Ninth and final segment of A Christmas Tale 2013

12/24/13                    Return to Scribbleworks Publications

This is the final installment of A Christmas Tale. We hope you enjoy Patrick Meservier's Story.

Merry Christmas!

Day 6

The next morning Frank awoke fully clothed lying on his back on top of the sheets.  When he sat up, he realized his shoes were still on. He used his hands to push himself up and found a mug still embraced between his thumb and forefinger. It just occurred to him that those two fingers were pretty sore. Ellie looked over to him as he was painfully removing the mug.

“Were you thirsty in the middle of the night?”

“I don't remember.” He exercised his sore fingers. “In fact, I can't remember too much after you went to bed. Only something about warming someone's bottom up and…”

Ellie shouted out startling him.

“Oh my God! You're late! The alarm didn't come on again.”

On the bed stand by Frank the clock read seven thirty. He picked it up and shook it to see if its alarm mechanism would come on.

“What are you doing? There's no time for that. You're late. Now go.”

She pushed him out of bed. He realized he was in his same clothes again and tried in vain to straighten himself out. Rushing out the door, he grabbed his coat and derby, ran to his car and drove off. On his way to work he went over in his mind about what needed to be done.

Later that morning when Mr. Stevens came into work after running an errand, he noticed Frank at his desk. That prompted him to change his direction to meet up with him. He put both hands on Frank’s desk and looked him in the eyes.

“Frank, what are you doing here? I thought I told you to take a few days off.”

Stevens walked behind the desk and took hold of Frank’s chair slowly pulling it away from his desk. Others in the office were looking at their interaction wondering what was going on.

“Now I meant what I said. Take time off. Don't come back until after Christmas. You must follow through with what you need to do.”

Frank stood up, took a deep breath and thought about the orphanage again. Silently he stared into his boss’s eyes contemplating. Not waiting for him to change his mind Frank turned away and left without saying a word.

Frank went home and urged his wife to go back to the orphanage. Totally against her will, he practically had to drag her there. Again, upon entering the building she was moved and small tears welled up. Frank asked to see the children again. There was a rushed commitment in their task. Frank wanted to minimize the pain of being there. They searched for the image burned into Frank’s mind and for the second time the child could not be found. Frustrated they began to leave, Ellie wiping tears from her cheeks. It suddenly occurred to Frank that the old man said the boy was very sick and they did not see any sick children. He turned and asked the director if there were any sick children in the building. She hesitantly admitted there were some, but no one wanted to adopt a sick child. For this reason she never showed them to perspective parents.

Frank demanded that she take them where they were hidden. On the highest floor of the building, there was a ward of beds, a child in every one save two. A new hope swelled in Frank’s heart. They visited each child, each looking near death, each having the look of being beyond hope, each waiting for their time.

Ellie was now patting steady streams of tears from her cheeks. On the second to the last bed on the left side of the room Ellie could see a kind of light emanating through the bed sheets and she directed Frank there. They couldn’t see the face for the child’s back was to them. When they rounded the bed Frank knew in an instant. He sat near the sleeping child and lifted his head to his heart and began to sob. Ellie sat next to her husband and they cried together. They did not understand why they felt like crying but they were so happy. After a few awkward moments had passed the director spoke up. “This is highly irregular. I must insist that you put the child down and let him rest.”

Frank dried his eyes. He looked to his wife. Ellie was confused about what she wanted and this drive that brought her husband here. But her heart had swelled. Now she couldn’t help but want what he wanted. This child she didn’t know called to her without saying a word. Tears flowed all the faster and a special warmth embraced her. Accepting what she knew would be a great thing she nodded with approval. With her blessing Frank turned to the director and said. “This is the child we want.”

The director protested about adopting a sick child. The fees were very high due to medical costs and for fear of parents suing in case something went wrong. Frank pressured the director to work out the fees and the legalities. He didn’t care about her protests. Afterwards he set off to the town office to file the papers. It was after four o’clock and the office was already closed. A note on the office door said that it would be closed until the twenty sixth. Frank didn’t know what to do. He decided he would ask the gentleman in his parlor how to fix this problem, perhaps he would know.

