Old promises

12/20/12                    Return to Scribbleworks Publications


Christmas is on the horizon. The holiday feels like it is stampeding towards me and there are so many things to do before the magical let down begins. I don't know about everyone else but I feel that Christmas is best on the eve because the promise of what can be is greater than the actual day and its passing.

When I was a child, Christmas never failed to instill its magic upon me. It lasted well past the twenty fifth of December reaching until New Year's day. You can never take away those magical moments spent with your family. That was the only time, really, when you had the whole family together at the same time. It was fun to see your cousins, God parents, and Grand Parents all smiling and enjoying time together. Maybe the liquor played a role in the adults' cheer, who knows. But I remember fondly playing with my new toys and how it filled me with so much hope and joy.

Christmas is more of a mechanical function now. It's a time of year where we over spend and over prepare hoping to capture a promise we felt when we were children. What was that promise you might ask? It's different for everyone. For me it was indefinable but omnipresent. It felt like... I wanted to believe that a higher power was looking down on us to provide safety, a promise of a better year to come,  and a measure of good will being passed from person to person.

Today, society has trained us well to believe that Christmas is supposed to be a specific way in our minds with Santa, Christmas parties, and spending lots of money on gifts that will be returned later. There is very little correlation with the actual holiday and its meaning anymore. I feel like part of growing up also means letting go on the promise instilled in all of us during this special time of year.

I want that promise back, I want to feel the same way as I did when I was a child. I want to be excited again about not going to school for ten days, I should amend that to not working for ten days. I want to feel the last five days before Christmas Eve take a lifetime to arrive before being shunted off to bed so Santa could arrive. I want to feel the special promise of undefined feelings growing in my heart. I want my heart to grow five times the normal size in appreciation for everyone around me, just like the Grinch. And oh, I didn't even get started about when there was a new Christmas special that aired on any given night. It helped build the suspense.

I guess what I'm thinking here is that with the holiday's quickly approaching, I hope that the magical let down won't occur to you. Please take a moment and consider all the suffering in the world. Maybe the magic this year will be the acknowledgement of how good some of us have it. Spread the wealth and grow your heart five times the normal size. Bring the promise back for a young child this year.

Somewhere in the world their is a child waiting, just like myself once...

Thank you's

12/14/12                    Return to Scribbleworks Publications

I would like to take a moment to thank all those who gave such positive remarks about a Christmas Tale. Sometimes I feel bad that we only provided an excerpt, maybe next year the board will agree to allowing the whole story to unfold.

For those who wish to purchase the entire copy please click on the link A Christmas Tale and you will find links there that will take you to Amazon, iTunes, or Smashwords to allow a internet copy to be downloaded. If you wish to obtain a copy on CD we now offer this title in our Scribbleworks Store page.

The ninth and last installment of A Christmas Tale

12/13/12                    Return to Scribbleworks Publications

Here we go! Enjoy the book. Remember to tell your friends to come and check it out. If you can't wait to read the whole story and you want to get it today, you can click on the link above and go to the A Christmas Tale page where you find the links that will allow you to purchase this title. There are several options for downloads depending on the device the story will be read on.

“I wasted too much of the day and you're late for work. No more of this for now. We'll check tonight.”

Frank nodded in agreement. Ellie nodded back.

“Now go to work. You'll be lucky if you still have your job.”

Ellie pushed him to the front door. She handed him his coat, scarf, and derby and shoved him outside. Frank protested. He tried to tell her he had a few days off but then the door shut on him before any good words even passed his lips. Not knowing what to do next, he decided to go to work anyway.

Ellie stood with hands on her hips going over what was said. She walked into the parlor and studied the poor man's box from the doors threshold. She spoke out loud to know one but herself. “I never thought Frank to be a fool before this. We'll see tonight what this gentleman thinks he’s doing with Frank's mind. We'll fix this real quick.”

Later in the afternoon, Ellie was walking home down the main street carrying some groceries for their evening meal. An overcast sky threatened snow again with a cold wind nipping at her cheeks. Looking down to brave the cold, she didn't watch where she was going. She bumped into someone and it startled her. To her surprise it was an old school friend. They chatted briefly and the woman asked about Frank's brother, who was a friend of hers from years back. Ellie shared that he and his family went to Europe on business in March and were due back at Christmas. They said their good bye’s and wished Christmas spirits between them. Using her gloved hand to shelter her face from the cold wind, she went back to the day's chores.

That night after dinner they sat without speaking in the parlor with expectant fear in their hearts. Once again the room was quiet with anticipation. Frank feared that his sandman wouldn't show.

Ellie feared that if he did arrive, by whatever way possible, her husband never knew how it happened, would she believe such tall tales? They sat many hours without saying more than a few words. When both of them started nodding off Ellie stood groggily.

“I can't believe I wasted my whole night again waiting for this tall tale of yours to come true. I should of trusted my instincts. You can stay here but I'm off to bed.”

Angrily she turned and slowly shuffled her feet off to their room. Frank followed her to the stairs but couldn't bring himself to say anything in his defense. What was he going to do?  He watched her ascend the stairs second guessing himself. He turned back to the parlor to pick up the empty mugs of tea they left behind and to extinguish the lamp. When he crossed the room to get his mug from the table near the window he realized that he passed Ellie's mug without picking it up. He turned to grab it and the sandman was sitting in the same chair Ellie had not moments before.

