Last Christmas (ML / Mature) (Complete)
Posted: Tue Dec 20, 2005 6:41 pm
Winner - Round 9
Last Christmas
By WR
olde.worlde@btinternet.com
http://www.olde.worlde.btinternet.co.uk
Disclaimer: I, in no way, am associated with the actors, writers, producers, etc. of Roswell. The rights to the show belong to 20th Century Fox, Jason Katims, the WB, etc.
http://www.olde.worlde.btinternet.co.uk ... stxmas.jpg
Banner courtesy of Borders InSaNiTy
Summary: An Alternate Universe. No one is an Alien. There's someone rather special that Elizabeth wants for Christmas, but it seems he has eyes only for someone else. Can she find help in getting what she wants during a special Christmas Holiday? Or is what she wants really the right thing?
Category: M&L
Rating: MATURE
Authors Note: Isabel and Max are NOT brother and sister in this story. Thank you to my beta team members, Jen and Jeannine.
I would be lost without you.
Last Christmas, I gave you my heart
But the very next day, You gave it away
This year, to save me from tears
I'll give it to someone special
Last Christmas, I gave you my heart
But the very next day, You gave it away
This year, to save me from tears
I'll give it to someone special
Once bitten and twice shy
I keep my distance but you still catch my eye
Tell me baby do you recognize me?
Well it's been a year, it doesn't surprise me
(Happy Christmas!) I wrapped it up and sent it
With a note saying "I Love You" I meant it
Now I know what a fool I've been
But if you kissed me now I know you'd fool me again
Chorus
(Oooh. Oooh Baby)
A crowded room, friends with tired eyes
I'm hiding from you and your soul of ice
My God I thought you were someone to rely on
Me? I guess I was a shoulder to cry on
A face on a lover with a fire in his heart
A man undercover but you tore me apart
Oooh Oooh
Now I've found a real love you'll never fool me again
Chorus
A face on a lover with a fire in his heart
(Gave you my heart)
A man undercover but you tore me apart
Next year
I'll give it to someone, I'll give it to someone special
special
someone
someone
I'll give it to someone, I'll give it to someone special
who'll give me something in return
I'll give it to someone
hold my heart and watch it burn
I'll give it to someone, I'll give it to someone special
I've got you here to stay
I can love you for a day
I thought you were someone special
gave you my heart
I'll give it to someone, I'll give it to someone
last Christmas I gave you my heart
you gave it away
I'll give it to someone, I'll give it to someone
Invitation to a Disaster.
In the cold early December weather, the Charles River flowed easily along its banks, separating Cambridge and Boston. At its edges, ice was already beginning to form but so far, no snow had fallen. In the middle of the river, struggling against the current and the cold, four teams from the Harvard rowing club were being put through their paces. Their faces were shining red with cold while great clouds of steam rose from their mouths as they exhaled with each stroke. Along the paths that lined both banks, joggers, cyclists, a few rollerbladers and occasional walkers braved the bitter chill that was blowing down from Canada. The threat of snow was ever present.
In her warm apartment high above, looking down at the nameless faces, Elizabeth Parker stood by the large picture window and talked to her best friend, Maria DeLuca. The apartment was one of the most luxurious in the Cambridge area. Which was just as well, because Elizabeth Parker came from one of the more wealthy families on the East Coast of America. She came from old money, not the nouveau riche that had ridden on the back of speculative oil strikes or the dot com explosions.
The flat contained all the necessary mod cons that befitted someone of her background. The kitchen had been fitted by exclusive designers. The bathroom was all white marble and gold accessories. Her furniture was handmade. Her books were all first editions, even the school books she needed to study with. In the corner on the handmade desk, the latest, fastest computer system had been installed, just for Elizabeth to type up her thesis and retrieve data from the internet.
Her clothes were all designer labels. Purchased from exclusive stores, usually with the help of personal shoppers, she always looked classy, if a little on the conservative side. Even now, in the comfort of her own home, Elizabeth was wearing a brown tweed skirt, a cream shirt and a beige cashmere sweater. She held the latest designer cell phone to her ear.
"So how are things in Princeton, Maria?" Elizabeth cast an eye over the boat crews and shook her head at their dedication.
"It's great, Elizabeth," Maria told her. "Really, really great. You know, you should transfer over here. We can be together again, then."
"I already told you," Elizabeth rolled her eyes. "Harvard is where I have to be. You know it's always been my dream to come here and study micro biology."
"Yeah," Maria sighed. "I just miss you is all. I miss my best friend, okay?"
"I miss you too, Maria," Elizabeth smiled. "But we get to see each other quite a lot, you know? And I don't just mean by web cam over MSN."
"I know. Those monthly get-togethers are great and all... but sometimes I really need to talk face to face, girl. You know? To let off steam."
"Talking of which," Elizabeth laughed. "How is Michael? You two still dating?"
"Meaning?" Maria tried to sound hurt.
"Meaning you two seem to fight more that you actually, uhm... make out."
"What Michael and I have is unique, okay?" Maria defended. "And yes. For your information, we are still dating. Which you know full well 'cause you know I would have told you otherwise."
"I know," Elizabeth nodded. "I was only teasing. So how long has it been now?"
"Since spring break," Maria concentrated. "So, what? Nine months?"
"Sounds about right. So this will be your first Christmas together."
"And talking of Christmas," Maria chuckled. "That's what I'm calling you for. Remember how we went to Mohawk Mountain over in Connecticut last Christmas? Well, Vicky and Alex and me were talking. We want to do it again this year. We thought it would be kind of nice if we made this our traditional thing, seeing as how we all go to different colleges now. Are you up for it?"
"Is everybody else going?"
"Of course they are. Michael and I are going. Alex is still dating Isabel, so they'll be there. Vicky has a new boyfriend this year. Someone called Kyle Valenti. We haven't met him yet but they already said they're coming. So too will Jesse and Courtney."
"What about," Elizabeth's voice fell. She sounded hesitant, nervous. "What about your cousin? Sean. Is uh, Sean going?"
"Yeah," Maria spoke with sympathy in her voice. "Sean will be there."
"Alone?" she held her breath in hope.
Maria remained silent for a moment.
"No," she spoke at last. "He's bringing Tess. They're still together."
"Can't he see that she's just a gold digging tart?" Elizabeth shook her head, fighting back the tears. "She's not right for him."
"They've been together a year, Elizabeth," Maria whispered. "Don't you think you're maybe being a little hard on the girl? And it's not like she doesn't have her own money. The Harding's are nearly as rich as your family."
"But not as rich as the DeLuca's."
"You don't have to come," Maria sounded disappointed. "I'll understand."
"I never said I wasn't coming," Elizabeth protested.