That night, when speaking to the sandman, he made it clear that in order for the truth to be known, the child must be placed in their home before midnight on the eve of Christ’s birth.

Day 7

On the morning of the Christmas Eve Frank set out to see the only person who had enough influence to help him. At promptly seven in the morning Frank drove to Mr. Stevens’ mansion and convinced him to speak to the Mayor. It was surprisingly easy. Together they drove to the Mayor’s house in Stevens’ limo. Frank drove. On the way, Frank told Stevens about the enchanted gift and what he needed to do. However convincing the Mayor to open that one office on Christmas Eve wasn’t so easy. It took Mr. Stevens to gently remind the Mayor that he was owed a favor and he was calling it in now. Reluctantly the Mayor agreed and the three drove to the office clerk’s home.

The Mayor got him out of bed and they continued on to the Town office. At ten after ten in the morning it became legal that the child was now a McDonald. When asked the child’s name it occurred to Frank that they had never asked, so he wrote Michael McDonald. It was the only name he could think of at the moment. Michael happened to be the name of his nephew. They would change it later when they discovered his true name. After dropping off the two men, Frank drove Mr. Stevens' home. On the way, Frank shared his last obstacle, gaining the funds. Stevens asked what he was going to do.

“Sell the car. That’s the only way to raise enough money.” Frank said.

Stevens asked what kind and what model? He gave a half seconds thought to the matter then he said he would purchase it, if it was worthy. Back at the mansion, Stevens looked the automobile over, kicked a few tires and purchased it in cash. He let Frank borrow it to pick up the child. With Ellie beside him they signed the final paper work without reading it. The director then asked the nurse to bring Michael McDonald down from the hospital ward. With sudden bewilderment Frank grabbed the director’s arm to stop her from leaving with the nurse. “Wait, how did you know we called him Michael?”

“Because that’s his name.” The director said plainly.

The Director reckoned that Frank picked up the contract and searched for the child’s name before arriving today. The director watched with confusion as Frank madly read through the adoption document searching for something. When he found the line with the child’s name he gasped and showed his wife. She gasped even louder.

“What’s wrong? The director asked. 

“I know a child with that name.”

The director simply replied.

“Well… there are a lot of McDonald’s in this town.”

“Yes, I suppose you’re right. It’s just a strange coincidence.” Frank conceited.

“By what circumstance.” Ellie asked. “Did this child become available for adoption?”

“I do not know. Some officials from another state dropped him off here because other agencies were full.”

That day, they drove home together as a family, all smiling. The boy did not speak as he was so weak. Michael’s smile was small but his eyes said more than words could ever say. Ellie, thinking out loud said. “I just wish we could do something for each of the children we are leaving behind, seeing as though it is Christmas tomorrow.”

A light went on in Frank’s eyes. “We can!”

He pulled over to a toyshop on the way home and came out holding a large festive red bag. With the money left over from the sale of the car he purchased gifts for every child.

“Tomorrow will be a grand day, a grand day, indeed.” Frank announced to his new family in the car.

The rest of that day they spent watching the child sleep. It was unusual that he slept so much, but he was rather ill. When it became late, they closed the house down together before turning in. The parlor was the last room. Frank stood by the poor man’s box next to the Christmas tree and spoke his thoughts out loud.

“I just wish you could see him, just once, You know... so you wouldn’t think I was crazy. He did exist you know.”

She walked over to him and put her hand on his shoulder.

“I believe you now. You don’t need to prove it."

Frank picked up the box then placed it on a chair. He opened the cover and picked up a handful of sand.  Ellie stood next to him wondering what he was looking for. Frank let the sand strain through his fingers letting it fall back into the box. Suddenly it came to life. Ripples flowed across the top of the sand until images started to form. It showed a crowded dock and a large ocean going ship. People were boarding and waving to their loved ones on the dock below. The image smoothed then reappeared showing closer detail of the ship and the many people on the deck, faces they didn’t know. In stunned silence they watched the movie in the sand. The image smoothed again. It showed the ship moving away from the dock, seagulls flying.

