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All right, my spooks, it's the final Christmas marathon of
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the year, or is it, And tonight we're unwrapping something special.
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Seven little gifts from the Weekly Spooky Vault, each one
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tied with a bow. Because here's the thing about the holidays.
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The lights look warmer when the dark is deeper, the
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carols sound prettier when you're not sure who's humming along,
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and every tradition secret Santa, a babysitting job on Christmas Eve,
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the perfect family dinner. The sentimental card in the mailbox
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has a shadow version of itself waiting to crawl out.
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When you're tired, snowed in and convinced you're safe out,
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pour the hot cocoa, check the locks, and if you
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hear something on the rooftop, go click click click. Don't
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get excited. Some of these stories have ghosts, some have curses,
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and some have a Santa shaped problem that doesn't care
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if you've been naughty or nice. So enjoy your holiday
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horror anthology, cozy, creepy, and mean spirited in the most
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festive way possible. Make sure you're subscribed for more brand
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new Christmas frights next week. So dim the lights and
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let that Christmas Tree take over. It's time to press
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play and open the first present. All I want for
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Christmas is my mother to stop haunting me. By Bruce Haney.
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The Holly family was big on Christmas. They celebrated all
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the major holidays enthusiastically, but Christmas was the one they
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went all in on. Carol Holly, the family's matriarch, was
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the big driving force for the entire family. She was
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the one who planned and organized their elaborate decorations that
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included a hundred rolls of lights and various inflatables, as
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well as a few classic blow mold decorations. She believed
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in the separation of the holiday, so when her children
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tried to convince her to put up one of those
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twelve foot skeletons with a Santa hat on it, she
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wouldn't have it. This love for the holiday and her
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striving for perfection were the thing that ended Carol's life.
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It happened on Christmas Eve, while the family was enjoying
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hot cocoa before taking their annual family life photo in
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front of the decorated house, The mother took one last
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look to ensure everything was just right. That was when
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she noticed that the Santa that was installed on the
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roof behind the chimney in order to look like he
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had just popped his head out, was slightly crooked. No, no,
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it's crooked. It's ruining the effect. Just give me one minute,
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she said. Before anyone could argue, she was already pulling
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out the ladder and climbing up on the roof like
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she had so many times before. It's fine, ma, let's
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just get the photo. It's cold out here, Paul, her
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oldest son, pleaded. Her response was to throw him a
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dirty look. The rest of her children, as well as
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her husband, let it go at that. They knew there
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was no sense in arguing. Paul was their oldest boy.
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At twenty seven years old, he was the assistant manager
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at their family's hardware store. His wife and kids were
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waiting inside until it was time for the extended family photo.
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Besides Paul, the children of Carol and Todd Hawley included
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Kyle and Melissa. Melissa was the youngest at twenty years old.
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She hadn't quite figured out what she wanted to do
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with her life. Her parents weren't happy when her gap
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year went from one to two. They were starting to
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suspect that she wouldn't go to college at all. Kyle
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was their youngest boy. He was twenty one and in
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college studying to be a dental hygienist. They were worried
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that his obnoxious personality might not be ideal for his
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chosen career path. When they heard Carol scream, they all
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looked up just in time to see her slipping. For
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a second, things seemed okay as she tried to grab
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the chimney for support, but instead of it stopping her,
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she fell inside head first. Oh no, Todd yelled and
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ran to the ladder to climb up. Paul followed him.
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Her screaming grew louder. Kyle pulled out his cellphone and
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dialed nine one one while Melissa ran inside. Within the house,
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she heard people screaming. When she entered the front room
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and saw that the fireplace was lit and saw her
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mother in flames hanging out the opening. She began to
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scream as well. Paul's wife, Amanda, ran to the kitchen
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to get water to try to put Carol out. By
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the time she got back, Grandpa Henry's screams intensified as
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his hands and arms were severely burnt from trying to
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pull his daughter Carol out of the chimney. She was
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wedged tight with only her head sticking out. Amanda threw
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the water on her to extinguish the flames, but it
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was obvious to everyone that she was already dead. The
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Holly House was just as decorated the following year, but
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something looked off. Their mother's touch was missing her eye
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for perfection. The strings of lights were up, but not
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pulled as tight as she would have The inflatables were
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all out, but not angled for the optimal view from
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the street. Inside, the family sat in the living room,
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listening to their mother's Christmas playlist, as they usually did
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after taking the family photo. Their mother wasn't the only
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one who was missed. Paul's wife and kids didn't come.
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They were too traumatized from the year before. Grandpa Henry
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had refused to ever step foot in the house again
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after watching his daughter burned to death. This year, the
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fireplace was left unlit, as it had been since that
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horrible night. The Hollies now exclusively relied on the heat
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from their HVAC system. Melissa flipped through the images of
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their little photo shoot on the back display of her
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canon eos while sucking on a large candy cane. The
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house looks like shit, Melissa said, while shaking her head. Melissa,
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Kyle said, and then looked at their father to gauge
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his reaction. She's right, your mother had the touch for
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making it look good. I can't tell you how many
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hours I've spent out there trying to get it to
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look just like she would have. Todd said, it did
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feel cereal when I pulled in. Kyle said, cereal. Paul asked, yeah,
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Kyle replied, then took his cell phone out. Dorkface. What
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is the definition of cereal? Then he covered his mouth slightly.
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I renamed my phone assistant to dorkface. Melissa gave him
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a sarcastic two thumbs up. Good evening, Kyle. The definition
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of surreal, according to Webster's Dictionary, is strange, not seeming real,
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like a dream. It's the correct usage, Kyle said. Paul
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ignored this. I just felt sad. I thought the house
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looked A clunking sound came from the chimney, stopping Paul
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mid sentence. What was that, Kyle asked, Probably some old
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soot or something. Melissa replied. They all listened intently for
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any other noise. If it wasn't for the Christmas songs
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playing on the smart speaker, it would have been complete silence.
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When a hand came out from the chimney choot, they
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all screamed. It was followed by another, and then ahead.
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The thing squeezed through and crawled out. Once it was
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on the floor, it stood up and smiled at them.
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Their screaming stopped as they were now in shock to
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see in front of them that it was their dead mother.
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Merry Christmas, Carol said. They didn't respond, so she added
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a happy Christmas Eve. The family still just stared. Well
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aren't you happy to see your mother on the eve
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of our favorite holiday? Carol asked. Her children and husband
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all asked questions, not giving her time to answer a
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single one of them. But you died, Kyle said, in
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that very spot, Melissa added, pointing to the fireplace. Did
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you go to heaven? Todd asked, Mom, what are you
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doing here? Paul choked out. The mother looked at the
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faces of her family before deciding on what to say.
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I'm here for the holidays, nothing less, nothing more. Carol
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smiled at her family and held out her arms for hugs.
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They all hesitated, but eventually they approached and hugged the
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dead matriarch. The Holly family listened to Christmas music, eate snacks,
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and caught their mother up on all the new things
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that had happened in their lives in the last year.
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Carol told them nothing about the afterlife. This cycle continued
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the next year as well. The whole family, including Paul's
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wife and kids, came this time. They all waited by
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the fireplace as those who were there argued about what
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time she appeared last year. It was nine pm. Melissa
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said it was eight forty five pm. Paul corrected he
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always thought he was right because he was the oldest.
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Paul's wife and children were trying to have an open mind,
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but they never believed Paul after he came home and
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told them that his mother had come back for Christmas. Regardless,
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they supported him and were there for him. Well, she
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did most of the supporting. The little ones were still
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kind of clueless as to what was happening. Their daughter, Layla,
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was only three when it happened. Amanda worried that the
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image of her grandma burning alive might just be her
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first memory. Their son Aiden was only one, so no
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fear there, but now that he was the one to
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turn three, could she be setting him up for a
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traumatic first memory as well? At eight forty five pm,
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they heard a noise coming from the chimney. Amanda looked
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at the fireplace nervous, while the rest of the family
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looked on with excitement. The mother came down and another
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great family Christmas happened. They caught her up on their
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lives and asked her about hers. Well, it's hard to explain,
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was what she would answer, most often, always being vague
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about what the afterlife was like. This year, they noticed
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that she was a bit confused, no longer remembering their
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lives in detail, and sometimes even mixing up her own
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children's names. The following year, when she came, they all
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had their usual fun, but the mood was different because
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she was even more confused, which led to an underlying
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frustration on her part. Noticing this, they decided not to
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let her avoid their questioning. This was their mother and
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they couldn't possibly let her suffer. What's going on, Paul asked,
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why do you seem off? Melissa added, Carol took in
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a deep breath. This takes a lot out of me.
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Each year that I return, I become a little more confused. Why,
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Kyle asked, why do you think I'm the only ghost
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you've ever seen? Why there aren't other beings like me everywhere?
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There is a huge cost to what I'm doing. Then
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you shouldn't do it, Kyle said, Mom, don't hurt yourself
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for us. It's not for you, dear, I wish it was.
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It's it's for me. I'm willing to give up my
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afterlife for more time with my family. She finally said it,
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something she promised she would never tell her family, but
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she was tired and her confusion was beginning to take
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such a hold that she even forgot she made that
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promise to herself. Todd, her husband, gave her a big
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hug and a fake smile. Why don't we all open presence?
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Carol's eyes lit up. It was always her favorite part
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seeing all her children and extended family smiling as they
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opened their gifts. The rest of the night was filled
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with joy, and that subject was not brought up again
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all year. Their mother's weakening state was the family's main discussion,
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so they planned to meet at the house on Hallowe
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night and try to change things and what if she
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is being truthful and she's trading her afterlife, Paul asked,
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I don't want to stop seeing mom. Melissa protested, but
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what if we are blessed enough to reach the afterlife
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when we pass and she's not there? Paul inquired. They
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all sat with this, So what is the plan if
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we go for it? Kyle Todd asked his youngest son. Okay,
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so I've been asking all the Wickan girls for advice
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at college, and they helped me figure out a plan.
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Kyle pulled out a notebook that had loose papers tucked
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in it. They don't believe me, though, So now all
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the cute goth chicks think I'm crazy? Does that hurt
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or help your chances? Melissa asked, hardy horror, Kyle quipped,
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then he thought for a second, Actually I'm not sure.
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Is Kyle's love life the most important thing to discuss
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right now? Todd asked, love life or lack thereof? Melissa joked, Melissa,
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stop teasing your brother, Todd scolded. The family helped in
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setting up the ritual. Black candles were lit and salt
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was placed, all the usual cliches. Are we sure we
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want to do this? Melissa? Asked, No, I don't want
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to do this, their father said. They all looked at
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him as if this was what they were all thinking too.
