Im Santa?!

I’m Santa?!

(Chapter two of Wrapped in love!)

After landing I look around.

"Does this look like home to you?!" Dad asks furiously.

"This is their home dad!" Charlie says, looking around in awe.

A kid with pointed ears walks out from the woods. He opens up the side of a pole and inputs a number. The ground begins to shake as we descend into the ground.

"What the fu—dge" I stop myself.

We fully descend into what looks like a toy factory. Kids with pointed ears stop what they are doing and stare at us. Some point and some gasp.

"Where are all the grown ups?" Dad asks to no one.

"This is so cool!" Charlie says, his eyes gleaming.

"You two stay here! I'll figure out where we are and what's going on." I say climbing out of the sleigh.

I spot the closest kid and call out to them.

"Hey! Who's in charge here?" I ask walking up to them.

"You are." The girl answers.

"No, who gives the orders? Who's your boss?" I clarify.

"You are." She glares.

"Who's the head elf, then?" I ask, hands on my hips.

"I told you! You are!" She glares daggers at me.

A boy around my age comes up and crosses his arms.

"Hey! Who's causin' all the trouble around here?" He directs to the girl.

"They are." She points at me.

"I was just asking—" I start until the boy cuts me off.

"Are we on a coffee break?"

"We don't drink coffee." The girl answers.

"Well then I guess the break is over! Back to work! Thanks!" He says, hands on his hips.

"Hey take it easy on her, will you?" I huff.

"I'm Bernard. Nice to meet you San- you're not Santa." He stops, looking me over once, confused.

"Of course I'm not, Santa's not real so I couldn't be him." I raise a brow at him.

"The guy with you must be the new Santa then." Bernard crosses his arms.

"I'm not santa either!" I hear dad argue.

"I thought I told you to stay with Charlie. I have this under control." I say with an even temper.

"Whoever put on the suit first is santa, that must be you." Bernard points to dad.

"I didn't touch that suit!" Dad defends.

"So you are Santa?" Bernard questions me.

"No!" I sputter.

"The other Santa disappeared, right?" He starts walking away.

" Wait a minute. Hey, I know where this is goin'. It wasn't my fault. The other guy fell. It was an accident. I've got homeowner's insurance and a good attorney. Not as good as my wife's, but let's not open up that wound. Hold it a minute. Wh-Whoa, whoa, whoa. How did you know the other guy was gone?" Dad follows after him.

I follow after him.

"Can I get you a drink?" Bernard asks.

"I'm hungry and thirsty too!" I feel a tug on my coat sleeve and hear my brothers voice.

"Charlie, I thought I told you to stay in the sleigh." Dad tells him.

"Like you're one to talk." I cross my arms.

"Who's this?" Bernard asks.

"This is my brother, Charlie." I say, side hugging him.

"Hiya sport!" Bernard smiles at him.

"Hey, Dad, he called me 'sport' just like you two!" Charlie beams.

"Hey, you know what. I got somethin' for you." Bernard says pulling a snow globe from his bag.

"Okay, now hold out your hand, all right? Now, be very careful. This is very old, just like me." He carefully hand's Charlie the globe.

"Shake it up Charlie." I urge.

Charlie shakes it gently and Charlie's eyes go wide as the globe changes.

"Why don't you, uh, hold onto it for me for a while. It might come in handy." He smirks.

"Thanks. Thanks a lot. I promise I'll take real good care of it." Charlie nods.

"Make sure you do!" Bernard affirms.

Charlie wanders off to show dad the snow globe.

"Larry, take Charlie and the dad here and get them some chow." Bernard calls out to another kid.

They get escorted to somewhere and I'm left standing alone with Bernard. He gives me a once over and huffs.

"I guess you are Santa." He says.

"Look, I am not Santa!" I rebuttal.

"Did you or did you not read the card?" Bernard asks, annoyed.

"Yeah I read the card." I confirm.

"Then you're the new Santa. In putting on the hat and jacket you accepted the contract." He reiterates.

"The card in the Santa suit. You said you read it, right? So when you put on the suit, you fell subject to the Santa Clause. 'ln putting on this suit and entering the sleigh the wearer waives any and all rights to any previous identity, real or implied, and fully accepts the duties and responsibilities of Santa Claus. in perpetuity until such time that wearer becomes unable to do so by either accident or design.'" He reads off the card.

"That's ridiculous. I put on the suit because I was cold!" I try to explain.

"Try to understand this!" Bernard snaps.

All the kids around us stop and ooh at us.

"Let me explain something to you, okay? Toys have to be delivered. I'm not gonna do it. It's not my job. I'm just an elf. It's Santa's job, but Santa fell off a roof, your roof. You read the card, you put on the suit. That clearly falls under the Santa Clause." Bernard says, annoyed.

"So I'm Santa now?" I question.

"Yes." He breathes.

"But, Santa's supposed to be a guy. And I am not." I try to reason.

Charlie runs towards me with open arms, dad following behind.

"You have got to see this (y/n)!" Charlie gasps.

"You leave tomorrow morning. You have eleven months to get your affairs in order, and you're due back here Thanksgiving." Bernard says demandingly.

"They're not comin' back here on Thanksgiving!" Dad interjects.

"I'll ship the list to your house." Bernard tells me.

"The list?" I question.

"Come on, now. The list." Bernard gestures.

"He's makin a list," he starts.

"Checking it twice!" Charlie chimes in.

"Gonna find out who's naughty and nice!" The rest of the elves chime in.

Bernard's hands cover his face in embarrassment.