“Hello Frank. I was wondering when she was going to go to bed. Boy it's nice to sit in a warm chair once in a while." The Sandman shifted his bottom to gain a better position. His box lay flat under his feet like a very short ottoman.

“Do you know how long it's been that since I’ve even been this close to warm? Of course, there was that time when I was too close to that fireplace back in 1249. That was a hot one. But that's another story for another time. Come, sit. Let's talk.”

A disgusted look spread across Frank's face. “Why didn't you show up just a few minutes before? Now she thinks I'm crazy!”

He plopped himself into the seat he occupied a few minutes ago, mug still in hand sighing heavily.

“Frank, Frank, Frank. As I had said before, she will not believe you. You shouldn't have told her just yet. In time all things will be understood. This is no different. God's gift was given to both of you but my box was to be revealed to you and only you. No one else can see me or hear me. Therefore, God wants you to carry out the task at hand because he feels you're strengths are what's needed, and that you are capable of seeing it through. Faith my boy, have faith. Tomorrow afternoon you will return to the orphanage….”

“No.” Frank shook his head. “I can't. Ellie will not hear about going back after all this. This is not like getting a pet where I go out, pick one up and bring it home as a surprise. She has to be there and I can't put her through that pain again."

The old man sat in silence at the statement. He could not believe what he was hearing. Frank was going to give up. He was finding it too hard to do what was right. The old man looked up beyond the ceiling to a higher place. He closed his eyes.

“Are you refusing God's gift?” He asked with his head still looking up to the heavens and his eyes closed.

“No, but I can't hurt Ellie again.”

“Then you would let this child die because she would hurt for a few hours? How does one balance such loss against a little pain without showing selfish reasons? In every life there is pain Frank. I can promise you, payment for that little pain will be so bountiful that it shall be forgotten minutes afterward. Faith Frank, have faith in what I say. Go tomorrow afternoon and be rewarded. This is God's wish.”

Frank looked him in the eyes.

“Alright, I’ll try.”

“No Frank, there is no try. If you believe and follow my direction then you will succeed. Now go off to bed. You have a long day ahead of you tomorrow.”

Frank stood and his eyelids grew very heavy.

“Okay.” Frank said. He crossed to the door, mug in hand pausing.

“Sleep. Yes, very sleepy.” Frank reiterated before he went off to bed.

The sandman continued to sit in his warm seat.

“Yes, get some sleep. I'll stay here awhile and warm up some more.” He adjusted his bottom again.

The eighth installment of A Christmas Tale

12/12/12                    Return to Scribbleworks Publications

Here we go! Enjoy the book. Remember to tell your friends to come and check it out. If you can't wait to read the whole story and you want to get it today, you can click on the link above and go to the A Christmas Tale page where you find the links that will allow you to purchase this title. There are several options for downloads depending on the device the story will be read on.

“What will I tell my wife? She will not go back to that rat hole. It was an abomination. You did not see that place. She will not even entertain such an idea again.”

The Sandman shook his head,

“My Dear Frank, you really don't understand do you?  Ellie will understand and she will go back. You underestimate yourself. And you will find that child the next time. I have foreseen it all. All you have to do is believe in what I say and it will happen. It's called faith. God sent me to you as a gift. Did he make a mistake? I think not. He has faith in your ability to see this through. Therefore, you must put faith in his beliefs. Now go upstairs and get some sleep.”

Frank stood.

“I have told her about you, you know.”

The old man smiled.

“I know. I can also tell you, she will not believe that I exist. Just trust your faith and everything will work out."

Frank nodded in agreement and turned to leave. He remembered about his boss. When he turned to ask, the sandman was gone. Only the box remained standing on its edge by the wall. He was amazed at the complete silence in which his withdrawal took place. He stifled a yawn as he noticed his fatigue and went up to bed.

Day 5

The next morning over breakfast, Ellie silently presented eggs and toast at their proper position on the table. Frank worked the fire in the kitchen cook stove. There was still a chill left over from night's air. Heavy steam rose from all the food. Frank's thoughts were focused on how he was to bring up the search for this imaginary child again. After stoking the fire for the last time he closed the door and crossed over to wash was his hands at the sink. All that could be heard was the morning bustle on the street below. They ate in silence for a while each picking at their plate. Ellie broke the silence first.

“Why was it so important you see every child's face?”

Frank played with his food for a second before answering.

“I …” He pondered a moment longer before he delved into the story about that wooden box in the parlor again.

“The gift told me told that a child was at that orphanage and he was specifically there for us to adopt.”

Confusion appeared on her face. What kind of trick was this? She thought.

“The box? Your dream? Who could of known we were trying for over a year and what kind of person could you trust after hearing such a thing?”

Frank kept his eyes in his unfinished breakfast fearful of what needed to be said.

“An angel of sorts has come to us. He is not what you might consider an ordinary type of angel, but he is someone I can trust. He told me where to go, when, and what the child looked like.” Frank's voice became more confident as he revealed more. “I went to see him again last night and…”

Ellie cut in.

“What do you mean, you went to see him?”

“In… our parlor.”

The confusion on her face was so great that it looked like all the distortions actually hurt. Ellie shook her head.

“No, this is not making sense. I don't understand. When we spoke about it the other night I thought you were working through your dream. A dream…”

She focused within her thoughts and withdrew from the response.

At seeing this facial pain Frank tried to explain again. This time he started at the beginning with getting the box as a gift at the party. He explained what the sandman had told him and his idea about his boss being the former recipient. Now it was their turn to get the gift. It took a little while to convince her to, somewhat, understand all that he was saying.