"So you are?"
"Yeah," she nodded. "I'll be there."
"Uhm..." Maria hesitated. "Are you going to be coming alone?"
"No," Elizabeth shook her head with a wide-eyed look of panic. "Jeez, Maria. Do you think I sit alone in my apartment mooning for Sean all day? I do have a boyfriend, actually. I have a life you know."
"So how come I haven't heard about him yet?" Maria sounded offended. "How come I haven't had the chance to interrogate him yet?"
"'Cause I didn't want you scaring him off, Maria. You know you can be a bit..."
"Thorough?"
"In your face."
"That too," Maria laughed. "So how long have you been keeping me in the dark?"
"We started dating back at the end of October," Elizabeth closed her eyes and rubbed her forehead. "He's really, really nice. Oh, and rich. Very rich."
"Uh huh," Maria seemed eager for more. "And what about, you know... Sex?"
"It's wonderful, Maria," Elizabeth gushed. "Really, really wonderful."
"Wow," Maria was excited. "I can't wait to meet him. So what's his name?"
"Oh, you know what, Maria?" Elizabeth started to panic. "Someone's at the door. It's probably him. Look, I'll call you later, okay? Bye."
She pressed the button to cancel the call. She slapped the phone shut and in a fit of anger, she hurled the phone across the room. Luckily, it bounced off of her sofa and landed on a cushion.
I want my arms around you for Christmas
I need no presents under the tree
You're all I want, my darling
And that will be the world to me.
I want to share your kisses for Christmas
The rest is only tinsel and show
You're all I want, my darling
At candle glow and mistletoe.
As far as I'm concerned
Santa doesn't have to load his sleigh
He can mark my other gifts 'returned'
Or give them all away.
I only want your lovin' for Christmas
No other kind of present will do
You're all I want, my darling
Please want me too
Please want me too
Please want me too
As I want you.
* * *
Plottings
Elizabeth sat with her best friend in Harvard, Serena Wilson, at a table by the window of Ciao Bella, a charming café on Boston's exclusive Newbury Street. The two young ladies liked to get together there once a week and just talk. It was the equivalent to Elizabeth and Maria's weekly ice cream fest.
"We grew up together," Elizabeth was staring at her Latte, stirring her spoon around and around the froth. "Me, Maria, Vicky, Alex, Jesse and Sean. We were always one big group. The six of us against the world, always looking out for each other. We all graduated High School together. We even said we would attend the same college together, but that never happened. Maria went to Princeton, Alex went to MIT, Jesse went to the University of Pennsylvania, Vicky went to Cornell and Sean... Sean went to Yale. We all paired up for events. Sean and I went to our Senior Prom as each other's dates, you know? As friends."
"But you wanted more?"
"Yeah," Elizabeth looked up and nodded over her coffee. "I've had a crush on Sean for such a long time. Maybe tenth grade when I finally started to notice boys. But I was always just his sister's friend. Until last Christmas."
"What happened then?"
"We rented this lodge down in Connecticut. Mohawk Mountain. Do you know it?"
Serena shook her head.
"Alex brought his girlfriend, Isabel. Jesse brought his, Courtney. Me and Maria weren't dating anyone then so we went alone. And Sean..." Elizabeth took a deep breath. "Sean brought this girl, Tess."
"I guess you didn't like her," Serena picked up the venom in Elizabeth's tone.
"He wasn't dating her then, but he wanted to," Elizabeth continued. "I think he was hoping to impress her or something. She was my height, but has this blonde curly hair and she kind of stacked, you know?"
"A lot of guys go for that," Serena shook her head again.
Elizabeth nodded.
"Anyway, he wasn't getting anywhere with her, and so on Christmas Eve, I found him in the living room, having a drink. He wasn't drunk or anything, just a little... tipsy. He asked me what was wrong with him, why Tess didn't like him. I told him that nothing was wrong with him, how any girl would be lucky to have him. And then he kissed me. And it was so... perfect. And things got a little heated." Elizabeth gave a wistful smile. "I was so happy! We were finally together. One thing led to another and I kind of surrendered myself to him. I gave him my virginity. I was never happier in all my life. I was so happy, that I overslept. I practically danced downstairs to the living room, where the gang was already opening presents. And then I saw them." Elizabeth's voice went cold. "Tess was sitting on Sean's lap and they were..." Her voice started to break up. "They were making out."
"Oh, Elizabeth," Serena reached across and took Elizabeth's hand. "I'm so sorry."
"He gave her this necklace," Elizabeth continued. "It was a huge diamond. I guess she realized then what a catch he was and gave in to him. She doesn't love him. Not like I do."
Serena remained quiet. There was nothing to say.
"Oh, Serena," Liz sobbed. "What am I going to do? I mean, I can't show up on my own. Not now. Maria will have told everyone by now and I'll end up looking like such a loser."
"Can't you just tell them that he had to go home or something?" Serena narrowed her eyes in thought. "You know, family business"
"Yeah, like they'll believe that," she hid her face in the arms, folded on the table.
"You don't have any guy friends you could ask?" Serena shrugged. "You know, to pretend to be your boyfriend?"
"None that I would trust," Liz raised her head, shaking it. "The only guys I know are going to think they have some kind of chance to score, right? And how can I explain to a friend that I just want to make Sean jealous, that I want to win him back? Who's going to appreciate being used like that?"
"You could always hire someone," a light bulb appeared above Serena's head. "Like an escort or something. You let them know exactly what you want from them and put it in some form of contract. They'll do what you want or risk not being paid. That way, they're not being used per se, because they're being paid for their time."
"A contract," Liz nodded, her eyes brightening. "So where do I find these escorts?"
"Well, you could always look in the phone book," Serena was thinking. "But if I were you. I would check out the notice boards on campus. There's always ads from students who need the extra money and offer their services. You know. House sitting, or driving cars across country and stuff. Whatever they can do to make the extra bucks toward their tuition costs. Not everyone is here on a full scholarship, or has rich parents, you know."
"And you think they would do this?"
"Why not? A free skiing holiday? Good food? Good company for Christmas? And getting paid for it, too? Who wouldn't do it? It's not like they're really with you or anything."
"I guess," Elizabeth was smiling.
"My advice? Make a list and call them up. Interview them. You need to find someone who will fit the bill. They have to be good looking enough to make Sean jealous and intelligent enough to understand the score. And a good actor would be useful. I'll even help you draw up the contract, seeing as I'm a Law major and all. But you better get your skates on. We only have two weeks till Christmas break."
"God," Elizabeth was showing signs of excitement. "I hope this works."
Oh, the weather outside is frightful,
But the fire is so delightful;
And since we've no place to go,
Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow.