Smooth; A close up of a couple and a young child were waving. Instantly they recognized the family. It was Frank’s brother and his wife with their boy Michael. Ellie put her hand to her mouth as she gasped. His brother’s family was waving to some unknown people on the dock.

Smooth; An image of an engine room appeared with people working hard, giant engine parts moving. The image of a boiler on uppermost right side of the box of sand exploded and the man working in the room, in closet view to them, visibly reacted to the explosion as it tore through the room carrying him out of the box to their faces. They jumped back in fear and screamed together. The sand barely stopped a mere hairs breath from their skin before being drawn back into the box.

Smooth; A half second later they approach the box again. The image showed a boat seen to be sinking very fast.

Smooth; The sister in law was tugging her boy behind her as she was being dragged by Frank’s brother who he himself fought to climb a steep angled hall toward a ladder out. Water chased them as he reached the stairs. The angle made it impossible to climb. With brute strength Frank’s brother pushed his wife over his head as water gushed up to his waist. She in turn struggled to lift her son up as water buried the man who was supporting her. Her head was just inches away from the portal, water now up to her breast. She pushed the boy over her head as the water quickly buried her. The boy, now supported by arms alone, was sticking out past the portal, water chasing up his mothers outstretched arms.

In a moment of absolute shock Ellie hands covered her panicked open mouth screeching in terror before a set of strong arms was thrust into the scene. The boy was picked up by someone in a life boat as the water sought to bury the child as well. The rescuer threw his arms back into the water to save the child’s savior but only to come up empty.

Smooth; A man walked a child through a set of doors into a large room that housed many children. A woman whom they recognized as the director took the child’s hand and led him away. The image smoothed one last time before becoming still in the box.

Frank and Ellie were sobbing uncontrollably as they fell to the floor by the box embracing each other. Frank’s brother and his wife died saving their only child and now they were his legal guardian. Great pain flowed through them at the loss of family. And yet joy and happiness hung in the background at having the opportunity to save the boy from a certain fate and a greater loss. A few hours passed and they went to the child’s bedside. They lay on each side of him and cried themselves to sleep. Utter sadness, grief and happiness filled their dreams.

The next morning all of them oversleep. They arrived at Christmas Mass just in time. Michael was awake and looking much better but he was still week. After mass they drove to the orphanage. Mr. Stevens’ limo was parked outside. Inside, Stevens was dressed like Santa Claus handing out gifts. Everyone was smiling.

“Frank, Ellie I didn’t expect to see you here!”  His voice boomed.

Frank smiled a very large smile.

“I brought some gifts as well Santa.”

All the children cheered. Frank asked.

“Santa, did you know there were some children upstairs in the hospital ward?”

“Why no, I didn’t.” He boomed again. Taking the directors hand he led her away. “Let’s go find some more children!” And off they went.

Frank pulled up the vacant seat and sat Michael on one knee and put the bag between his legs and shouted.

“All right, who wants a gift?”

With that announcement the children mobbed him. They stayed all afternoon speaking to each child and watched them play with their new toys. Happiness filled the building that day.

Later, Frank pulled Mr. Stevens to one side to thank him for everything, the gift, the help, everything.

“My pleasure.” A huge smile spread on his bosses face.

“How did you know about all this?”  Frank indicated to Michael sitting on the floor with a friend.

“I didn’t. I was following the same instructions that you were given.”

“But why me?” Frank asked. “Why give me the gift? There are so many people you knew better than me.”

Stevens pondered.

“When considering which gift to give to whom at the party I had an overwhelming desire to give it to you even though I barely knew your name. I suspect he was directing me.”

Silence followed for a few minutes, neither said a word. Frank spoke first.

“I didn’t tell you what the old man showed me last night.”

“You don’t have to tell me.” Stevens returned.

Frank insisted. “I want to. I have to tell someone. The problem is everyone will think I’m nuts. Only you will understand.”

“Okay, what did he tell you?”