"Look, you put a "P" next to the kids who are nice and a "C" next to the naughty ones." He pulls his hands away.

"'P' and 'c'?" I raise my eyebrows.

""P" for present, "C" for coal, right, Bernard?" Charlie asks.

"Right. Now we got to get you out of those clothes. You all look soaked. Judy? Take dad to his room and then take Charlie to his please?" He asks an elf with a pointed hat.

"What do I do?" I ask.

"I'll bring you to your room. We have lots to discuss."

The list and wrapping duty

(Chapter 7 of two souls entwined in the North Pole)

It's been a week since Bernard showed up in the bakery. Dad is officially on thin ice. He showed up at Charlie's soccer game and apparently all the children lined up to sit on his lap. And he let them! I'm driving home from work and as I pull up the delivery man pulls up as well. I get out and go up to the truck.

"S.c?" The delivery man asks.

"My dad. I'll sign for it though." I say, initialing the papers.

"All right, I'll get your packages." The guy says, unloading multiple large boxes.

"Packages?" I ask, scrunching my nose slightly.

"Yes, there's many of them here." The man says.

I quickly go unlock the front door, propping it open so he can set them inside.

After over ten minutes the man finally hands the last package directly to me. I shut the door with my hip and set down the package onto the kitchen table. I get a knife and cut the package open. Inside is a list long enough to wrap around the house.

"What's this?" I mumble.

"The list." I hear a voice behind me call out.

Turning around I see Bernard standing there with several rolls of wrapping paper and a roll of ribbon. He sets them down, leaning them against the wall.

" I can see that. Why's it here?" I gesture to the multiple boxes scattered through the walkway.

"Your dad has to check them. Remember, p for present and c for coal." Bernard nods.

"What's that for?" I ask, pointing  to the wrapping paper.

"Training. Remember when I said your part is harder than your dads. Today we will be tackling wrapping." He picks up the now empty box that carried one part of 'the list'.

" Ok, I guess. But let's move to my room. I don't want my dad having a heart attack when he gets home. I don't think he'll believe you're real even if he sees you." I say taking the paper and ushering Bernard up the stairs.

I open my bedroom door and pull Bernard in, shutting and locking it behind me.

"Dad's got no sense of privacy so I'm gonna have to keep the door locked. Otherwise he'd come in and see, well, you, I guess." I explain.

"Has the santafacation process begun yet? It usually only takes three three months to be complete." Bernard asks, sitting on the edge of my bed.

"Santafacation? You mean my dad growing a beard that can't be shaved off, his hair turning white, and him gaining 150 pounds? If so than yes." I turn back to him.

"Oh good. I was afraid that the unwillingness would effect it." Bernard sighs.

"So wrapping and ribbon tying?" I ask.

"Yes, two very important parts of Christmas. We will practice until you get it just right." He pulls out tape and scissors and sets them next to the paper.

This is gonna be a long time.

(TIME SKIP BROUGHT TO YOU BY FED EX)

It's been over three hours wrapping. I finally got it just right. I've been fumbling over the ribbon tying though. I can't seem to get it right.

"Christmas Eve I believe it was 1955, Dubuque Iowa. Santa's making his way down a very dusty chimney when, CRASH- BOOM-ZING! A bow catches a rusty nail and rips off. Santa loses his footing and plummets all the way down through the chimney mr gets wedged between brick and cement and can't move. Now we don't want that to happen again do we?" Bernard monologues.

"That might be a little funny seeing my dad fall. But seeing as falling 20 feet instantly kills Santa's, maybe that's a bad idea." I look up at him.

"Is this one good enough yet?" I ask him handing the box to him.

"Exemplary, actually! I knew you could do it (y/n)!" He praises.

My cheeks heat up slightly. Somehow his praise makes me act different than others.

"Now, next time I see you we will work on placing the presents under the tree." Bernard stands.

"We don't have a tree. Mom used to buy us a real one each year, but after she passed we never bought one again." I get up off my knees.

"Well, we'll cross that bridge when we get to it." He shakes his head.

"Can you stay? Dad won't be home for a couple hours!" I ask him.

"Well, I don't feel great leaving Curtis in charge for too long." He rubs his arm.

"Please??? Just a little bit longer surly won't hurt!" I practically beg.

He sighs. "I guess half an hour more won't hurt."

I jump up, wrapping him in a tight hug. We nearly fall onto my bed with the amount of force I put into the hug.

" I like you, ya know?" I whisper to him.

"I kinda got that when you kissed me." He whispers back.

I snort and place a kiss on his cheek. Suddenly my ears start to feel like they are on fire.

"Ow!" I say, hand going up to rub my ear.

"What's wrong?" Bernard's face shows concern.

"My ears have been killing me lately. I don't know why though." I sit on my bed, legs crossed.

"I didn't think it'd happen this quickly. I guess I should have warned you." He grimaces, sitting down next to me.

"Warned me what?!" I ask, face full of worry.

"Well, uh, you're ears are changing." He takes my hands into his.

"Changing?" I ask, baffled.

"You know how your dad's changing. You're changing too. Just not as much. You've already got the power to talk to animals, but now your ears are going to become pointed. Your ears are going to hurt until they have fully transformed." Bernard discloses.

"Ugh," I groan. "how long will that take?"

"Actually I don't think you'll have to worry about that anymore." Bernard bites his thumb.

"What does that mean?" I ask.

"You might want to look in the mirror." Bernard says, like the fox caught in the henhouse.

I rush to my bathroom. Looking in the mirror I can see that my ears are now pointed. How am I gonna be able to walk around like this. Good thing that hat has ear flaps.