Man, it doesn't show signs of stoppin',
And I brought me some corn for poppin';
The lights are turned way down low,
Let it snow, let it snow.
When we finally kiss good night,
How I'll hate goin' out in the storm;
But if you really hold me tight,
All the way home I'll be warm.
And, the fire is slowly dyin',
And, my dear, we're still goodbye-in';
But as long as you love me so,
Let it snow, let it snow and snow.
When we finally kiss good night,
How I'll hate goin' out in the storm;
But if you really grab me tight,
All the way home I'll be warm.
Oh, the fire is slowly dyin',
And, my dear, we're still goodbye-in';
But as long as you love me so,
Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow.
* * *
Geeks, Sickos and Pervs
The two weeks passed by rather quickly. There was little time for Elizabeth to meet Serena because of the midterms, and Elizabeth's interviews she had been conducting since she had created her list of potential candidates. With school breaking up tomorrow, time was of the essence and things had not gone well at all. They met once again at Ciao Bella on Newbury Street. Elizabeth was not as excited as she had been almost two weeks ago. Elizabeth had arrived first, taking the table by the window as they usually did.
Serena arrived just as the waitress brought over the two coffees in china cups.
"Can you believe this weather?" Serena stamped her feet to dislodge the snow that clung to her shoes.
"I know," Elizabeth nodded. "Last week, nothing. And just today, what is that out there now? Six inches?"
"At least," she sat down opposite her friend and wrapped her hands around the large bowl to warm them. "So where are we at?"
"Any more bright ideas?" Liz grumbled, handing Serena a sheet of typed paper containing names that had been crossed out in red pen.
"I take it the interviews didn't go well?" she raised her eyebrows at the list.
"Are you kidding?" Elizabeth rolled her eyes. "The only guys left on those boards were all geeks, sickos or pervs. No way could any one of them pull off being my boyfriend. Jeez, I do have 'some' taste, you know. This was a stupid plan to begin with."
"And you have a better plan, I presume?" Serena did not take any offense at Elizabeth's outburst.
"No," she crossed her arms over her chest and gave a sulky pout. "There's got to be someone out there who looks good enough to play the part and who needs the money."
"Well..." Serena hesitated. "There's this guy I know... he's in some of my classes... but Elizabeth, this guy is really poor, okay? Like not only are his books third or fourth hand, so are his clothes. And he might not be able to pass himself off as coming from money. But... with a few square meals inside him and a decent set of clothes... a haircut, a shower... I mean, he might be able to pull it off."
"What, is he good looking, you think?"
"Yeah," Serena nodded. "I'd have to say that he does have a certain charm to him. Yeah, I think he could pass himself off as good looking. And even though his grades are only just acceptable to keep him in school, he's got to be intelligent to have made it to Harvard to study Law in the first place, right?"
"Yeah," Elizabeth nodded. "But those other dorks I interviewed attend Harvard, too, you know?"
Serena just looked back in silence.
"Fine," Elizabeth sighed. "Do you have his number?"
"Oh yeah," Serena nodded with sarcasm. "I have every loser's phone number. As soon as I saw him, I just had to ask him for it."
"I was only wondering," Elizabeth rolled her eyes.
"No," Serena smiled. "I don't have his number. Heck, he probably can't even afford a phone. But I'll make a few inquiries."
It'll be lonely this Christmas
without you to hold
It'll be lonely this Christmas
lonely and cold
It'll be cold, so cold, without you to hold
this Christmas.
Try to imagine a house that's not a home
Try to imagine a Christmas all alone
That's where I'll be since you left me
My tears could melt the snow
What can I do without you?
I've got no place, no place to go.
It'll be lonely this Christmas
without you to hold
It'll be lonely this Christmas
lonely and cold
It'll be cold, so cold, without you to hold
this Christmas.
It'll be lonely this Christmas
without you to hold
It'll be lonely this Christmas
lonely and cold
It'll be cold, so cold, without you to hold
this Christmas.
* * *
Home Sweet Home
"Merry Christmas!" the fat, jolly old elf with white hair, a white beard and dressed in a red suit cried into the cold night air as he rang the hand bell. He stood with his back to a trash can in which a small fire was burning sticks of wood, providing him with a little warmth against the falling snow. "Ho, ho, ho! Merry Christmas! Please give generously to the homeless. Ho, ho, ho! Merry Christmas!"
As they passed by him, most people threw a hand full of change into the collection pot that sat in the snow by his feet. It was half full with coins of mainly small denominations. Many chose to ignore him, looking the other way as they walked but on the whole, humanity was not unkind.
"Thank you," he would nod at those who donated money. "Merry Christmas."
Max Evans, tall, dark and definitely handsome, stopped by the pot and rummaged through his pockets. Finding a fist full of mainly pennies, he gave all he had.
"Sorry," he shrugged before tucking his hands into his coat pockets and hunched his shoulders against the cold.
Max lowered his head and continued up the street toward the tenement blocks further up the road. The wind whipped his shoulder length locks, held in place only by the efforts of an old woolen cap that was pulled low over his ears. He wore a battered simulation leather jacket and a pair of jeans that stopped a little above his ankles. The elbows and knees were both rather threadbare. In spite of the wet snow, he wore gym shoes on his feet, wet ones at that. His face was red from the cold and his hands were pulled up into the sleeves of the sweater that he wore under his jacket. His clothing was most definitely unsuitable for this weather at this time of the year.
He looked at a brightly-lit cash machine and stopped. With his breath forming clouds of steam, he stared at the welcoming glow of the illuminated screen. His face was thrown into prominence. He held the pale, gaunt look of a man who had either been working too hard or who had missed too many meals. Maybe both. Reaching into an inside pocket, his hand, bright red from the cold pulled out a small rectangular card. He pushed it into the slot, watching as it disappeared. When prompted, he punched in his four digit PIN number and followed the instructions. After he typed in the amount of cash, he straightened his back and held his breath. His eyes were fixed on the screen.
"Insufficient funds available for this transaction."
He did not look too surprised by this information but his breath was released with an explosive groan. Max looked back at the Santa Clause and wondered if he might give him his change back.
"Looks like I go hungry again," he sighed.
He pulled the rejected card back and shoved it into his pocket, turning once more down the road, his footsteps crunching in the newly fallen snow.
He continued to walk past the elegant buildings that lined the broad streets. He turned into a darkened alleyway and crossed a vacant lot that held large posters proclaiming another property development by DeLuca's. Eventually, he came upon a tall, broad building that was only just this side of being condemned. It was hard to believe that in as cosmopolitan a town as Cambridge, a stone's throw away from Harvard Square there was a block of flats that could only be described as being a slum. But the rooms were cheap and Max 'really' needed cheap right now. At the dirty, broken front steps, he skipped up, two at a time.
