Key to Christmas

by Marlene Bierworth

  He faced the door and turned the knob. It flung open wide, and there stood a second tyrant, clothed in tights and a massive black cape. Seeing John, its face etched in fury and it began to laugh – an eerie, hateful laugh. It yanked John inside, totally disregarding Pam’s presence. She leaned against the threshold and watched with horror as it dragged John across the floor and tossed him at the feet of an elderly couple, bound to chairs.

  “The rebellious prodigal son has returned. Perfect! Now I’m free to do away with the entire family in one sweep. I will rename the kingdom of Santa Ville after glorious me, and children of the earth will know want like never before. I will burn their wishes and dreams in the fire that never goes out, and the world will grow dark. Christmas will be no more.”

  The woman attempted to interrupt, but it growled a foreboding snarl, and the threesome cowered. The creature held a commanding presence, and the room shook under its rage. Pam suddenly felt overcome with a strange force welling up inside her body. With each step forward, the power grew stronger, and she knew that the source of it was far beyond her understanding. It originated from a secure foundation, the reason for the season. So, with confident assurance, she moved into a realm of trust she’d never experienced before.

  “The debt is paid, the son returned, and the kingdom set aright. You, oh wicked one, will leave and never return.”

  Evil whirled around and faced Pam head-on. She heard John gasp and witnessed fear explode onto his face. He moved into a crouch position and waited for his opportunity to attack. Compared to the magnitude of the figure looming over them, John’s seemed such a feeble action, but it warmed her heart, nonetheless. Pam’s smile dispelled peace into the heavy air. John’s eyebrows scrunched with questions. Apparently, he’d not moved into this level of trust either.

  Pam continued. “This being has no power over love. Agape will prevail, and he will destroy the rebellion.” Something jingled within her pocket, and she understood the prompting as clearly as if the next step had breathed words of life onto her tongue. Pam withdrew the ornamental Christmas tree gift, and held it high, as if a trophy, for the creature to see. It cringed. Pam dared it to surrender. “I have the key to the kingdom.”

  “No!” the creature shouted. Panicking, it turned to face the family. “How is it this stranger has the key?”

  The bound woman smiled. “I sent it to her, and the counterpart to my son. Together they will save this kingdom. The key to Christmas is love, and the light will always outshine the darkness.”

  Clarity entered John’s face. He bolted to his feet, racing toward Pam while giving the startled figure a jab that sent it airborne. John grabbed Pam’s hand, and they darted from the room, speeding toward the last ten-foot door at the end of the foyer. He flung it open and pulled her inside. Sliding a large piece of wood across the threshold, John locked them in.

  He kissed her hard and quick. “You, woman, are a genius!”

  Pam did not have time to inform him she had figured nothing out on her own. The knowledge and wisdom had miraculously opened up to her. John led her to the other side of the room. Now it was her turn to gasp as recognition set in. A replica of the grand wooden door that they’d used in the Cedar Springs play stood before them, the identical one that had transported them to this place, complete with the strange aura of glowing magic. John withdrew the key from his pocket and wrapped Pam’s hand around his. Together they leaned toward the perfectly cut lines of ancient days and slipped the gold metal object into the lock.

  In the same instant, Pam heard a loud splintering crash, and the strong man entered.

  “No!” the creature shouted, but John twisted the key and a fiery red mist filtered into the room. “No!” came the defeated shout. Its charge halted in the middle of the room and the figure bent over in screeching pain. Pam watched while he squirmed, crumbled and with a final shriek of horror, its weakened body wilted and collapsed. The black cloak covered the small muddy puddle on the tiled floor. When the air cleared, so had all traces of evil.

  Immediately the building began to shake and John held Pam tightly. She experienced mass confusion, her brain combating her heart, as she clung to the man she’d fallen madly in love with, while at the same time hating herself that she’d surrendered to the magic. Why couldn’t she have found an ordinary man?

  As music filled the air, John released her. The tune of Jolly old St. Nick boomed through the sound system, and soon the ebullient figure stood where the dark figure had disappeared just moments before. His wife joined him, but only for a brief moment. She rushed to Pam’s side and gathered her into her arms.

  “Thank you for bringing my son home, dear. Santa Ville needs him desperately.”

  Pam broke the embrace. “You sent me the ornament?”

  “Yes, and you put it to fine use. The Miracle Maker never steers me wrong. You are undoubtedly the perfect choice.”

  “Choice?”

  “Your heart was ready for Christmas – and our John.”

  “His real name is John?”

  “Of course, dear. Thankfully, Santa can take his own flesh and blood son’s name off the naughty list.”

  Her husband spoke up. “But the Good Lord never erased him from the book of life. The boss would never have allowed the evil one to take that gift from him. It was enough to suffer memory loss. Love works in mysterious ways, don’t you think?”

  Mrs. Claus pulled John into her arms. “I must admit that I was growing fearful you would not return.”

  “Christmas must go on, Mother, and I’m home to help Father now.”

  “Home to stay, son?” asked the jolly man in red attire.

  “Yes, Father Santa.”

  “And your woman?”

