remember that for another time I thought to myself.

I balanced twenty boxes of butter crunch up to my chin.  I put them on the counter next to the cash register.  I asked another worker to ring him out.  Because………..he had shot my last nerve.  I knew I was destined to make a mistake on that cash register.

I ate more candy.

The forlorn shoppers kept coming in.  The ones that were sad because their favorite candy store that they only frequented once a year was no longer there.

I chose one tactic to deal with them.  These people were exhausting me.  I figured I should pick one game plan and stick to it.

I gave them ooey gooey sympathy.

“I know.  I know.  You poor thing.  Another tradition down the drain.  Time marches on and some of the things we love go with it.  It’s so sad.  I’m so sad for you.  I feel your pain.  I felt this kind of pain when the Oreo people started messing with my cookie.  Pumpkin Spice Oreos indeed.  How dare they mess with perfection.  So…………..take a look around.  This is your first time here.  This store is going to be your new Christmas tradition.  You can’t do any better.  We promise we’ll stay the same.  You’re in safe hands here.” I declared.

I knocked a raspberry cream out of the case on purpose.  Ten second rule.  I popped it into my mouth and exclaimed that it was the best candy I had ever tried.

The forlorn lady took a pound of them.

“Look at you!  With your new Christmas tradition!”  I said to her.  She smiled and asked for time to look around.

“Take your time.  I’m not going anywhere.  I’m busy eating candy.” I said.

The lady laughed because I had actually made her feel better with my barely real sympathy.

I felt like a shit.  But, only for a moment.

Then the phone rang again.

I picked it up and the woman on the line interrupted my greeting.

“I’m driving down the Northway.  I can’t believe you closed your other location.  What the hell is the matter with you?  I’ve been shopping at that store every Christmas since I was a kid.  Tell me that you have Sugar Plums.  If you don’t have Sugar Plums I am going to have a f’ing melt down.” she hissed over her cheap cell phone.

“I’m sorry, but we are totally out of Sugar Plums.” I replied.

“Well, make some more!” she screeched down the phone line.  She added some language that’s too ugly to print.

“No, that’s not going to happen.  We will sell what Christmas candy we have until it’s gone.  It will not be reordered or made.  Come and visit.  I’m sure you’ll find something else you’ll like.” I said in my tired semi friendly voice.

“I’ll be there in twenty minutes.  Make some more!  I want three boxes.” she declared.

You see………….if the dummy that answers the phone at the candy store actually says no?  You just ask again.  And, again.  Don’t take no for an answer.

“I’m sorry. We are out of Sugar Plums.  I had thirty boxes of them yesterday.  But, poof.  They’re gone.  And, we’re not getting anymore.” I said.  I still sounded friendly but I was getting mean.  I didn’t have to tell her that she was a day late.

It felt really good.

She hung up on me.

Then she called back.

To tell me that she didn’t like me at all.  She told me that I should be willing to stay up all night making Sugar Plums because she wanted them.  It was my fault that she had found Sugar Plums at another store but they were over priced.  I must have been involved in the folding of her favorite candy store.  The weather was probably my fault too.

She swore at me some more.  Really?

She was a crazy lady because her favorite tradition was out of her reach this year.

I kept my cool.  Amazing actually.  Seeing that it was 3 p.m. and I hadn’t found time to eat my breakfast or lunch yet.  I was being sustained by the most amazing chocolate in the world.

“Give me your phone number.  All I can do ……………Susan?  All I can do Susan is let the owner and cook know of your request.  If she can help she will.  I can’t promise anything.  But, she’s always willing to try to make the customer happy. ” I said.

I left a note for the owner.

“This lady wants Sugar Plums.  It’s all our fault that the other store is closed.  It’s all our fault that her Christmas is ruined.  She was nasty.  She was abusive.  You wouldn’t believe the mouth on this one.  I kept my cool.  But, it was hard.  Help her out if you must but I don’t want you to. ” said my note.

I only go all Scrooge about once a year.  This was my moment.

Let’s just say that Susan is going to bed on Christmas Eve with visions of Sugar Plums dancing through her head.