“I don't know. This is all too much to comprehend.” Ellie said at last. “Why haven't I seen him yet?”

This caught Frank off guard.

“I…I do not know.” He thought about it for a moment. “We will check right now.”

Frank took her hand and led her out of the kitchen across the hall and into the empty parlor. There against the wall in an upright position was his gift, alone and un-animated.

“I've seen him only at night. Maybe we will have to check later.”

Skepticism set itself on Ellie. This was too much to believe. Frank had said this the last time and had no one to show off.

The seventh installment of A Christmas Tale

12/11/12                    Return to Scribbleworks Publications

Here we go! Enjoy the book. Remember to tell your friends to come and check it out. If you can't wait to read the whole story and you want to get it today, you can click on the link above and go to the A Christmas Tale page where you find the links that will allow you to purchase this title. There are several options for downloads depending on the device the story will be read on.

He explained how it was important not to disregard the possibility of adoption. He was careful not to bring up the gift for she certainly would not believe it especially since she did not believe him the night previous. Eventually, reluctantly she agreed to go, if only to get it out of his system.

She dreaded going to the orphanage for if only the stories she heard were  true. Not to mention the idea of having to give up trying to have a child of their own. But she was putting it out of her mind. This was to appease her husband. She knew she had to be strong. The poor living conditions, the dirt, and smell. She heard that the smell was the worst. Yes, she could do it, be strong.

They arrived by auto at the orphanage at sometime after lunch. It was a dilapidated brick building with dirty windows. Frank got out and ran to the other side to let his wife out only to find that she didn't wait. Her face said many things as he approached her, but gaining a child in this fashion pushed discontent like a mask over her beautiful face. She made sure to wear one that had a most unpleasant scowl to make him undeniably aware of her apprehension.

As he went to take her arm in his, she walked off before he arrived. He followed up the stairs shunned from her presence. Guilt overshadowed his task. She entered ahead of him. The bell on top of the door rang loudly in her ears. By the time he caught up, her rigid wall of discontent had started to dissolve as they walked into the foyer.  The stories were true. The old wallpaper oozed dirt and the floor was somehow the wrong color for white and black tile. They stood together composing themselves before the director came in careful not to show their preoccupation with the filth before them.

Quite suddenly, a side door was thrown open and two children ran through, one obviously chasing the other. Each was barefoot and their clothes were so dirty they had no distinguishable color. Ellie's wall of anger slowly came apart as she took her husband's arm. The children ran off through another door as the director walked in from the latter.

“Good afternoon and Merry Christmas. How can we help you this fine day?”

The woman stood a little taller than four feet tall and was of a stocky build. She was dressed well but presented the grace of a harsh and bitter woman. Ellie seemed to have a change of composure and shied away from speaking. She squeezed Frank's arm all the harder. Frank piped up.

“We were thinking of adopting and would like to view the children before making a decision.”

The stout woman’s smile changed from a mild greeting to one who was unloading a dismal and problematic animal. A twinkle shone in her eye, she was about to make a deal.

“Oh yes, you wouldn't be here for any other reason now would you, come, come.”

She led them to a very large room with bunk beds on each side of the room in a military barracks style. Some children lay scattered about not doing much. Others chased one another around. The director grabbed a bell hanging from a rope and clanged it. Its deafening sound pierced the chatter. All was silent for a moment before the room bustled to life. Children ran to and fro trying to find their bunk. Loads of children ran in from every door quickly filling the room, each standing to one side of their bunk. The director leaned in and spoke softly.

“This will make a great Christmas gift for one of these beautiful children.”

Ellie started looking at the room's filth. Just walking on the floor was giving her the creeps. Frank pulled her toward one side of the room to get a good look at their faces. Ellie began to see the children much closer now. The sight saddened her to a level she never felt before and tears welled up. Frank seemed more interested in their faces using blinders on everything else. Their ages ranged from three to perhaps fourteen, each holding the same look about them. It was one that had them passed over one too many times, a look of false hope. Each stood silent waiting to be passed over again. Ellie shied away from looking to closely trying to choke back tears.

When they approached a three year old girl standing with a one armed doll she couldn't help stopping. Leaning over, Ellie touched her stiff hair. Ellie couldn't imagine the circumstances a beautiful child like this was left behind. Her skin was so dirty it looked as though it had never seen water with matching dirty bare feet.  Ellie straightened her tattered clothes before she stood and continued with her husband as a tear broke its barrier and streamed down her cheek.

They viewed all the children and approached the director who had a smile on her face. Ellie let go of Frank's arm and went at the door. The director paid no attention to her and focused only on Mr. McDonald alone. Her voice and attitude then reflected comments towards the children as if they were merchandise.

“So… see anything you like?” Her tone peaked Frank's attention as to what she had just said.

In a deliberate tone his response came out very harsh and resolute.

“I don't see anything.” He paused on the word “Anything.” “That I like. Referring to them like merchandise is uncalled for and when I am in your presence you will refer to the children as children.”

His voice started to rise as he continued his report.

“And further more, the way you conduct this institution is an abomination. Clean them up before I return or I will report you to the Mayor!”

With that he stormed out as the children cheered behind him. He had no intent on returning for the child he sought for he was not there. Perhaps she will heed his threat just as a precautionary measure. “Those poor children.” He thought. “Even those who are at the bottom of life’s circumstances should be treated better than these poor souls.”