Pausing at the top, he took a deep breath and eased the front door open, glad that the hinges had recently been oiled. He started to take slow, deliberate steps across the hall, on tip toes, moving quietly past the first doorway. His stealth continued up the first flight of steps. For good measure, he continued up the second. He almost ran up the third and fourth, eager to escape the detection of his landlord, who would only demand the rent he was due and as yet, had not been paid. On the top floor, he walked past the many doorways to the room at the end. There was a white envelope pinned to his door. Max's heart sank. He may have been stealthy enough to evade him when he came in, but his landlord clearly had other tricks up his sleeve. Max momentarily wondered about leaving it there and claiming he never saw it. Pulling the note free, he used his key to unlock the door and he stepped inside his room.
Inside Max's room was as Spartan as being outside. It contained only those items he considered essential. There was a bed, with a sleeping bag and a blanket folded at one end. Next to a bed was a wardrobe that held the rest of Max's clothes, none of which were any better than those he was wearing now. By the one window with big cracks in the glass, sealed with duct tape, there was a desk and a chair. On one corner of the desk was a radio and a stack of battered and worn school books. On the other stood a kettle, a mug, a small bottle of a white cloudy substance, an empty jar of generic instant coffee, an empty tin that once held sugar, a large cup and a teaspoon on which sat a used teabag. In the corner of the room was a cracked, stained sink with two faucets. One was the cold tap which provided Max with drinking water that could very well contain traces of lead. The other was the hot water which had never worked since Max moved into this room one year ago last September.
Max's first task was to put enough water in to fill his cup. He checked the electricity meter to make sure he had enough credit to power the kettle as well as illuminate his room with the single low watt light bulb long enough to do his homework. While the kettle was trying to boil the water, he placed the old teabag into the mug. He lifted the milk bottle to his nose and pulled a sour face when he sniffed it. He tipped the curdled milk into the sink, flushing the residue away with water that he was surprised to find wasn't frozen. When the kettle gave the soft 'click' that told Max it had boiled, he poured the water over the teabag and left it to steep.
Max then picked up the blanket, opening it out to its full extent. He wrapped it around him, rubbing his arms to stimulate blood flow and hopefully, warmth. He turned his attention to the note, ripping the envelope across the top. As he had suspected, it was from his landlord.
"One week to pay the rent, plus the other four weeks I owe," Max raised his eyebrows. "Otherwise, don't bother to come back next term."
Max looked at the cup of tea and chuckled.
"Come back? As if I can afford to go anywhere."
He lifted the note to continue reading.
"And in case you don't go home for Christmas, then I'm sure my sons - you've met them, right? The big guys who work in construction. I'm sure they would help you move out. Really friendly there, Mr. Green," Max dropped the note in the paper bag that doubled as his trash can.
Sitting down at the desk, Max opened a notebook and a thick text book and started to make notes while he read key passages. He paused every now and then to sip at the hot water that the reused tea bag managed to stain a pale brown color. His stomach let out a loud, angry growl of hunger.
"I'll be glad when spring comes," he shook his head, tightening his belt.
I'm gettin' nuttin' for Christmas
Mommy and Daddy are mad
I'm gettin' nuttin' for Christmas
'Cause I ain't been nuttin' but bad
I broke my bat on Johnny's head
Somebody snitched on me
I hid a frog in sister's bed
Somebody snitched on me
I spilled some ink on Mommy's rug
I made Johnny eat a bug
Bought some gum with a penny slug
Somebody snitched on me
Oh
I'm gettin' nuttin' for Christmas
Mommy and Daddy are mad
I'm gettin' nuttin' for Christmas
'Cause I ain't been nuttin' but bad
I put a tack on teacher's chair
Somebody snitched on me
I tied a knot in Suzy's hair
Somebody snitched on me
I did a dance on Mommy's plants
Climbed a tree and tore my pants
Filled that sugar bowl with ants
Somebody snitched on me
Oh
I'm gettin' nuttin' for Christmas
Mommy and Daddy are mad
I'm gettin' nuttin' for Christmas
'Cause I ain't been nuttin' but bad
So you better be good
Whatever you do
'Cause if you're bad, I'm warning you
You'll gettin' nuttin' for Christmas
* * *
Gotta Work
His battered cell phone started to ring. He looked at the display but could not really see who it was who was calling through the scratches and scuff marks.
"Hello?" he answered.
"Hi, Max," he heard his mother's voice.
"Mom," Max smiled.
"How are you?"
"I'm doing great," he crossed his fingers. "School work's hard and all, but I'm doing okay."
"Are you eating well?"
"Of course," he hoped she could sense the big cheesy grin he was faking.
His stomach gave another growl.
"I was wondering if you might be coming home for Christmas. You know, we never see you anymore. Not since you left last year."
"Oh, mom," he sighed. "You know, I have to do all this extra work to keep up, and I just have so much work to do over the holidays..."
He glanced at the newspaper on the floor, opened at the want ads with red rings around various casual labor jobs. Most of them seemed to be shelf stocking or box moving.
"I can't afford to fall behind, you know? Besides, Roswell is such a long trip. I'd have to turn around and come back again as soon as I got there."
"You know your stepfather and I..."
"No, Mom," he gently rebuked her. "I can't take your money."
"It's just... You're my son, Max. And I miss you."
"I miss you too, Mom. And when I graduate, I promise. You'll see a whole lot more of me, okay?"
"You never call."
"I write."
"How come you can't pick up a phone every now and then?"
"We're not allowed to use phones in class" he laughed. "And at night, I'm either working or studying." He neglected to tell her he had no credit on his phone in any case.
When he finally hung up, he sat there for a moment, staring into space with a look of sadness. A slight movement to his left distracted him. A large rat poked his head out through a gap in the floorboards and started to sniff the air.
"Sorry, Mickey," Max gave him a weak smile. "Looks like we go hungry till I can find us a job. Oh, and don't get me anything for Christmas, okay? 'Cause I can't afford to buy you anything."
The rat disappeared.