I walk out of the bathroom, cheeks red from partial embarrassment. Bernard's got the same look in his eyes when we kissed last.

"I love you." He blurts out, hand quickly covering is mouth and eyes going wide.

"I think I love you too Bernard." I swallow.

I walk over to him, pulling him onto the bed with me. His eyes dart from mine to my lips. I reach up and brush the hair from his face. Even sitting down, he's taller than me. He kisses me, one hand on my back and the other entwined writhing my own hand. This is different from before. More passionate. Our lips clash against each other. Suddenly a knock at my door pulls us away from each other.

"Honey! I'm back from work! I was wondering if you wanted to order pizza for dinner tonight!" My dads voice snaps is out of it.

"We'll talk later. I'm sorry we got interrupted." I whisper into his neck.

"It's fine. We will have plenty of time in ten months or so." He whispers back, a ghost of a smile on his lips.

I get up and walk to the door. I turn around and see Bernard gone.

"Yeah! Pizza sounds awesome! Can we get a veggie lovers one this time though?" I ask, unlocking the door.

I swing the door open and see my dad standing there. It seems like he's gotten bigger if possible. His eyes go to my ears and I subconsciously go to cover them.

"What the hell is this (y/n)? What's up with your ears?" He says pulling on one of them.

"First off, ow. Secondly, it's part of my transformation. Like you gained weight and grew a beard. I grew pointed ears." I explain.

"This is crazy! That was just a dream!" He says, trying to convince himself more than me.

"It wasn't a dream dad!" I argue with him.

"How do you know that?" He asks.

"Because my soulmate has been visiting me when your at work! That's how!" I burst at him without thinking.

"What? Soulmate?!" Dad stands confused.

"Yes! Bernard ended up being my soulmate. That's why I was born with a tattoo! Because it's not a tattoo, but a way of knowing who your soulmate is!" I seeth.

"Why that's wonderful!" Dad squeezes me.

"Too tight dad!" I choke out.

" I guess I knew that that night was real, but logic stopped me from realizing it." He let's me go.

"I love you dad." I hug him.

"I love you too honey." He hugs me back.

Caught and Laura is a bitch

(Chapter 9 of two souls entwined in the North Pole)

"What the hell is this?!"

I wake up with a start, nearly falling off the bed. An arm pulls me back before I can fall. I open my eyes as Bernard pulls me back up. I recognize that voice as my fathers. Uh oh.

"Why is there a person in your bed with you? And with Charlie here nonetheless! I though you were more responsible than this." Dad degrades me.

"Ugh. Can you turn it down a few notches first." I groan. "Secondly it's just my boyfriend!"

The light flicks on and I shield my eyes. "I'm sorry that my dad is insane Bernard." I apologize.

"Bernard! How the hell did you even get here?" Dad asks.

"Magic." Bernard deadpans, running his eyes from the light.

"Well, I apologize (y/n). But you should have told me." Dad shuffles into the room.

I rub my forehead as Bernard scoots closer to me.

"Told you what? My soulmate from the North Pole is spending the night?" I ask exasperated.

"Well when you put it like that..." dad mumbles.

"What's going on in here?" A small voice rings out from the doorway.

Charlie stands there, blanket in hand and a teddy bear dressed as Santa Claus tucked under his arm.

"Nothing sport. Your dad just didn't know I was staying over tonight." Bernard explains.

"Can I sleep in here with you guys? I had a nightmare!" Charlie stumbles to the bed.

I look to Bernard and he nods.

"Come on buddy. You'll be safe in here with us." I smile, picking Charlie up from the ground.

"I'm sorry for accusing you kid. I've just been so stressed going through these changes." Dad starts.

"I have too! My ears have grown points and I can now talk to animals. I'm still developing powers and Bernard has been helping me." I explain.

"So... how long has this been going on exactly?" Dad asks.

"Well... kinda since a week after the incident." I grimace.

"I mean no disrespect Santa. But they ARE my soulmate. This would have happens whether you became Santa or not." Bernard clasps his hand in mine.

"I guess we always knew you were destined for something greater than this. I just wish your mother could see you now." Dad starts tearing up.

"Oh, dad!" I get up, hugging him tight.

He realizes me from the hug and pats my shoulder.

"I think I'm going to need some sleep kiddo. Have a good night." He kisses me on the cheek, his beard tickling my cheek.

He shuts the door behind him, turning off the lights in the process.

"I'm sorry, I wouldn't have stayed or I knew you'd get in trouble." Bernard starts.

I cut him off with a quick kiss.

"Don't you even start Mr! I wanted you here as much as you wanted to stay. Now let's get some well deserved rest."

"Yes my snowbird." He beams at me.

Charlie snuggles into my side, practically straddling my leg. Bernard reaches around me and scoots as close as he can.

"Goodnight darling." I yawn.

(TIME SKIP BROUGHT TO YOU BY TEDDY BEARS)

I woke up to no Bernard. The pajamas he borrowed neatly folded and set on the bedside table. Today is the dad Laura is taking dad to court. With our luck it won't be a good outcome. And with Charlie telling everyone about dad being Santa makes it seem like he's in unfit father. I'm going to court with him to testify for him to keep custody.

Charlie is cuddled into my side lightly snoring. I look sadly down at him, knowing that today very well may be the last time I see him. I gently scoot away. Taking this time to get dressed. I put on a blazer, collared shirt, slacks and a clip on tie. I ponder how to hide my ears and settle on a thick elastic headband. I walk downstairs and start to get breakfast ready.

"So, how do I look?" Dad saunters into the kitchen.

