Bernard The Elf - Tumblr Posts
I made a picsart edit of Bernard from The Santa Clause because no one else would
Made another Bernard edit
I made an amino for Bernard the elf
I made a Bernard the elf amino. Please join.
I’m making a Bernard the elf x reader on wattpad
Join my amino please
http://aminoapps.com/invite/G2JZB3O8CA
Please. I’m desperate
I am trying to update during the Christmas season. I promise to try and make a update schedule but online school has taken a lot out of me. Every once and a while fun me about any story and I will try to update.
Thanks guys
🥺
👉🏻👈🏻
http://aminoapps.com/invite/RBLFD4I8EQ
I made an amino for Bernard the elf
Dad is late and Laura wants to make my life hell (chapter 1)
Ever since I could remember I've had the name Bernard practically engraved onto my wrist. Elegant strokes had seemed to dance joyfully across my skin, silver glittery writing that practically glows. I've never met anyone with only a first name. In fact I've never met anyone with a tattoo on them since birth.
Today was Christmas Eve and Laura was dropping Charlie off at me and dads house. Neil, his stepdad, decided to drive them there.
I see them pull into the driveway and open the door wide as Charlie runs to me with open arms. I pick him up and spin around once and set him back down as he giggles. I stand back up and hug Laura .
"I see your father couldn't even be here to greet Charlie. Not that I'm surprised." Laura snarks.
"He just got caught up at work for a little more than he thought. He called me and said he'll be here within the hour." I retort.
Even if she is my step mom she doesn't deserve to be able to talk shit about dad. He's never been the same since their divorce. My mom died when I was around 11. It was on Christmas Day that she died and I've never liked it since. I remember asking Santa to have her survive that year. I had rushed down the stairs hoping to see my mom and dad on the couch, mom checked out from the hospital and all better. Instead I got a dad with glassy eyes and every present I had ever wanted over the years, but no mom. Ever since then I stopped believing in Santa and the whole Christmas shtick. I'm now 22 and work as a baker living in my childhood home with my dad. He could never do it alone and I could never imagine what he would do alone. He's planning to make Christmas dinner so I've already made a reservation for Dennys seeing as it's the only thing open late on Christmas Eve. As I was silently praying that I don't have to spend any more time than necessary with this woman Charlie's voice breaks my concentration on keeping a fake smile on.
"There's not any Christmas lights outside sissy! Can we put some up to surprise dad when he comes home?!" Charlie pleads with the biggest puppy eyes he could muster.
Sighing I nod and kiss his head.
"Sure bud but I'm gonna have to get them from the attic so stay here in the living room until I get back."
He nods his little head and pulls his mom onto the couch where he sits.
I trudge up the stairs to the attic and open the pull latter. All are Christmas decor is still in boxes because dad knows it's a sore subject. But I'd probably kill someone if Charlie asked. So I suffer bringing down the cardboard box labeled *X-MAS LIGHTS*. I make my way back down to the living room and Laura has this annoyed look on her face. As if I'm not fit to watch my brother even though I'm 22. I literally have a successful bakery in downtown Chicago for christs sake!
Charlie notices my presence and runs over to me with the biggest grin he could muster.
"Sissy (y/n)! Let's go decorate the house!" He gently pulls on my sweater sleeve as he guide me out the door. Laura gets up with crossed arms and follows us out.
"So (y/n), you ever get that little idea of yours off the ground? Because if not I'm sure your dad can give you a job scrubbing toilets at his company." Laura asks rather smugly.
Oh how I hate that bitch. I force a smile on my face and turn to her.
"Actually I have a shop in downtown Chicago on Michigan avenue. Thanks for asking Laura!" I rub in her face and get back to lifting Charlie into the air to put the lights on the roof.
"Well how do you afford that. I mean you can't be making that much money off of cookies alone. Are you running a drug ring in the back?" Laura whispers the last bit into my ear as to block Charlie from hearing it.
I bite my lip and take a deep breath before setting Charlie back down and turning to her.
"Charlie it's getting a little cold, why don't you run along inside and I'll be inside in a minute." I smile at him.
"Ok sissy (y/n)!" Charlie skips inside shutting the door behind him.
"How dare you. I've been very cordial seeing as your a massive bitch and all you can say is that I have got to be a drug dealer because I'm making enough money to afford my dream." I snap at her.
Looking dumbfounded she begins sputtering as dad rolls into the driveway.
"Hey guys! Sorry I'm late. Hope I haven't kept you waiting to long!" Dad smiles at us not realizing how tense things just were.
"There's Christmas lights up!
(y/n), I didn't think you wanted them up this year." Dad looks at me confused
"Charlie wanted to surprise you. You know I can't say no to his little face!" I defend myself laughing a bit.
"Your daughter just called me a bitch just so you know Scott." Laura tells dad.
Dad frowns at me "(y/n), now why would do that? All she did was drop Charlie off."
"She said that I was a drug dealer!" I defend myself.
"I did no such thing!" Laura lies.
"(y/n) apologize to your stepmom now!" Dad practically seethes.
"That's bullshit and you know it. She's lying. And she's not even my stepmom anymore!" I turn and go into the house slamming the door behind me.