Snowflakes falling down, on every little town
A blanket of stars above
Church bells are ringing, children are singing
It's Christmas, it's Christmas, Christmas everywhere
Lovers often go, under mistletoe
And kiss until dawn's early light
Sleigh bells are ringing, choirs are singing
It's Christmas, it's Christmas, Christmas everywhere
Christmas trees all aglow
Stockings are hung with care
Stars brightly gleaming, children are dreaming
That Santa soon will be there
Snowflakes falling down, on every little town
A blanket of stars above
Church bells are ringing, choirs are singing
It's Christmas, it's Christmas, Christmas everywhere
It's Christmas everywhere
* * *
Last Christmas
By WR
olde.worlde@btinternet.com
http://www.olde.worlde.btinternet.co.uk
Disclaimer: I, in no way, am associated with the actors, writers, producers, etc. of Roswell. The rights to the show belong to 20th Century Fox, Jason Katims, the WB, etc.
http://www.olde.worlde.btinternet.co.uk ... stxmas.jpg
Banner courtesy of Borders InSaNiTy
Summary: An Alternate Universe. No one is an Alien. There's someone rather special that Elizabeth wants for Christmas, but it seems he has eyes only for someone else. Can she find help in getting what she wants during a special Christmas Holiday? Or is what she wants really the right thing?
Category: M&L
Rating: MATURE
Authors Note: Isabel and Max are NOT brother and sister in this story. Thank you to my beta team members, Jen and Jeannine.
I would be lost without you.Last Christmas, I gave you my heart
But the very next day, You gave it away
This year, to save me from tears
I'll give it to someone special
Last Christmas, I gave you my heart
But the very next day, You gave it away
This year, to save me from tears
I'll give it to someone special
Once bitten and twice shy
I keep my distance but you still catch my eye
Tell me baby do you recognize me?
Well it's been a year, it doesn't surprise me
(Happy Christmas!) I wrapped it up and sent it
With a note saying "I Love You" I meant it
Now I know what a fool I've been
But if you kissed me now I know you'd fool me again
Chorus
(Oooh. Oooh Baby)
A crowded room, friends with tired eyes
I'm hiding from you and your soul of ice
My God I thought you were someone to rely on
Me? I guess I was a shoulder to cry on
A face on a lover with a fire in his heart
A man undercover but you tore me apart
Oooh Oooh
Now I've found a real love you'll never fool me again
Chorus
A face on a lover with a fire in his heart
(Gave you my heart)
A man undercover but you tore me apart
Next year
I'll give it to someone, I'll give it to someone special
special
someone
someone
I'll give it to someone, I'll give it to someone special
who'll give me something in return
I'll give it to someone
hold my heart and watch it burn
I'll give it to someone, I'll give it to someone special
I've got you here to stay
I can love you for a day
I thought you were someone special
gave you my heart
I'll give it to someone, I'll give it to someone
last Christmas I gave you my heart
you gave it away
I'll give it to someone, I'll give it to someone
Invitation to a Disaster.
In the cold early December weather, the Charles River flowed easily along its banks, separating Cambridge and Boston. At its edges, ice was already beginning to form but so far, no snow had fallen. In the middle of the river, struggling against the current and the cold, four teams from the Harvard rowing club were being put through their paces. Their faces were shining red with cold while great clouds of steam rose from their mouths as they exhaled with each stroke. Along the paths that lined both banks, joggers, cyclists, a few rollerbladers and occasional walkers braved the bitter chill that was blowing down from Canada. The threat of snow was ever present.
In her warm apartment high above, looking down at the nameless faces, Elizabeth Parker stood by the large picture window and talked to her best friend, Maria DeLuca. The apartment was one of the most luxurious in the Cambridge area. Which was just as well, because Elizabeth Parker came from one of the more wealthy families on the East Coast of America. She came from old money, not the nouveau riche that had ridden on the back of speculative oil strikes or the dot com explosions.
The flat contained all the necessary mod cons that befitted someone of her background. The kitchen had been fitted by exclusive designers. The bathroom was all white marble and gold accessories. Her furniture was handmade. Her books were all first editions, even the school books she needed to study with. In the corner on the handmade desk, the latest, fastest computer system had been installed, just for Elizabeth to type up her thesis and retrieve data from the internet.
Her clothes were all designer labels. Purchased from exclusive stores, usually with the help of personal shoppers, she always looked classy, if a little on the conservative side. Even now, in the comfort of her own home, Elizabeth was wearing a brown tweed skirt, a cream shirt and a beige cashmere sweater. She held the latest designer cell phone to her ear.
"So how are things in Princeton, Maria?" Elizabeth cast an eye over the boat crews and shook her head at their dedication.
"It's great, Elizabeth," Maria told her. "Really, really great. You know, you should transfer over here. We can be together again, then."
"I already told you," Elizabeth rolled her eyes. "Harvard is where I have to be. You know it's always been my dream to come here and study micro biology."
"Yeah," Maria sighed. "I just miss you is all. I miss my best friend, okay?"
"I miss you too, Maria," Elizabeth smiled. "But we get to see each other quite a lot, you know? And I don't just mean by web cam over MSN."
"I know. Those monthly get-togethers are great and all... but sometimes I really need to talk face to face, girl. You know? To let off steam."
"Talking of which," Elizabeth laughed. "How is Michael? You two still dating?"
"Meaning?" Maria tried to sound hurt.
"Meaning you two seem to fight more that you actually, uhm... make out."
"What Michael and I have is unique, okay?" Maria defended. "And yes. For your information, we are still dating. Which you know full well 'cause you know I would have told you otherwise."
"I know," Elizabeth nodded. "I was only teasing. So how long has it been now?"
"Since spring break," Maria concentrated. "So, what? Nine months?"
"Sounds about right. So this will be your first Christmas together."
"And talking of Christmas," Maria chuckled. "That's what I'm calling you for. Remember how we went to Mohawk Mountain over in Connecticut last Christmas? Well, Vicky and Alex and me were talking. We want to do it again this year. We thought it would be kind of nice if we made this our traditional thing, seeing as how we all go to different colleges now. Are you up for it?"
"Is everybody else going?"
"Of course they are. Michael and I are going. Alex is still dating Isabel, so they'll be there. Vicky has a new boyfriend this year. Someone called Kyle Valenti. We haven't met him yet but they already said they're coming. So too will Jesse and Courtney."
"What about," Elizabeth's voice fell. She sounded hesitant, nervous. "What about your cousin? Sean. Is uh, Sean going?"
"Yeah," Maria spoke with sympathy in her voice. "Sean will be there."
"Alone?" she held her breath in hope.
Maria remained silent for a moment.
"No," she spoke at last. "He's bringing Tess. They're still together."
"Can't he see that she's just a gold digging tart?" Elizabeth shook her head, fighting back the tears. "She's not right for him."
"They've been together a year, Elizabeth," Maria whispered. "Don't you think you're maybe being a little hard on the girl? And it's not like she doesn't have her own money. The Harding's are nearly as rich as your family."
"But not as rich as the DeLuca's."
"You don't have to come," Maria sounded disappointed. "I'll understand."
"I never said I wasn't coming," Elizabeth protested.
"So you are?"
"Yeah," she nodded. "I'll be there."