She isn’t going to get to actually eat one.  The owner of the candy store is my very best friend in this whole wide world.  She doesn’t take kindly to me being abused.

Oh, Susan.  You were so naughty!  If you’d only been nice.  There were Sugar Plums in the back room that I knew nothing about.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Santa’s Explanation

Mortimer and Sarah awoke to the brightness of their bedroom.  It was the day after their wedding celebration.  They both lie back on their pillows and stared at the ceiling.  They thought their own thoughts.

Sarah thought back to yesterday’s celebration.  She and Mortimer had broken the biggest rule in all of Elfdom.  They had invited a human to their wedding reception.  Sarah had actually made a teenaged human girl her Maid of Honor.  Sarah had let the girl plan the whole party.

It was a crazy unheard of scheme.  But, it had worked out beautifully.  Everything had been perfect down to the ceremony officiated by Santa.  The many tiered wedding cake had every flavor that she loved.

But, there had been that word.  That word had been in the wedding ceremony. That word had frightened her.

Mortimer thought back to yesterday.  He was the happiest elf that had ever been born or created.  He had his Sarah by his side as his wife.  His favorite human girl had been there to witness it all.

But, there had also been that word in Santa’s blessing on the makeshift altar in front of the train station. That word had him worried.

They both stared at the ceiling for a few moments longer.

“I’ve never done this before.” said Sarah from her side of the bed.  She clutched a down comforter up under her chin.

Mortimer thought that Sarah had become shy once again.

“We have a lifetime to get used to each other, Sarah.  If you’re feeling shy again………well, I’ll shut my eyes while you go into the sauna and shower.  You’ll get used to me sharing this bedroom.  Take your time and then we can make breakfast together.  No more cafeteria for you, my dear.” said Mortimer.

“No.  That’s not what I meant.” sighed Sarah.  “I’ve lost track of the date.  I’ve never done that before.  It’s December 23rd.  One day until the sleigh flies.  And, I had to lie here for minutes figuring out the date.”

“Well, we have been pretty busy with other things.  No worries.  Earl and the others stepped in.  Everything is on schedule.  I’m sure.  After breakfast we can visit the office.  They’ll shoo us away because we’re on our honeymoon.  But, we can assure ourselves that Christmas is on time.” said Mortimer as he sat his High Elf Cap upon his head.

He looked pretty silly wearing a hat in bed with his red and green striped pajamas.  But, Mortimer thought of this hat as his thinking cap.  And, he needed to think.

Sarah did lighten up enough to laugh at the sight of her husband

“What are you thinking of, Mortimer?  You must need help to be putting on your thinking cap while still in bed.” asked Sarah.

“I’m thinking of that word.  You know the one.  The one that Santa uttered on the altar.  Right before he said Amen.  I know you heard it too.  It didn’t go past your ears in the excitement.  He said it, Sarah.  And, well.  I’m thinking that we need to know why.” said Mortimer as he kicked off the blankets.

The two headed to the kitchen.

“I was thinking of the same exact thing too, Mortimer.  We need to speak with Santa after breakfast.  He’s going to be terribly busy.  But, we really do need to find out the meaning of that word.  Do you feel any different?” asked Sarah.

“Do you mean because we’re married now?  Or, because of that word?” asked Mortimer as he started to crack eggs and make toast.  “I don’t feel any different.”

“And you?  Do you feel different?” he asked his new wife.

“No.  Just really hungry.  Make more toast while I take a bath.  But, right after breakfast we need a few minutes with Santa.” said Sarah as she dropped the down comforter she had wrapped around her until that moment.

Mortimer laughed.  There were certain things that Sarah was not shy about after all.

An hour later Mortimer and Sarah sat in Santa’s office.  Santa had thrown a large team of elves out of the room.  Santa sat down behind his desk.   He turned down the Christmas music.  He leaned back in his chair and he rocked while he looked at the pair of elves sitting in front of him.