"Why do you and mom always have to fight?" Charlie surprises me by popping up in front of me.
"We weren't fighting sport. We were singing! But your moms singing kinda sounds like cats fighting. So that's what you heard honey!" I try to reassure him. I don't think he buys it but doesn't ask further.
Dad soon comes inside and Charlie rushes over to him. Dad whisks him into his arms.
"Why are there no presents under the tree?" Charlie asks dad.
"Well Santa has to come yet buddy!" I reassure him.
"Neil and mom said that Santa's not real. Believing is for babies!" Charlie shakes his head.
Of course the fucking did. Can't the kid enjoy anything?
"Well I believe in Santa and I'm not a baby." Dad tells him, hoping to save the spirit. I quickly agree "I agree and I'm not a baby either!"
"Well sport! I'm gonna start on our delicious Christmas turkey!" Dad strides into the kitchen.
"So we have to eat it? Can't we go out to eat sissy (y/n)?" Charlie whisper asks to me.
"Don't worry sport. I already called Dennys and made a reservation for 8." I encourage him.
"But I don't like Dennys!" Charlie cries.
"I know but it's the only thing that's open on Christmas sport!" I disclose to him.
*TIME SKIP BROUGHT TO YOU BY BURNT TURKEY*
Smoke billows out of the kitchen entrance. It envelopes dad and his extinguisher as he fights the fire. Charlie and I are sitting at the dining table and I give him a knowing look.
"Dad, let's just go to Dennys. I already called them so I know they're open." I call out into the smoke.
Dad steps from the smoke with ash covering him from just about head to toe.
"Yeah. I guess that's okay. I really wanted to make Christmas special for you again but looks like I failed again." He glumly agrees.
"You didn't fail anything. We are here as a family and that's all I could ever want!" I say as my eyes water, somewhat from the smoke and somewhat from the sentiment.
I pick up Charlie and we both hug dad, not caring to get dirty.
"Come on guys! Let's have a Christmas dinner at Dennys. It's an American institution!" Dad scoots is out as we put on our winter coats and scarves.
We load into the car and buckle up. Soon we are at Dennys.
"Are you with Hatsutashi?" The lady with a name tag reading (JUDY) asked us.
Dad starts to open his mouth but I cut him off.
"No actually I made a reservation earlier under Calvin." I inform her.
"Party of three," she begins pulling out the menus, " follow me" she says beckoning us to the right side of the resultant into a booth.
We sit down and dad starts to order egg nog as Charlie sits with a disgusted look on his face.
"We're out." Judy says flatly.
"I guess we will take coffee, decaf though please. And he'll take a chocolate milk please." I tell her.
"We're out."
"Plain milk's fine then!" I tell her and she walks away.
"At least we know they got hot apple pie." Dad tries to lighten the mood.
Judy shouts from somewhere behind the counter "We did".
This is just great!
Christmas sucks and dad killed Santa (chapter 2)
Finally we were home after a mediocre dinner at Dennys. I drag my feet as I enter the threshold of the house. I'm the last to enter and the last to get my pajamas on. I may be an adult but I still wear onesies. My pjs of choice are a pink rabbit with a white tail. It resembles the one off of a Christmas story. It was mom's favorite movie of all time so I wear it Christmas Eve each year to honor her memory.
I lean into the doorway of Charlie's bedroom. Dads reading the night before Christmas and Charlie has just about a million questions.
"When out on the lawn, there arose such a clatter, l sprang from my bed to see what was the matter away to the window I flew like a flash.With a miniature sleigh and St. Nick and Prancer and Dancer and to all a good night." Dad recites the book, practically from memory, as he had since I was Charlie's age.
"What's that?" Charlie questions our dad.
"What's what?" Dad asks, clearly confused.
"A rose schuck ladder!" Charlie says with wide eyes.
"It's not a ladder. He said, 'arose such a clatter.' It means, eh, 'came a big noise.'" I clarify.
"What?" Charlie scrunches up his face still confused.
"Charlie, ‘arose’ is a word that means 'it came’, and 'clatter’ is a big noise." I reiterate.
"Yes and now it's time to go to bed" dad agrees as he tucks Charlie into his bed.
He turns to me and takes in my pajamas and holds back a snicker.
"Gotta problem with my duds old man?" I joke at him.
Charlie giggles and snuggles in deeper into the covers.
"No problem at all, squirt. Just makes me think is all." Dad replies with a small, sad smile. Tears are brimming in his eyes that threaten to spill.
"Come on, let's get to bed! If we want Santa to come we need to be asleep!" I usher dad out and into his room and walk to mine.
Soon I hear a gentle knock on my door just as I'm ready to snuggle in.
"Sissy (y/n) can I sleep in her with you? Dads snores too loud and I can hear it through the wall!" Charlie practically wails.
I know he just wants to make sure I'm ok but I pretend to buy it nonetheless.
"Come on sport! Let's snuggle and fall asleep to some nice music." I say swooping him into my arms and sitting us onto my queen size bed. Too tall for him to reach on his own without a stool. I put on some Mozart and we drift away.
(TIME SKIP BROUGHT TO YOU BY RED RYDER BB GUNS! YOU'LL SHOOT YOUR EYE OUT KID!)