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But it is the right thing to do. She sacrificed
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her whole life for this family. We can't let her
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sacrifice her afterlife as well. I hate this, Paul said
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as he looked at his father. But you're right. Should
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we begin? Kyle asked, yes, Melissa, Paul, and Todd said
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in unison, Okay, take my hands. With the room lit
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only by the black candles, they began their ritual repeat
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after me, we are one, Kyle said, We are one.
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They all repeated. We seek the one we love. We
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seek the one we love, they repeated. Mother, come to
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us like you have in the past. Come to us.
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Let no time pass. It wasn't Kyle's borrowed magic that
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brought her back. It was their connection, the strength of
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their family bond. It was only moments after starting that
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the candles began to flicker and the ghost of their
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mother appeared. Unlike her usual holiday self, she came as
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a spirit loating above the table. What's wrong? Why have
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you called me? Mother? We aim to set you free,
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Kyle said. Then glanced at the rest of his family
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repeat after me, mother, you are free. Mother, you are free.
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His siblings and father repeated, you must not return to
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our plane. Kyle said, you must not return to our
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His family began to repeat, but stopped when their mother
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suddenly swiped at Kyle, scratching his face. You dare, after
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all I have done, try to get rid of me,
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she said. Then her eyes burst into flames as she
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looked upon the faces of her family. To her, they
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all looked evil. Kyle started again, You can't return to
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our plane. You can't return to our plane, the rest repeated.
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Then Kyle began to blow out the black candles. Carol
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floated higher above them, and the rest of her body
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burst into flames as he blew out the rest of
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the candles. You can't do this to your mother, she screamed.
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Kyle quickly blew out the last candle and she disappeared.
250
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That sucked, Kyle said, we did it. Paul added, that's
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what matters. Todd said, I hope by not coming back
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that her mind and soul is returned to what it
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used to be. Melissa said, can the soul heel? Kyle questioned,
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He looked for a response, but nobody answered. When Christmas came,
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the family gathered as they always did at the Holly House.
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There was talk about taking a family vacation and getting
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out of town instead, but with their busy lives, they
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never got it together. This year, they did make changes
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00:20:20.799 --> 00:20:24.920
to the house, including replacing some of the older Christmas
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decorations with LEDs. Their mother had been talking about it
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for years, but she loved the look of the old
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incandescent bulbs too much to make the leap. Todd did it,
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mainly because he didn't want to troubleshoot the ancient bulbs.
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This year, the other big change was that Kyle got
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his way. They finally got one of those twelve foot
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tall skeletons, though their father insisted that it be fully christmasized.
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It had a Santa hat, a red coat, and a beard.
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Forty five PM. Like clockwork, she burst out of the chimney,
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looking more like she did during the seance. Flames now
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perpetually surrounded her, which made all her skin blacken and crack.
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Her lips and eyelids had burned away, causing her teeth
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and her eyes to be exposed. The mouth was ghoulish,
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but her eyes were even worse. They were charred, gibbous
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spheres that lost all their nuanced color, and all that
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00:21:33.640 --> 00:21:38.680
was left were pale blue irises. If she wasn't a
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00:21:38.720 --> 00:21:42.480
spectral creature, you would wonder how she could be seeing
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anything at all. Her family wasn't there to greet her
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because they weren't expecting her this year. This added to
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her anger, which increased as she flew through the house
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looking for them. Didn't they want to see her? When
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she spotted her family outside through the front window, she
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saw that they were goofing around while taking the yearly
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family photo. This made her even angrier. How could they
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be happy and goofing around after what they did to me.
285
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Paul was trying to be in the spirit this year
286
00:22:22.839 --> 00:22:26.000
and was wearing a Santa hat. I can set the
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00:22:26.039 --> 00:22:30.039
delay on the camera, Paul said, you're going to fuck
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00:22:30.119 --> 00:22:34.599
it up. Melissa retorted, no, I'm not. You press the
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00:22:34.640 --> 00:22:37.079
button and run into the frame. How hard is it?
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Plus I'm the tallest, I have long legs to get
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back the quickest. It gives you fifteen seconds and you're
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00:22:44.319 --> 00:22:47.039
ten feet away. I could do it with my short
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little legs, Kyle added. The mother flew out through the
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wall and into their Santa blow mold, possessing it. That
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00:22:55.720 --> 00:22:58.400
piece was the first decoration that Todd and she had
296
00:22:58.440 --> 00:23:01.799
bought on their first cries Christmas before any of the
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00:23:01.880 --> 00:23:06.839
children were around. Whatever, I'm already here. The button is pressed,
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Paul said, and then ran over to join his family.
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They all smiled and waited for the camera to go off.
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The mother was furious at how they could enjoy themselves
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on Christmas without her. The blow mold had no articulation,
302
00:23:24.119 --> 00:23:27.160
so she had to pivot back and forth to move
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the thing. It was dreadfully slow, but she was able
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00:23:31.559 --> 00:23:34.400
to move it just enough to get into the frame
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of the photo. It was the last photo they would
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all ever take together. The picture went off, See easy,
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00:23:44.880 --> 00:23:50.319
Paul said, sure it was. Melissa added, can we open
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00:23:50.400 --> 00:23:55.559
presents now? Young Leyla asked, not yet, but we can
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00:23:55.680 --> 00:23:58.799
go in and have hot chocolate, Paul told his child.
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Yay.
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Layla grabbed her younger brother's hand and ran towards the house.
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Amanda put her arm around her husband and then they followed.
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The Rest of the family did as well, except for
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00:24:12.079 --> 00:24:16.960
the father. You coming, dad, Melissa asked, We're going to
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00:24:16.960 --> 00:24:22.599
have hot chocolate in a minute, Todd said. Melissa shook
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00:24:22.599 --> 00:24:29.720
her head in understanding, and left her father. Todd walked
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00:24:29.759 --> 00:24:32.720
around for a bit, looking at the house and all
318
00:24:32.799 --> 00:24:39.400
the decorations. We did an okay job, right, Carol, he
319
00:24:39.519 --> 00:24:44.240
said to himself as he looked around. He eventually focused
320
00:24:44.240 --> 00:24:48.920
on the chimney where she had had her accident. I
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00:24:49.000 --> 00:24:53.480
miss you, he said under his breath. Looking for a
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00:24:53.559 --> 00:24:58.440
happier memory, he turned to observe their blow mold. As
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00:24:58.480 --> 00:25:03.559
their oldest piece, it held the most memories. That was
324
00:25:03.599 --> 00:25:08.160
a decoration he could never replace. But it wasn't there.
325
00:25:09.559 --> 00:25:12.880
He knew the value had gone up on vintage blow molds,
326
00:25:13.440 --> 00:25:18.079
but he never thought someone would steal his. He looked around,
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00:25:18.200 --> 00:25:22.920
hoping to see it elsewhere. The wind was known to
328
00:25:23.039 --> 00:25:28.319
move the lightweight thing. Then he saw it flying through
329
00:25:28.319 --> 00:25:32.160
the air at him. He tried to duck, but it
330
00:25:32.240 --> 00:25:36.480
was too late. There simply wasn't enough mass for the
331
00:25:36.519 --> 00:25:41.400
thing to kill him. But she got lucky When she
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00:25:41.480 --> 00:25:44.599
hit him as hard as she did, he stumbled back
333
00:25:44.680 --> 00:25:49.200
and fell His head cracked open when it hit one
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00:25:49.200 --> 00:25:53.720
of the cement steps leading to the house. She flew
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out of the blow mold letting it drop to the
336
00:25:56.279 --> 00:26:05.160
ground as she neared the house. In the kitchen, Paul
337
00:26:05.359 --> 00:26:07.920
was waiting for the kettle to heat up to make
338
00:26:07.960 --> 00:26:11.920
the hot chocolate. He had seven ceramic cups set out,
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00:26:12.480 --> 00:26:15.799
one for each of them, not knowing that his father
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00:26:16.160 --> 00:26:20.559
was now dead and would not be partaking. As he
341
00:26:20.599 --> 00:26:23.799
looked at the chrome kettle, he thought he saw someone
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00:26:23.920 --> 00:26:28.079
behind it. He didn't turn around. They all had been
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00:26:28.119 --> 00:26:30.720
a little on edge that night, and he thought it
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00:26:30.799 --> 00:26:34.920
was just his nerves. Though they banished their mother's spirit
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00:26:35.039 --> 00:26:39.000
to save her, they each secretly wished for her to
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00:26:39.039 --> 00:26:43.720
come back. The thing in the reflection moved and he
347
00:26:43.759 --> 00:26:50.680
couldn't resist. He turned around, but nothing was there, Mom,
348
00:26:51.440 --> 00:26:56.839
Paul said. Behind him, he heard the familiar voice of
349
00:26:56.920 --> 00:27:02.599
the smart speaker playing Mom's Cris Smith's classic's playlist. Paul
350
00:27:02.759 --> 00:27:06.279
was excited to see his mother again, but then got
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00:27:06.279 --> 00:27:10.000
a flash in his memory of Halloween and how mad
352
00:27:10.079 --> 00:27:15.039
she was. The kettle began to whistle. He looked at
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00:27:15.039 --> 00:27:19.519
it and again saw her reflection, though this time she
354
00:27:19.680 --> 00:27:22.880
was closer and he could tell she was the version
355
00:27:22.920 --> 00:27:27.599
of her they saw it Halloween. Paul tensed up as
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00:27:27.680 --> 00:27:30.720
he saw her moving towards him with her hand out.
357
00:27:31.599 --> 00:27:34.440
When she got to him, she swiped at his head,
358
00:27:35.079 --> 00:27:38.559
taking the Santa hat off of it. From the other room,
359
00:27:38.680 --> 00:27:43.880
Melissa yelled, Paul, the kettle's going off. Paul turned around
360
00:27:44.039 --> 00:27:47.880
just in time to see his mother, who was engulfed
361
00:27:47.920 --> 00:27:52.759
in flames, placed the hat on her head. How it
362
00:27:52.920 --> 00:27:57.200
and everything around her didn't catch fire, he didn't understand.