“So!  Twelve hours.  Do you call that a honeymoon?  You’re not needed this Christmas.  You two should be tucked up in your cottage ignoring the world.  What in the name of Christmas are you doing in this office wasting my time.  Today of all days?” asked Santa as he passed a tin of shortbread to them.

Mortimer and Sarah shook their heads no.  They couldn’t swallow a dry cookie until they found out about the word.

Mortimer cleared his throat.  He glanced at Sarah and she nodded at him.  He was to be their spokesperson.

“Well, Santa.  First of all.  We’d like to thank you for the beautiful wedding ceremony yesterday.  We know it was a little unusual to have a human girl doing all the planning.  But, between the two of you…………..it was all perfect.  Except perhaps the wording.  Towards the end of the ceremony.  The word you said right before Amen.” Mortimer spoke quickly from nerves.

“Let me see.  What exactly has you two all worked up?  I do choose my words carefully.  I seem to remember finishing the ceremony with “Go forth in your union of happiness.  Use your joy to anoint elves and humans alike.  Forever.  Amen.” said Santa quietly with a gentle smile on his face.

He had known that this conversation was coming.  He was just surprised it was happening so quickly.

There was a timid knock at his office door.  A young elf stuck his head inside and opened his mouth to ask a question.

“Get out!  A closed door means do not enter.  Move it!  Now!” bellowed Santa without even turning around.

The door slammed shut.

“Which word has you confused?” asked Santa.  He knew full well what the answer would be.

“Forever.” whispered Mortimer and Sarah as one.

“Ah! Forever.  Was I supposed to marry you for a week?  A month?  Not forever?  Or, have you heard that word has a special meaning when I say it?  Please, elves.  Tell me what you’re worried about.  I don’t have time today for guessing games.” said Santa as he snapped the lid back onto his cookie canister.

“It is not written, sir.  It is Elf Lore, I suppose.  That Santa never says the word forever.  The lore says that if Santa endows you with the word “Forever” well……………..that means that you are now immortal like Santa is himself.  You used the word on an altar.  As you were blessing our marriage.” explained Mortimer as he leaned forward in his chair.

Sarah leaned with him.

“Well, actually there are many rules that contain the word Forever.  Right here in my Santa manual.” said Santa as he banged a huge red leather bound book down on the desk in front of them.

“It is not Elf Lore.  That word is written.” said Santa as he flipped pages that were about three feet tall.  “Right here.”

Santa came to a stop in the middle of the book.

“Here it is.  Yup.  I said the word Forever.” he said as he found the page he was looking for.  He underlined words with the tip of his finger.  He continued reading. ” Forever.  Immortal.  Never dying.  Deathless.  Eternal.  Everlasting.  Ceaseless.”

Santa was messing with the worried little elves.  Just a tiny bit.  The saint was known for having a bit of a temper and a wicked sense of humor.  He wasn’t actually quoting at them from the “Decree” section of the manual.  He had just read off the definition of the word in the daily updated dictionary section of his book.

Santa banged the pages shut and he opened his cookie can again.

“And, the problem is?” Santa asked as he nibbled cookies.  He didn’t even bother brushing the crumbs out of his beard.

Sarah stood up and put her hands on her hips.  Her cheeks glowed red with anger.  But, it couldn’t be anger.  Elves aren’t allowed to get angry with Santa.

“You made us immortal without consulting us?  You did something that important without any warning?  You decided we would live forever?  You have taken heaven away from us?  And, you call yourself a saint?”  she finished on her tiptoes and at the top of her voice.

“Mortimer?  Would you like to get your wife under control?” Santa said with an amused chuckle.

“No, Santa.  I never want to get my wife under control.  I think I kind of like this side of her.  She’s saying everything that I want to say right now.  You’ve trained this kind of response out of me.  Oh, it took a thousand years.  But, I’m very glad that Sarah is saying what she’s saying right now.” said Mortimer as he clutched Sarah’s hand.

He eventually got her breathing deeply again.  He sat her in the chair next to him.