I am abruptly woken by Charlie shaking me. This is not what I signed up for when I said he could sleep with me.
"(Y/n)! (Y/n)! I heard a clatter!" Charlie yells.
I slowly open my eyes and ask "What? Charlie, what are you talking about?
"You know! From the story! It came a big noise. It's coming from outside"
I start to say it might be the wind until I hear a loud noise too. Kinda like a ka-thump. The the sound of boots on the roof. I jump out of bed taking Charlie with me. I run as fast as I can to dads room.
I practically take the door off its hinges. My heart is pounding out my chest.
"Dad you gotta get up now! Someone's on the roof!" I say setting Charlie down rushing to his bedside.
"What (Y/n)? Someone on the roof? That's impossible. You probably dreamt it. Go back to sleep." Dad begins but gets cut of by more footsteps. Now he's wide awake.
"I guess it wasn't a dream dad," I huff at him
"Now is not the time for the sass (Y/n), someone's on our roof. Come on we'll go outside. Put on your shoes and coat quickly!" He says while pulling on some socks while quickly hobbling to his bedroom door and down the stairs.
I pick up Charlie again because I know I'll be faster carrying him than waiting for him at the bottom of the flight of stairs.
Throwing on a coat, boots and a winter hat onto both of us with Charlie still holding his blanket.
I rush out after dad and Charlie follow suit.
Dad yells something I can't make out to the person on our roof. Suddenly they slip and plummet onto the lawn as I quickly shield Charlie from the sight.
"Oh my gosh! You killed him!" I yell running through the slushy snow to where the man lay. However, all that was there was his clothes.
"You got him!" Charlie cries out, running, and nearly tripping to get to me.
"I did not! He's gotta be here somewhere! Let's check for some Id to see who this poor shmuck was." Dad argues now riddling through the pockets of the red coat.
"That almost looks like-" I start
"Look (Y/n)! Reindeer!" Charlie interrupts me pointing to the roof.
Lo and behold eight reindeer and a sleigh are parked on our roof.
"(Y/n) come here! I found something!" Dad calls after me.
I approach him and take a small business card from his gloved hand.
"lf something should happen to me, put on my suit. The reindeer will know what to do. What does that mean?" I read from the card and inquire to dad.
He shrugs and Charlie comes to us. "That means you gotta put it on dad!"
"No we are not going anywhere!" Dad asserts poorly.
"We never do what I want to," Charlie says, his eyes watering.
I hug him from behind and glare at dad .
"Look! The rose schuck ladder! Like from the poem!" Charlie beams at both of us.
"I'm going to call the police, please watch your brother for a minute (y/n)." Dad pleads and scurries off to get his phone.
Before I can even blink Charlie is now on the roof trying to touch a reindeer. I follow after him in a hurry.
"Charlie! (Y/n)! Get down from there! I thought you were watching him!" Dad yells at me. It's a miracle the neighbors haven't woken up.
"Dad, it's amazing! Come up here!" I yell down at him.
He runs to the ladder and climbs up, suit in hand.
"You need to get away from ghost things! They could have key lime disease!" Dad panics as he walks carefully towards Charlie. "Easy Rudolph" dad says to the reindeer.
As clear as day the reindeer says "I'm not Rudolph." I look to my dad to see if he also heard but he's just looking at its nametag.
"It's Santa's sleigh!" Charlie jovially says while climbing into it.
"There's no such thing as Santa's sleigh" dad scoffs.
"Sure there is. You said you believed in Santa, right dad" I nudge him.
"I did" he questions then covers his tracks with "I do!"
Dad climbs into the sleigh and I follow him. The seats are much softer than they look.
"Hey dad look! A hat!" I say pulling a plush Christmas hat from in between the cushions. I gently place it on my head after inspecting for lice. It's warm and cozy. The ear flaps are extra padded with faux fur.
"Oh great you found a bug infested hat! Oh how joyous! Let's get out now please" dad practically pleads with Charlie.
"No!" Charlie shakes his head making his hair get in his eyes.
"Come on Charlie! Let's go!" Dad pushes.
Suddenly the reindeer take off. I guess I'm in for one helluva ride tonight!
Bernard the elf x reader Masterlist
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(Two souls entwined in the North Pole)Bernard the elf x reader
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Chapter 6
Chapter 7
Chapter 8
Chapter 9
Chapter 10
Chapter 11
Chapter 12
Chapter 13
Chapter 14
Chapter 15
Wrapped in love
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Delivering gifts and -THE NORTH POLE?! (chapter 3)
Soaring through the sky everything looks tiny. I hold onto Charlie as tight as I can as he and I peer over the edge of the sleigh. Suddenly the sleigh starts to descend onto a nearby roof.
"I hope you're all happy! And I hope the guy that lives here is a TAILOR!" Dad yells.
"You've got the suit on, now what?" I ask dad.
"The list." Charlie says calmly.
"Oh here's a list, how fortunate!" Dad snarks.
Dad steps out of the sleigh, bag in hand. Suddenly the bag starts floating up, bringing him with it.
"Are you ok dad?" I ask him.
"I lived through the 60s, don't worry about me!" He shouts down at me.
