The day was finally over, all the customers had left the store and the nightshift had finished cleaning up.
Unlike in the film where Santa went to visit the reindeer in the park, I decided to use the Polar Express to travel to the city. I intend to use the reindeer for Christmas day only, after all... no one ever reported seeing the sleigh when it wasn't Christmas day.
So tonight I went to a nearby donut shop for a late night snack.
As I ate my donuts two individuals, a male and female, walked into the shop and headed straight towards me.
The woman addressed me first "Excuse us may we join you?"
"No problem, would either of you like a donut, a coffee?" I responded as I grabbed the half emptied box of donuts for them.
After a brief moment the man answered "No... thank you."
Upon sitting down they introduced themselves as Jack Duff and Alberta Leonard, employee's of Shopper's Express, the department store across from Cole's and main competitor.
"I am sorry to interrupt, but we where hoping to share with you a proposal"
"O?"
"We want you to be our main Santa Claus!"
"I see, but I must apologize. I am already employed by Cole's"
Alberta spoke "We are prepared to provide a substantial bonus should you sign up and a dedicated support team for you. They will be able to help you with managing and scheduling your appearances across any of our stores nationwide."
"While that is tempting I don't plan to leave Cole's"
Jack turns his head toward his partner before looking back at me "Well... that is... unfortunate, still our offer stands if you ever change your mind. Here let me pay for your meal at least."
"Why thank you... I hope you both have a good night"
2 Days Later
More shoppers, more kids, and more commotion as Christmas day fasts approaches.
Susan came to visit once more asking a few more questions. I understand why... unlike those who stop believing, Susan was a non-believer from the very beginning.
The idea that someone she never believed in actually existed was causing a crisis of confidence. And its not like I could just sneak into her house and show her the truth, that would go against the rules.
Yes, rules.
1. Matter's of mankind should be solved by mankind
2. Mythical beings can never directly reveal themselves to mankind.
Yes without acknowledgement of their existence, mythical beings would die out, forgotten by all, but it is also against the rules to reveal themselves. So the spread of rumors, false sightings, and "evidence" is done purposefully.
Those who failed to follow the rules were confided to regions where belief of their lore was the strongest.
The sorcerers were tasked with observing these regions, which explained why wendigos never ruled North America.
Of course there were ways to get around those two rules. But I have been warned by Mother Nature and the Sorcerer Supreme that even though I an human, Santa can not purposefully reveal himself to the world.
Unfair to those who desperately want to believe in me, yes, but that is how it goes.
Then again "Seeing isn't believing, believing is seeing"
As I was preparing to take my lunch break, Mr. Bedford arrived.
"Hello Santa can I have a word?"
"Sure, but call me Mr. Kringle, I'm on break"
"Alright then Mr. Kringle I have a favor I wanted to ask, but before that... you know Susan Walker, right?"
"Yes, we have spoken a couple of times. Bright young girl, but also skeptical."
"Let me guess she doesn't believe in you?"
"No... no she does not and that skepticism stems from her mother, an intelligent woman herself."
"I can't speak for Ms. Walker, but give Susan some time. I have no doubt you will be able to convince her"
"But... on another note. I am planning on inviting her mother for dinner tonight and I—WE are hoping you could babysit for the night."
"I see... its not something I have done before, but it should not be a problem."
"Thank you. Here is the address and the time. Again... thank you so much for your help."
"No problem"
Several hours later
Usually when I visit a home or apartment it is a quick in-and-out, where no one knows that a myth just stepped inside. So spending the night babysitting was a nice change of pace.
Together with Susan, I decided to do the things I never got the chance to do with Charlie. We shared a bowl of sugar, took some shots of chocolate liquor, cleaned out my pistols, field-dressed the neighbor's cat, and finally looked for women through the window.
...
...
Okay.. Okay... in reality we just stayed within the apartment and watched a movie on the television. We also talked a bit about my work for Cole's and what we think about Mr. Bedford.
Still a man could dream...
...right?
Afterward it was time for Susan to go to bed
"Are you sure that there is nothing you want for Christmas? If it is a secret don't worry it is safe with me!"
Are a moment of silence Susan walks over to a dresser and pulls out a folded piece of paper.
Straightening the paper out I realize that it is an image of a family, cut out from a magazine.
"That is what I want for Christmas. A house to live in with my mother, a dad and a brother. It is my greatest wish. If you are really Santa Claus you can get it for me."
DING
[ For some children the best gifts isn't toys, but a family. Susan Walker has shared her wish and while outside your purview you are willing to do your best to satisfy her wish. Its time to show what Santa can really do.
Help Susan gain her family dream.
Father (pending)
Brother (-)
House (-)
Award=???
Failure= Loss of Christmas cheer]
"If you can't you are just a nice man with a white beard like my mother says."
"Well... it is a tall order and parts of your request isn't even under my purview."
Susan interrupted my reasoning "If Santa Claus is truly real then gifting me a family for Christmas should be small potatoes compared to visiting all the children of the world in a single night."
..." Very well I'll see what I can do"