“Calm down.  I suppose when I said the word Forever I might have extended your lives here.  I mean I said it to Mrs. Santa when I married her.  That was a long time ago and nary a wrinkle on her skin.  But, I did not take heaven away from you.  Heaven is right around the corner.   You will live forever in a way.  But, it wasn’t my doing.  It was yours.” said Santa calmly.

“It was who’s doing?” whispered Sarah.

“Yours.” replied Santa.

“Mine?” squeaked Sarah.  “How?”

“You invited a human girl to the North Pole.  A girl that grew up asking for dolls.  And, then she abruptly switched to wanting a typewriter.  Why?  She told you right in her letter to Santa.  She wants to be a writer.  She wants to be a story teller.  And, she’s a believer.  A believer that has seen Santa’s Village for herself.  A believer that slid down a hill riding a polar bear. And?  She is a wordsmith.  Oh!  You’re going to live forever.  In her stories. You asked for it.  You got it.” said Santa.

“Oh, Sarah.  Don’t look so bereft.  Christmas has been around for a very long time.  It will continue………….wait for it………..Forever.  You didn’t do this all by yourself.  I wanted her here.  I allowed myself to be seen by her when she was a little girl.  I allowed Mortimer to visit that family year after year.  I held up your marriage until you met her too.  I am complicit.” Santa explained.

“Don’t be afraid of the word Forever.  The stories the girl will write about Mortimer and Sarah will be loved.  They will touch the hearts of people that thought they had stopped believing in me.  She will make you and I seem real.  All with a typewriter.” said Santa as he pushed his chair back.

This meeting was over.  Santa had a sleigh to pack.  He was good at packing.

“You will grow old.  Eventually.  You will someday turn to stardust.  You will see your heaven.  But, you will never really die because she will write about you.  She will bring you to life on a stark white page.  We are safe in her hands.  Now, go back to your cottage and your honeymoon.” Santa said as he walked out of the office.

“Go and make memories! You’ll remember your honeymoon.  Forever!” Santa threw over his shoulder with a chuckle.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Mortimer and Sarah’s Warm Reception

The elf couple sat in the back row of the auditorium full of humans celebrating Christmas.  The chorus was finished singing.  The auditorium lights came on.  The crowd murmured loudly as they donned their winter coats and scarfs.  People headed for the doors.

Mortimer and Sarah sat in stunned silence.  They blinked at the bright over head lights.  Most of the humans passing by saw a very small couple sharing a red velvet seat.  The few adult Christmas believers paused and gathered in a small group.

Mortimer knew they would descend in a moment.

“Sarah!  We need to move.  I don’t know what is in your heart.  But, I am not prepared to answer questions about the North Pole right now.  I will whisk us out of this spot immediately, if you agree.” said Mortimer as he clutched her hand in his own.

“I agree.” said Sarah.

Mortimer waved his elf hand over his head.  He wished their presence to be removed from this room that was over heated by hundreds of people in their woolen coats and mittens.

He opened his eyes and found that they hadn’t moved an inch.

“Mortimer!  We’re still here.  We’re still in Connecticut!” gasped Sarah.

“The movable remains unmoved.” whispered a stunned Mortimer.  “This means we are meant to remain.  But, we must meet up with our human friends.  Do you remember what the station wagon sleigh looks like?  Let us go out and wait for the Anderson family there.”

The two elves moved quickly.  They moved so quickly that the Christmas believers were left to think they were imagining things.

Mortimer is Santa’s head elf.  Sarah was now his wife.  They were in Connecticut to visit the faithful.  They had gotten carried away back at the North Pole planning their own wedding.  Santa had decreed that a wedding celebration would be put on hold until they had paid their visit to Columbus Street.

Mortimer and Sarah paced around the gray Mercury station wagon in the parking lot of the high school.  The snow came down around them like the soft petals of flowers.  The darkness of the night sky was sliced by the harshness of the security lighting in the parking lot.

The human family they were visiting caught up with them.  The Andersons looked relieved to see the small beings leaning against their car.

“Oh, Mortimer!  Sarah!  We couldn’t find you inside!  We heard people talking about seeing elves.  We figured you had to disappear quickly.  We’re so glad you’re here.  You’ve never left without saying goodbye before.” said Darlene.