I climb out of the sleigh only to start flying up too. "What's this bullshit now?! I'm not in the suit!" I burst out before we are both sucked down the chimney.
"Ok what now?" Dad glares at me.
I take the sack from his hands. "We deliver." I say straight faced.
"Even if I wanted to, it's empty." He hisses.
I open it and find three boxes inside despite the bag feeling empty just moments earlier.
"I guess not dad, we better hurry though and get back to Charlie." I hurriedly placed the presents under the tree. I turn around to see this kid standing there, grinning ear to ear.
"Uh we got company dad," I nudge him.
"How come you don't have a beard?" The kid asks him.
"Because I shaved," he spits.
"You're supposed to drink the milk!" She points to a cup of milk and a cookie set out on the end table.
"Look I'm lactose intolerant and you should be asleep," he argues.
"And who are you?" She says pointing to me.
"I'm the spirit of Christmas, Santa can't do it all by himself you know. Now how bout I drink this milk and you go on to bed sweetheart." I convince the child downing the milk and pocketing the cookie.
"My mom calls me sweetheart! How'd you know that!" She rocks on her feet.
"I'm not Santa's helper for nothing, now off to bed with you." I whisper, ushering her up the stairs.
I make my way to the chimney and dad turns to me. "How did you know that little girl's nickname?"
"It just came to me, I don't know how, but it did. Now let's get out of here!" I say grabbing his arm as we get sucked back up the chimney.
"So how'd it feel?!" Charlie probes.
"Felt like America's most wanted. Now take us home guys!" He commands the reindeer and they take off flying.
At one point or another Charlie and I must have conked out. Next thing I know dad is shaking me and snow is biting against my exposed skin. I pull the blanket around Charlie tighter and him to me. Charlie is definitely awake as he is talking dad's ear off as I'm trying to wrap my head around this.
The reindeer start their descent onto a patch of land surrounded by pine trees. All that is here is a pole.
"It's the North Pole!" Charlie jumps up and down excitedly.
Suddenly a kid comes from behind the trees. He approaches the pole, flips the top open and puts in a code.
Dad tries to get his attention but he ignores dad.
Suddenly the ground begins to move.
"We're moving! We're going down somehow!" I shake dad.
"Yeah I can see that (y/n)!" He shakes me back playfully.
Comet turns his head to me. "We're home!" He says.
I look at dad and he seems unfazed. Like he didn't hear it so I look at Charlie and he's the same.
I must have hit my head at Dennys. First a guy falls off the roof. Then we squish like jello down some chimneys. And now I'm hearing reindeer talk to me.
We make our way down into what seems to be a workshop. Dad steps out of the sleigh. He turns to me and places a hand on my shoulder " stay here with your brother where you're safe." He asserts himself. I know I'm going to ignore him as I'm curious.
Dad walks over to a kid and starts talking to them. I step out and lift Charlie, blanket and all out of the sleigh. I walk to dad with Charlie as a person around my age comes over.
"Hey! Who's causin' all the trouble around here?" He asks the kid.
"He is!" "She is!" Both dad and the kid point at each other.
"Are we on a coffee break?" The man asks the kid.
"We don't drink coffee!" The kid retorts.
"Then I guess the break is over! Back to work. Thanks." He grumbles and starts to walk away.
Dad squares his shoulders " Take it easy on her, will ya? Who are you?"
"I'm Bernard. Nice to meet you Santa." The man now known as Bernard says to dad.
Suddenly my tattoo is so itchy. It feels like it's on fire. I don't know why but I feel drawn to this person.
I must zone out for a minute because Charlie is now next to dad. I rush over and pull him back slightly. Bernard may be handsome, but he's also still a stranger.
"I'm hungry and thirsty too!" Charlie butts in.
"Yeah dad, all he's had for the past couple hours are cookies I've pocketed from houses." I chime.
"And who might these be?" Bernard asks my dad.
"These are my kids Charlie and (y/n). (y/n) and Charlie meet Beh- beh-." Dad struggles to place the name just given to him moments before.
"Bernard, right?" I ask Bernard.
"Yes." He nods at me and then turns his attention towards Charlie, "Hiya sport"
"He called me sport just like you two do dad!" Charlie says excitedly.
"Wonderful" dad spits.
"Hey, you know what. I got somethin' for you. Okay, now hold out your hand, all right? Now, be very careful. This is very old, just like me." Bernard reaches into his satchel and retrieves a snow globe.
"Shake it Charlie,"I encourage him with a nod.
" Uh, Larry, take Charlie here and get him some chow." Bernard beckons a kid over.
"No, Larry, don't do that. Charlie!" Dad sputters.
"He will be ok dad. He's not dumb." I try to reassure dad.
"Exactly! You'll want to get out of those clothes as soon as possible. You two look drenched." Bernard gives a look over and shakes his head.
"Barnaby, I just wanna go home. Look, I am not Santa Claus!" Dad stammers.
"Did you or did you not read the card?" Bernard says through gritted teeth.
"Yeah why?" Dad snaps.
"In putting on the hat and jacket you accepted the contract" Bernard motions to our attire.