363
00:27:58.480 --> 00:28:05.720
How festive she said, you you look nice, Paul lied,
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00:28:06.960 --> 00:28:11.960
ah Son, give me a hug. Paul backed away as
365
00:28:12.000 --> 00:28:15.240
she put her flaming arms out. He looked at her
366
00:28:15.279 --> 00:28:17.559
and saw that she was right up against the counter
367
00:28:17.960 --> 00:28:22.079
and not affecting it. So he thought maybe I could
368
00:28:22.160 --> 00:28:25.359
hug her and not burn. But it wasn't just the
369
00:28:25.440 --> 00:28:29.799
flames that made him hesitate. She was scary looking and
370
00:28:29.920 --> 00:28:35.799
she didn't appear friendly. Paul the kettle it's annoying, Kyle
371
00:28:35.920 --> 00:28:40.799
yelled from the front room. What's the matter, sweetie, she said,
372
00:28:40.920 --> 00:28:45.200
trying to give him due eyes, but without eyelids, she
373
00:28:45.400 --> 00:28:49.720
wasn't selling it well. But Paul never could refuse his mother,
374
00:28:50.279 --> 00:28:53.519
and so he went in for the hug. She held
375
00:28:53.599 --> 00:28:58.960
him tight, and he too, burst into flames. Her grip
376
00:28:59.039 --> 00:29:04.200
tightened as he screamed and flailed around. Amanda was the
377
00:29:04.240 --> 00:29:09.680
first one to enter the kitchen. Oh, my favorite daughter
378
00:29:09.759 --> 00:29:16.319
in law, Carol said, your only daughter in law, Amanda replied.
379
00:29:17.160 --> 00:29:21.480
Carol dropped her dead son's body to the floor. This
380
00:29:22.000 --> 00:29:27.240
initiated Amanda's fight or flight response. She screamed and ran
381
00:29:27.359 --> 00:29:31.240
back to the front room. In the front room, Melissa
382
00:29:31.279 --> 00:29:35.839
and Kyle were moving towards the kitchen. Melissa nervously chewed
383
00:29:35.880 --> 00:29:39.960
on her ever present at the holiday's candy cane. Amanda
384
00:29:40.000 --> 00:29:43.240
burst out of the kitchen and beelined to her children,
385
00:29:43.599 --> 00:29:48.119
whom she grabbed up one in each arm. In normal circumstances,
386
00:29:48.200 --> 00:29:51.119
Leah was getting a little too big to carry with
387
00:29:51.200 --> 00:29:56.519
one arm, but these were not normal circumstances. She's back.
388
00:29:56.839 --> 00:29:59.599
We've got to get the fuck out of here, she
389
00:29:59.759 --> 00:30:02.119
yell at them, and then ran out the front door,
390
00:30:02.279 --> 00:30:06.119
leaving their mother floated into the front room. As Amanda
391
00:30:06.200 --> 00:30:11.000
exited the house, Amanda wasn't her concern. She was here
392
00:30:11.119 --> 00:30:15.640
to punish her own children from outside. As they stared
393
00:30:15.640 --> 00:30:19.200
at the rotting, floating Santa hat wearing living corpse of
394
00:30:19.240 --> 00:30:23.279
their mother, they heard a car start. She looked towards
395
00:30:23.359 --> 00:30:27.160
the window and watched as the car dramatically sped backward
396
00:30:27.200 --> 00:30:31.240
into the street and then sped off. She looked back
397
00:30:31.240 --> 00:30:35.480
at Melissa and Kyle. Ah, isn't this nice? Just me
398
00:30:35.599 --> 00:30:40.960
and my children for Christmas? Well, what's left of them?
399
00:30:41.640 --> 00:30:45.359
Carol said. Melissa took out the candy cane she had
400
00:30:45.400 --> 00:30:50.359
been sucking on. What the fuck, Mom, what's going on?
401
00:30:51.039 --> 00:30:55.119
Why do you look like that, Kyle asked, because my
402
00:30:55.359 --> 00:31:00.799
ungrateful family tried to cast me out. That's not it
403
00:31:00.880 --> 00:31:05.359
at all. We were just Melissa began to say, but
404
00:31:05.519 --> 00:31:09.079
she was startled when Carol grabbed the large candy cane
405
00:31:09.359 --> 00:31:12.480
that she had been working on. Carol looked at it
406
00:31:12.519 --> 00:31:15.400
for a moment. In her hand, Melissa had worked a
407
00:31:15.480 --> 00:31:21.079
nice point into it. Melissa changed her approach. We are
408
00:31:21.359 --> 00:31:25.079
so glad to see you. Mother. Didn't I warn you
409
00:31:25.160 --> 00:31:30.359
if you keep eating these you're going to get a cavity? Sorry? Mom,
410
00:31:30.640 --> 00:31:34.960
you're right. Carol didn't respond to this in words. She
411
00:31:35.119 --> 00:31:37.960
cocked her arm that was holding the candy cane back
412
00:31:38.640 --> 00:31:43.119
and then thrust it towards Melissa. Though it was done
413
00:31:43.240 --> 00:31:46.960
in one quick movement, to Melissa, it felt like her
414
00:31:47.000 --> 00:31:51.480
life had entered slow motion. She watched in horror as
415
00:31:51.519 --> 00:31:55.039
the sharp end of the extra large candy cane moved
416
00:31:55.039 --> 00:31:59.759
towards her face, then made its way through her cornea pupil,
417
00:32:00.400 --> 00:32:05.039
and then the lens. This is when she started screaming,
418
00:32:05.960 --> 00:32:09.519
But those screams would end soon enough, as the candy
419
00:32:09.559 --> 00:32:14.759
cane continued through the eyeball, then through her brain before
420
00:32:14.799 --> 00:32:19.400
smashing into the back of her skull and shattering, leaving
421
00:32:19.480 --> 00:32:22.240
bits of candy cane that would have needed to be
422
00:32:22.319 --> 00:32:25.880
removed by a surgeon, except for the fact that any
423
00:32:25.960 --> 00:32:30.519
surgery at this point was useless because she was dead
424
00:32:31.680 --> 00:32:42.440
and then there was only one Carol said. Kyle didn't
425
00:32:42.480 --> 00:32:46.000
waste time with a response or trying to reason with her.
426
00:32:46.559 --> 00:32:50.119
He took off, running out the front door. She took
427
00:32:50.119 --> 00:32:53.920
a shortcut through a wall. She looked around the exterior
428
00:32:54.000 --> 00:32:57.039
of the house for what she could use to kill
429
00:32:57.119 --> 00:33:02.400
her ungrateful child. Perfect she thought when she saw it,
430
00:33:03.240 --> 00:33:06.200
she would use the thing that pissed her off the most.
431
00:33:06.720 --> 00:33:11.160
When she came back, that dumb twelve foot skeleton that
432
00:33:11.240 --> 00:33:15.160
they dressed as Santa. Kyle looked at his car and
433
00:33:15.279 --> 00:33:18.240
ran towards it, having to jump over the corpse of
434
00:33:18.240 --> 00:33:21.319
his father. When he got to the car, he checked
435
00:33:21.319 --> 00:33:27.039
for his keys. No keys, fuck, he yelled out loud,
436
00:33:27.440 --> 00:33:29.920
remembering that he had a bad habit of hanging up
437
00:33:29.960 --> 00:33:33.200
his keys whenever he was here, even though he hadn't
438
00:33:33.240 --> 00:33:37.119
lived at home in years. Kyle looked at her, now
439
00:33:37.240 --> 00:33:41.920
in giant skeleton form, then looked at the house and
440
00:33:42.039 --> 00:33:47.079
decided to just run. Kyle could run fast, but the
441
00:33:47.119 --> 00:33:51.839
gait of a twelve foot plastic skeleton was impressive. Though
442
00:33:51.920 --> 00:33:56.039
she moved slower, she was closing the gap. Kyle was
443
00:33:56.119 --> 00:33:59.119
nearly out of his mind, fearful and shocked at what
444
00:33:59.200 --> 00:34:03.519
had happened in his life. Running in fear and without looking,
445
00:34:04.160 --> 00:34:07.839
he ran into a group of carollers, knocking a few
446
00:34:07.880 --> 00:34:11.400
of them over. Hey, watch where you're going, one of
447
00:34:11.400 --> 00:34:16.239
them yelled, but he kept running. How rude, a woman said,
448
00:34:17.119 --> 00:34:22.239
kids today. Another replied, Then they all saw the skeleton
449
00:34:22.840 --> 00:34:27.639
and understood. They all screamed loud enough that the other
450
00:34:27.719 --> 00:34:31.719
neighbors started coming out of their houses. Luckily for them,
451
00:34:32.039 --> 00:34:35.480
Carol in skeleton form was on a mission, so she
452
00:34:35.559 --> 00:34:39.559
didn't attack any of them. Another fortunate thing for them
453
00:34:40.239 --> 00:34:43.199
was that her spirit inhabiting it did not add any
454
00:34:43.239 --> 00:34:47.679
weight to the plastic skeleton's mere ninety five pounds, so
455
00:34:48.320 --> 00:34:51.360
she did no permanent damage. As she stepped on the
456
00:34:51.400 --> 00:34:55.719
knocked over carrollers son, where are you going? My dear?
457
00:34:56.000 --> 00:34:59.400
It's Christmas? Don't you want to spend it with mommy?
458
00:35:00.360 --> 00:35:03.440
She asked as she chased her son and looked for
459
00:35:03.480 --> 00:35:07.199
something to murder him with. She didn't think her bare
460
00:35:07.280 --> 00:35:11.519
skeleton hands would be enough. She thought about throwing him,
461
00:35:11.519 --> 00:35:15.039
but was unsure of how successful that would be unless
462
00:35:15.079 --> 00:35:18.480
she had a good target. As she passed each yard,
463
00:35:18.960 --> 00:35:23.920
she looked engaged the murderability of the yard decorations, but
464
00:35:24.119 --> 00:35:27.639
was finding nothing. Most of the yards were filled with
465
00:35:27.679 --> 00:35:32.840
inflatable characters and light projectors. Finally she caught up to him.
466
00:35:33.440 --> 00:35:36.079
She came across a yard with a north pole sign
467
00:35:36.159 --> 00:35:40.199
that looked solid. In her rotted mind, she thought it
468
00:35:40.199 --> 00:35:44.639
would be perfect for punishing her youngest son. He screamed
469
00:35:44.679 --> 00:35:47.480
as she picked him up, and continued to scream as
470
00:35:47.519 --> 00:35:51.280
she threw him high in the air. The last thing
471
00:35:51.400 --> 00:35:55.840
he saw was his mother's smiling face. As his body
472
00:35:56.000 --> 00:35:59.679
landed on the metal north pole sign. It pierced his
473
00:35:59.760 --> 00:36:03.679
back and exited through his heart as he slid down
474
00:36:03.800 --> 00:36:07.880
to the ground. The jaw on the skeleton moved into
475
00:36:07.920 --> 00:36:19.000
a smile as she spoke, Now I have my family back. Epilogue.