"Uhm..." Maria hesitated. "Are you going to be coming alone?"
"No," Elizabeth shook her head with a wide-eyed look of panic. "Jeez, Maria. Do you think I sit alone in my apartment mooning for Sean all day? I do have a boyfriend, actually. I have a life you know."
"So how come I haven't heard about him yet?" Maria sounded offended. "How come I haven't had the chance to interrogate him yet?"
"'Cause I didn't want you scaring him off, Maria. You know you can be a bit..."
"Thorough?"
"In your face."
"That too," Maria laughed. "So how long have you been keeping me in the dark?"
"We started dating back at the end of October," Elizabeth closed her eyes and rubbed her forehead. "He's really, really nice. Oh, and rich. Very rich."
"Uh huh," Maria seemed eager for more. "And what about, you know... Sex?"
"It's wonderful, Maria," Elizabeth gushed. "Really, really wonderful."
"Wow," Maria was excited. "I can't wait to meet him. So what's his name?"
"Oh, you know what, Maria?" Elizabeth started to panic. "Someone's at the door. It's probably him. Look, I'll call you later, okay? Bye."
She pressed the button to cancel the call. She slapped the phone shut and in a fit of anger, she hurled the phone across the room. Luckily, it bounced off of her sofa and landed on a cushion.
I want my arms around you for Christmas
I need no presents under the tree
You're all I want, my darling
And that will be the world to me.
I want to share your kisses for Christmas
The rest is only tinsel and show
You're all I want, my darling
At candle glow and mistletoe.
As far as I'm concerned
Santa doesn't have to load his sleigh
He can mark my other gifts 'returned'
Or give them all away.
I only want your lovin' for Christmas
No other kind of present will do
You're all I want, my darling
Please want me too
Please want me too
Please want me too
As I want you.
* * *
Plottings
Elizabeth sat with her best friend in Harvard, Serena Wilson, at a table by the window of Ciao Bella, a charming café on Boston's exclusive Newbury Street. The two young ladies liked to get together there once a week and just talk. It was the equivalent to Elizabeth and Maria's weekly ice cream fest.
"We grew up together," Elizabeth was staring at her Latte, stirring her spoon around and around the froth. "Me, Maria, Vicky, Alex, Jesse and Sean. We were always one big group. The six of us against the world, always looking out for each other. We all graduated High School together. We even said we would attend the same college together, but that never happened. Maria went to Princeton, Alex went to MIT, Jesse went to the University of Pennsylvania, Vicky went to Cornell and Sean... Sean went to Yale. We all paired up for events. Sean and I went to our Senior Prom as each other's dates, you know? As friends."
"But you wanted more?"
"Yeah," Elizabeth looked up and nodded over her coffee. "I've had a crush on Sean for such a long time. Maybe tenth grade when I finally started to notice boys. But I was always just his sister's friend. Until last Christmas."
"What happened then?"
"We rented this lodge down in Connecticut. Mohawk Mountain. Do you know it?"
Serena shook her head.
"Alex brought his girlfriend, Isabel. Jesse brought his, Courtney. Me and Maria weren't dating anyone then so we went alone. And Sean..." Elizabeth took a deep breath. "Sean brought this girl, Tess."
"I guess you didn't like her," Serena picked up the venom in Elizabeth's tone.
"He wasn't dating her then, but he wanted to," Elizabeth continued. "I think he was hoping to impress her or something. She was my height, but has this blonde curly hair and she kind of stacked, you know?"
"A lot of guys go for that," Serena shook her head again.
Elizabeth nodded.
"Anyway, he wasn't getting anywhere with her, and so on Christmas Eve, I found him in the living room, having a drink. He wasn't drunk or anything, just a little... tipsy. He asked me what was wrong with him, why Tess didn't like him. I told him that nothing was wrong with him, how any girl would be lucky to have him. And then he kissed me. And it was so... perfect. And things got a little heated." Elizabeth gave a wistful smile. "I was so happy! We were finally together. One thing led to another and I kind of surrendered myself to him. I gave him my virginity. I was never happier in all my life. I was so happy, that I overslept. I practically danced downstairs to the living room, where the gang was already opening presents. And then I saw them." Elizabeth's voice went cold. "Tess was sitting on Sean's lap and they were..." Her voice started to break up. "They were making out."
"Oh, Elizabeth," Serena reached across and took Elizabeth's hand. "I'm so sorry."
"He gave her this necklace," Elizabeth continued. "It was a huge diamond. I guess she realized then what a catch he was and gave in to him. She doesn't love him. Not like I do."
Serena remained quiet. There was nothing to say.
"Oh, Serena," Liz sobbed. "What am I going to do? I mean, I can't show up on my own. Not now. Maria will have told everyone by now and I'll end up looking like such a loser."
"Can't you just tell them that he had to go home or something?" Serena narrowed her eyes in thought. "You know, family business"
"Yeah, like they'll believe that," she hid her face in the arms, folded on the table.
"You don't have any guy friends you could ask?" Serena shrugged. "You know, to pretend to be your boyfriend?"
"None that I would trust," Liz raised her head, shaking it. "The only guys I know are going to think they have some kind of chance to score, right? And how can I explain to a friend that I just want to make Sean jealous, that I want to win him back? Who's going to appreciate being used like that?"
"You could always hire someone," a light bulb appeared above Serena's head. "Like an escort or something. You let them know exactly what you want from them and put it in some form of contract. They'll do what you want or risk not being paid. That way, they're not being used per se, because they're being paid for their time."
"A contract," Liz nodded, her eyes brightening. "So where do I find these escorts?"
"Well, you could always look in the phone book," Serena was thinking. "But if I were you. I would check out the notice boards on campus. There's always ads from students who need the extra money and offer their services. You know. House sitting, or driving cars across country and stuff. Whatever they can do to make the extra bucks toward their tuition costs. Not everyone is here on a full scholarship, or has rich parents, you know."
"And you think they would do this?"
"Why not? A free skiing holiday? Good food? Good company for Christmas? And getting paid for it, too? Who wouldn't do it? It's not like they're really with you or anything."
"I guess," Elizabeth was smiling.
"My advice? Make a list and call them up. Interview them. You need to find someone who will fit the bill. They have to be good looking enough to make Sean jealous and intelligent enough to understand the score. And a good actor would be useful. I'll even help you draw up the contract, seeing as I'm a Law major and all. But you better get your skates on. We only have two weeks till Christmas break."
"God," Elizabeth was showing signs of excitement. "I hope this works."
Oh, the weather outside is frightful,
But the fire is so delightful;
And since we've no place to go,
Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow.