I turn to see him barely fitting into his suit.

"Err..." I pull a face and shake my head.

"I guess I'll just go with a sweater." Dad trudges off.

"Pancakes!!!" Charlie runs into the kitchen, hopping up onto the bar stool by the kitchen island.

"Yes, pancakes with maple syrup just for you!" I set the plate in front of him.

"Thanks (y/n)! You're the best!" Charlie says before shoveling pancakes into his mouth.

"Now remember! You can't say anything about Bernard, or dad being Santa, or me being the spirit of Christmas. Can you remember that sport?" I ruffle his hair.

"I'll try!" Charlie smiles.

“Good." I smile back.

After breakfast we all head into the car. I buckle Charlie's car seat and hop into the passenger seat of the car. It takes about ten minutes to drive to the courthouse and it's silent the entire way. Everything has a nervous air about it.

We go into the building and the proceedings start. Soon I am called to the stand.

"Your honor, Scott has been nothing but a good father to Charlie and I. He raised me on his own when my mother died as a young child. He's been constantly working to provide for Charlie and I. Never a day went by that we were hungry or not wanted. I want nothing but the best for Charlie." I tell the judge and he dismisses me from the courtroom.

Sitting outside the courtroom, I can't help but feel teary eyed. Dad comes out soon.

"They're talking to Charlie one on one. They said they'll call us back when they reached a verdict." Dad says, tears blooming in the corners of his eyes.

I pay the back of dad and I hear the potter patter of little footsteps.

"It's all okay. I told the judge everything about you and the North Pole!" Charlie beams.

Uh oh.

We are called back into the room. I sit next to dad, his hand enveloping mine.

The judge bangs his gavel and begins to speak. "After reviewing all of your testimonies, I've come to a very difficult decision. I'm sorry to do this in light of the holiday season, but in the best interest of the child, I'm granting the petition of Dr and Mrs Miller. Mr Calvin, as of today, all of your visitation rights are suspended pending a hearing after the first of the year."

Tears leak from my eyes and I have to support dad from collapsing in anguish. Leaving the courtroom all I can think is 'Laura is such a mega bitch!'

Charlie's best night ever

(Chapter one of Wrapped in love!)

I hear a commotion and rush downstairs. In the door way is dad hissing at mom? Making my way into the living room I see Charlie staring in wonderment at the colored lights adorning the tree, a giant, color changing star sits on the very top. Ornaments we've made over the years are speckled throughout the tree. Charlie and I's faces are framed and hung near the top. That picture was taken the Christmas before the divorce. I remember how all Charlie asked for that Christmas was for the fighting to stop. It's sad when a 4 year old asks to keep their family together. I wrote a letter as 'Santa' to apologize. I wrote that it was out of my hands and that if they were happier apart that you should be happy for them. I remember the downtrodden look he had after reading the letter. I had started work as a librarian rather than go off to college. I had to keep dad afloat. If I wasn't here I don't know what he would have done.

"Why do they always have to fight?" Charlie urged.

"Dad's just playing. You know how he is." I give him a side hug.

I hear the door shut and dad walks into the room.

"Your mother said that you no longer believe in Santa. Is that true?" Dad asks, hand on Charlie's shoulder.

"Santa's for babies!" Charlie shrugs.

"I believe in Santa, and so does dad. Are we babies?" I ask.

"Well, I guess if you believe, I can too. Since you're so smart you'd know what's real and what's not." Charlie smiles up at us.

"That's better! Now how 'bout I make you two the best Christmas dinner you've ever had?" Dad pulls out a cookbook and thumbs through the first few pages for poultry.

"8 hours! If I turn the heat up high, it will cook faster." Dad whispers to himself.

Charlie gives me a knowing look and I stick out my tongue, making him giggle. He pulls me by my sleeve into the living room.

"Let's watch the muppets Christmas carol!" He says, turning on the roku and putting Disney plus on.

"Oooh, you know me too well buddy!" I plop down beside him.

The credits begin to roll when smoke comes billowing out of the kitchen. Through it dad can be seen using a fire extinguisher on the turkey.

"I think dad needs some help." Charlie nudges me.

"Yeah, let's go help him sport." I say getting up and walking to the archway of the kitchen as Charlie follows me and climbs into a chair.

"Need some help?" I lean into the arch.

"Help?! No! Everything's fine!" Dad whips his head to us, moving to block the sight of the burnt turkey.

" That is exactly why you want a high-quality fire extinguisher right in the kitchen." He waves smoke away.

"Those flames were really big, dad!" Charlie flaps his arms.

"Yeah, turkey's funny like that." Dad excuses his idiocy as flames engulf the turkey.

"Dad!" We shout as I point behind him.

He douses the turkey with foam and wipes the sweat from his brow.

"It's done." I joke.

Dad glares lightly and responds "Let's just go out to eat!"

We pile into the car and begin to drive, dad naming off several restaurants then disappointingly sighing at them being closed. We soon come to Denny's. It's probably the only thing open at this time of night on Christmas Eve.

"How about Dennys, sport?" I turn and ask him.

"I don't wanna eat here!" Charlie sticks his tongue out, and shakes his head.

"Well sport, it's the only thing open and I don't think we want another turkey debacle." I say opening the car door and unloading him.

"What are you talkin' about? Everybody likes Denny's." Dad crosses his arms. "It's an American institution!"

"Sure dad." I hold Charlie's hand as we enter the restaurant.

"Are you with Hatsutashi?" The hostess asks.

"No!" Dad starts before Charlie interrupts.

"Dad burnt the turkey!" Charlie says one hand on his hip.