476
00:36:19.079 --> 00:36:22.039
Kyle woke up in what appeared to be his family's
477
00:36:22.079 --> 00:36:25.679
living room with all his siblings. His dad was there,
478
00:36:26.039 --> 00:36:30.519
and so was his brother and sister. God, I just
479
00:36:30.639 --> 00:36:36.039
had the worst dream, Kyle said, Yeah, it's not a dream.
480
00:36:36.679 --> 00:36:40.559
Melissa replied, with the candy cane still sticking out of
481
00:36:40.599 --> 00:36:44.079
her eye. That's what I first thought when I woke
482
00:36:44.159 --> 00:36:49.760
up here too where dead? Paul sighed. He was as
483
00:36:49.800 --> 00:36:54.760
burnt as his mother. Their father got up. Let's not
484
00:36:55.000 --> 00:36:58.519
dwell on the bad. Let's just be thankful that we're
485
00:36:58.559 --> 00:37:03.679
finally together as a family. It's a real Christmas miracle,
486
00:37:04.280 --> 00:37:10.920
Melissa said. It's not ideal, but we will adapt. Todd reassured.
487
00:37:12.039 --> 00:37:14.719
Easy for you to say, you just have a bloody
488
00:37:14.760 --> 00:37:17.559
bump on your head. I have a candy cane stuck
489
00:37:17.599 --> 00:37:23.559
in my eye for eternity, Melissa retorted. Their mother walked
490
00:37:23.599 --> 00:37:27.280
into the room with a plate full of cookies. I
491
00:37:27.360 --> 00:37:31.519
don't know what came over me. I'm so sorry, my DearS.
492
00:37:32.960 --> 00:37:40.519
Are we back home, Kyle asked, no, Carol said, then
493
00:37:41.039 --> 00:37:48.599
where are we, Melissa asked, purgatory. Tod guessed, I still
494
00:37:48.639 --> 00:37:52.400
don't know. The important thing is that we're all together,
495
00:37:53.079 --> 00:37:57.719
Carol said, but I don't have my wife or kids.
496
00:37:58.599 --> 00:38:05.800
Paul said we could go get them. Carol said and laughed, No,
497
00:38:06.039 --> 00:38:10.280
that's okay. I would rather we not murder my family.
498
00:38:10.960 --> 00:38:16.360
Paul said, you sure. Kyle asked, yeah, it won't bother
499
00:38:16.519 --> 00:38:22.199
mom one bit. Melissa joked, stop it. Paul said, you're
500
00:38:22.239 --> 00:38:26.679
no fun. Kyle cackled, Oh, I'm no fun because I
501
00:38:26.679 --> 00:38:29.719
don't want to joke about killing my family. It's not
502
00:38:29.840 --> 00:38:34.480
a joke. She'd do it. Melissa laughed, lay off your mother.
503
00:38:35.000 --> 00:38:40.320
Todd said it's okay, it's okay, I have it coming,
504
00:38:41.239 --> 00:38:45.360
Carol said, wiping a tear from her eye, and so
505
00:38:45.559 --> 00:38:50.679
marked another Christmas with the Hollies. There were laughs, tears,
506
00:38:51.440 --> 00:38:56.840
and a lot of family bonding and just a few murders.
507
00:39:02.119 --> 00:39:12.079
A chain Letter Christmas by Rob Fields prologue. The man
508
00:39:12.280 --> 00:39:15.880
entered his study and opened the large, ancient leather bound
509
00:39:15.920 --> 00:39:20.119
book that rested on his desk. He opened the front
510
00:39:20.159 --> 00:39:25.360
cover and turned page after page until he finally found
511
00:39:25.400 --> 00:39:30.679
the spell that he was looking for. I've already utilized
512
00:39:30.719 --> 00:39:33.719
the chain curse and claimed the souls I needed to51300:39:33.760 --> 00:39:38.920
restore my youth. However, my revenge on the town elders51400:39:38.920 --> 00:39:45.679
who banished me from Strickfield long long ago is not complete.51500:39:45.920 --> 00:39:51.199
All in good time. Right now, my sole purpose is51600:39:51.280 --> 00:39:57.280
to destroy you, Charity Mirrn, You and you're accursed girlfriend51700:39:57.480 --> 00:40:02.519
found all of my chain letters and destroyed them. Oh51800:40:02.559 --> 00:40:05.119
but I have the perfect plan that will give the51900:40:05.159 --> 00:40:10.880
two of you a Christmas you won't soon forget. In fact, Charity,52000:40:11.880 --> 00:40:15.119
you and Micah are both at the top of my52100:40:15.320 --> 00:40:20.119
Christmas card list. The man chuckled as he presented the52200:40:20.159 --> 00:40:25.320
beautiful Christmas card to the ancient tome. After reading the spell,52300:40:25.679 --> 00:40:31.440
the card glowed brightly for a few moments and then stopped.52400:40:32.920 --> 00:40:37.719
It's done, the man said. He placed the card into52500:40:37.760 --> 00:40:41.320
the green envelope. He had learned that Charity would be52600:40:41.360 --> 00:40:45.039
attending a Christmas party with the Collins family she was52700:40:45.119 --> 00:40:49.159
living with. He knew exactly who to send the card52800:40:49.199 --> 00:41:00.960
to on Christmas Eve. Perspective, Charity Mirn, It's Christmas Eve,52900:41:01.760 --> 00:41:05.400
and so much has changed since that dreaded chain letter53000:41:05.480 --> 00:41:09.280
came into my life three years ago. Let's be honest, here.53100:41:09.800 --> 00:41:14.400
I've never forgotten what that horrible thing did. Many of53200:41:14.400 --> 00:41:18.320
my family members died that day, the day we all53300:41:18.400 --> 00:41:22.079
came to hear the curse from the chain letter. My53400:41:22.199 --> 00:41:26.599
relatives there hated me. They beat me up and wanted53500:41:26.639 --> 00:41:30.960
to follow the Chain Letter's persistent instructions to kill me.53600:41:32.400 --> 00:41:37.480
Even Micah was ordered to kill me. However, the chain53700:41:37.559 --> 00:41:42.119
Letter didn't win. I burned that a cursed letter, but53800:41:42.239 --> 00:41:45.000
the only way for me to truly end its curse53900:41:46.960 --> 00:41:51.519
was to commit suicide. I drank some really strong poison54000:41:51.559 --> 00:41:56.880
I found in a garage and died. The only thing54100:41:57.119 --> 00:42:01.800
was I didn't stay dead. I came back to life54200:42:01.800 --> 00:42:06.280
at Strickfield General Hospital. I learned later that my girlfriend,54300:42:06.320 --> 00:42:10.400
Micah Collins, broke into the house the garage was connected54400:42:10.400 --> 00:42:13.679
to and called nine one one. I was rushed to54500:42:13.719 --> 00:42:17.159
the hospital. The poison couldn't be pumped out of my54600:42:17.239 --> 00:42:20.960
stomach since it was completely wrecked, but I came back54700:42:20.960 --> 00:42:27.119
to life just the same, fully restored. Even to this day,54800:42:27.199 --> 00:42:33.039
I still don't know why. Also, I've never felt quite54900:42:33.119 --> 00:42:36.480
the same. I always feel like I've got lots and55000:42:36.599 --> 00:42:41.280
lots of energy. From that point until today, I kept55100:42:41.280 --> 00:42:45.880
looking in the mirror. I still look the same, but55200:42:45.960 --> 00:42:50.280
I just know something's not right with me. All I55300:42:50.360 --> 00:42:55.320
remember is that I died. There's no coming back from55400:42:55.400 --> 00:42:59.519
death right. The poison I drank that day was lethal.55500:43:00.079 --> 00:43:04.800
I literally felt my stomach coming apart. I literally felt55600:43:04.800 --> 00:43:10.400
myself fall on my back, die and leave my body.55700:43:12.239 --> 00:43:15.480
The next thing I knew, I had awakened at Strickfield General.55800:43:16.760 --> 00:43:20.519
One thing's for sure, I haven't turned to evil or55900:43:20.800 --> 00:43:24.599
anything like that. No sooner was I able to leave56000:43:24.639 --> 00:43:28.119
the hospital and return home with Micah. I went back56100:43:28.119 --> 00:43:32.519
to being me again. People still call me the one56200:43:32.559 --> 00:43:37.039
good Miran here in Strickfield. Even today, I still have56300:43:37.159 --> 00:43:40.320
relatives who hate me with everything they have to offer,56400:43:40.840 --> 00:43:44.719
whether they live in the gated community or not. Even56500:43:44.760 --> 00:43:48.320
when I'd pass my own parents in downtown village, they56600:43:48.360 --> 00:43:52.000
would scowl at me. Not only do they hate seeing56700:43:52.039 --> 00:43:55.960
my name and photographs in the Strickfield Journal, they also56800:43:56.079 --> 00:44:00.400
hate that I'm in a deeply committed relationship with another woman.56900:44:01.400 --> 00:44:04.840
I'll get to that. I've helped raise all kinds of57000:44:04.880 --> 00:44:08.880
money to help different charities. I volunteer my time at57100:44:08.920 --> 00:44:12.280
blood drives. I even help out at the Strickfield nursing57200:44:12.320 --> 00:44:16.239
home when I can spare time. Also, Micah is my57300:44:16.320 --> 00:44:19.119
partner in all of these things. She even helped me57400:44:19.239 --> 00:44:22.360
raise money to save the Strickfield Drive in theater and57500:44:22.480 --> 00:44:25.719
help keep it open for years to come. Why do57600:44:25.800 --> 00:44:29.440
I want to help people so much? Let's just say57700:44:29.480 --> 00:44:33.599
I'm a strong believer in God. I've read the Bible57800:44:33.639 --> 00:44:36.719
from cover to cover many times, but I think it57900:44:36.800 --> 00:44:39.800
was the stories of Jesus Christ that inspired me back58000:44:39.840 --> 00:44:43.239
when I was just a little girl. I never went58100:44:43.280 --> 00:44:46.239
to Strickfield Academy, but I think I might have fit58200:44:46.360 --> 00:44:51.800
in better there than at Strickfield High Anyway, Jesus inspired58300:44:51.840 --> 00:44:54.960
me with his miracles and teachings. But I think the58400:44:55.039 --> 00:44:57.599
thing he said that still makes me cry to this58500:44:57.760 --> 00:45:01.239
day when I read it was just on thirteen thirty58600:45:01.280 --> 00:45:05.920