Darlene was now sixteen.  She was a believer as were her parents.  She could still recognize Santa’s elves when she saw them.

“It’s cold out here.  Get in the car and we’ll go home for hot chocolate and donuts.” said the mother Ellie.

They all jumped into the station wagon and Daddy Ralph got the heater blasting for their short ride home to Columbus Street.

The elves in the back seat were quiet.

Soon everyone sat around the little maple table in the Columbus Street kitchen.  Mugs of hot chocolate warmed their hands.  Donuts sat uneaten on a dish.  That hardly ever happened.  Something serious was going on.

“Okay.  Out with it.” said Daddy Ralph.  “What’s the problem, Mortimer?  You and Sarah are acting strangely.  We do understand  that you might have to get back to Santa’s work.  I’m actually kind of surprised that you’re still here.”

“Well, Ralph.  I waved my hand over my head and wished to whisk us home.  Nothing happened.  Here we remain.” said Mortimer.

He tried to stay calm.

The group quietly thought about the dilemma.  You can’t exactly put a pair of elves on a train or a plane.  You can’t order a taxi to take a couple to the North Pole.

Ellie was the first to speak.

“Of course, you are welcome to stay here as long as you want or need to.  This is a small house but it always has room for more.  But, I’d like to mention something that I have noticed.  You two went to the concert as an engaged couple.  Now, you sit here in my kitchen wearing matching wedding bands.  How did this happen?” asked Ellie.

The elves stared down at their hands.

“That can happen.” whispered Sarah.  “It doesn’t happen often.  But, it does happen.  Especially when a heart wright is involved.  And, Mrs. Santa is a heart wright.”

“The wedding plans were becoming a bit of a fiasco.  Christmas was getting in the way.  And, nothing should take precedence over Christmas.  Mrs. Santa got involved.  She told us to come here, to Columbus Street.  She said it was where we both wanted to be.  That is true.  We wouldn’t be here if that wasn’t true.  She also said that “Your hearts will choose the moment of your marriage.” It just happened.  At the end of the concert.  My body was filled with love and light and a buzzing noise in my ears.  And, a wedding band appeared on my hand.” said Sarah in the longest speech she had ever made.

“Exactly.” said Mortimer as he bobbed his head up and down.

“Congratulations” said Daddy Ralph.  “You’re married.  You’re about to start the biggest adventure of your lives.”

“Oh!  Can you imagine!  The celebration when you get home!  All the elves will spill out into the town square.  The bells will chime!  The birds will sing!  There will be food and drink and song!  And, then you’ll be left alone in your own little cottage to get used to being a married couple!  And, next year you can come together on the Saturday before Christmas!” Darlene celebrated in words.

Mortimer and Sarah clasped hands.  They stared at Darlene.

“Yes!  That would be perfect!  A wedding reception planned by my only human friend. I can only add that I wish that you could be there to celebrate with us.  To sing the beautiful song “Let There Be Peace On Earth” while the birds sing harmony.  This is what my heart wishes.” said Sarah quietly.

“And, so be it.” said Mortimer the High Elf.  “With your permission, of course.” he added when he saw the startled look on the parent’s faces.

“Oh, I don’t know.” said Ellie the mother with nervousness in her voice.  “How long would she be gone?”

“But, a moment of your time, dear lady.  Your hot chocolate will still be warm when she returns.” said Mortimer as he he stood next to his chair.  Sarah hopped down from her chair.  She gently pulled Darlene to her feet also.

“Mom?  Daddy? Can I?  It’s all I want for Christmas!” begged Darlene.

“Mortimer!  She is the most precious thing in our lives.  You’ll be taking her to a place that isn’t on any map.  I’m sorry.  You’re asking too much.  I don’t like to say no to Little Girl.  But, really this is too much.” said Daddy Ralph.