"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 Clause and the Christmas spirit in perpetuity until such time that wearer becomes unable to do so by either accident or design." Bernard reads off the card.
"Christmas spirit, what's that?" I ask him.
"The very essence of Christmas. You're responsible for all the holiday cheer." He explains to me. "Now the list will be shipped to your house. Mark each name with a P or a C."
"P for present and c for coal." I explain.
"What list?" Dad asks, confused.
"THE LIST! You know," Bernard points. "He's making a list" Bernard starts low.
"Checking it twice!" Charlie chimes in.
Bernard's hands meet his face in somewhat embarrassment.
The rest of the elves join in with "Gonna find out who's naughty and nice!"
"Now you and your kid gotta get your affairs in order. You're due back here on thanksgiving! That should leave you enough time for me to train them." Bernard says deliberately to dad.
"When do we get out of here?" I chime in.
Bernard turns his attention to me, "You leave tomorrow morning."
"What if I don't want to do this?" Dad asks angrily.
"Don't even kid about something like that!" Bernard glares at him.
"Why not?" Dad challenges.
Bernard's face falls, "Then there would be millions of disappointed children around the world. You see, children hold the spirit of Christmas within their hearts. And seeing as your kid now is the spirit of Christmas, you wouldn't want to be responsible for killing the spirit of Christmas and your kid, now, would you Santa."
What now?! I'll die if dad doesn't get with the picture. My jaw drops slightly and my eyebrows furrow. This has got to be some nightmare.
"Judy will take you to your room. Get out of the suit. It needs to be cleaned. I'll take (y/n) to their room." Bernard motions for me to follow and I do.
Dad's mouth falls open but he quickly shuts it.
This has got to be the worst night of my life thus far.
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!
A dream? (Chapter 5)
I wake up to the sound of soft snoring beside me. I wipe the crust from my eyes and turn to see Charlie curled up beside me. I gently toss the blanket off me and swing my legs of the bed. I reach for my glasses and place them onto my face. I look down and softly gasp. These are not my pajamas! At least not the ones I went to bed in last night. Suddenly I remember last night. I hope with all my might it was just a dream, but as I reach to check for the necklace, I am faced with the reality. My dad is Santa, I'm soulmates with an elf, and I'm now the face of Christmas spirit everywhere. Turning back to Charlie's sleeping form I let out a breath I didn't know I was holding.
I rush to change before Charlie wakes. I can only pray dad doesn't get me killed.
"Sissy (y/n)!" Charlie practically catapults himself from my bed.
He attaches himself to my leg and tugs on the hem of my shirt. I notice just now that his pjs match mine I was wearing.
"Let's go wake up dad, then we can see what you got for Christmas!" I smile at him and he races off.
Moments later my dad is in the hallway, bed head and all.
Charlie grabs dad and my hand and practically drags us down the stairs to the tree.
Dad breaks off to start the coffee pot and pop some frozen waffles in the toaster. Charlie opens the presents at a rapid rate.
"(Y/n)! There's a gift for you under here!" Charlie calls to me from the tree.
"What? A gift for me?" I scrunch my face and drag my feet to the tree.
There is a present under there! Plaid wrapping paper encase a medium sized box, tied with a red bow. My eyes search for the name tag, finding it in the right hand corner. The from spot is signed with the name Bernard. I gentle undo the ribbon and tear the paper off. I open the box to see -my onesie? And a bag? I unfold the onesie to see that it has been patched where it got torn when we went down those chimneys. Also my name is now embroidered onto the right breast. I pick up the bag and look inside. A note is stuck to the inside pocket of it. It reads "(y/n), I know you probably don't think last night was real. So I thought I would give you something that will help you understand the magic of Christmas. This bag will have whatever you need whenever you need it. I'll be checking in with you soon! -Bernard, Head elf at the North Pole."
"What did you get (y/n)?!" Charlie bounces on his knees next to me.
"Nothing buddy, uh, just my onesie is patched up now." I hurriedly blurt out, hoping he'll buy it. And he does.
"Aww! Maybe Bernard can get you something better next year!" Charlie suggests.
I whip my head around to him and grab his forearm "Where do you know that name from?"
"The North Pole, remember?! Dads the new Santa and you're the spirit of Christmas!" Charlie's now wide eyed.
Suddenly I hear a knock on the front door. Dad walks over and opens it and Laura is standing there. Charlie rushes over and hugs her.
"Did you have a good time with your father?" Laura asks, her voice sickeningly sweet.
"Great time! The best!" Charlie hops up and down.
"Oh, ho, Scott. Nice P.J.s. Very festive. Where'd you get them?" Laura sarcastically smiles.
"Judy gave them to him mom!" Charlie beams.
"Judy? Really?" Laura squints.
"Up at the North Pole!" Charlie grins.
"Ah, one of Santa's helpers!" Laura nods.
" Last night, we went with the flying reindeer. It was really neat, Mom. Dad was Santa, and Larry showed me the workshop. And (y/n) is now the spirit of Christmas. They found their soulmate Bernard at the pole. He's an elf with curly hair and a green hat!" Charlie spews out.
"Gee, thanks for keeping his feet on the ground." Laura grits out.
"You bet." Dad sighs.