"Oh, yeah. This way. Come on. Right over there." She points to one of the only open booths.

We sit down and two servers walk up.

"Hi, I'm Judy and this is Bernard. I'm training him tonight so he's gonna help out with your table." The lady now identified as Judy explains.

"Coffee?" The man offers.

"Yes please!" I hold up my mug.

"What do you say we start out with cold glasses of delicious seasonal favourite eggnog?" Dad suggests.

"Dad, he's a kid. He doesn't like eggnog." I advise him.

"We're out" the lady snaps.

"Ok then, he'll have chocolate milk." I nod to Charlie.

"Ooh, sorry we're out." The man says sheepishly.

"Plain milk's fine." Charlie sighs.

The woman walks away as the man scrambles after her.

"At least we know they got hot apple pie!" Dad smiles.

"We did!" The lady's calls to him.

His smile drops and we order our food, eat, pay, tip, and load back into the car.

We go back inside and I carry Charlie up into his room, dad following close behind.

Dad busts out the ancient night before Christmas book. He reads about half way through before Charlie interrupts.

"What's that?"

"What's what?" Dad queries.

"A rose suchak ladder?" He sounds out.

"It's arose such a clatter, sport. Arose means it came and clatter is a loud noise. So it means there was a lot of noise." I tuck him in.

"Yes, now, please, go to sleep. Shut your eyes." Dad stands up, not finishing the story.

"How do reindeers fly?" Charlie asks.

"Antlers. You know, ther-- ther-- there's a slipstream effect-- The air go--T-They move fa-- They're weightless." Dad stutters out.

"The only reason they can fly, is 'cuz they think they can fly. Like bees sport." I kiss his forehead.

"That makes sense. Good night dad! Goodnight (y/n)!" Charlie calls out.

We close the door and dad turns to me.

"Thanks for saving me back there (y/n)." Dad pats my back and walks me to my room.

"Anytime dad, anytime." I smile at him.

"Now, don't stay up too late. Charlie is sure to wake us up early in the morning to open presents." Dad warns.

"I know dad," I close the door.

Kneeling down beside my bed, I pull out a tote full of gifts to wrap for Charlie from 'Santa'. I begin wrapping and after three hours all the presents are wrapped. Suddenly I hear something weird. Like someone's walking on the roof. But that would be impossible. I slide the tote back under my bed and focus on the noise coming from above me. A small hand grabs mine and I jump. Turning around I see Charlie with wide eyes.

"I heard a clatter!" He cries.

"Yes, yes I know. You go get dad and I'll go out and check. Don't you worry sport." I ruffle his hair.

He nods and runs off to wake dad. I rush down the stairs and throw on my shoes. Opening the door I run out, nearly falling and busting my ass. Getting outside I see the impossible, someone walking of the roof of the house.

"Hey you!" I yell out.

Suddenly the man falls and plummets from the roof the same moment dad and Charlie arrive outside.

"You got him!" Charlie cheers.

"Stay there!" I call to them, but they don't listen.

"It is santa! You killed him!" Charlie pokes the man.

"They did not!" Dad moves closer.

"And he's not Santa sport" I pull him away.

"Well, he was." He says.

I move forward and reach out towards the man. "Fella, if you can hear me, I'm just lookin' for your identification. Once I figure out who ya are, I'll-- I'll give you a lift back to the mall."

I reach inside his coat pocket and pull out a small business card.

"lf something should happen to me, put on my suit. The reindeer will know what to do." I read out.

"Yeah right." Dad scoffs.

I look back down to check on the man but I find nothing but a pile of clothes.

"He disappeared." I gasp.

"He's naked somewhere!" Dad says like that was an option.

"You gonna put on the suit like the suit said?" Charlie asks me.

"Maybe in a minute sport. It is cold out here." I pat his head.

We turn around to see a ladder suddenly from the pavement to the roof.

Charlie runs up to it.

"It's the ladder!" He gasps.

"What?!" Dad demands.

"The rose suchac ladder company" Charlie reads out. "Like in the poem!"

"In the poem?" Dad shakes his head.

Charlie starts climbing the ladder and is soon on the roof.

"Get down from there Charlie!" Dad calls after him.

"You just gotta see this!" Charlie calls down to us.

Dad climbs after him. I'm freezing my ass off here so I might as well put on these pants. Pulling them on and putting on the matching coat I can feel a strange warmth permeate my very bones. I follow dad onto the roof.

"Hey sport, why don't you step back from them. I don't want you to get sick." I whisk Charlie into the sleigh.

"Easy Rudolph!" Dad shrugs at the reindeer.

"Check out Santa's sleigh!" Charlie calls to dad.

Dad trudges over to us and into the sleigh.

"There's no such thing as Santa's sleigh." Dad places his hands on his hips.

"Sure there is. You said you believed in Santa, right?" I glare at him.

"I did? I do!" He corrects himself.

"What about the reindeer? These are Santa's reindeer, aren't they?" Charlie thinks.

"I hope not." I mutter.

"I hope not. These are, uh, a gift! Probably from the cable company. We're getting the Disney Channel now. Merry Christmas." Dad rattles off.

"Now hop out now!" Dad scolds.

"I don't wanna go!" Charlie pouts.

"Listen, Charlie. I'm not kidding. Let's go!" He yells.

Suddenly the sleigh takes off, dad toppling over into the back bench, upside down. Charlie takes the reins and I help him. The sleigh lands on a roof.

"Now what do we do?" I ask dad and Charlie.

"Get the bag full of toys!" Charlie points to a sack I didn't notice before.