Ellie leaned on their vehicle and wiped away the last of her tears as Frank descended the steps to their waiting vehicle. He jumped into an apology immediately.

“I can't believe it! I'm sorry. You were right. We shouldn't have come. Come, let's go home.”

He opened the door for her before going to his side. They drove home saddened by such inhumanity in their own town.

That night after Ellie dosed off Frank headed down to the parlor again. Before he entered he paused by the door and wondered if the man would be there again. How could he tell him that the child was not there? Could he have been wrong? A voice came from the other room.

“Are you going to keep me waiting Frank?”

“Uhh, well.” He walked into the parlor.  “No.”

Frank sat in the same seat as the last time and they talked about the day’s events.

“The boy is not there. We looked at every child.”

“Ah, then you have not looked everywhere. I assure you, he is there. I have never been wrong in these matters.”

“But, we looked into every child's face.”

The old man leaned forward.

“Then you missed one. You must go back in two days. He will be there. Be sure to ask to see every child.”

The sixth installment of A Christmas Tale

12/10/12                    Return to Scribbleworks Publications


Here we go! Enjoy the book. Remember to tell your friends to come and check it out. If you can't wait to read the whole story and you want to get it today, you can click on the link above and go to the A Christmas Tale page where you find the links that will allow you to purchase this title. There are several options for downloads depending on the device the story will be read on.

Day 3

The next morning a rooster cawed particularly loudly which Ellie heard causing her eyes pop open like they were connected to a spring timer. She recognized all the sunlight and sat bolt upright. Next to her lay Frank fully clothed. When she looked over her attire and realized she was wearing the same outfit as the day before she gasped. She leaned over and shook her husband awake.

“Wake up Frank!”

She continued shaking as he blinked away his slumber then he too sat upright upon his realization. He pulled out a pocket watch and checked the time.

“Oh my God! I'm going to be late!”

Frank jumped out of bed. Ellie tugged on Frank's arm as he got up pulling him away from the bed to check his clothes for wrinkles.

“Frank what happened? Why we're we sleeping with our clothes on?”

She tugged on his arm sleeve trying to press out some wrinkles as she tried to restrain her husband from moving away. It was a sort of dance one tried intentionally not to engage in. They fought each other until he pulled away and was free, running to the door.

“I'll tell you later. I’ll try to get out as early as I can and come home.” He called out exiting the bedroom.

A few moments later Frank drove away. Ellie heard their auto disappear in the morning bustle outside.  She pondered on what had just happened. She questioned in her mind all the unusual events of the morning. She decided to shelf it as a weird night and went on to her chores as usual. After that, the day went on as any normal day should.

At two o’clock Frank excused himself from work and went home. The skies had decided that snow was in order and let several inches fall. It took him longer to get home because of it. When he did finally make it home he and his wife talked about what that gift from Mr. Stevens really was.

He made sure to sit in the parlor so that he could show the old man off. But the man never appeared. It occurred to Frank that he, the Sandman, always surprised him as being already there. So they went to the kitchen to wait. Often they would poke their heads in to see if he had arrived only to be disappointed over and over. It didn't take very long for Ellie to think that Frank was making it all up. The old man, the picture, and the sleeping were just a little too much, a dream stretched to its limits.

Frank said he would continue to check and he would call her when he appeared so he got out of bed often that night ensuring no one got any sleep.

Day 4

The next morning, after a very quiet breakfast, Frank considered what he must do next. When he arrived at work he went right to Mr. Stevens’ office and waited in a seat facing his boss’s desk. When Mr. Stevens arrived he didn't seem very surprised that Frank was waiting for him. Stevens gave an air of expecting him, as though he had called for him. Mr. Stevens crossed the room and passed his desk to where a tall coat hanger stood. As he shed a layer of clothing he asked.

“So why did it take so long to come to see me?  I had been expecting you days earlier than this.”

Frank gave a confused look but didn't say a word. Mr. Stevens sat down at his desk.

“So... did you like that gift you received at the party?”

Frank thought about what he said for a moment. Did Mr. Stevens know what the gift was really all about, or did he purchase it like the other gifts and gave them out randomly? He didn't want to take a chance.

“The gift was very nice. Ah… thank you.” Frank paused, “I was wondering… could I have a couple of days off so I can take care of some family business?”

Frank stood nervously waiting, half expecting a negative answer, ready to run back to his desk. Stevens also got up and walked around his desk to meet him. He put an arm around Frank's shoulder and started walking him to the door.

“Son, I understand fully. Please take as long as you need. Your job will be here when you return.”

As they walked to the door together Frank wondered why he was so good about his request. “You must follow through with what you need to do.” Stevens finished.

Frank couldn't understand why his boss was acting so weirdly, but he wasn't going to refuse. He thanked him and went home. On his way out of the office he remembered the old man saying that the box was always given as a gift. Then it hit him, that's why he was expecting him. He will have to ask the old man about what Stevens’ gift was.

When Frank got home he had only one thing on his mind, the orphanage. “Ellie, I'm home!” He shouted when he walked in.

Ellie shouted from the bedroom. “Up here!”

When he entered the bedroom he found her finishing up tying her shoes.

“Great, you're dressed.” He announced.

“What are you doing home at this hour?” She interrupted.

“We're going to the orphanage, get your coat.”

“We're not going anywhere. You're going back to work and I have things to do.”

