The Santa Clause 3: The Spirit of Christmas
By: Drakelah Whip
Disclaimer: I own none of the original characters, but Jennifer, Leprechaun, Noel, and the Spirit are mine.
******************************************************
Chapter 1: Open-House
June had never been an easy month for Scott Calvin. The days were longer and increasingly hotter, a reminder that July would soon arrive. However, the sixth month of the year also happened to be the time that most graduation open-houses fell into.
Standing there in the driveway of the Miller residence, his wife Carol by his side, Scott took a long look at his son. The 18 year old new adult was carrying himself with all the dignity of one who was just starting out in life. The boy's features had defined themselves more, Charlie was now tall and surprisingly lean in build. His dark eyes were that of his mother's, most everything else facially was a memory of what his father had once looked like.
"Scott, do you want to go inside?" The sweet voice of Carol whispered in his ear, trying hard to cover up her desperation to be free of the heat. Her once trim and small figure, like her husband's, had been distorted to fit the legend of the Mrs. Clause. Needless to say, it did not help within the oppressive rising temperatures.
"Yeah, that sounds like a plan." Slowly getting to his feet, he pulled Carol up with him. The pair quickly found the door that led to the inner part of the house.
Cool air slammed into them as the air conditioning blasted on the inside of the house, "Oh, what I wouldn't give for a cup of Judy's hot chocolate right now."
"How can you say that? It must be 100 degrees out there!" Laughed Carol, and she opened the fridge door. After a few minutes of searching, she obtained a drink neither had tasted in years. Pop. Scott caught the can she tossed him and cracked the top.
"Thanks, Care."
She took a sip of her own, "You're right though, this is nothing compared to those drinks back home."
"What are the drinks back home like?" Came a soft female voice from the doorway, "They must be awfully good."
The Calvins turned and stared at the speaker. A shorter, yet thin female stood in the doorway. She was dressed in a neat set of shorts and a tight t-shirt. An outfit that was not overly formal, but not entirely casual. On her arm, was what resembled a full length dress.
For a few moments, no one spoke, they were too busy trying to figure out if they were looking at somebody they'd met before. The girl spoke first, "You must be Charlie's parents, he's showed me pictures of you before." She looked down at her outfit, "You'll have to excuse me, I just got back from a breakfast party with my grandparents. Charlie told me I could change in the bathroom."
Looking at each other and smiling, Carol stepped forward with Scott right behind her, "It's nice to meet you dear. I'm Charlie's stepmother, Carol Calvin."
"And I'm Scott Calvin, Charlie's father."
"My name's Jennifer Smith. Charlie's my boyfriend."
"We haven't been in town in quite awhile, so we didn't know he had a girlfriend. Sorry." Apologized Scott, wondering to himself why his son hadn't told him sooner.
She shrugged, "It's okay, he hadn't met my parents until today either."
"Well, you did meet mom and Neil." Stated Charlie, as he came in from the outside festivities, "Sorry I didn't introduce you before dad, but, your job takes you so far away that I haven't been able to contact you. Jenn, I told you that my dad sells toy ideas all over the world, didn't I?"
"Yeah, that's such a cool job Mr. Calvin."
"And I love every minute of it." Laughed Scott.
"Speaking of that, how is everyone back at your work?" Questioned Charlie, grabbing a few pretzels out the counter dish.
"Everyone is absolutely fabulous! Judy, Abby, Quintin, and Curtis all send their congratulations. Bernard suggested that we hold a party for you at a later date, and he wanted me to ask you if you're okay with that."
Charlie smiled, "Sure, I can't wait to see all your co-workers again."
"Speaking of which," Carol turned around and plucked a covered plate off the counter, "Judy tried to teach Bernard how to cook, and he learned how to make chocolate chip cookies. He wanted to give these to you to see if you liked them."
Hesitating, the young adult took the cookies from his stepmother, "Just the fact that you mentioned the word 'trying' kinda makes me uneasy."
"C'mon babe, at least try them." Urged Jenn, nudging her boyfriend gently in the side.
Uncovering the flatware, it revealed what appeared to be normal batch of cookies, freshly baked. The tray was of a very festive Christmas theme.
"Christmas plates? In June?" Jenn looked shocked and confused.
Charlie stuttered, "Must have been the only thing they had left. Toy companies throw a lot of food parties. Helps generate ideas, right dad?"
"Yes, it definitely does." Covered Scott.