four a new command. I give you love one another58700:45:06.440 --> 00:45:09.599
as I have loved you, so you must love one another.58800:45:10.519 --> 00:45:14.559
And yet I'm still persecuted and punished for it by58900:45:14.559 --> 00:45:18.239
my own family. I'm a Miran, and I'm supposed to59000:45:18.400 --> 00:45:21.760
use what are called the Mirran ways to obtain power59100:45:21.840 --> 00:45:25.480
and wealth. Quite honestly, I don't think I was listening59200:45:25.840 --> 00:45:29.480
when my parents tried teaching me those things. When I59300:45:29.519 --> 00:45:32.559
heard Mom say that as Mirans, we're better than all59400:45:32.599 --> 00:45:36.320
those people outside the gate, I knew this wasn't what59500:45:36.440 --> 00:45:40.800
God wanted. Even now, I'm standing in the south window59600:45:40.840 --> 00:45:45.199
at the Collins House and looking up, it's Christmas Eve.59700:45:45.320 --> 00:45:49.199
Like I said, every day, I pray and ask God59800:45:49.679 --> 00:45:53.559
why I was brought back to life. I keep asking God,59900:45:53.599 --> 00:45:56.480
if he was the one who sent me back, does60000:45:56.519 --> 00:45:59.280
he have more work for me to do here? Did60100:45:59.360 --> 00:46:03.719
God feel it just wasn't my time? Then I feel60200:46:03.760 --> 00:46:07.840
Micah's hands on my shoulders. I turned to face her,60300:46:08.800 --> 00:46:15.239
my eyes streaming tears. Oh honey, Micah pulls me into60400:46:15.239 --> 00:46:19.360
her arms and lets me cry. I gently hold the60500:46:19.400 --> 00:46:23.039
love of my life to me. Honestly, I think I'd60600:46:23.039 --> 00:46:27.239
feel quite lost without her. For one thing, Micah's family60700:46:27.280 --> 00:46:29.960
took me in and let me live with them when60800:46:30.000 --> 00:46:33.440
mine threw me out. I came to fall in love60900:46:33.480 --> 00:46:36.960
with Micah, but I'd always kept my feelings to myself.61000:46:38.000 --> 00:46:41.039
Then that damn chain letter brought my feelings for her out.61100:46:42.119 --> 00:46:45.239
As it turned out, she reciprocated my love for her.61200:46:46.360 --> 00:46:50.559
Even today, we're still together. We kept our relationship quiet61300:46:50.559 --> 00:46:54.039
for a little while Micah eventually confided in me that61400:46:54.119 --> 00:46:56.360
she didn't want to lie to her parents about us,61500:46:56.920 --> 00:46:59.320
so I agreed that it was best to tell them61600:46:59.719 --> 00:47:03.719
the truth was they kind of already knew. Micah and61700:47:03.760 --> 00:47:07.119
I weren't paying attention, but her parents saw us holding61800:47:07.199 --> 00:47:12.920
hands many times, fingers laced. I expected to be homeless again,61900:47:13.119 --> 00:47:19.000
but the Collins are such good people. What's wrong? Micah whispers,62000:47:20.039 --> 00:47:23.480
I just can't stop feeling these feelings. I whispered back,62100:47:24.440 --> 00:47:28.320
why did I return from the dead, Micah? She squeezes62200:47:28.360 --> 00:47:31.679
me a little. I'm so sorry. I wish there was62300:47:32.079 --> 00:47:35.360
something I could say or do to help you. Now62400:47:35.400 --> 00:47:39.559
I face her, it's not fair to you. She shakes62500:47:39.559 --> 00:47:44.199
her head slowly. I get to decide that charity. You62600:47:44.280 --> 00:47:47.079
and me are life partners. We're always there for each62700:47:47.119 --> 00:47:50.400
other always. There's nothing you could say to me that's62800:47:50.440 --> 00:47:53.559
going to make me break up with you. I sniffle,62900:47:54.840 --> 00:47:59.199
But you've had to deal with me since. Micah pecks63000:47:59.199 --> 00:48:03.360
my lips. You and me are life partners. I'll always63100:48:03.400 --> 00:48:05.400
be here for you the way you'll always be here63200:48:05.400 --> 00:48:09.639
for me. Micah and I haven't gotten married or taken63300:48:09.679 --> 00:48:13.960
any kind of vows to say we're life partners. We63400:48:14.239 --> 00:48:18.800
just more or less transitioned into that. You could even63500:48:18.880 --> 00:48:22.360
call us soulmates. We both know we can never be63600:48:22.519 --> 00:48:27.079
without each other. You're going to be okay? Micah asks,63700:48:27.960 --> 00:48:30.079
or should I tell my parents we're not going to63800:48:30.119 --> 00:48:34.159
the family Christmas party tonight. I ease myself away from63900:48:34.159 --> 00:48:38.320
Micah and pull some tissues out of the box. No,64000:48:38.559 --> 00:48:41.000
I know you and your parents always look forward to64100:48:41.039 --> 00:48:44.679
the family party every Christmas Eve. I won't ruin that64200:48:45.480 --> 00:48:49.440
this will be my third Christmas with Micah's family. This64300:48:49.519 --> 00:48:52.559
will be my third family Christmas party I'll be attending.64400:48:53.400 --> 00:48:57.280
Even the family members there know about Micah and I also.64500:48:57.880 --> 00:49:00.440
You'd have thought Micah's parents would have wanted us both64600:49:00.480 --> 00:49:04.079
out of the house once we matriculated to Strickfield University,64700:49:04.920 --> 00:49:06.880
but they told us we could stay at the house64800:49:06.920 --> 00:49:09.119
and not have to pay the extra fees that come64900:49:09.199 --> 00:49:13.440
with a dorm room and doing laundry. As I finished65000:49:13.519 --> 00:49:17.000
drying my eyes, Micah's parents are calling up to us.65100:49:17.679 --> 00:49:21.159
Let's go, love, Micah tells me. I let her take65200:49:21.199 --> 00:49:25.159
my hand. Together we walk downstairs. Then I see the65300:49:25.199 --> 00:49:28.079
living room with the brightly lit Christmas tree and all65400:49:28.119 --> 00:49:31.159
the presents. I want to cry again when I know65500:49:31.280 --> 00:49:34.760
I've got presents under there for Micah's parents too. I've65600:49:34.800 --> 00:49:38.840
even made some contributions to that tree. Micah and I65700:49:38.920 --> 00:49:43.039
help carry other presents to the suv. Soon we're on65800:49:43.119 --> 00:49:46.360
our way to the north side of Strickfield, where Micah's65900:49:46.400 --> 00:49:51.800
other relatives live. When we get to the gathering, we66000:49:51.840 --> 00:49:54.320
can see plenty of cars in the cul de sac.66100:49:55.239 --> 00:49:59.880
Usually other houses here are having Christmas Eve gatherings too. Mike,66200:50:00.079 --> 00:50:03.239
his dad, finds a good spot from there. We get66300:50:03.280 --> 00:50:07.159
out and get the presence in back. Micah's relatives are66400:50:07.239 --> 00:50:10.079
quick to open the door, glad to see you all.66500:50:10.519 --> 00:50:14.039
The man calls out, glad to see you too, Uncle Wade.66600:50:14.719 --> 00:50:19.719
Micah calls back. Wade Collins even acknowledges me, glad you66700:50:19.719 --> 00:50:22.760
could make it back charity. As soon as we all66800:50:22.760 --> 00:50:26.239
go inside, Wade's wife, Mave, is there to give me66900:50:26.320 --> 00:50:29.000
a hug. When I set the presents i'm holding down.67000:50:29.960 --> 00:50:32.639
Thank you so much for that fundraiser you organized for67100:50:32.719 --> 00:50:37.079
the fire department. Mave squeezes me a little tighter. If67200:50:37.119 --> 00:50:39.000
it wasn't for you, my husband would be out of67300:50:39.039 --> 00:50:43.280
a job. When Mave lets me go. I nod an acknowledgment.67400:50:44.000 --> 00:50:47.880
Micah helped too. It feels awkward to be among this.67500:50:48.079 --> 00:50:51.880
Many of Micah's family The first year, they just knew67600:50:51.920 --> 00:50:55.880
I was living with Micah. These last two years, everybody67700:50:55.960 --> 00:51:00.719
here knows Micah and I are together. Seeing her family67800:51:00.840 --> 00:51:04.559
makes me wish my own family was like hers. It67900:51:04.679 --> 00:51:07.719
still hurts knowing I was thrown away by my parents68000:51:07.760 --> 00:51:13.079
for being kind hearted. What's more, many of my other68100:51:13.159 --> 00:51:15.719
family members go out of their way to chastise me68200:51:15.840 --> 00:51:18.880
for it. I do have a few of my cousins68300:51:18.920 --> 00:51:22.920
who are on my side, though mostly Felicia. I just68400:51:23.000 --> 00:51:27.480
want to do right by people and by God. What's68500:51:27.559 --> 00:51:32.239
so wrong with that? As for the other people here68600:51:32.280 --> 00:51:36.960
at the gathering, Wade and May's three kids are here, Beth, John,68700:51:37.039 --> 00:51:41.199
and Nellie, who all go to Strickfield High. There's also68800:51:41.239 --> 00:51:45.880
another Collins family here, Wade's brother Charles and his wife Claire.68900:51:46.559 --> 00:51:50.599
They have two boys, Steven Zane. I think Micah said69000:51:50.679 --> 00:51:55.000
something about them going to Strickfield Academy. It takes a69100:51:55.000 --> 00:51:57.199
little bit for us to break the ice, like every69200:51:57.280 --> 00:52:01.000
Christmas Eve. Then I remember how Steve Inzane make it69300:52:01.039 --> 00:52:04.360
a point to avoid Micah and I. In fact, the69400:52:04.400 --> 00:52:08.360
two of them hugged us, both begrudgingly. I suppose it69500:52:08.400 --> 00:52:11.320
would be one thing if they weren't comfortable hugging or69600:52:11.360 --> 00:52:15.440
shaking hands with people, but Micah and I both noticed69700:52:15.480 --> 00:52:20.440
they only seemed to be reluctant around us. Well, it69800:52:20.440 --> 00:52:22.440
wouldn't be the first time Micah and I have had69900:52:22.519 --> 00:52:26.199
to deal with a little homophobia. We're all chatting it70000:52:26.280 --> 00:52:29.960