Moments passed as they looked at each other to see who would give in first. He inflicted upon her an image of someone exercising their parochial right of being "The man of the house" whose word meant obedience, something he had never done before. She on the other hand was not impressed and was not going to give in, lest it may continue. “Adoption was never before discussed. Why or what caused this sway?” She thought.

When Ellie had not moved Frank took her arm and dragged her behind him down stairs to the coat rack. She managed to pull away when they got there and immediately began to dispute his actions. For the next hour or so Frank tried to convince her of the importance of his task. He 

The coming sixth installment

12/9/12                                            Return to Scribbleworks Publications


We will post the sixth installment on the 10th. Come back to see what happens on day 2!

The fifth installment of A Christmas Tale

12/7/12                    Return to Scribbleworks Publications


Here we go! Enjoy the book. Remember to tell your friends to come and check it out. If you can't wait to read the whole story and you want to get it today, you can click on the link above and go to the A Christmas Tale page where you find the links that will allow you to purchase this title. There are several options for downloads depending on the device the story will be read on.

“Don't you worry about that. What I have to say will fill you up tonight. You can eat something tomorrow. And for the other, we'll work on that this night as well. Come, sit, we have much to talk about.” He patted the seat that Frank sat in the night before.

A feeling passed through Frank, something he couldn’t explain. "Everything will be all right.” He thought to himself. He went in and sat down.

“So, I didn't dream about you last night?”

“No, it was real. As I said then, I represent a gift, a great gift, sent to you by the Lord.”

The confused look on Frank’s face returned.

“But why me?”

“Because you are a part of God's plan and it was important I came to you this year.”

“Why the box and the sand?” Frank gestured to the old man “Why not angels? Doesn't God use angels?”

The sand man rocked a bit. “Always the same questions.” The Sandman said. He took a deep breath and began.

“All angels are in the service of God and I must tell you, they are quite busy. But I'm not an angel. I was a man just like you until I came into his service. You see, when I was a young man my family died in conflict and I was left alone. I wandered as an empty shell until one magical night I followed a band of people who followed a brilliant star. When we arrived we found a baby, our Savior.

"Everyone who arrived gave a gift. Some gave expensive things they had, others, tokens of their appreciation but I had nothing to give. We stayed by the manger most of the night and when dawn came people left and went back to their lives better for the experience. I stayed behind. It was then that the Holy Spirit descended upon me and I was overwhelmed by great joy.

"So I gave the only thing I had, undying devotion to serve him. In the days that passed a voice came unto me instructing to return to the stable and acquire the manger. With that, I was told to build a box from the wood of the cradle and place the sand that was at its base into the box. When that was completed I was to present this gift to a specific person 7 days before the anniversary of his birth. I am the essence of that young man all those years ago continuing my faithful service to him.”

There was a dead silence. Frank tried to swallow all that he had just heard.

“Okay, what is this great gift?”

The old man continued.

“What I bring is revelation and truth. This will be revealed as each night proceeds to the eve of his great birth.”

Frank thought about that for a moment.

“Explain to me some of the gifts others have received in the past. I mean… so I can understand more about what you are trying to say.”

The sandman spoke of years past explaining how some people who were chosen didn't like their gift while others lived a greater life because of it. Some were kings, others were paupers and each played a role in God's plan. Ultimately the greatest gift was our ability to choose our own path. The old man spoke for hours late into the night spinning tales of years past as he rocked in his chair.

In the early morning hours he presented Frank the first part of his mystery. He pulled from his pocket a picture, a monochromatic picture of a boy and handed it to him.

“Study this picture. You need to remember his face.”

Frank did as he was told. To his amazement he could make out every detail of the boy despite its singular color. The slight variations in sand color all seemed to pool in the right areas creating a quality that matched a photo. It had a gritty feeling to it and on the backside it had some features as well. When he turned it over, it revealed the other side of the child's head. When the old man felt he had studied it enough the picture dissolved and fell at a somewhat strange angle to his knees and seamlessly blended into him. The old man acted as though nothing had happened.

“You and your wife are without child, and I know of your desire to obtain a birth. Alas, it is not meant to be for she cannot bear fruit. The child that I showed you is sick and may die soon. The doctors cannot find any ailment but he never heals. He is at the orphanage. You must listen well. It is important to you, and to him, that you adopt this child and give him a home. The only medicine that can save him is the love you and your wife will provide.”

“What will happen then, I mean after we adopt?”

“You will learn more but first you must follow through on this.”

“I'll go.” Frank said confidently after understanding what he learned.

“Good, now go to bed. Night will be ending soon.”

Frank got up and started to leave. When turned back to ask a question the old man was gone, just like the night before. He went back to bed and sat near his wife wondering if he should change her clothes when he became suddenly overwhelmed with fatigue. He lay down for just a moment then fell immediately into a deep sleep.

The fourth installment of A Christmas Tale

12/6/12                    Return to Scribbleworks Publications


Here we go! Enjoy the book. Remember to tell your friends to come and check it out. If you can't wait to read the whole story and you want to get it today, you can click on the link above and go to the A Christmas Tale page where you find the links that will allow you to purchase this title. There are several options for downloads depending on the device the story will be read on.

Day 2

The next day started like any other workday except Ellie, who was cooking breakfast, displayed exuberant amounts of energy. Darting from the stove, counter, and table she spirited around with happy enthusiasm. Frank came into the room all dressed for work. He sat at his usual place at the table and sipped his hot coffee noticing the spread before him.

“What's the occasion, an extra big breakfast on a work day?”