"Honey, you go wait in the car for a minute, okay? I'll be right there." Laura tells Charlie.
"Bye! Thanks for a great night at the North Pole!" Charlie says as he trots away.
"What have you and your crazy kid been telling him?!" Laura asks pointedly.
"First off, they aren't crazy! Secondly, I had this really strange dream, I must have told him about it." Dad defends us.
I then rush out the door to the car that's waiting outside.
"How'd I get the necklace?" I ask Charlie.
"I told you, Bernard gave it to you! At the North Pole!" Charlie shakes his hands at me.
"The North Pole?" Neil questions.
"Yeah, dad is the new Santa! The regular Santa fell off the roof, and Dad put on the suit. Then (y/n) put on the hat! They're the new spirit of Christmas!" Charlie practically yells at Neil.
"Charlie, (y/n) hates Christmas. How could they be the spirit of Christmas?" Neil levels with Charlie.
"Bernard said that if they don't, both of them will die!" Charlie cries out.
"We will talk about this at home Charlie." Laura glares holes into me.
They drive off with Charlie sputtering about the pole. We make our way back inside. When inside I slide my shoes and coat off.
"It's just a dream. Stuff like that doesn't happen." Dad says, reassuring himself more than me.
"I don't know dad..." I start as he cuts me off.
"Come on (y/n)! Not you too now!" Dad says exasperated.
"You have to admit it's an awful coincidence we had the same dream. And then woke up in different clothes than we went to bed in." I follow him into the kitchen.
"That's what it was! Just a coincidence!" Dad pours himself a cup of coffee, nearly spilling it everywhere with his shaking.
"What about the tattoo!?" I snatch the mug from his hand. "I've gone my entire life with a name on my wrist and no one can ever explain it! What if this is it?!"
"I don't know! But this isn't normal!" He takes the coffee back and downs it in a gulp.
"Nothing's been normal since mom died! I'm not happy about leaving everything either, but it's what she would have wanted!" Tears cloud my vision.
Dad pulls me into a tight embrace.
He rubs circles into my back and I sob harder.
"I'm sorry sweetheart, let's just take things slow. Even if it did happen. I can't just quit my job!" He hugs me even tighter, if that's even possible.
"Ok dad, I'm going back to bed." I trudge back upstairs.
Falling onto my bed I think to myself. What has dad gotten us into now?
This is crazy (chapter 6)
It's been over a week. A lot has happened already. First Charlie took dad to career day at school and blabbed that dads Santa and I'm the spirit of Christmas. Now he's under evaluation and Laura is threatening dad to take away custody. Currently I'm in the kitchen of my bakery rolling out sugar cookie dough.
The sound of music fills the bakery. The song Quiet, Heavy dreams by Zach Bryan bounces off the walls. I sing along to the lyrics
"How's a man get so homesick for a face he's never seen?"
"Yah know, I always thought that. Now I've met you I don't think I'll be able to stay away." A familiar voice snaps me out of my tranquility.
Turning around, I raise my rolling pin, ready to beat senseless whoever broke into my locked bakery.
I am met with a pair of coffee colored eyes. They shimmer with fondness I've seen only once before. It's Bernard!
"What the fuck dude! You nearly gave me a heart attack!" I berate him, setting the rolling pin onto the counter and pause the speaker.
"First off, language. If you're gonna be the face of Christmas spirit you're gonna have to change that. Also I told you I'd be seeing you soon (y/n)." Bernard grimaces.
"This is crazy! That was just some silly dream!" I say as I pace the floor.
His grin drops, if only momentarily. It makes me feel bad. I've only spent a couple hours with this guy before and I'm already getting attached. This is such main character bullshit.
"I'm sorry you feel that way. But I'm here to help train you to be the Christmas spirit." Bernard states, hands buried in his pockets.
"How'd you even get in? The doors are all locked and all of our windows are stationary." I query.
"Elf magic." Bernard says peering over my shoulder.
"Well I can't 'train', or whatever right now. I have so many orders that need filled. I'm up to my ears in cookie dough. So unless you're here to help frost over 12 dozen snowflake cookies, then you need to vamoose." I go to wash my hands and continue to roll out the cookie dough.
"I don't think you get this is a big deal (y/n). Even if you're my soulmate I can't let you slack in responsibilities." Bernard walks next to me.
"I can't do this 'responsibilities' bull crap right now. I already have way to much on my plate. I have to make these cookies, pick up Charlie from school, and have dinner in the table by the time dad gets home. I cannot be talking to myself in the back room of my shop. I'm already going crazy talking to animals, not this too!" I rant to Bernard.
"Wait. Did you say talking to animals? When did this start?" Bernard grabs my shoulder and turns me to face him.
"The night that guy fell off our roof. The reindeer talked to me." I say setting down my rolling pin.
"You probably think I'm crazy, then again you're not even real, right!" I nervously chuckle.
"I'm real. Just as real as you are." Bernard states into my eyes
"So if you're real, then why don't you have a last name?" I cross my arms.
"Elves don't. It makes things easier when looking for your soulmate. Normally they are other elves. I've looked into it. You're the first ever human in elven history to have a soulmate." Bernard gets even closer to me.