Tentatively, Charlie picked up a cookie and took a bite. Everyone watched to see what his reaction would be.
"They aren't bad, let's just say that Bernard should be a little bit of better cook for his age."
Carol and Scott laughed and the two teens couldn't hide smiles. Even Jenn, who really didn't know what they were talking about.
Suddenly, the monitor on Scott's watched beeped. The older man pressed a few buttons and read a displayed message, "Bernard says he's going to send transportation for us later tonight."
"Oh God, I completely forgot! Jenn, your parents are here and they want to see you when you get a chance." Announced Charlie.
"I guess I better get out there then. See you in a minute babe." She said, and shared a brief lip-lock with her boyfriend before exiting the house.
Once alone, Carol and Scott both remarked to Charlie about his girlfriend.
"She's a very sweet girl Charlie."
"Yeah Sport, I like her better than the last one. She's a very special girl."
"Jenn's pretty cool. We've been dating for three years now."
"How come you never told us about her?"
"Never got to it, I guess. It is kinda hard to invite someone over to meet your parents when they show up dressed in their work clothes. Especially, your work clothes."
Both nodded, sympathetic to his excuse.
"I just really wish I could tell someone. Even after the incident with Carol, I just have always wanted to say who my father was."
Scott hugged his son, "Don't worry about it. Someday, you'll meet a special girl, someone who can really understand your situation. Then you can tell all yours secrets to her."
"I think that I've already met her." Stated Charlie, hugging his father back, "I think I'm really falling for Jenn."
"Well that's wonderful!"
Three then went outside and back to the party. Scott and Carol got to meet Jenn's parents, who were a little surprised at just how old the Calvins looked to have a son that was only 18. However, all the adults bore the uncomfortable nature of the surroundings through years of practice.
Soon, the clock was striking the hour of 4 in the afternoon, and like most open houses, this was the common time for it to come to a close. Calvins and Millers stood in the driveway and watched as the last car left. By this time, even Jennifer had left with her parents. Once they were all in the living room again, the Calvins used their magic to change back into their own clothes.
Hours passed as they talked and waited for their ride back to the North Pole. News about the workshop and the elves was passed back and forth between the two families. The Millers had met Bernard, Judy, and Curtis when the three had come down with the Calvins for a post Christmas visit.
Finally, the light in the sky began to disappear, leaving the stars of the night to shine through. Those little twinkling lights had more significance these days. They could be anything, from Santa's sleigh, to a reindeer, to just the magic that was in the world. Tonight however, two of those stars fell to Earth as Comet and Prancer. Carol had taken to the gentle, more affectionate of the lead reindeer, Prancer, as the one she used to get to Earth and back. The time had come to wish a goodnight.
"Any chance you'll be coming back soon, dad?"
"Maybe, we usually hit crunch time right after the sixth month of the year. You, Laura, and," He paused, "Neil, can always come up and visit though."
"Thanks Scott, but I think I'll keep my feet on the ground." Commented Neil, staring at the two reindeer.
"Whatever makes you happy. Oh, and Charlie, remember that we're holding the party for you a few days before Christmas. Most the work will be done by then and it'll be really close to the party the elves throw every year."
"Whose gonna pick me up? Donner, Dasher?"
"Umm, Chet. I'll send Chet to get you."
"Dad, c'mon! Don't you think I deserve a safer ride to the North Pole?"
Trying to make himself look convincing, Scott laughed, "He's gotten a lot better at flying, I swear!"
"Alright dad. See you in a few months."
"Bye Scott! Bye Carol!" Came the simultaneous calls of Neil and Laura.
Scott and Carol climbed onto their reindeer and fly off into the night sky. Two more stars appeared and then blinked out of existence as quickly as they had come. While his parents walked back into the house, Charlie stayed outside a few minutes longer. Heat that had once been oppressive was now soft and inviting, but he still wished it would snow. He had to make it a point to get back to the North Pole.
*************************************************************
Comet and Prancer touched down on the snow covered reindeer runway near the hangar. Almost immediately, Larry, followed by the blond elf Jessica, ran out to retrieve the sacred animals.
"Thank you." Stated the Calvins, who now became the Clauses, once they set foot back home.
A few feet away from the elves, Carol turned to her husband, "Scott, do you think you're spending too much time away from Charlie?"
"This job kinda keeps me up here honey, I just - "
Don't you think it's a little odd though that he'd been dating that girl for three years and hadn't even mentioned it to you?"