“Oh, I don't know. It’s just a wonderful day.”  Ellie said as she bounced from the stove and slid some eggs onto Frank’s plate, bent over and kissed him passionately on the lips.

This got Frank's attention. He tried to grab his wife in close but she got away giving him a manipulative smile for his troubles.

“Now… none of that. You'll be late for work.”

Frank had his own manipulative smile now as he started to get up after her. She swung around with a hot pan of sizzling bacon blocking his ability to rise from his seat.

“Sit!”  That same smile was still beaming. “I cooked you a hot meal, you'll sit and eat a hot meal.”

Frank returned her smile and sat again.

“What's gotten into you this morning?” He said as he started eating.

 “I don't know. I feel great, full of energy and I slept like a baby.”

Frank thought back to the party. “I heard you last night telling Mary about us trying to have a baby. You shouldn't do that.  People will always ask how that’s going. I don't know about you but I'm not too crazy about everybody knowing what we're doing, if you know what I mean.” He took another mouthful of eggs.

“Frank McDonald!”  Ellie shot back still smiling. “You're not shy about that around me. Why should you care what our friends think? They know you as well as I do, about us wanting a child.”  She sat across from him at the table and watched him eat.

He took another bite as he starred at her.

“You're acting very peculiar this morning.” Frank said mid chew.

“Anything wrong with watching your husband eat?” She returned.

Frank changed the subject.

“I should be home on time tonight. No big projects are going on just yet. That might change after Stevens' last trip to though. Rumor has it that he may have secured a contract in New York, in the city I mean. We'll find out in a few weeks.”

Ellie got up and walked around the table and sat in her husband's lap. Frank took his last bite.

“So how did you sleep?” She asked.

“Oh, I slept alright I guess but I had this dream. The weird thing is that I can still remember parts of it, something about an old man in the parlor in a rocking chair. We don't have a rocking chair …”

Ellie kissed him again sending clear signals through his lips making him forget about the rocking chair. Frank brought his hands up to embrace her but she suddenly stood up.

“That's to keep you warm until tonight. Now off with you. You can't be late for work. Remember” She pushed him to the door.  “Tonight we're going to make a baby. I can just feel it."

She left him at the door and ascended the stairs. That third step shouted out its normal squeak. Frank dressed for the cold as he watched her climb the stairs and thought about how weird she was acting. She had never behaved this way before. He threw his scarf over his shoulder and grabbed his derby. A moment later he was out the door to visit the rest of his day.

Frank's day went as it normally did.  Some of his co-workers moved and acted as though there wasn't a party the night before while others showed visible signs. Harris, for instance, bragged about his encounters in front of people but in private showed a very different facade. He gave Frank the impression that he had a hang over, and a bad one at that. Maybe he made up all that stuff he said about having his way with some other woman at the party.

Some people talked about their gifts, others asked if Frank liked his box, clearly trying to goad him. One person even asked if it was worth anything. Frank shrugged his shoulders, he didn't know.

“It might be an antique magician's trick, it looks pretty old.” Frank’s coworker commented. Frank decided to check it out. It sounded like a possibility. Late in the afternoon when Frank got home he found it strangely quiet. All the lights were out and there was no food on the stove. He lit some lamps and started searching the house.

“Ellie?” He shouted as he walked from room to room. “Ellie! I'm home!”

Then it occurred to him how she acted that morning. She must be hiding he said to himself smiling.  “I bet you she's in the bedroom waiting.”  He hurried up the stairs.

When he entered the bedroom, he found her lying fully dressed on top of a made bed. “She must be pretending to be sleeping.” He thought. He lit the lamp and adjusted it to a romantic level. He approached her like a cat ready to pounce but she didn't move.

“You can't fool me. You're not sleeping.”

Frank touched her but she didn't move. He lightly shook her. She didn't wake. He shook her vigorously. Again, she did not wake. Panicked, he studied her face, then dropped his head on her chest and listened. Really panicked he stood not knowing what to do next. He started to get the shakes.

“Smelling Salts!” He yelled!

He ran out to get them. Down the stairs into the kitchen, he tore through the cabinets looking for them. It occurred to him that they were in the bathroom and he started down the hall at a run. When he passed the parlor he noticed an old man in a rocking chair and it made him stop suddenly. He backed up and poked his head in. Just as he remembered from the night previous, the old man sat there rocking, expectant.

“I've been waiting for you. Please have a seat.”

The old man rocked in his chair. Frank stared at him trying to remember all that happened the previous night. Then he shook it away.

“Please come in.” The old man said again.

Frank blurted. “I can't, my wife, Ellie, she's upstairs…” The old man interrupted. “She'll sleep until morning.”

Frank frowned suddenly, his demeanor now suspicious. “What did you do to her?”

Trying to calm him, he raised a hand. “Not to worry. I made her think she was tired, so she went up to bed.  She will sleep like a baby.”

What the man said made Frank think. That phrase? “Didn't Ellie say that this morning?”

“But dinner?” He gestured towards the kitchen. “And we had other things to do tonight!”

The third installment of A Christmas Tale

12/6/12                    Return to Scribbleworks Publications


Here we go! Enjoy the book. Remember to tell your friends to come and check it out. If you can't wait to read the whole story and you want to get it today, you can click on the link above and go to the A Christmas Tale page where you find the links that will allow you to purchase this title. There are several options for downloads depending on the device the story will be read on.