"(Y/n)! Don't you dare!" Dad scolds.

I grab the bag and step out of the sleigh.

"Sorry dad." I say shrugging.

Suddenly I'm rising into the air, being dragged by the bag and I'm sucked down a chimney.

"What the fuck was that?" I ask myself.

"Guess I gotta deliver the gifts." I say gently placing them under the tree.

I hear a growl and turn around to see a Rottweiler baring his teeth at me.

"It's ok! I'm here to deliver presents!" I whisper yell at it.

It whines and turns around, trotting out of the room.

"How the fuck did that work?" I question, getting sucked up back the chimney.

I land back onto the roof. Dads face is shocked and Charlie is delighted.

"How'd it feel?!" Charlie asks.

"Like americas most wanted. Now let's go!" I climb into the sleigh and we take off just to land on a near by house.

"There's no chimney guys!" I tell the reindeer, like a crazy person.

The bag lifts me up anyway and I began to plea with it. Suddenly I am forced down a smoke stack and out a chimney that wasn't there seconds before. I fall onto my ass and stand up rubbing it. I begin to put toys under the tree when I hear a gasp. Turning around I see a little girl.

"Santa?!" She gasps.

"Close, but I'll give it to ya." I grin at her.

"How come your clothes are so baggy?" She tilts her head.

"Because I need to layer up so I'm not cold." I pull out of my ass.

"And how come you've got glasses?"

"Santa's eyes aren't so good." I straighten my back for effect.

"How come you're not a boy?"

"Who said Santa's gotta be a boy?" I gleam.

"You've got to drink the milk!" She points to a cup of milk that's sat out for who knows how long.

"Sorry Sarah, I'm lactose intolerant." I smile softly at her.

"How did you know my name?" She asks.

How did I?

"Because I know everything. And I know you should be asleep by now. So off you go!" I usher her back to the couch.

I walk back into the chimney and get sucked back up.

"How'd you get in without a fireplace?" Charlie bounces.

"Yeah, how did you?" Dad joins in.

"I don't know. One just kinda appeared." I shrug.

"Take us back home guys!" I crack the reins and we become airborne.

After a while we arrive in a small patch of land covered in snow and surrounded by pine trees. What the hell is this place?

The spirit of Christmas?! (chapter 4)

The hallways seem to twist and turn in random directions but Bernard seems to know how to navigate it like the back of his hand. He looks back to make sure I'm still following every once in a while. I'm practically tearing off my skin at this point. My tattoo is hot to the touch and I can feel it through my sleeve. Bernard rubs his wrist every now and then, looking to me with furrowed brows. It seems like an eternity following him when we finally are met with a door. It's rounded with light blue paint on it. Strings of pine decorate it with painted on snowflakes speckled onto the varnish. Bernard reaches into his impossibly large bag and fishes out a key, it's handle matching the doors design. Turning the key and pushing on the door it gives a large creak, almost like it hadn't been used in decades.

"Well this is it." Bernard says, fully turning to me. "Welcome home (y/n)!"

"Your home maybe! Not mine!" I joke.

"Well, your home too now. At least it will be after the next eleven months." Bernard says sternly.

He motions into the room and I enter. The entire room is ice blue, except the few red and green accents. The biggest bed I've ever seen sits on the back wall. It may look like winter in here but I feel like I'm being boiled alive. Bernard follows in behind me.

"No offense, but this is bullshit!" I growl out at him.

He looks slightly taken aback but replies with "well I'm sorry you feel that way"

"Look, I stopped believing in Santa a long time ago. This has got to be some demented nightmare my mind has conjured up. One moment a guys falling off our roof and I'm putting on an old trapper hat I found the next I'm here and your spewing nonsense about me being the spirit of Christmas!" I say sitting onto the bed.

"Well, whether you believe it or not, you are now Christmas spirit." He says standing in front of me.

I take off the blasted hat that began this all and set it beside me. I begin to roll up my sleeves when I hear Bernard let out a soft gasp.

"Umm, what's your last name again?" Bernard stutters out.

"Calvin, why?" I blink in confusion.

I go to itch my arm and Bernard seizes my wrist.

"Ah! Fuck that hurt! What the hell is wrong with you dude! You're being really weird!" I yank my arm away, gently rubbing my wrist where he grabbed it.

"Language! But uh, I don't know how to say this," Bernard starts.

"Say what? That I've finally lost my marbles and need a mental evaluation?" I spit.

"We're soulmates," he breathes, calmly grabbing his sleeve and pulling upward.

Lo and behold there in the same handwriting reads the words (Y/N) CALVIN.

"What's a soulmate?" I hear a quiet voice ask from the doorway.

We both whip our heads around to find Charlie standing a few steps in the doorway.

I rush to him, sweeping him into a protective embrace.

"It's like a best friend, but more. It's the one person in the world that knows you better than anyone else. It's who you're destined to spend eternity with." Bernard tries to explain without fumbling over words.

"Well, sissy (y/n) hates Christmas, so I don't think she's your soulmate" Charlie says and then waddles over to the bed.

"Well, they'll learn to love it because they are now the spirit of Christmas, sport!" Bernard shakes his head, curls bouncing in every direction.

"Yeah, not gonna happen dude." I raise my eyebrows and lift Charlie onto the giant bed.

"Well it's got to happen or you and I both die. So..." Bernard trails off.

"How about I get is some hot coco and we talk about this?" Bernard tries persuading me.

"Ok I guess, but don't think that this will change anything!" I call after him as he leaves.

"He's nice." Charlie smiles at me.