I start putting the cookie dough back. I can't do this right now. I'll just do it tomorrow. If I get in early enough I'll be ok.
"So what exactly does this mean for me, for us I mean?" I untie my apron and fold it. I set it on the counter and wash my hands of any flour.
"You've got to move to the pole in approximately 10 months and 11 days. From there you will live out the rest of eternity spreading Christmas joy." Bernard explains.
"Christmas joy! That's bullshit." I spit.
" I read a bit about you. I'm sorry that such an experience has ruined so many precious moments for you." Bernard says softly.
"How do you know about my mom?" I ask, tears welling up in the corners of my eyes.
"As your soulmate, I'm required to know. And I'm sorry you had to go through that. It's not fair for any child of any age to lose a parent." Bernard pulls me into a hug.
He's warm, but not too warm. My arms go around his neck and his to the small of my back. If I'm crazy, I like crazy. I like him. He's been nothing but kind to me and now I feel like a jerk.
"I'm such a jerk! I'm so sorry!" I sob.
"It's ok. It's ok. I know you're under a lot of stress." He breaths softly.
I pull back and I'm sure my face is red and tear stained, but he looks at me like I'm the most beautiful person in the galaxy. So much love radiates off of him.
My eyes dart back and forth from his eyes to his lips. I start to subconsciously lean forward. His hand moves from my back to cup my cheek. His thumb brushes my cheek softly. I lean in just enough that our noses brush. I can feel his breath, uneven and heavy. My lips close in on his. His lips catch mine in a soft, yet passionate kiss. I swear I can feel sparks. He tastes of chocolate and a hint of peppermint. Suddenly he separates himself and presses his forehead onto mine. I take his hand into mine and squeeze lightly.
I pull away. "I shouldn't have done that. I'm sorry!"
"It's ok. I'm your soulmate. It's natural to feel a pull to me. I sure feel a pull to you. If I didn't I wouldn't have kissed you back." Bernard pulls me into a embrace.
We are interrupted by the alarm on my phone going off. I grab it and curse.
"Fuck, I gotta pick up Charlie. Dad is supposed to be working late tonight and it's his weekend. I'm sorry to do this, but I have to go." I grab my car keys and turn back to him.
"It's ok. I know you've got a lot to do. I'll be visiting soon again. We got to get you trained. Your dad will fall into it, but you have to know what to do." He smiles and I swear the room brightens.
"I'll see you then!" I start out the door.
"By the way -" I start, turning around. Only to see just a poof of glitter in the air and Bernard nowhere to be seen. I scoff and lock the door behind me.
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.
The library
(Chapter 8 of two souls entwined in the North Pole)
It's been a couple of months and Bernard hasn't shown yet. I have a book reading with the kids from Charlies class after school at the library. I'm currently looking for my glasses.
"Check the bag." I hear the voice I've come to love from behind me.
I do and I find my glasses there.
"I don't remember putting them there?" I tell Bernard.
"Because you didn't. Remember, whenever you need something, the bag will have it." He unfolds the note from all those months ago.
"I missed you." I tell him.
"You should have summoned me." Bernard retorts.
"I didn't want to bother you." I say, grabbing my house keys.
"You could never bother me (y/n)." He says earnestly.
"I'm happy your here and all, but I'm gonna be late to read at the library." I hurriedly grab my hat and coat.
"I'll come with you!" Bernard calls after me.
"That's great and all, but what about your ears. You'll have to cover them, unless you want a million questions from first graders." I retort walking outside.
"I'll cover them with my hair. Don't worry!" He beams at me.
"Ok then. It's only a five minute walk to the library." I say, waiting for him to catch up.
"So how have things been at the pole?" I ask him.
"Oh you know, working hard! There only a little over 100 days until Christmas Eve. The sleigh is getting seatbelts so you can't fall out if you're a passenger." Bernard walks beside me.
"Oh that's good. Last time I felt like Charlie was gonna fall right over the edge." I nod.
"I'm sorry for not coming sooner." He apologizes.
"Not your fault. You're head elf, I know you've got loads of responsibilities." I assert.
I feel like I should be colder, but I'm not. It must be part of my powers. Normally I would be shivering after all this rain. I'm wearing the trapper hat from that night. It covers my ears perfectly and since it's windy it's a perfect cover up. After a little while we reach the library.
"So what book are you reading them?" Bernard asks.
I reach into my bag and think of the book I need.
"This one." I say, pulling out a copy of Peter rabbit.
"I made puppets and everything!" I show him the finger puppets.
"Did Charlie request all this?" Bernard asks, an eyebrow raised.
"Ok maybe not the puppets, but he loves puppets!" I retort.
"It's his favorite story after all! He was just like Peter when he was younger." I smile fondly.
"Just to let you know, Laura is going to be here, so if she says anything snarky, ignore it." I warn Bernard.
"Ok..." he says hesitantly.
We step into the doors and walk to the elevator. I press the number for floor three and smile at Bernard. The elevator opens and I walk to the service desk.
"Hi! I'm here for the seven o'clock reading." I smile at the woman behind the desk.
"Oh! You must be (y/n) Calvin! It's so nice to see people have in interest in teaching the youth of Chicago!" She smiles brightly.