Day 2

The next day started like any other workday except Ellie, who was cooking breakfast, displayed exuberant amounts of energy. Darting from the stove, counter, and table she spirited around with happy enthusiasm. Frank came into the room all dressed for work. He sat at his usual place at the table and sipped his hot coffee noticing the spread before him.

“What's the occasion, an extra big breakfast on a work day?”

“Oh, I don't know. It’s just a wonderful day.”  Ellie said as she bounced from the stove and slid some eggs onto Frank’s plate, bent over and kissed him passionately on the lips.

This got Frank's attention. He tried to grab his wife in close but she got away giving him a manipulative smile for his troubles.

“Now… none of that. You'll be late for work.”

Frank had his own manipulative smile now as he started to get up after her. She swung around with a hot pan of sizzling bacon blocking his ability to rise from his seat.

“Sit!”  That same smile was still beaming. “I cooked you a hot meal, you'll sit and eat a hot meal.”

Frank returned her smile and sat again.

“What's gotten into you this morning?” He said as he started eating.

 “I don't know. I feel great, full of energy and I slept like a baby.”

Frank thought back to the party. “I heard you last night telling Mary about us trying to have a baby. You shouldn't do that.  People will always ask how that’s going. I don't know about you but I'm not too crazy about everybody knowing what we're doing, if you know what I mean.” He took another mouthful of eggs.

“Frank McDonald!”  Ellie shot back still smiling. “You're not shy about that around me. Why should you care what our friends think? They know you as well as I do, about us wanting a child.”  She sat across from him at the table and watched him eat.

He took another bite as he starred at her.

“You're acting very peculiar this morning.” Frank said mid chew.

“Anything wrong with watching your husband eat?” She returned.

Frank changed the subject.

“I should be home on time tonight. No big projects are going on just yet. That might change after Stevens' last trip to though. Rumor has it that he may have secured a contract in New York, in the city I mean. We'll find out in a few weeks.”

Ellie got up and walked around the table and sat in her husband's lap. Frank took his last bite.

“So how did you sleep?” She asked.

“Oh, I slept alright I guess but I had this dream. The weird thing is that I can still remember parts of it, something about an old man in the parlor in a rocking chair. We don't have a rocking chair …”

Ellie kissed him again sending clear signals through his lips making him forget about the rocking chair. Frank brought his hands up to embrace her but she suddenly stood up.

“That's to keep you warm until tonight. Now off with you. You can't be late for work. Remember” She pushed him to the door.  “Tonight we're going to make a baby. I can just feel it."

She left him at the door and ascended the stairs. That third step shouted out its normal squeak. Frank dressed for the cold as he watched her climb the stairs and thought about how weird she was acting. She had never behaved this way before. He threw his scarf over his shoulder and grabbed his derby. A moment later he was out the door to visit the rest of his day.

Frank's day went as it normally did.  Some of his co-workers moved and acted as though there wasn't a party the night before while others showed visible signs. Harris, for instance, bragged about his encounters in front of people but in private showed a very different facade. He gave Frank the impression that he had a hang over, and a bad one at that. Maybe he made up all that stuff he said about having his way with some other woman at the party.

Some people talked about their gifts, others asked if Frank liked his box, clearly trying to goad him. One person even asked if it was worth anything. Frank shrugged his shoulders, he didn't know.

“It might be an antique magician's trick, it looks pretty old.” Frank’s coworker commented. Frank decided to check it out. It sounded like a possibility. Late in the afternoon when Frank got home he found it strangely quiet. All the lights were out and there was no food on the stove. He lit some lamps and started searching the house.

“Ellie?” He shouted as he walked from room to room. “Ellie! I'm home!”

Then it occurred to him how she acted that morning. She must be hiding he said to himself smiling.  “I bet you she's in the bedroom waiting.”  He hurried up the stairs.

When he entered the bedroom, he found her lying fully dressed on top of a made bed. “She must be pretending to be sleeping.” He thought. He lit the lamp and adjusted it to a romantic level. He approached her like a cat ready to pounce but she didn't move.

“You can't fool me. You're not sleeping.”

Frank touched her but she didn't move. He lightly shook her. She didn't wake. He shook her vigorously. Again, she did not wake. Panicked, he studied her face, then dropped his head on her chest and listened. Really panicked he stood not knowing what to do next. He started to get the shakes.

“Smelling Salts!” He yelled!

He ran out to get them. Down the stairs into the kitchen, he tore through the cabinets looking for them. It occurred to him that they were in the bathroom and he started down the hall at a run. When he passed the parlor he noticed an old man in a rocking chair and it made him stop suddenly. He backed up and poked his head in. Just as he remembered from the night previous, the old man sat there rocking, expectant.

“I've been waiting for you. Please have a seat.”

The old man rocked in his chair. Frank stared at him trying to remember all that happened the previous night. Then he shook it away.

“Please come in.” The old man said again.

Frank blurted. “I can't, my wife, Ellie, she's upstairs…” The old man interrupted. “She'll sleep until morning.”

Frank frowned suddenly, his demeanor now suspicious. “What did you do to her?”

Trying to calm him, he raised a hand. “Not to worry. I made her think she was tired, so she went up to bed.  She will sleep like a baby.”

What the man said made Frank think. That phrase? “Didn't Ellie say that this morning?”

“But dinner?” He gestured towards the kitchen. “And we had other things to do tonight!”

The second installment of A Christmas Tale

12/4/12                    Return to Scribbleworks Publications


Here we go! Enjoy the book. Remember to tell your friends to come and check it out. If you can't wait to read the whole story and you want to get it today, you can click on the link above and go to the A Christmas Tale page where you find the links that will allow you to purchase this title. There are several options for downloads depending on the device the story will be read on.