"Well, yes, I do."
Carol sighed, "Maybe you should invite him up during the summer. Let him spend a month or so. He's going away to college in the fall. You've never see him then."
"I know. I don't wanna lose Charlie. Maybe you and Bernard can take over the shop for awhile and I could spend more time with him back on Earth."
"He wants to come here Scott. Can't you see it in his eyes? This is the last magical place he knows. Charlie can always be a kid here, and I think he likes that idea."
"You think he's afraid of growing up?"
"Isn't everybody?"
"I guess so."
"Call him tomorrow, see what he says."
The Clauses turned to see Bernard running towards them, "Good to have you back Santa. How was the open-house?"
"Great! Charlie says hi to everyone and he loved your cookies!" Scott knew he wasn't telling the whole truth, but it was better.
"Santa, I'm well over a thousand years old. I know when people aren't telling me the whole truth."
"Alright, he says you need more practice cooking."
"Charlie always has agreed with Judy, and I think I agree with them both. What kind of Christmas elf am I if I can't bake cookies?"
"Your still a very good head elf if I do say so myself."
The elf's dark curls shook as he laughed, "Thanks Santa."
"Say Bernard, can you do me a favor?"
"Sure, anything."
"Can you find a vacant room in the sleeping quarters and fix it up?"
"Yeah, I can do that."
Carol smiled, "And when you finish, I'll have a nice bunch of cookies and some hot chocolate waiting for you."
Contented, the elf said his goodbyes and ran off toward the sleeping quarters.
**************************************************************
Bernard felt the snow crunch under his feet he made his way towards the door of the sleeping quarters. There were a few of these buildings around, different ones housed different types of elves. Cooking elves were closer to the kitchens, toy elves closer to the workshop, etc.
The oldest elves, those that had the most power, and guests, were in the quarter closest to the main building. All the buildings however, had equal accommodations and similar furnishings. Bernard stepped inside, and walked down the long hall, he knew that a room across from his own was currently unoccupied.
He stopped and pulled a set of keys out from the pouch at his waist. As he did this, the room right next to him caught his eye. It had been a long time since anyone had been seen in there, but he made sure it was kept clean.
The occupant would be coming back, he knew it.
By: Drakelah Whip
Disclaimer: I own none of the original characters, but Jennifer, Leprechaun, Noel, and the Spirit are mine.
******************************************************
Chapter 1: Open-House
June had never been an easy month for Scott Calvin. The days were longer and increasingly hotter, a reminder that July would soon arrive. However, the sixth month of the year also happened to be the time that most graduation open-houses fell into.
Standing there in the driveway of the Miller residence, his wife Carol by his side, Scott took a long look at his son. The 18 year old new adult was carrying himself with all the dignity of one who was just starting out in life. The boy's features had defined themselves more, Charlie was now tall and surprisingly lean in build. His dark eyes were that of his mother's, most everything else facially was a memory of what his father had once looked like.
"Scott, do you want to go inside?" The sweet voice of Carol whispered in his ear, trying hard to cover up her desperation to be free of the heat. Her once trim and small figure, like her husband's, had been distorted to fit the legend of the Mrs. Clause. Needless to say, it did not help within the oppressive rising temperatures.
"Yeah, that sounds like a plan." Slowly getting to his feet, he pulled Carol up with him. The pair quickly found the door that led to the inner part of the house.
Cool air slammed into them as the air conditioning blasted on the inside of the house, "Oh, what I wouldn't give for a cup of Judy's hot chocolate right now."
"How can you say that? It must be 100 degrees out there!" Laughed Carol, and she opened the fridge door. After a few minutes of searching, she obtained a drink neither had tasted in years. Pop. Scott caught the can she tossed him and cracked the top.
"Thanks, Care."
She took a sip of her own, "You're right though, this is nothing compared to those drinks back home."
"What are the drinks back home like?" Came a soft female voice from the doorway, "They must be awfully good."
The Calvins turned and stared at the speaker. A shorter, yet thin female stood in the doorway. She was dressed in a neat set of shorts and a tight t-shirt. An outfit that was not overly formal, but not entirely casual. On her arm, was what resembled a full length dress.
For a few moments, no one spoke, they were too busy trying to figure out if they were looking at somebody they'd met before. The girl spoke first, "You must be Charlie's parents, he's showed me pictures of you before." She looked down at her outfit, "You'll have to excuse me, I just got back from a breakfast party with my grandparents. Charlie told me I could change in the bathroom."