"It's always a pleasure ma'am." I smile and nod at her.
I walk to the reading corner and sit down in the chair. Bernard sits next to me. I pull out the puppets and the book and set them on the table nearby. Suddenly I hear a voice and shoes hitting carpet.
"Sissy (y/n)! You made it!!!" Charlie runs over to us.
"Bernard! You're here too?! This is the best!" Charlie practically vibrates from excitement.
I sweep him into a tight embrace.
"You didn't doubt it, did you?" I ask jokingly.
"I didn't! But mom did!" Charlie says pointing to Laura, far away talking to another parent.
"Well sport, (y/n) would do anything for you." Bernard smiles at me and then Charlie.
"Ok kiddo, why don't you find a seat so we can get this show on the road." I ruffle his hair.
"Ok!" He fixes his hair and trots off sitting in the front row of seats.
"Hello (y/n). I wasn't sure you'd make it." Laura snarks.
I plaster a fake smile to my face. "Well, I did!"
"And who's this with you?" She asks pointedly.
"This is my boyfriend, Bernard." I smile at him.
He takes my hand in his and strokes his thumb over the back of my hand.
"Hello ma'am, I'm Bernard." He says standing up, he holds his hand out for her to take.
"Oh..." she says almost disgusted.
Soon the children gather and sit down. The parents moving to the back of the room.
I sit back down in our chairs.
"Hello everybody!" I project.
"Hello Mx. (y/n)!" Over thirty little voices echo back at me.
"Today joining us is my special friend! Everyone say hi Mr. Bernard!" I motion to Bernard.
"Hi Mr. Bernard!" They echo back.
"Alright! Today we are reading the tale of Peter rabbit! Have any of us read this before?" I ask the room.
Charlies hand bolts up. The children giggle.
"Yes Charlie, I know you have." I smile at him.
"Once upon a time there were four little Rabbits, and their names were Flopsy, Mopsy, Cotton-tail, and Peter. They lived with their Mother in a sand-bank, underneath the root of a very big fir-tree" I start the story, Bernard holding the book and I puppeteering the puppets.
(Time skip brought to you by Beatrix potter)
"I am sorry to say that Peter was not very well during the evening.
His mother put him to bed, and made some camomile tea; and she gave a dose of it to Peter!
'One table-spoonful to be taken at bed-time.' But Flopsy, Mopsy, and Cotton-tail had bread and milk and blackberries for supper." I finish the story as Bernard closes the book.
"Did everyone like that story?!" I nod my head at the children.
Soon came the chorus of yeses.
"Remember to tell Mrs. Agnes what you want to be read next week. I'll see you all soon!" I wave goodbye as the parents pick up their children.
Charlie comes back to the front as I'm packing up. Laura comes quickly behind him.
"Hey sweetie, you ready to see dad?" I ask him.
He nods his head and says "Yes (y/n).
Laura hands me Charlie's overnight bag and I sling it onto my shoulder. She says goodbye to Charlie and leaves.
We all enter the elevator and ride down. We walk through the lobby out the front doors.
"Bernard, why aren't you in the North Pole?" Charlie asks.
"Well, I've been coaching (y/n) how to be the spirit of Christmas." Bernard responds.
"Is it also 'cause you're their soulmate?" Charlie asks.
"Well... maybe just a bit." Bernard bites his lip.
"I knew it!" Charlie jumps up and down.
After a little walking we are back at the house. Dads car is not here yet so Bernard can stay a bit. I open up the door and step inside.
Taking off my hat I hear a soft gasp from Charlie.
"You've got pointy ears! That's so cool!" Charlie makes quite a commotion.
"Yes, but you can't tell your mom." I hold my pinky out.
"Ok I won't!" He says joining his pinky with mine.
"Now let's have some grub. I'm sure you and Bernard are famished by now." I say picking up Charlie and carrying him to the kitchen.
"Can we have grilled cheese?" Charlie pleads with puppy eyes.
"Of course hun." I confirm.
I prepare 5 sandwiches. Two for Bernard, two for me and one for Charlie. I cut Charlie's into four triangles. I pour him some chocolate milk and get some water for Bernard and me.
"Ya know, in the pole we don't have food like this." Bernard says in between bites.
"What do you mean?" I ask.
"We usually eat sugary foods. But I'm most partial to savory foods, if I do says so myself." Bernard states.
"Well I guess I'll have to send some home with you." I giggle.
After we eat Charlie is ready for bed.
Taking Charlie upstairs, he tells us about his day at school. Getting to his room I pull out pajamas for him and help him change. Charlie lies down and I tuck him in, giving him a kiss on the forehead.
Charlie beckons over Bernard and starts whispering. He then giggles and rolls over in bed.
We walk out of his room into mine.
"Can you stay?" I ask.
"For you I'd stay forever." He kisses the top of my head.
I go to the bathroom to change and hand Bernard some spare pajamas.
I lay down and wait for Bernard to join me. Hoping he won't just poof away again. He doesn't and he gets under the covers with me.
"I love you Bernard." I whisper to him.
He wraps his arms around me and says "I love you too (y/n). I love you too."
My arms go around his waist and my head to his chest.
He smells like home.