up with everybody. Mave usually likes having me help her70100:52:30.000 --> 00:52:33.159
out in the kitchen. I've kind of gotten the vibe70200:52:33.199 --> 00:52:36.800
from her. She feels sorry for me for being banished70300:52:36.920 --> 00:52:40.760
from my own family. Anyway, the two of us are70400:52:40.760 --> 00:52:43.880
putting the finishing touches on the platters of meat and70500:52:44.000 --> 00:52:48.159
finger foods. Mayve Sure makes lots and lots of cookies,70600:52:48.599 --> 00:52:53.199
among other things. As soon as everything's put out, Mave70700:52:53.280 --> 00:52:56.320
announces that everybody can come into the dining room and70800:52:56.360 --> 00:52:59.760
help themselves. When the line's down enough to where I70900:52:59.800 --> 00:53:02.440
can and get food, I pick up a paper plate71000:53:02.800 --> 00:53:06.360
and start making my way down. It's then when Zay71100:53:06.599 --> 00:53:10.599
comes and cuts in. As I'm stepping aside, his hand71200:53:10.599 --> 00:53:13.639
shoots up and knocks my plate out of my hands.71300:53:14.320 --> 00:53:17.960
Watch where you're going, He snaps, I don't want to71400:53:18.000 --> 00:53:21.320
get cross with anybody here. Then I'm quick to learn71500:53:21.400 --> 00:53:24.880
I don't have to. Micah quickly comes to my side.71600:53:25.440 --> 00:53:29.440
Back off, Zain. Hey, your little girly friend there should71700:53:29.440 --> 00:53:34.039
watch where she's going. He sneers. Micah doesn't back down.71800:53:34.840 --> 00:53:37.360
You got something you want to say to me? To us.71900:53:38.280 --> 00:53:40.960
I quickly move and get in between them. Both of72000:53:41.000 --> 00:53:45.920
you stop, it's Christmas. Zayin shoves me away. Don't you72100:53:46.039 --> 00:53:50.639
ever touch me. I can see Micah's upset now. Just72200:53:50.719 --> 00:53:54.840
as she's ready to get confrontational again, Wade approaches us.72300:53:55.440 --> 00:53:58.800
He's quick to give Zay a hard time. You and72400:53:58.840 --> 00:54:01.840
Steve can't be civil in my house, then I guess72500:54:01.840 --> 00:54:05.519
you can both leave. Also as long as charities with Micah,72600:54:05.840 --> 00:54:08.880
she's part of this family. You don't like it, He72700:54:08.960 --> 00:54:12.440
points to it. There's the door. Don't let it hit72800:54:12.519 --> 00:54:15.599
you in the ass on your way out. Zain finally72900:54:15.719 --> 00:54:19.480
backs off. It doesn't take long for his brother, Steve73000:54:19.639 --> 00:54:24.280
to give us mean looks too. Unfortunately, the brother's homophobia73100:54:24.360 --> 00:54:28.400
is petty compared to what's about to happen. Many of73200:54:28.480 --> 00:54:30.559
us are sitting in the living room and chatting with73300:54:30.599 --> 00:54:34.559
other family members. Eventually, Zayin comes into the room with73400:54:34.639 --> 00:54:38.360
a green envelope in his hand. Then he sits down73500:54:38.440 --> 00:54:43.079
and opens what looks like a Christmas card. Hey, what73600:54:43.159 --> 00:54:46.920
the hell is this? He mutters. Then he stands up73700:54:46.960 --> 00:54:51.159
and reads what the card says. Happy Holidays to you73800:54:51.199 --> 00:54:54.559
and yours alike. And now that you've received this card,73900:54:55.119 --> 00:54:59.559
you are now all bound. You, the holder, shall first74000:54:59.599 --> 00:55:03.320
be a pointed a task. Failure to execute the task74100:55:03.719 --> 00:55:09.519
will result in certain death just in time for Christmas.74200:55:10.320 --> 00:55:14.679
Upon successful completion of your task, you are free until74300:55:14.679 --> 00:55:19.280
you are called upon to do another task. Oh please,74400:55:19.719 --> 00:55:24.360
Dear God. No, Micah and I had been very careful74500:55:24.400 --> 00:55:28.239
to either not open any suspicious looking mail or be74600:55:28.400 --> 00:55:32.800
around others when they're opening mail. I don't know about Micah,74700:55:32.960 --> 00:55:35.760
but I have no doubt that whoever sent that chain74800:55:35.880 --> 00:55:39.280
letter to me three years ago deliberately sent this new74900:55:39.320 --> 00:55:43.159
one here, knowing Micah and I would both witness it.75000:55:44.039 --> 00:55:47.559
As Micah and I are both looking fearfully at each other,75100:55:48.360 --> 00:55:51.920
Zaying gets a text on his smartphone. He pulls it75200:55:51.960 --> 00:55:55.880
out and looks at it. Throw your drink in someone's face?75300:55:56.960 --> 00:56:03.280
He starts looking around. Okay, who's playing here? When nobody answers,75400:56:03.320 --> 00:56:07.400
he laughs a little. Oh, I get it. That cards75500:56:07.480 --> 00:56:11.840
one of those chain letters people talk about around Strickfield. Okay,75600:56:11.880 --> 00:56:15.599
I'll bite. Without warning, Zaye picks up his cup of75700:56:15.639 --> 00:56:19.840
soda and throws it right in my face. You bastard.75800:56:20.360 --> 00:56:24.000
Micah yells she's ready to hit him, but I quickly75900:56:24.039 --> 00:56:29.320
stop her. Micah, no, please don't this time. Micah's dad76000:56:29.400 --> 00:56:33.760
is right there. You better back off of Charity right now.76100:56:34.760 --> 00:56:38.480
Zain seems ready to fight back, but then someone else76200:56:38.519 --> 00:56:43.320
gets a text. It's Steve. I just got something from76300:56:43.360 --> 00:56:47.880
an unknown sender saying I gotta punch someone in this room.76400:56:49.039 --> 00:56:51.719
Without a second thought, I get up and go right76500:56:51.800 --> 00:56:57.239
to Steve. Do it, punch me. Micah's right there, Charity,76600:56:57.280 --> 00:57:00.800
what are you doing. I'm still looking right at Steve.76700:57:01.559 --> 00:57:04.519
If you don't do it, you'll die. Please punch me.76800:57:05.880 --> 00:57:09.199
Steve rolls his eyes and then shoves me. Get out76900:57:09.199 --> 00:57:12.559
of my face, you stupid dyke. When I fall on77000:57:12.639 --> 00:57:16.480
my rear, Micah comes and helps me up. I'm ready77100:57:16.480 --> 00:57:18.280
to go back to Steve to get him to carry77200:57:18.320 --> 00:57:24.960
out his task. Suddenly his head explodes. Everybody screams as77300:57:25.000 --> 00:57:29.440
the entire living room is a huge mess. Now what77400:57:29.480 --> 00:57:33.719
the fuck? Zane yells. After Steve's body falls to the floor,77500:57:34.480 --> 00:57:38.280
Blood starts pouring out of the bodies open neck. I77600:57:38.360 --> 00:57:41.119
quickly pick up the Christmas card and throw it into77700:57:41.159 --> 00:57:45.119
the fireplace. I know destroying the card won't stop the77800:57:45.199 --> 00:57:48.719
curse that's found its way into this house, but at77900:57:48.800 --> 00:57:51.880
least nobody else has to read it and become infected78000:57:52.000 --> 00:57:57.239
by its evil. Charlie, Zane and Steve's dad moved to78100:57:57.320 --> 00:58:02.559
the window. Who did this? Who shot my son? I78200:58:02.679 --> 00:58:07.440
moved to him. Nobody shot your son, sir. He turns78300:58:07.480 --> 00:58:11.440
and grabs me. How do you even know? I point78400:58:11.440 --> 00:58:15.800
to the window. For one thing, The windows aren't broken. Also,78500:58:16.320 --> 00:58:22.480
we didn't hear any gunshots. I sigh. Steve died because78600:58:22.519 --> 00:58:24.760
he didn't do the task he was supposed to do.78700:58:25.960 --> 00:58:29.400
Charlie shoves me away. Now what are you talking about?78800:58:29.960 --> 00:58:33.239
He points right at me. You better start coming clean78900:58:33.440 --> 00:58:38.360
right now? Did my son die because of you? I79000:58:38.480 --> 00:58:43.840
close my eyes and sigh. He might have. Then Wade79100:58:43.880 --> 00:58:48.079
approaches me. You know something about what just happened, Charity.79200:58:49.199 --> 00:58:52.079
I can't lie to them. I come into the center79300:58:52.159 --> 00:58:56.159
of the room and explain everything. It's only going to79400:58:56.159 --> 00:58:58.639
be a matter of time before one of us gets79500:58:58.639 --> 00:59:01.960
another chain letter command, and if you don't obey it,79600:59:02.840 --> 00:59:08.079
you'll die, just like Steve I finish. It's not long79700:59:08.199 --> 00:59:13.239
before we hear another texting alert. It's on Maeve's phone.79800:59:13.320 --> 00:59:17.679
She looks at it and then gasps, tell everyone in79900:59:17.679 --> 00:59:21.760
the house about the worst thing you've ever done. Then80000:59:21.960 --> 00:59:25.679
she looks at me in utter horror. If you don't80100:59:25.679 --> 00:59:33.039
do it, you'll die, I remind her, but Maeve chokes out.80200:59:33.519 --> 00:59:37.440
She's really hesitant to say. What that one big skeleton80300:59:37.480 --> 00:59:42.519
in her closet is, aunt, Mave. If you didn't kill somebody,80400:59:42.559 --> 00:59:48.000
then you'll be okay. Micah tells her, just come out80500:59:48.000 --> 00:59:52.679
with it. Mave shakes her head quickly. No, I can't.80600:59:53.320 --> 00:59:55.519
I quickly grab Mavee and look her in the face.80700:59:56.000 --> 00:59:59.199
If you don't tell, you'll die. Is your secret worth80800:59:59.199 --> 01:00:05.760
your own life? You don't understand charity, Micah. Mave yells,80901:00:06.280 --> 01:00:12.719
I did a terrible thing, a very terrible thing. Then81001:00:12.880 --> 01:00:20.280
Mave starts gasping for breath. No, no, I'll, I'll, I'll tell. Clearly,81101:00:20.360 --> 01:00:24.599
the chain letter curse was starting to kill Mave. When81201:00:24.639 --> 01:00:27.920