Looking at each other and smiling, Carol stepped forward with Scott right behind her, "It's nice to meet you dear. I'm Charlie's stepmother, Carol Calvin."
"And I'm Scott Calvin, Charlie's father."
"My name's Jennifer Smith. Charlie's my boyfriend."
"We haven't been in town in quite awhile, so we didn't know he had a girlfriend. Sorry." Apologized Scott, wondering to himself why his son hadn't told him sooner.
She shrugged, "It's okay, he hadn't met my parents until today either."
"Well, you did meet mom and Neil." Stated Charlie, as he came in from the outside festivities, "Sorry I didn't introduce you before dad, but, your job takes you so far away that I haven't been able to contact you. Jenn, I told you that my dad sells toy ideas all over the world, didn't I?"
"Yeah, that's such a cool job Mr. Calvin."
"And I love every minute of it." Laughed Scott.
"Speaking of that, how is everyone back at your work?" Questioned Charlie, grabbing a few pretzels out the counter dish.
"Everyone is absolutely fabulous! Judy, Abby, Quintin, and Curtis all send their congratulations. Bernard suggested that we hold a party for you at a later date, and he wanted me to ask you if you're okay with that."
Charlie smiled, "Sure, I can't wait to see all your co-workers again."
"Speaking of which," Carol turned around and plucked a covered plate off the counter, "Judy tried to teach Bernard how to cook, and he learned how to make chocolate chip cookies. He wanted to give these to you to see if you liked them."
Hesitating, the young adult took the cookies from his stepmother, "Just the fact that you mentioned the word 'trying' kinda makes me uneasy."
"C'mon babe, at least try them." Urged Jenn, nudging her boyfriend gently in the side.
Uncovering the flatware, it revealed what appeared to be normal batch of cookies, freshly baked. The tray was of a very festive Christmas theme.
"Christmas plates? In June?" Jenn looked shocked and confused.
Charlie stuttered, "Must have been the only thing they had left. Toy companies throw a lot of food parties. Helps generate ideas, right dad?"
"Yes, it definitely does." Covered Scott.
Tentatively, Charlie picked up a cookie and took a bite. Everyone watched to see what his reaction would be.
"They aren't bad, let's just say that Bernard should be a little bit of better cook for his age."
Carol and Scott laughed and the two teens couldn't hide smiles. Even Jenn, who really didn't know what they were talking about.
Suddenly, the monitor on Scott's watched beeped. The older man pressed a few buttons and read a displayed message, "Bernard says he's going to send transportation for us later tonight."
"Oh God, I completely forgot! Jenn, your parents are here and they want to see you when you get a chance." Announced Charlie.
"I guess I better get out there then. See you in a minute babe." She said, and shared a brief lip-lock with her boyfriend before exiting the house.
Once alone, Carol and Scott both remarked to Charlie about his girlfriend.
"She's a very sweet girl Charlie."
"Yeah Sport, I like her better than the last one. She's a very special girl."
"Jenn's pretty cool. We've been dating for three years now."
"How come you never told us about her?"
"Never got to it, I guess. It is kinda hard to invite someone over to meet your parents when they show up dressed in their work clothes. Especially, your work clothes."
Both nodded, sympathetic to his excuse.
"I just really wish I could tell someone. Even after the incident with Carol, I just have always wanted to say who my father was."
Scott hugged his son, "Don't worry about it. Someday, you'll meet a special girl, someone who can really understand your situation. Then you can tell all yours secrets to her."
"I think that I've already met her." Stated Charlie, hugging his father back, "I think I'm really falling for Jenn."
"Well that's wonderful!"
Three then went outside and back to the party. Scott and Carol got to meet Jenn's parents, who were a little surprised at just how old the Calvins looked to have a son that was only 18. However, all the adults bore the uncomfortable nature of the surroundings through years of practice.
Soon, the clock was striking the hour of 4 in the afternoon, and like most open houses, this was the common time for it to come to a close. Calvins and Millers stood in the driveway and watched as the last car left. By this time, even Jennifer had left with her parents. Once they were all in the living room again, the Calvins used their magic to change back into their own clothes.
Hours passed as they talked and waited for their ride back to the North Pole. News about the workshop and the elves was passed back and forth between the two families. The Millers had met Bernard, Judy, and Curtis when the three had come down with the Calvins for a post Christmas visit.