"Yeah he is, but I think we will be talking about adult business, so... scram" I shoo him out of the room.

I flop on the bed and close my eyes, hoping once I open them I'll be back home in my bed.

"This can't be real!" I tell myself.

"It's 'bout as real as it gets." A voice cuts through my thoughts.

I open my eyes to see Bernard approaching with a mug in each hand. He hands me one and I cautiously take a sip. It's the best thing I've ever tasted. I set the mug onto a nearby coaster to cool off.

"So... what's the nonsense about soulmates?" I ask him.

"Every elf has a soulmate. It just makes things easier here. But never in my two thousand years of living would I have guessed that mine would be a human. Let along the child of Santa and the spirit of Christmas. I didn't know it was even possible." Bernard explains.

"This is crazy! I feel like I'm loosening it. First soulmates, Santa, Christmas spirits, This has got to be the weirdest experience ever!" I rant.

"Well you're stuck with the pole now." Bernard pats my back and I feel warmth radiating from my tattoo.

"Yeah, fat chance this is even real. When I wake up I'll be back in my bed." I retort.

"Well, yeah. You have to get ready to move here. Can't just yank you from your home you know." Bernard sasses.

"What's this b.s. about Christmas spirit now?" I raise my eyebrows at him.

"I'll have to train you. I'll stop by whenever I can and teach you how to use your magic." Bernard illustrates.

"This is crazy. I have a job! I can't just wait around for an imaginary soulmate to show up and teach me magic! I have to support my dad!" I clamor while jumping up.

"I can see that this is getting us nowhere. It's fine you're in denial right now but here. Take this." Bernard fishes around in his satchel and pulls out a locket.

"Rub this whenever you need to see me and I'll be there. No matter the time." Bernard clasps it around my neck.

"If I'm your soulmate, wouldn't you want me here now?" I ask lifting a brow.

"I've waited over two thousand years for you, what's one more?" Bernard smiles a sad smile.

I rush forward without thinking, my arms wrapping around Bernard's neck and causing him to wobble.

"I'm sorry. If you were real I'd gladly stay here with you!" I cry.

My eyes water and he hugs me like I might slip away at any moment.

"Well, I think you'll be seeing a lot more of me around." Bernard smiles.

"You better get to sleep though. I'll always be with you, right here." He pats my chest and makes his way to the door.

"Goodnight Bernard!" I call to him.

"Goodnight snowflake!" He calls back, closing the door behind him.

I reach for the folded pajamas Bernard left. I unfold them to see that they are embroidered with my initials. I change into them and pull the covers back. This has to be the softest pajamas I've ever felt. I nearly melt into the soft sheets. My tattoo no longer burns. I hope I have this dream every night!

Rescue mission

(Chapter 12 of two souls entwined in the North Pole)

Bernard had finally gotten some time to himself. Pouring himself a cup of bubbling green liquid, he sits at the workshops chemist room. Suddenly, curtis rushes in.

"We've got a problem. Santa was at the Miller's, but he's not responding!" Curtis cries.

"What?!" Bernard jumps out of his seat, nearly shattering his mug in the process.

His soulmate was in danger! He could sense it. What it was, he did not know, but he knew it was bad. Laura had to have something to do with this!

"Do you want us to deploy the e.l.f.s., sir?" Curtis asks, bouncing on his heels.

"Absolutely! I'm coming with them!" Bernard quickly threw on his long coat.

"But sir, you're needed here!" Curtis protests.

"My soulmate is out there! In trouble! As their mate I am required to risk anything and everything to keep them safe! Need I remind you, keeper of the handbook?!" Bernard fights back and Curtis throws his hands up in defense.

"I guess I could take over for you, while you're gone." Curtis suggests.

"As much as I don't want to do that, you'll have to." Bernard rushes off, leaving a concerned Curtis behind.

Rushing to the E.L.F.S department, Bernard curses himself. If only he had gone with,none of this would have happened. If only he didn't agreed to Charlie tagging along, even if he had some good ideas. It was way too risky for him to do. But he couldn't just say no to his soulmates brother.

Making his way to the department, he slams open the door. Several elves jump and one falls out of their seat.

"Santa and the spirit of Christmas are in danger!" Bernard tells them.

"On our way sir!" The head of the department, an elf named Kenny, declares as all of them put on their jet packs.

"I'm coming with you guys." Bernard states, stepping forward slightly.

"If you say so, sir!" Kenny agrees.

Joining hands, they all disappear into a cloud of glitter. They appear on top of Charlie's roof.

As this is happening, a rather different performance is being drawn out in the holding cell with you and Scott.

"Look, I know you're Scott Calvin. You know you're Scott Calvin and (y/n) Calvin. So let's make this simple.  I say, names. You say, Scott Calvin and (y/n) Calvin. " The police officer pressures.

"Name?" He asks Scott.

"Kriss Kringle." Scott says smugly.

"Name?" He turns to you. 

"Christmas cheer." You protest.

"Name." He forces.

"Spirit of Christmas past, present, and future." You push.

"Name?" He asks for a third time, getting frustrated.

"Holiday joy. Festive cheer. Holiday blessings. Yuletide spirit. Festive joy. Joyous Noel.  Christmas spirit." You rattle off, laughing.

"Okay, Calvins. Maybe a couple of hours in the tank will change your mind." The officer growls and stomps out of the room.

Scott turns to you.

"It'll be ok honey," He smiles sadly.

You nod and blink away stray tears.

Meanwhile Bernard and the E.L.F.S. are preparing to rescue Charlie. They land on Charlie's roof where he is sitting.

"Charlie!" Bernard says to catch his attention.