Mave can breathe again, she turns to her husband and81301:00:28.000 --> 01:00:31.960
tells Wade that she was having an affair with Charlie81401:00:32.159 --> 01:00:35.599
just after they got married. She says that it was81501:00:35.719 --> 01:00:39.880
many times. She doesn't know why she did it, but81601:00:40.000 --> 01:00:43.920
she knew once she started that she couldn't stop. She81701:00:43.960 --> 01:00:48.159
assures Wade she hadn't been with Charlie in years. Once81801:00:48.239 --> 01:00:52.559
she finishes, nothing else happens to her. I think it's81901:00:52.599 --> 01:00:57.440
safe to say she finished her task. Wade is pissed now.82001:00:58.199 --> 01:01:01.719
Then he turns to me. How come you know so82101:01:01.840 --> 01:01:05.079
much about all of this charity? Do you have something82201:01:05.119 --> 01:01:09.079
to do with it? I explain to everybody about how82301:01:09.159 --> 01:01:12.199
Monica and I got caught in a cursed chain letter82401:01:12.280 --> 01:01:16.440
three years ago and what happened. I think whoever sent82501:01:16.480 --> 01:01:19.639
that cursed Christmas card here knew Micah and I would82601:01:19.639 --> 01:01:24.360
be coming here today. Wade points to the door. Then82701:01:24.719 --> 01:01:29.119
maybe you and Micah should just both get out. We82801:01:29.239 --> 01:01:32.440
could do that, sir, but it won't stop the curse.82901:01:32.840 --> 01:01:35.760
Since Zayne read the card where everybody could hear him.83001:01:36.239 --> 01:01:40.920
I explain, we're all bound by the curse. Now, it's83101:01:40.960 --> 01:01:44.920
not long before Nellie gets a text. She looks at it.83201:01:46.119 --> 01:01:50.679
No way, I'm doing this. What's it say? Nellie John83301:01:50.719 --> 01:01:55.360
demands no, no, I won't do it. Nellie yells, Then83401:01:55.480 --> 01:01:59.239
she throws the phone away. Micah quickly retrieves it and83501:01:59.280 --> 01:02:04.519
reads it. Then she says to me, Nelly has to83601:02:04.639 --> 01:02:09.000
kill somebody in this house. You'll die if you don't.83701:02:09.519 --> 01:02:13.920
Beth tells her you heard what Charity said. Nelly has83801:02:13.920 --> 01:02:17.440
a frantic look on her face. I'm not a murderer, Beth.83901:02:17.719 --> 01:02:22.199
I can't kill anybody. Zay grabs someone else's knife and84001:02:22.239 --> 01:02:25.440
comes right at me. I'll do it, then, I point84101:02:25.440 --> 01:02:28.760
at Zain, it's not your task. If you stab me,84201:02:28.800 --> 01:02:32.440
then you'll die anyway. Not only that, you might also84301:02:32.559 --> 01:02:37.280
kill Nelly since she didn't complete her task. Don't care, bitch,84401:02:37.719 --> 01:02:41.000
Zaine yells, my brother's dead because of you. I think84501:02:41.000 --> 01:02:45.079
it's only fair you die too. Suddenly, Nelly jumps on84601:02:45.199 --> 01:02:49.519
Zaye's back. Stop at you, bastard. Leave Charity alone. This84701:02:49.760 --> 01:02:54.800
isn't her fault. Zain tries to shake Nelly off. Micah84801:02:54.840 --> 01:02:58.039
and I try to break things up. Zain manages to84901:02:58.039 --> 01:03:01.320
break loose and get his knife back. Now he's looking85001:03:01.360 --> 01:03:05.760
to stab her. He roars and runs at Nelly. Without85101:03:05.800 --> 01:03:08.840
thinking twice about it, I hurry in between them. No.85201:03:09.679 --> 01:03:12.800
I barely hear Micah cry out. Zain and I are85301:03:12.840 --> 01:03:16.280
both looking at each other. Now I know he's stabbed me.85401:03:17.079 --> 01:03:19.199
The pain in the pit of my stomach is bad,85501:03:19.480 --> 01:03:23.000
and I can feel I'm bleeding out fast. Suddenly I85601:03:23.079 --> 01:03:27.119
fall to my knees and am quickly on my back. No,85701:03:28.440 --> 01:03:31.880
I hear Micah scream. Then she's right there to shove85801:03:31.960 --> 01:03:40.360
Zaine away. You goddamn bastard, Micah. I call out. Micah85901:03:40.400 --> 01:03:45.960
forgets Zayne and comes to me. Charity, No, no, please, No,86001:03:47.599 --> 01:03:51.599
Zaine fatally stabbed me. I can feel my life ebbing86101:03:51.639 --> 01:03:56.199
away with each passing second. I manage to look at Zain.86201:03:57.360 --> 01:04:03.360
I I forgive you. Then I look up at Micah86301:04:03.719 --> 01:04:06.320
and cry, knowing I'm going to leave her alone in86401:04:06.360 --> 01:04:12.440
this world. Charity, no, don't die. I love you so much,86501:04:12.480 --> 01:04:22.960
you can't die. She shrieks. I love love, and then86601:04:23.559 --> 01:04:34.360
I die for the second time, like before. It seems86701:04:34.599 --> 01:04:39.440
just like that. I wake right up, only now I'm86801:04:39.480 --> 01:04:45.760
in a mortuary. What I choke out and sit up straight.86901:04:47.119 --> 01:04:51.679
Everything's all right, Rebecca Miren a female voice calls out.87001:04:52.159 --> 01:04:54.920
I turn to see a thin woman dressed in a suit.87101:04:55.880 --> 01:05:01.159
Welcome to my home. Where am I? I asked the woman.87201:05:02.320 --> 01:05:06.239
You are in the Strickfield funeral home, she says, at87301:05:06.320 --> 01:05:10.960
least that's how it would seem on the outside. Did87401:05:11.000 --> 01:05:16.679
I die? I ask? She nods once. I'm afraid that87501:05:16.800 --> 01:05:20.400
you did. Indeed, depart the mortal realm for the second time.87601:05:21.599 --> 01:05:25.599
I turn and sit on the embalming table. It was you,87701:05:25.800 --> 01:05:28.679
wasn't it. You came for me the first time when87801:05:28.719 --> 01:05:32.760
I died three years ago. That was my job at87901:05:32.760 --> 01:05:37.760
the time, the woman replies. My name is Saffron Morningside.88001:05:38.360 --> 01:05:41.079
The first time you came before me, it was my88101:05:41.280 --> 01:05:44.800
duty to get you safely across the River Styx and88201:05:44.840 --> 01:05:49.159
to your final destination. To day, you might say that88301:05:49.280 --> 01:05:51.800
it is my job to help those souls who were88401:05:51.840 --> 01:05:55.440
at their cross roads. This is now the second time88501:05:55.559 --> 01:05:59.199
that you have come before me. Rebecca, that's my real name.88601:06:00.039 --> 01:06:02.719
I only became Charity because that was the name my88701:06:02.800 --> 01:06:06.320
family branded on me, so I decided to own it88801:06:06.719 --> 01:06:11.639
and make it mine. I kneel before the being. I'm88901:06:11.679 --> 01:06:15.199
ready to face my judgment. I'm ready to stand before89001:06:15.280 --> 01:06:20.400
Almighty God. You speak as if you've done great wrong,89101:06:21.039 --> 01:06:26.159
Saffron says. Then she comes and takes my hand. Rise,89201:06:27.280 --> 01:06:30.480
I obey her. I have tried so hard to be89301:06:30.639 --> 01:06:35.039
kind and charitable. I've tried so hard to keep the faith.89401:06:35.320 --> 01:06:41.199
I've tried even harder to be like Jesus Christ. Saffron smiles.89501:06:41.239 --> 01:06:44.519
A little too bad. There are not more like you89601:06:44.920 --> 01:06:49.119
in the mortal realm. Then she squeezes my hand gently.89701:06:50.440 --> 01:06:53.679
You are not here to answer for anything, for you89801:06:53.760 --> 01:06:59.639
have done no wrong, my sister, sister, I ask in89901:06:59.719 --> 01:07:04.519
can fusion. Saffron takes my other hand. Now she's holding90001:07:04.559 --> 01:07:09.880
them both. In life, I was your younger sister, Destiny,90101:07:10.519 --> 01:07:13.920
and now I am the being you see before you.90201:07:14.800 --> 01:07:17.679
It has taken me a great many years to finally90301:07:17.800 --> 01:07:23.320
understand how I mistreated you in life. I just wish90401:07:23.480 --> 01:07:26.000
it had not been during my time in the afterlife90501:07:26.639 --> 01:07:29.719
that I would finally regret the abuse I gave unto you.90601:07:31.079 --> 01:07:34.519
I truly wish to come before you and say how90701:07:34.559 --> 01:07:40.039
sorry I am, but I was with reluctance. I'm overjoyed90801:07:40.079 --> 01:07:44.039
that you are here before me. Now, I squeeze her90901:07:44.079 --> 01:07:49.400
hands back. If you truly are my sister. Then I91001:07:49.480 --> 01:07:53.960
forgave you a long time ago, Destiny, I forgave all91101:07:54.000 --> 01:07:57.159
of you, even after Mom and Dad kicked me out.91201:07:58.400 --> 01:08:03.840
That's who I am. Now I'm crying. I really wanted91301:08:03.920 --> 01:08:07.519
to be close to you, dear sister, but I mean it.91401:08:07.599 --> 01:08:13.400
I forgive you for everything. Now, Destiny's crying softly herself.91501:08:14.559 --> 01:08:18.840
Thank you, she whispers. We hold each other for a91601:08:18.880 --> 01:08:23.279
long while. I truly wish Destiny and I hadn't become91701:08:23.359 --> 01:08:26.840
so distant from each other in life. But here we91801:08:26.880 --> 01:08:33.600
are now. When we come apart, Destiny tells me, it's Christmas,91901:08:33.640 --> 01:08:38.720
my sister. I wish to give you something special. Then,92001:08:38.840 --> 01:08:43.239
I'm remembering you did. You were the one who gave92101:08:43.279 --> 01:08:48.039
me my life back after I drank the poison. Destiny nods,92201:08:49.159 --> 01:08:52.720
I was death at the time. You gave your life92301:08:52.760 --> 01:08:56.199
selflessly to end the curse of that chain letter and92401:08:56.319 --> 01:09:01.319
save the remainder of those infected by its evil. A92501:09:01.359 --> 01:09:05.159
little while ago, you gave your life selflessly, which brought92601:09:05.239 --> 01:09:08.920