Finally, the light in the sky began to disappear, leaving the stars of the night to shine through. Those little twinkling lights had more significance these days. They could be anything, from Santa's sleigh, to a reindeer, to just the magic that was in the world. Tonight however, two of those stars fell to Earth as Comet and Prancer. Carol had taken to the gentle, more affectionate of the lead reindeer, Prancer, as the one she used to get to Earth and back. The time had come to wish a goodnight.
"Any chance you'll be coming back soon, dad?"
"Maybe, we usually hit crunch time right after the sixth month of the year. You, Laura, and," He paused, "Neil, can always come up and visit though."
"Thanks Scott, but I think I'll keep my feet on the ground." Commented Neil, staring at the two reindeer.
"Whatever makes you happy. Oh, and Charlie, remember that we're holding the party for you a few days before Christmas. Most the work will be done by then and it'll be really close to the party the elves throw every year."
"Whose gonna pick me up? Donner, Dasher?"
"Umm, Chet. I'll send Chet to get you."
"Dad, c'mon! Don't you think I deserve a safer ride to the North Pole?"
Trying to make himself look convincing, Scott laughed, "He's gotten a lot better at flying, I swear!"
"Alright dad. See you in a few months."
"Bye Scott! Bye Carol!" Came the simultaneous calls of Neil and Laura.
Scott and Carol climbed onto their reindeer and fly off into the night sky. Two more stars appeared and then blinked out of existence as quickly as they had come. While his parents walked back into the house, Charlie stayed outside a few minutes longer. Heat that had once been oppressive was now soft and inviting, but he still wished it would snow. He had to make it a point to get back to the North Pole.
*************************************************************
Comet and Prancer touched down on the snow covered reindeer runway near the hangar. Almost immediately, Larry, followed by the blond elf Jessica, ran out to retrieve the sacred animals.
"Thank you." Stated the Calvins, who now became the Clauses, once they set foot back home.
A few feet away from the elves, Carol turned to her husband, "Scott, do you think you're spending too much time away from Charlie?"
"This job kinda keeps me up here honey, I just - "
Don't you think it's a little odd though that he'd been dating that girl for three years and hadn't even mentioned it to you?"
"Well, yes, I do."
Carol sighed, "Maybe you should invite him up during the summer. Let him spend a month or so. He's going away to college in the fall. You've never see him then."
"I know. I don't wanna lose Charlie. Maybe you and Bernard can take over the shop for awhile and I could spend more time with him back on Earth."
"He wants to come here Scott. Can't you see it in his eyes? This is the last magical place he knows. Charlie can always be a kid here, and I think he likes that idea."
"You think he's afraid of growing up?"
"Isn't everybody?"
"I guess so."
"Call him tomorrow, see what he says."
The Clauses turned to see Bernard running towards them, "Good to have you back Santa. How was the open-house?"
"Great! Charlie says hi to everyone and he loved your cookies!" Scott knew he wasn't telling the whole truth, but it was better.
"Santa, I'm well over a thousand years old. I know when people aren't telling me the whole truth."
"Alright, he says you need more practice cooking."
"Charlie always has agreed with Judy, and I think I agree with them both. What kind of Christmas elf am I if I can't bake cookies?"
"Your still a very good head elf if I do say so myself."
The elf's dark curls shook as he laughed, "Thanks Santa."
"Say Bernard, can you do me a favor?"
"Sure, anything."
"Can you find a vacant room in the sleeping quarters and fix it up?"
"Yeah, I can do that."
Carol smiled, "And when you finish, I'll have a nice bunch of cookies and some hot chocolate waiting for you."
Contented, the elf said his goodbyes and ran off toward the sleeping quarters.
**************************************************************
Bernard felt the snow crunch under his feet he made his way towards the door of the sleeping quarters. There were a few of these buildings around, different ones housed different types of elves. Cooking elves were closer to the kitchens, toy elves closer to the workshop, etc.
The oldest elves, those that had the most power, and guests, were in the quarter closest to the main building. All the buildings however, had equal accommodations and similar furnishings. Bernard stepped inside, and walked down the long hall, he knew that a room across from his own was currently unoccupied.
He stopped and pulled a set of keys out from the pouch at his waist. As he did this, the room right next to him caught his eye. It had been a long time since anyone had been seen in there, but he made sure it was kept clean.
The occupant would be coming back, he knew it.