Charlie turns his head and his eyes light up. Rushing over to Bernard he hugs his leg.

"Oh Bernard! They detained (y/n) and dad! They don't believe he's Santa! They think he kidnapped me!" Charlie sobs.

"Don't worry sport. We're here to rescue them." Bernard pats Charlie's head.

"We can't. The police are watching this place." Charlie looks at him.

"Yeah, they probably are. But you see, we weren't figuring on walking out the front door. We find that we can get around a lot faster if we fly. Now... grab hold of my hand. And hold on tight." Bernard presents his hand and Charlie grabs it.

"And Charlie," Bernard starts.

"Yeah?" Charlie inquires.

"Don't ever try this without elf supervision." He finishes.

I'm a split second they are flying through the air. It takes little time to end up at the police station. Landing, they walk into the station.

"We're looking for Santa Claus." Bernard steps forward.

"Go home, kids. Visiting hours are over." The security guard scoffs.

"We're not kids, and we're not visiting." Bernard presses.

"We're here to bust out my dad." Charlie chimes in.

"You're the Calvin boy. Who-- Who are these other kids?" The security guard stutters.

"We're your worst nightmare. Elves with attitude." Kenny glares.

In a split second the guard is tied to his chair with tinsel, unable to move.

"Shouldn't have had that doughnut. Oh! Untie me! I mean it! Untie—" The guard starts but they walk away.

Finding the holding cell was easy, getting them out might be a bit of a challenge though. Fiddling in his bag, Bernard pulls out an exact copy of the room key.

"Charlie!" "Bernard!" Both you and your dad cry out.

Bernard rushes over to where you are handcuffed to the table and with one touch, the handcuffs break off of you both. Throwing yourself into his arms you sniffle.

"You're really here!" You cry.

"You think I'd let you stay here snowbird?" He caresses your face.

"Never!" You pull him into a quick kiss.

"How'd you distract the guard?" Scott asks.

"Tinsel. Not just for decoration." Kenny places his hands on his hips.

"We gotta get you back sport." You tell Charlie.

He pouts, but eventually nods his head. They all clasp hands and teleport out of the holding cell. Landing at Charlie's house, Charlie opens the door. The ELFS dissipate back to the North Pole leaving Charlie, Scott, and you standing there. You look around for Bernard, but he's nowhere to be found. Sighing you stints the house after Charlie and your dad.

"Mom! Neil! I'm home!" He calls out.

Laura runs in from around the corner and Neil is close behind her. She scoops Charlie into a tight hug.

"Oh! My boy, you're home!" She cries.

"I'm fine, Mom." He says.

"Oh, Charlie. I missed you, honey." She hugs him tighter.

"Mom, I'm fine. It's okay." He reassure her.

"We were so worried about you. Look at you." She gives him a look over.

"Mom, put me down. Stop kissing me!" He pouts.

"We don't have a lot of time Charlie." You say, tapping your imaginary watch.

"Did you leave the gifts I made under the tree?" Charlie asks you.

"You bet we did sport!" You ruffle his hair.

"We better go!" Charlie gets loose from Laura.

"No, Charlie. No, no, no." Your dad stops him.

"No! No, wait, Charlie." Laura calls after him.

"It's ok Laura," You say.

"Actually I- I think its a much better idea" Your dad starts.

"That you stay here with your mom and Neil." You finish.

"But dad, (y/n)!" Charlie pouts.

"No buts, Charlie" dad shushes him.

"We can't be selfish. We can't be with you all the time." You start.

"We're a family. You, me , your mom, your sibling, and Neil." Your dad says.

"And they need to be with you too." You kneel down to him.

"I'll miss you too much." He mopes.

"Come on, listen. There's-- There's a lot of kids out there. Okay? Millions of kids. And they're-- They all-- They all believe in us. They're countin' on us, Charlie. And I-I'm not gonna let them down. We got a lot of work to do." Your dad explains.

"So I can't be selfish either." Charlie says through tears.

"You gave us a wonderful gift, Charlie. Listen, a wonderful gift. You believed in us when nobody else did. You helped make us what we are. Selfish! You're the least selfish person I know." You say, smooshing Charlie into a hug from you and your dad.

"I love you Santa Claus and Christmas spirit!" Charlie sobs out.

"I love you son." Your dad validate his emotions.

"I love you Charlie!" You confirm.

Charlie sobs and your dad gently shushes him. You turn to Laura.

"Yea what do you think? Christmas Eve you spend with Charlie?" You suggest.

"Oh my god!" She says in a hushed whisper, covering her mouth with her hands.

"It's you! It really is you!you really are... Santa Claus and the spirit of Christmas!" She smiles.

"Pretty cool, huh?" Your dad asks rhetorically.

"Oh, my God." Neil sighs.

"And you though I'd never amount to anything." You joke.

Standing up, you both ready yourselves for delivering gifts.

"Wait, don't go yet. I have something for you." Laura says, quickly running out of the room

"Scott." Neil says plainly.

"Neil." He nods back.

Neil steps forward and his eye widen.

"Santa?" He asks, childlike wonder dripping off of his voice.

"It’s ok Neil." Your dad reassures.

Neil steps away, turning around and placing his hands on his head in disbelief. Laura comes walking in with a folder in her hand.

"Here. It's... well it's... it's my Christmas present for you. It's the custody papers." She says setting the folder in the roaring fireplace.

"And I want you two to see Charlie as often as you can." She says softly while picking up Charlie.

"You can count on it," You smile.

"Thanks Laura." Your dad beams.

"Merry Christmas." You grin.