  “She will make her choice – to stay or leave. I promised.” John’s solemn expression reinforced to Pam the oath he’d spoken earlier while in the heat of the moment. She saw now, he visibly wished he could retract his vow, but she knew he wouldn’t. John was a man of his word. Of this, she felt confident.

  “Let’s not rush the girl. There is plenty of work to do. We must see to the elves and the animals in case any are injured.” Mrs. Claus’ face beamed, her rosy cheeks popping out with renewed freshness. “And aren’t we blessed to have our own doctor in the house?” She slid her arm through Pam’s and ushered her out the door, all the while jabbering about things that the average population professed as a legend.

  Legend! She wondered if her last name bore any significance to his new position being offered. Her brain buzzed. This can’t be! She glanced back at John as they turned the corner into the foyer and gathered encouragement from his playful wink.

  The night flew by, and Pam dug into what she knew best – doctoring. Many lay on cots within the small infirmary, and the assistant assigned to Pam, sponged up all the information and skills she could take in during this time medical crisis. And Pam discovered that John’s comical heartbeat was actively present in all the patients, no matter their size. Despite the physical wounds from the shifting building, their life-giving-organ played a joyous tune. They were a happy lot.

  Pam treated the last patient and began to wash up. John knocked then entered the scrub room. “You look exhausted. I’ll show you where you can sleep.”

  “John, we need to talk,” Pam said.

  “Yes, we do, but later, after brunch. It will be a grand celebration. We will join everyone in the dining hall at twelve o’clock.” He smiled. “According to my calculations, that will allow us a full six hours sleep. I’ll come round and pick you up at noon.”

  Pam was too tired to argue or appreciate John’s weak stab at humor. She followed him until they stopped at a door off the main foyer in the Penthouse suites. She felt like a midget standing beside its enormity. When it opened, he looked up and smiled nervously. “Another mistletoe. You know the tradition started here, right?”

  Pam could not dismiss his attempt at playfulness. “Without a doubt.” Her brows arched. “Well, what are you wai
ting for then, John-Doe Claus?”

  “Please, always call me John-Doe. I love it, and now it’s part of our history.”

  “I’m tired of talking, John-Doe.” Pam walked into his arms and allowed him to sweep her into a land of milk and honey, cookies and sweet treats, love and promise.

  Once inside her suite, when the effect had worn off, and common sense returned to plague her, Pam grew riddled with misgivings. What was she doing? Doctor Pamela Legend could never settle in this make-believe world when she’d studied so hard to become the best in her field of medicine. She had a future in Cedar Springs, and in her heart of hearts she knew she could not let it go. Not for this imaginary world, even if being here felt so wonderfully authentic. Her mind buzzed with confusion.

  At eleven-fifteen a female elf came with a bundle of clothes. “Mrs. Claus thought you might like to change.”

  “Thank you. Tell her that I appreciate her kindness.”

  “Oh, yes, Miss. She is the best boss in the entire world. Will you be taking lessons from her?”

  “Lessons?”

  “You know, to be the next great lady in Santa Ville. It’s a big responsibility, but she is confident you will outshine her a hundred times over.”

  The truth sank in. “Me, Mrs. Claus?” When she noticed the elf’s confusion, Pam added. “I could never measure up.”

  “She said the same thing when Santa first brought her home, but look at her now. The greatest Match Maker and Santa helper this village has ever known.”

  I voiced my thought. “And you, little one, have seen all the generations of the Claus family?”

  “Oh, my, yes. But I tend to agree with the reining one. You will make a grand replacement. The best yet.”

  Pam bit her lip to stop the trembling. “Thank you for the clothes.” The girl took the hint and scurried from the room.

  Pam went into the large bathroom and marveled at the many contraptions that made cleaning up feel like a spa treatment. Four showerheads jetted from different directions, pulsating, adding soapsuds, and rinsing at different intervals. The presence of a chair in the shower unit seemed to invite her to sit. When she leaned her head back into the rear tray, a finger-like gadget began to massage her scalp, then shampoo, condition and rinse her long hair. When the cycle automatically shut down, Pam felt revitalized. Quite the bathing experience!

  She’d not packed a suitcase, so without make-up, it would be the all-natural look she’d bring to the table today. Although Pam noticed that her cheeks appeared to glow with a new pink that brightened her ivory skin color. The dress fit perfectly as if made to order. It was a simple style, as simple as it got around here. Speckles of gold sprinkled over the bodice, and the light satiny skirt flowed to her knees. The shiny red shoes matched and the leather felt like top designer quality, a comfort level she’d never afforded on her feet.

  Pam searched for a brand name thinking of purchasing a work shoe to help her endure the long hours spent on hard, hospital floors. As soon as the thought registered her heart sank. The hospital. She was going back. In vain she hoped John would return with her, but he’d promised his mother he was home to stay.

  The fairy tale was coming to an end, and Pam could do nothing to stop it. Promptly at twelve, when she gazed upon a hopeful John standing at her door, unwanted tears welled up, and her heart lay open to his search. He never asked the question that his eyes sought. He smiled weakly and squeezed her hand. They made their way quietly to the dining room.