Stevens sat in an over stuffed chair and pulled the fake beard away from his face.  He made himself comfortable for what might be a long tale. Frank continued to stand using his arms to animate what he was saying.

“He didn’t so much say it, rather, he showed us…”

Stevens’ cut him off.

“Us?”

“Well when I tried to show him off to Ellie he didn’t appear telling me later that my wife could not see him because he was my gift. So last night I opened the box to look at the sand one last time and it came to life showing what happened to my brother and his wife in front of us both.”

Frank sighed heavily.

“What did you see?”  Stevens asked eagerly. Frank continued in a strangled voice.

“My brother’s family went on a business trip to Europe. On the way the ships boiler exploded and the ship sank. That boy.” He pointed to Michael. “Is the only survivor of my bother’s family. Afterwards he was brought to this place because other orphanages were full. I didn’t know… we didn’t know...”

Frank looked to the floor as tears welled up. A long silence followed. Stevens stood and put his hand on Frank’s shoulder.

“I’m sorry for your lost and happy for your new son.” He paused. “Take time for your loss but don’t dwell on it. The old man wouldn’t of wanted it that way. Give the boy the happiness he needs.”

Stevens got up to leave.

“Wait.” Frank’s tearful face looked up at him.

“What did the old man give to you?”

Stevens thought a moment.

“I guess it that would be happiness.”

Pausing a moment to reflect, Stevens nodded as though accepting his decision.

“He showed me that I could never truly be happy until I gave all my money away. You know the Scrooge thing. And, he was right. My accountants tell me that I will be broke and have to sell the business in less than three years. Then I’ll be poor and happy.”

Frank put his hand on the arm of Stevens’ red velvet Santa suit.

“Sir, you will never be poor and you’ll always have a home with us.”

Dec. 26^th, 1933

Frank and Ellie walked down Main Street holding Michael’s arms between them. Frank used the wrapped package he was carrying as a counter weight to his son’s bouncing weight. The weather was somewhat warm and the snow was turning to slush underfoot. Michael, every few feet, jumped and created a huge slush splash then hung from each of their arms. Ellie lightly scolded him by tugging his arm.

“Now stop it, we’re almost there.”

They reached the right house and Frank left them behind as he climbed the stairs. He knocked on the door. A woman cracked the door ajar and spoke through it.

“Can I help you?”

“Yes.” Frank cleared his throat. “Tell the Mayor that Frank McDonald has a gift for him, A Christmas gift.”

She shut the door leaving Frank outside. Time crawled by and little Michael was becoming fidgety again.  Finally the door opened and the Mayor, a tall man, looked down on him.“Yes, can I help you?”“You may not remember me, but you helped me adopt a child last Christmas Eve.”

“Ah yes, that name was familiar.” He looked beyond Frank to the boy splashing in the slush one more time. “I just couldn’t place it.”

“Well…” He pushed the gift forward. “This is in appreciation for that day.”

The Mayor took the gift and felt its weight. He unwrapped the gift in front of Frank. It was the same wooden box that Frank received the year previous. A puzzled look then appeared as he opened it.“Sand?”

Frank instructed him to pick up the sand and strain it through his fingers. After the sand fell back into the box Frank told him to turn the box upside down. As per instructed the Mayor turned the box upside down but not a single granular of sand fell out. The Mayor’s eyes opened in amazement. He looked back inside the box.

“It is an enchanted gift that you can and will be amazed by. I hope you will find the happiness that I had with it.”

The Mayor then closed the box and thanked Frank with a bewildered look about him. He turned and went back into the house. Frank rejoined his family and they splashed in the slush all the way home.

The End

Connect with me online at, Facebook.com

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Patrick-Meservier/191709937598466

Or visit Scribbleworks Publications at

https://sites.google.com/site/scribbleworkspublications/

Coming soon to Smashwords

Essences

Eighth installment 2013

12/23/13                    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.

“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.

Seventh installment 2013

12/22/13                    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.”

Sixth installment 2013

12/17/13                    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.

Fifth installment 2013

12/15/13                    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.

Forth Installment of A Christmas Tale 2013

12/11/13                    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 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!”