Man, it doesn't show signs of stoppin',
And I brought me some corn for poppin';
The lights are turned way down low,
Let it snow, let it snow.
When we finally kiss good night,
How I'll hate goin' out in the storm;
But if you really hold me tight,
All the way home I'll be warm.
And, the fire is slowly dyin',
And, my dear, we're still goodbye-in';
But as long as you love me so,
Let it snow, let it snow and snow.
When we finally kiss good night,
How I'll hate goin' out in the storm;
But if you really grab me tight,
All the way home I'll be warm.
Oh, the fire is slowly dyin',
And, my dear, we're still goodbye-in';
But as long as you love me so,
Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow.
* * *
Geeks, Sickos and Pervs
The two weeks passed by rather quickly. There was little time for Elizabeth to meet Serena because of the midterms, and Elizabeth's interviews she had been conducting since she had created her list of potential candidates. With school breaking up tomorrow, time was of the essence and things had not gone well at all. They met once again at Ciao Bella on Newbury Street. Elizabeth was not as excited as she had been almost two weeks ago. Elizabeth had arrived first, taking the table by the window as they usually did.
Serena arrived just as the waitress brought over the two coffees in china cups.
"Can you believe this weather?" Serena stamped her feet to dislodge the snow that clung to her shoes.
"I know," Elizabeth nodded. "Last week, nothing. And just today, what is that out there now? Six inches?"
"At least," she sat down opposite her friend and wrapped her hands around the large bowl to warm them. "So where are we at?"
"Any more bright ideas?" Liz grumbled, handing Serena a sheet of typed paper containing names that had been crossed out in red pen.
"I take it the interviews didn't go well?" she raised her eyebrows at the list.
"Are you kidding?" Elizabeth rolled her eyes. "The only guys left on those boards were all geeks, sickos or pervs. No way could any one of them pull off being my boyfriend. Jeez, I do have 'some' taste, you know. This was a stupid plan to begin with."
"And you have a better plan, I presume?" Serena did not take any offense at Elizabeth's outburst.
"No," she crossed her arms over her chest and gave a sulky pout. "There's got to be someone out there who looks good enough to play the part and who needs the money."
"Well..." Serena hesitated. "There's this guy I know... he's in some of my classes... but Elizabeth, this guy is really poor, okay? Like not only are his books third or fourth hand, so are his clothes. And he might not be able to pass himself off as coming from money. But... with a few square meals inside him and a decent set of clothes... a haircut, a shower... I mean, he might be able to pull it off."
"What, is he good looking, you think?"
"Yeah," Serena nodded. "I'd have to say that he does have a certain charm to him. Yeah, I think he could pass himself off as good looking. And even though his grades are only just acceptable to keep him in school, he's got to be intelligent to have made it to Harvard to study Law in the first place, right?"
"Yeah," Elizabeth nodded. "But those other dorks I interviewed attend Harvard, too, you know?"
Serena just looked back in silence.
"Fine," Elizabeth sighed. "Do you have his number?"
"Oh yeah," Serena nodded with sarcasm. "I have every loser's phone number. As soon as I saw him, I just had to ask him for it."
"I was only wondering," Elizabeth rolled her eyes.
"No," Serena smiled. "I don't have his number. Heck, he probably can't even afford a phone. But I'll make a few inquiries."
It'll be lonely this Christmas
without you to hold
It'll be lonely this Christmas
lonely and cold
It'll be cold, so cold, without you to hold
this Christmas.
Try to imagine a house that's not a home
Try to imagine a Christmas all alone
That's where I'll be since you left me
My tears could melt the snow
What can I do without you?
I've got no place, no place to go.
It'll be lonely this Christmas
without you to hold
It'll be lonely this Christmas
lonely and cold
It'll be cold, so cold, without you to hold
this Christmas.
It'll be lonely this Christmas
without you to hold
It'll be lonely this Christmas
lonely and cold
It'll be cold, so cold, without you to hold
this Christmas.
* * *
Home Sweet Home
"Merry Christmas!" the fat, jolly old elf with white hair, a white beard and dressed in a red suit cried into the cold night air as he rang the hand bell. He stood with his back to a trash can in which a small fire was burning sticks of wood, providing him with a little warmth against the falling snow. "Ho, ho, ho! Merry Christmas! Please give generously to the homeless. Ho, ho, ho! Merry Christmas!"
As they passed by him, most people threw a hand full of change into the collection pot that sat in the snow by his feet. It was half full with coins of mainly small denominations. Many chose to ignore him, looking the other way as they walked but on the whole, humanity was not unkind.
"Thank you," he would nod at those who donated money. "Merry Christmas."
Max Evans, tall, dark and definitely handsome, stopped by the pot and rummaged through his pockets. Finding a fist full of mainly pennies, he gave all he had.
"Sorry," he shrugged before tucking his hands into his coat pockets and hunched his shoulders against the cold.
Max lowered his head and continued up the street toward the tenement blocks further up the road. The wind whipped his shoulder length locks, held in place only by the efforts of an old woolen cap that was pulled low over his ears. He wore a battered simulation leather jacket and a pair of jeans that stopped a little above his ankles. The elbows and knees were both rather threadbare. In spite of the wet snow, he wore gym shoes on his feet, wet ones at that. His face was red from the cold and his hands were pulled up into the sleeves of the sweater that he wore under his jacket. His clothing was most definitely unsuitable for this weather at this time of the year.
He looked at a brightly-lit cash machine and stopped. With his breath forming clouds of steam, he stared at the welcoming glow of the illuminated screen. His face was thrown into prominence. He held the pale, gaunt look of a man who had either been working too hard or who had missed too many meals. Maybe both. Reaching into an inside pocket, his hand, bright red from the cold pulled out a small rectangular card. He pushed it into the slot, watching as it disappeared. When prompted, he punched in his four digit PIN number and followed the instructions. After he typed in the amount of cash, he straightened his back and held his breath. His eyes were fixed on the screen.
"Insufficient funds available for this transaction."
He did not look too surprised by this information but his breath was released with an explosive groan. Max looked back at the Santa Clause and wondered if he might give him his change back.
"Looks like I go hungry again," he sighed.
He pulled the rejected card back and shoved it into his pocket, turning once more down the road, his footsteps crunching in the newly fallen snow.
He continued to walk past the elegant buildings that lined the broad streets. He turned into a darkened alleyway and crossed a vacant lot that held large posters proclaiming another property development by DeLuca's. Eventually, he came upon a tall, broad building that was only just this side of being condemned. It was hard to believe that in as cosmopolitan a town as Cambridge, a stone's throw away from Harvard Square there was a block of flats that could only be described as being a slum. But the rooms were cheap and Max 'really' needed cheap right now. At the dirty, broken front steps, he skipped up, two at a time.