“Please!  Have no fear.  She will be back as you utter the words “Really this is too much.” I promise you Ralph.  And, she has her own power.  She has but to wish to be back on Columbus Street and it will be so.  It will always be so.  Even after you are long gone.  She will have that power.  She will write stories that will bring her back to you and Ellie and Columbus Street.  She is full of the power of words.” said Mortimer.

“Alright.  Come back to us, Little Girl.  Go see Santa’s Village. Have an adventure.  It will be your story to tell someday.” said Daddy Ralph as he tried to hide his fear.

Mommy Ellie nodded her head in agreement.

Mortimer waved his hand over the trio and they were whisked to the top of a snowy hillside.  They looked down at the Christmas Village.  The day was turning to night and lights poured from the buildings onto the town square.

Darlene shivered.

“Mortimer.  I’m cold.” Darlene said.

Mortimer laid his hand on Darlene’s shoulder.  A coat of green and turquoise humming bird feathers enveloped her.  She smiled as she felt the softness of the coat with her fingers.  Mortimer was keeping her warm with a coat just like his own.  A coat that she had dreamt of since she was a little girl and first saw him wearing his own.

The bells started to chime from a small white church building at the end of the town square.  The bells tumbled over themselves in the joyous noise they were making. Multitudes of elves spilled out of the buildings and started to gather at the base of the hill that Mortimer, Sarah and Darlene stood upon.

“It’s all up to you!” Sarah said with a giggle.  “What’s next?  I can’t wait to see what you have planned!”

Darlene laughed at the moon and the stars that were starting to appear in the twilight.  She waved to the reindeer flying over head.  She spun around and yelled “I want to see some snow!  The noisy kind!”

And, it started to snow.

Sarah clapped her hands together as Mortimer pulled his feathered collar up around his ears.

“Now, I need a polar bear.” said Darlene to Sarah.

“A polar bear?” asked Sarah.  “Well, how perfect!”

A polar bear distinguished himself from the snow.  He sat down before them.

“Can I touch him?” asked Darlene.

“I suppose you can.” replied Sarah.  “You’re in charge of the wedding festivities after all.”

Darlene reached down and pet a pure white pelt.  The bear was soft and friendly.  He liked being scratched behind the ears.  Darlene leaned down and whispered into the bear’s ear.  He nodded and shifted his weight.  He extended his front paws down the hill as he lie down flat.

“What’s this?  An impression of a bear skin rug?” laughed Mortimer as he got into the spirit of a human planned party.

“Nope!  It’s our ride down the hill! ” Darlene said as she climbed aboard the back of the bear.  “Come on.  You don’t want your party to start without you!”

The trio slid down the hill on the back of the polar bear. They screamed with glee the whole way down.

The three reached the bottom of the hill in a flurry of snow.  They shook themselves off to the sound of a thousand cheering elves.

“What’s next?” asked Sarah as she brushed the snow off of her blue velvet coat.

“Do you mean that this is happening the way that I want it to happen?” asked Darlene.

“Yes.  It’s happening exactly as you want it to happen.” said Sarah.  “I do believe you are what they call my Maid of Honor.”

“Well, then you need a bit of a ceremony.  I understand that your hearts decided when to be married.  But, Santa is a Saint after all.  You can’t waste an officiant that is a Saint.  I’m thinking I need to have a word with Santa.” said Darlene.

She couldn’t quite believe she had actually said that.

Santa stood before her.

“You must be Darlene of Columbus Street; all grown up!” said Santa.  “Your visit is a bit of a surprise.  The bells are a nice touch but do you think you could dial down the snow a little?  I find this kind of snowfall to be terribly noisy. And messy.”

Darlene blinked her eyes in astonishment.  Santa was younger than she had imagined.  He was thinner.  The beard was darker.  The eyes were bluer and the dimples deeper.  But, he was certainly Santa.

“And, how do I do that?” asked Darlene.

“Wish it.” said Santa.  “For some reason you seem to be in charge of this party.”

Tables were being set up.  Tablecloths spread.  Vegetables and fruits and cheese appeared on silver platters. A wedding cake with many tiers sat upon a table.  Elves held umbrellas over the cake to protect it from the snow.   Poinsettias lined the town square.  The red flowers led up to an altar in front of the train station.