  The place was astir with new hope and a back-to-work spirit, busy servers and workers chatting merrily. Everyone stopped and stared as they walked to the head table. Mr. and Mrs. Claus soon joined them. The reigning couple had been through a lot, and they were getting on in age – although Pam was afraid to ask how long one served in this capacity before retirement. John had big shoes to fill for the rest of his life. Really? She gave herself a reality check. Surely she’d awaken, and this entire North Pole adventure would be written off as a motley twist of drama, evil versus good, a magical and miraculous journey.

  Activity hummed again, and carts of steaming food wheeled out from behind swinging doors. The Claus family were the first served then with efficiently and speed the other six long rectangular tables received bowls of food to pass down the line of hungry recipients. Pam noticed the Claus family did not touch their plates, so she also sat and waited. When the last trolley disappeared into the kitchen, Santa stood, and the room became silent. In a booming voice, he read a portion from the Book and said the Morning Prayer. He bowed his head, and his attitude was one of thanksgiving for the lost sheep that had been found and the miracle of Christmas with its continuance of child-like faith.

  Pam accepted the bowl of scrambled egg that John offered. “Interesting observation,” she voiced. “The Claus family bow to the Miracle Maker. Christ is still the reason for the season, even here in magical Santa Ville.”

  “Especially here in Santa Ville. Our mission would be a waste of time if we did not point children to the One who holds the keys to the kingdom.”

  “But the holiday has become so commercialized. Many have lost the true message,” Pam said.

  “Then, during our reign, we shall have to try extra hard to remind them,” John said but glanced quickly away when he didn’t hear her Amen the our reign part. According to the huge calendar on the wall, this was Sunday and the last day of Christmas in July in Cedar Springs. She’d run out of time and needed to decide her future. Yet, in her mind, she knew she had no choice. She would go home.

  “John, we need to talk, soon.”

  “After the meal, Mother wants to give you a tour and a short run-down of our duties here. Yours as well – if you stay.” He busied himself straightening the napkin on his knee.

  Pam sighed. “I suppose I’d like to get to know your mother better. She seems a fine lady.”

  “The best. Present company excluded, of course.”

  Pam smiled. “Always the flirt. At least I can count on that.”

  “You can count on me for everything. You are the only Christmas gift I’ll ever want under the tree.”

  Pam popped a sausage in her mouth to still the words that had the potential to burst his bubble. She couldn’t stay. Her sanity would not allow it.

  Pam’s gaze lingered after John as he left with his father to do the rounds and organize reconstruction of the workshop. Mrs. Claus touched her arm.

  “Do you love my son, Pamela?”

  No sense lying to the lady married to the man with the naughty list. Pam still wanted the Christmas season to remain a magical time when she left this place. She’d not allow her mind to return to the hardness that her father had expected. Pam reasoned she could still experience the myth in Cedar Springs without living it inside Santa Ville.

  “Yes, I do.”

  John inherited his mother’s penetrating eyes, and now Pam’s lonely heart lay open for another of the Claus family to scrutinize.

  “But you will not stay with us? After all the planning, you will cast my John aside like yesterday’s love affair.”

  “That’s not fair,” Pam announced. “You expect me to leave a perfectly normal life and move into the Polar Penthouse? This is a dream, and soon I will waken and find you all safely tucked in a fiction book somewhere or on the stage of some nonsensical theater meant to give children of all ages a yearly boost of hope and good cheer.”

  “That is what you honestly believe?” Mrs. Claus asked.

  Pam looked away. “I am excited to accompany you on this tour of your village. Maybe we should stick to that.”

  Mrs. Claus did not miss one opportunity to place Pam in the driver’s seat of life at the North Pole. Like in the auditorium; sit here, dear, and see how comfy the crown’s throne is – built especially for the wife of the reining Santa, or in the workshop, this is Jamie. She will be a life-saver for you in the manufacturing department, or John will do this, and you, his wife, will do that.

  When they reached the scre
ening room, Pam could not overlook her interference so easily. “It was here that you first came to me.” She touched the large screen, and it sprang to life. It was the ER, and she recognized the staff she worked with.

  “You snoop on people?”

  “Not regularly. You were the chosen one, and I needed to get a location to send the parcel.” She sighed. “I never even knew if you received it. I held the ornament in my hands, musing about the girl destined to fall in love with my son. Of course, at the time I didn’t know John had gone missing from Santa Ville. I knew of his struggles with growing up and taking over the business, but I never imagined he’d run. Just thought he was out and about with his father – enjoying a normal day.”

  “Your son is a wonderful man. He won’t be running away again. Losing his memory, like the first-time experience, is not anything he’d like to repeat.”

  “Oh, the evil one must have done that. I’d not hurt my boy even for the greater good – I’m not brave enough. I trust the wisdom of the Miracle Maker. He always makes a way. John landed in your town and under your care. Nothing is a coincidence with Him.”

  “So, you sent the gift, and I received it. End of the plan? You leave the rest to chance whether if we fall in love or let Christmas die? You call that a fool-proof strategy?”

  “I have helpers on the outside. You’ve met Cassie, yes?”

  “You and my best friend, Denise both employ the new baker in town?”