Pausing at the top, he took a deep breath and eased the front door open, glad that the hinges had recently been oiled. He started to take slow, deliberate steps across the hall, on tip toes, moving quietly past the first doorway. His stealth continued up the first flight of steps. For good measure, he continued up the second. He almost ran up the third and fourth, eager to escape the detection of his landlord, who would only demand the rent he was due and as yet, had not been paid. On the top floor, he walked past the many doorways to the room at the end. There was a white envelope pinned to his door. Max's heart sank. He may have been stealthy enough to evade him when he came in, but his landlord clearly had other tricks up his sleeve. Max momentarily wondered about leaving it there and claiming he never saw it. Pulling the note free, he used his key to unlock the door and he stepped inside his room.
Inside Max's room was as Spartan as being outside. It contained only those items he considered essential. There was a bed, with a sleeping bag and a blanket folded at one end. Next to a bed was a wardrobe that held the rest of Max's clothes, none of which were any better than those he was wearing now. By the one window with big cracks in the glass, sealed with duct tape, there was a desk and a chair. On one corner of the desk was a radio and a stack of battered and worn school books. On the other stood a kettle, a mug, a small bottle of a white cloudy substance, an empty jar of generic instant coffee, an empty tin that once held sugar, a large cup and a teaspoon on which sat a used teabag. In the corner of the room was a cracked, stained sink with two faucets. One was the cold tap which provided Max with drinking water that could very well contain traces of lead. The other was the hot water which had never worked since Max moved into this room one year ago last September.
Max's first task was to put enough water in to fill his cup. He checked the electricity meter to make sure he had enough credit to power the kettle as well as illuminate his room with the single low watt light bulb long enough to do his homework. While the kettle was trying to boil the water, he placed the old teabag into the mug. He lifted the milk bottle to his nose and pulled a sour face when he sniffed it. He tipped the curdled milk into the sink, flushing the residue away with water that he was surprised to find wasn't frozen. When the kettle gave the soft 'click' that told Max it had boiled, he poured the water over the teabag and left it to steep.
Max then picked up the blanket, opening it out to its full extent. He wrapped it around him, rubbing his arms to stimulate blood flow and hopefully, warmth. He turned his attention to the note, ripping the envelope across the top. As he had suspected, it was from his landlord.
"One week to pay the rent, plus the other four weeks I owe," Max raised his eyebrows. "Otherwise, don't bother to come back next term."
Max looked at the cup of tea and chuckled.
"Come back? As if I can afford to go anywhere."
He lifted the note to continue reading.
"And in case you don't go home for Christmas, then I'm sure my sons - you've met them, right? The big guys who work in construction. I'm sure they would help you move out. Really friendly there, Mr. Green," Max dropped the note in the paper bag that doubled as his trash can.
Sitting down at the desk, Max opened a notebook and a thick text book and started to make notes while he read key passages. He paused every now and then to sip at the hot water that the reused tea bag managed to stain a pale brown color. His stomach let out a loud, angry growl of hunger.
"I'll be glad when spring comes," he shook his head, tightening his belt.
I'm gettin' nuttin' for Christmas
Mommy and Daddy are mad
I'm gettin' nuttin' for Christmas
'Cause I ain't been nuttin' but bad
I broke my bat on Johnny's head
Somebody snitched on me
I hid a frog in sister's bed
Somebody snitched on me
I spilled some ink on Mommy's rug
I made Johnny eat a bug
Bought some gum with a penny slug
Somebody snitched on me
Oh
I'm gettin' nuttin' for Christmas
Mommy and Daddy are mad
I'm gettin' nuttin' for Christmas
'Cause I ain't been nuttin' but bad
I put a tack on teacher's chair
Somebody snitched on me
I tied a knot in Suzy's hair
Somebody snitched on me
I did a dance on Mommy's plants
Climbed a tree and tore my pants
Filled that sugar bowl with ants
Somebody snitched on me
Oh
I'm gettin' nuttin' for Christmas
Mommy and Daddy are mad
I'm gettin' nuttin' for Christmas
'Cause I ain't been nuttin' but bad
So you better be good
Whatever you do
'Cause if you're bad, I'm warning you
You'll gettin' nuttin' for Christmas
* * *
Gotta Work
His battered cell phone started to ring. He looked at the display but could not really see who it was who was calling through the scratches and scuff marks.
"Hello?" he answered.
"Hi, Max," he heard his mother's voice.
"Mom," Max smiled.
"How are you?"
"I'm doing great," he crossed his fingers. "School work's hard and all, but I'm doing okay."
"Are you eating well?"
"Of course," he hoped she could sense the big cheesy grin he was faking.
His stomach gave another growl.
"I was wondering if you might be coming home for Christmas. You know, we never see you anymore. Not since you left last year."
"Oh, mom," he sighed. "You know, I have to do all this extra work to keep up, and I just have so much work to do over the holidays..."
He glanced at the newspaper on the floor, opened at the want ads with red rings around various casual labor jobs. Most of them seemed to be shelf stocking or box moving.
"I can't afford to fall behind, you know? Besides, Roswell is such a long trip. I'd have to turn around and come back again as soon as I got there."
"You know your stepfather and I..."
"No, Mom," he gently rebuked her. "I can't take your money."
"It's just... You're my son, Max. And I miss you."
"I miss you too, Mom. And when I graduate, I promise. You'll see a whole lot more of me, okay?"
"You never call."
"I write."
"How come you can't pick up a phone every now and then?"
"We're not allowed to use phones in class" he laughed. "And at night, I'm either working or studying." He neglected to tell her he had no credit on his phone in any case.
When he finally hung up, he sat there for a moment, staring into space with a look of sadness. A slight movement to his left distracted him. A large rat poked his head out through a gap in the floorboards and started to sniff the air.
"Sorry, Mickey," Max gave him a weak smile. "Looks like we go hungry till I can find us a job. Oh, and don't get me anything for Christmas, okay? 'Cause I can't afford to buy you anything."
The rat disappeared.
Snowflakes falling down, on every little town
A blanket of stars above
Church bells are ringing, children are singing
It's Christmas, it's Christmas, Christmas everywhere
Lovers often go, under mistletoe
And kiss until dawn's early light
Sleigh bells are ringing, choirs are singing
It's Christmas, it's Christmas, Christmas everywhere
Christmas trees all aglow
Stockings are hung with care
Stars brightly gleaming, children are dreaming
That Santa soon will be there
Snowflakes falling down, on every little town
A blanket of stars above
Church bells are ringing, choirs are singing
It's Christmas, it's Christmas, Christmas everywhere
It's Christmas everywhere
* * *