Darlene slowed the rate of snow fall.  She looked deeply into Santa’s eyes and she smiled.

“I’m really here.  And, it’s really you.  We’ve met.  I remember you know.  You found me sleeping in a chair next to the tree on Christmas Eve.  I caught you eating the cookies and drinking the milk.  You told me it was only a dream.  But, I watched you deliver my brother’s race car set.  And, the guitar and the Barbie dolls.  I told you that night I wouldn’t forget. I told you that I believed in you. And, you said that you believed in me.”  Darlene said to Santa.

“I didn’t forget.” she whispered to the saint.

“And, I do believe in you.” Santa whispered back to the girl.

“And, now, I’d like a ceremony.  With you officiating, Santa.  This elf couple is already married in their hearts.  But, I want it official.  I don’t know how this works.  But, I think we’re dealing with the next Mr. and Mrs. Santa.  And, it has to be done right.  Am I correct?” asked Darlene with more nerve than she thought she possessed.

“You are correct, dear heart.  And, that is why I allowed you to remember my Christmas Eve visit.  You’re an important part in all of this.” Santa said with a wink of his eye.

Darlene looked down to find herself surrounded by elves that had never seen a human before.  They all reverently touched her hands and the edge of her elf made coat.

“Please, Mortimer and Sarah!  Let the ceremony begin.” said Darlene as she touched elf hands and made her way to the altar adorned with red Christmas flowers.

Mortimer and Sarah appeared at her side.  Santa stood in front of them.  He put up his hand and a hush fell over the crowd.

“A little girl has grown up on Columbus Street.  She is a true believer.  Mortimer and Sarah have left their wedding in her hands.  The bells chime not for her but for the joining of Mortimer and Sarah in matrimony.  These beautiful words have been chosen by our human friend.”  said Santa.

Mortimer and Sarah joined hands and bowed their heads.

Santa spoke to the hushed crowd.

“Love is patient and kind.  Love is not jealous or boastful.  Love is not arrogant or rude.  Love does not insist on it’s own way”…………….. Santa recited.

“Mortimer and Sarah.  You are joined together in holy matrimony.  Your hearts and souls have made it so.  I bless this marriage.  Go forth in your union of happiness.  Use your joy to anoint elves and humans alike.  Forever.  Amen.” said Santa.

The newlywed’s eyes widened when they heard the word “Forever”.  It was a word that they had never heard Santa utter before.  When Santa said “Forever”……….well it means just that.  Until the end of time.

The couple would find time to discuss this later.  They were pretty certain they now had all the time in the world.

Sarah kissed her groom. The crowd went wild.  The birds filled the air.  The reindeer cruised through the sky in stunning formations.  The church bells chimed.

The wedding party enjoyed the noise and spectacle for a few moments.

Sarah raised her hand for quiet.  The crowd went silent.  The birds landed and filled the altar.  The reindeer touched down and stood in a line.  The church bells stopped.

“Darlene.  Please.  Would you sing the song that Santa introduced us to on the tape?  The song we heard your Round Table Singers sing?  It is called Let There Be Peace On Earth.  That would be your wedding gift to us.” inquired Sarah.

“Oh, Sarah.  I’m not a soloist.  Not, like my daughter will be. ” Darlene said.  She didn’t know how she knew this.  But, she did.

“You won’t be singing alone.” said Mortimer.  “The birds will join you.”

And, they did. The bird harmony made it beautiful.

“Mortimer!  She is the most precious thing in our lives.  You’ll be taking her to a place that isn’t on any map.  I’m sorry.  You’re asking too much.  I don’t like to say no to Little Girl.  But, really this is too much.” said Daddy Ralph at the kitchen table.

“Where did they go?” asked Ellie.

Darlene smiled and kissed her parents goodnight. She went up to her bedroom. She carefully collected a handful of soft green and turquoise feathers that were stuck to her sweater.  She placed them into her jewelry box for safe keeping.

Darlene was back on Columbus Street.