The second installment of A Christmas Tale

Frank started to have a very bad feeling about his friend suddenly. Maybe following Harris around wasn't such a good idea after all.

“Hey, I'll catch up to you later.” Frank cut him off. He pointed to the farthest group away from him. “I see someone I need to talk to. “Start without me.”

“Okay if you say so.” Harris said before he sauntered away.

Frank walked up to the outside the circle of women and waited.  Ellie noticed him and excused herself. A well dressed woman spoke up before she left.

“Well… have fun you two.” She said it with gleam in her eye as they walked away. Ellie rolled her eyes.

“These people are so crass.”

“I know what you mean.” Frank returned. “So, what do you think of my new job?” He waved around the room.

“All this time I thought you were an architect.” Ellie said as she looked around at the guests. “Not a party organizer.”

Frank nudged her and smiled.

“Not the party silly, the stone accents around the room.”

She looked at one of the stone columns up close then followed the lines with her eyes to their top, then over to the balcony.

“Did you make them too?”  She asked as she continued to study his work. “Now I've told you before.” He tried to be patient as he had mentioned this countless times before. “I only design. Someone else does the building.”

She brought her gaze to him again. “Then why do I hear you always talking about going to this site or that?”

“Because…” He took her arm and put it through his, directing them towards the food. “I have to always check to make sure the workers are doing a good job.” They disappeared into the crowd picking at the wonderful food displayed by the waiters hustling around.

Mr. Stevens finished a joke before taking the last gulp from his glass as everyone gathered around him laughed out loud. He pulled out his pocket watch and popped it open. He put up his hand.

“Everyone...” He waited for the laughing to stop. “I have to excuse myself. It's getting late and many gifts need to be passed.”

He turned to leave the crowd. His butler, who stood behind him waiting patiently, handed him a green and red elf hat. Stevens put it on and they both made for the large tree. Several people nearby who watched this unusual spectacle started speaking among themselves.

“I've never seen him this happy before.”

Another interjected. “Remember last year's party.  It was so dull and boring and…”

Someone else finished his sentence.

“It's been a pleasure to go to the office now. I look forward to going to work.”

“Yeah” Another jumped in. “And what did you use the pen set we all received at last year’s party for?”

They all paused looking at each other before speaking as one. “Work!”  They all laughed together.

“Maybe this year we’ll get pencils.” Another man said before he took another sip of his Champaign which prompted even more laughter. They laughed again because those were the basic tools for their trade.

The music died mid song and started playing a tune used to announce someone into a king's court. This grabbed everyone's attention. Mr. Stevens stood on the first landing that led to the balconies. It was very large and on each side a curved staircase led to the higher parts of the room. The landing itself was oval shaped and the three steps had the same curve all the way down to the main floor. Next to Stevens the tree stood proud and beautifully decorated with a mountain of gifts flowing from under the bottom branches.

Stevens’ voice boomed as though he were on stage at Carnegie Hall.

“This year's festivities are truly special. This marks an important anniversary in my life as well as our annual Christmas party. One year ago today I was a very unhappy man. My beautiful wife had passed six months previous. And although the business was doing well, I found no happiness in my days. With apprehension I admit that my wife died knowing that I was very unhappy and she felt sorry for me.” He paused reflectively before the glimmer returned to his eyes. “But that's behind me now. A year ago I met a man that showed me the way and I've been better for it. His presence was truly a great gift. Because of him I plan to spread the wealth this year!”

Everyone cheered. His Butler handed him a present from under the tree and he shouted the name written on it.

“Joseph Patrick!”

A middle-aged man, with a belly that shook when he laughed, walked up and accepted his gift.  He smiled all the way up and back to his wife. Mr. Stevens, with his funny looking elf hat, stood watching Mr. Patrick open his gift from a distance. After the Ooh's and Ahh’s from bystanders he proceeded to the next name.

Each employee received a gift that reflected its location from the travels Mr. Stevens took for his business. Some were paintings from France, clocks from Germany and crystal from Austria. As people became aware of the nice gifts they moved closer for a better look. Eventually most everyone stood close enough together to form a ring around the tree and its jolly elf to see all the wealth. Mr. Stevens’ company had many people who worked for him and it took a little while to hand out all the gifts. For every gift he handed out he would pause to see their expression as they opened their gift, then he would move on to the next. Mr. Stevens smiled openly as though he were being filled with more happiness every time someone else was made happy by his gift to them.

“Frank McDonald!” The elf shouted for the next gift.

Frank smiled and went up to accept his present. Frank was already ripping the paper when he returned. As usual Mr. Stevens waited. Ellie took the paper as fast as her husband gave it to her. It was a plain wooden box with brass corners with no handle. There was no finish to it, just old boards fastened together to make a box. The size lent itself to a briefcase but it was squarer and had some weight to it. When Frank realized that it was a plain wooden box he seemed confused. Everyone was silent. Stevens’ voice boomed out.

“That is no ordinary box my boy… it's enchanted! Open it up.”

Frank did as he was told.  You could practically hear all the eyes in the room straining.

“What's inside?”  Stevens boomed again.

Frank picked up a handful of sand and poured it back in the box. Frank looked up bewildered.

“Sand?”

The elf pointed to him.  “Enchanted sand my boy. Now turn the box over and pour it on the floor.”