you back before me. I am giving you the gift92701:09:08.960 --> 01:09:13.680
of choice this Christmas. Rebecca. You may either allow me92801:09:13.840 --> 01:09:16.880
to take you across the River Styx so that you92901:09:16.960 --> 01:09:22.960
may reach your final destination in Paradise, or you may93001:09:23.000 --> 01:09:26.479
remain here in the mortal realm so that you may93101:09:26.520 --> 01:09:30.800
continue to do your work. I can feel that you93201:09:30.840 --> 01:09:36.039
are not ready to take your final ride just yet. However, Rebecca,93301:09:37.119 --> 01:09:43.600
I leave the choice in your hands. What if? What if?93401:09:43.640 --> 01:09:47.920
I want to stay with you, Destiny, I ask. You're93501:09:47.960 --> 01:09:52.640
my blood sister. I would love to reconnect with you.93601:09:53.399 --> 01:09:55.800
Know that I've always loved you, in spite of how93701:09:55.840 --> 01:10:02.119
badly you treated me in life. Destiny smiles. I've already93801:10:02.159 --> 01:10:05.800
told you where you may find me, my sister. Come93901:10:05.840 --> 01:10:10.720
and visit me whenever you wish. The lights will always94001:10:10.800 --> 01:10:15.119
be on here. But to do this, you would have94101:10:15.199 --> 01:10:18.720
to choose to remain in the mortal realm, for there94201:10:18.760 --> 01:10:22.319
is no coming back once you have taken your final94301:10:22.399 --> 01:10:28.399
journey across the River Styx. I'm crying more now then94401:10:29.800 --> 01:10:36.640
I will see you again. You shall, she assures me. Now,94501:10:37.760 --> 01:10:41.279
since you have clearly made your choice, I shall return94601:10:41.319 --> 01:10:44.760
you to the point before Zane Collins opens the cursed94701:10:44.800 --> 01:10:49.600
Christmas Card. You shall return with this knowledge, take the94801:10:49.640 --> 01:10:54.079
card away from him, and destroy it immediately. This way,94901:10:54.600 --> 01:10:59.720
none of the events that transpired will become so will95001:10:59.800 --> 01:11:06.199
I will, I remember you? I choke out. Destiny leans95101:11:06.239 --> 01:11:18.600
in and kisses my cheek. Merry Christmas. She faces me again, Charity.95201:11:19.800 --> 01:11:25.359
Suddenly the scenery changes. Now everything's looking like I'm in95301:11:25.479 --> 01:11:29.439
some kind of acid trip or something. The next thing95401:11:29.479 --> 01:11:32.359
I know, I'm back at the home of Wade and95501:11:32.479 --> 01:11:38.840
May Collins. You okay, Charity, A voice asks me, huh,95601:11:39.079 --> 01:11:43.079
I utter. A hand takes firm hold of my shoulder.95701:11:43.960 --> 01:11:49.199
Now I'm facing Micah. I quickly raise my finger. Wait95801:11:49.359 --> 01:11:52.279
right here, I promise I'll be right back and I'll95901:11:52.319 --> 01:11:59.279
explain everything. Okay, she utters. I turn away from her96001:11:59.319 --> 01:12:02.800
and move fast to find Zain. I quickly dig into96101:12:02.800 --> 01:12:04.960
my pocket and know I'm going to have to be96201:12:05.079 --> 01:12:09.199
crafty to pull off my idea. When I reach Zayn,96301:12:09.319 --> 01:12:13.279
I bump into him and pull a little switcheroo. He96401:12:13.319 --> 01:12:16.840
doesn't see me quickly take his Christmas card and flick96501:12:16.880 --> 01:12:21.560
it into the fireplace behind me, then leave something else96601:12:21.640 --> 01:12:26.159
in the card's place. I quickly turn to look. The96701:12:26.199 --> 01:12:30.600
card and envelope both burn up. Then the fire turns96801:12:30.600 --> 01:12:34.960
a bright red only for a moment. When the fire96901:12:35.039 --> 01:12:38.359
is normal again, there's nothing left of the cursed Christmas card,97001:12:39.079 --> 01:12:43.840
not even ashes. Then Zay shoves me. Hey, what the97101:12:43.880 --> 01:12:48.840
hell's your problem? What's your huh? When Zay sees he's97201:12:48.880 --> 01:12:52.520
holding one hundred dollars bill, he looks at me and97301:12:52.560 --> 01:12:58.279
to the bill again. Now he looks confused. I quickly97401:12:58.319 --> 01:13:04.000
give him a look of confusion myself. I didn't take97501:13:04.039 --> 01:13:08.760
your money, did I, Zay asks quietly. I fold my97601:13:08.920 --> 01:13:11.880
arms in front of me. No, no, not at all.97701:13:12.760 --> 01:13:16.800
Maybe you had it and didn't realize it. Zayn laughs97801:13:16.840 --> 01:13:21.760
a little. Uh. Maybe, I unfold my arms and not97901:13:21.960 --> 01:13:26.199
a little. Sorry I bumped you. I'll leave you alone.98001:13:26.439 --> 01:13:31.439
Merry Christmas. As I turn away, he snatches my arm. Hey.98101:13:32.319 --> 01:13:35.079
I turn back to him and wait for an explanation.98201:13:37.039 --> 01:13:41.359
I'm sorry about how I treated you, He says, you98301:13:41.439 --> 01:13:46.920
really are okay. I smile a little. I forgave you98401:13:46.960 --> 01:13:50.319
a long time ago, zayane and I don't carry a grudge,98501:13:51.359 --> 01:13:55.560
especially when it's Christmas. Then he offers me his hand.98601:13:56.399 --> 01:14:02.239
I take it so we can shake. Then he hugs me. Wow,98701:14:03.239 --> 01:14:09.119
talk about buying somebody off. Still, I remember what did happen? Otherwise,98801:14:10.199 --> 01:14:13.600
the Christmas Eve party went off without any further incidents98901:14:13.640 --> 01:14:17.560
from there, even Steve wasn't giving me a hard time anymore.99001:14:18.439 --> 01:14:22.840
Guess Zaye must have talked to him. Anyway, We enjoyed99101:14:22.880 --> 01:14:32.960
food and drink, open presents, and even watched some Christmas movies. Epilogue.99201:14:33.119 --> 01:14:36.560
That night, Micah finds me sitting out back at the99301:14:36.600 --> 01:14:41.159
Collins House in downtown Village. She sits down beside me.99401:14:42.920 --> 01:14:50.479
You okay, I sigh, I'm just thinking about things. She99501:14:50.640 --> 01:14:56.520
takes my hand. Talk to me, you promised. I keep99601:14:56.560 --> 01:15:02.319
my promise and tell Micah everything I never kept anything99701:15:02.359 --> 01:15:06.199
from her. When I finish, I say, I know you99801:15:06.880 --> 01:15:12.359
probably think I'm crazy, right, She shakes her head. After99901:15:12.399 --> 01:15:14.760
the hell we went through with that first chain letter?100001:15:15.199 --> 01:15:17.199
Why would I not believe you when you tell me100101:15:17.239 --> 01:15:21.279
about a cursed Christmas card? Then she gives me a100201:15:21.279 --> 01:15:29.520
weird look. You really died again? I nod. I'm so sorry.100301:15:30.800 --> 01:15:34.079
Just like last time I was sent back here, I100401:15:34.159 --> 01:15:37.560
was told my work wasn't finished. I don't know if100501:15:37.560 --> 01:15:41.079
I'm just supposed to keep following John thirteen thirty four,100601:15:41.840 --> 01:15:44.600
or if there's some other work I'm supposed to be100701:15:44.680 --> 01:15:48.319
doing that I don't know about yet. If there is100801:15:48.439 --> 01:15:51.960
such a being as God, what does he or she100901:15:52.119 --> 01:15:55.119
want with me. I just feel like I have so101001:15:55.239 --> 01:16:00.119
many more unanswered questions Micah. Then Micah and I come101101:16:00.159 --> 01:16:05.880
together and share a long, passionate kiss. When we come apart,101201:16:06.479 --> 01:16:11.600
Micah tells me she loves me. I love you too,101301:16:12.319 --> 01:16:18.000
I tell her. Then I take her hand. Listen. Would101401:16:18.039 --> 01:16:23.479
you be willing to come with me someplace tomorrow? Micah nods,101501:16:24.960 --> 01:16:43.319
you know. I trust you unconditionally. Charity. The next afternoon,101601:16:44.039 --> 01:16:47.520
on Christmas, Micah and I are standing on the front101701:16:47.560 --> 01:16:51.399
porch of the Strickfield Funeral Home. I can tell Micah's101801:16:51.479 --> 01:16:56.239
wondering what we're doing here. I reach out and ring101901:16:56.319 --> 01:17:01.920
the doorbell. It isn't long for someone opens one of102001:17:01.960 --> 01:17:07.640
the double doors. It's Saffron Morningside. She opens the door102101:17:07.680 --> 01:17:09.680
the rest of the way and motions for us to102201:17:09.720 --> 01:17:13.920
come in. I was hoping you would come today, my102301:17:14.039 --> 01:17:20.119
younger sister says, after she closes the door behind us. Actually,102401:17:21.119 --> 01:17:25.000
I was hoping that you both would come today. Then102501:17:25.239 --> 01:17:29.800
Saffron points past us. Micah and I both turn around102601:17:29.840 --> 01:17:37.000
to see Mom. I choke out. Mom doesn't say anything102701:17:37.560 --> 01:17:41.119
and comes right to me. We throw our arms around102801:17:41.119 --> 01:17:45.159
each other and hug tightly. I would later learn that102901:17:45.199 --> 01:17:48.199
around Halloween, Mom and Dad wanted to do right by103001:17:48.239 --> 01:17:52.560
Destiny after she had disappeared and give her a funeral.103101:17:53.680 --> 01:17:56.479
Mom was at that point in her life where she103201:17:56.600 --> 01:17:59.920
was feeling remorse for how badly she treated both Destiny103301:18:00.319 --> 01:18:05.600
and I. Dad, however, would never come to repent, so103401:18:05.720 --> 01:18:10.239
he was claimed by death because Mom was having regrets103501:18:10.840 --> 01:18:15.000
Destiny as death gave her time to make things right103601:18:15.800 --> 01:18:20.000
while she was still alive to do so. Nothing like103701:18:20.079 --> 01:18:23.279
Christmas to bring in a strange family back together again.103801:18:24.760 --> 01:18:28.199
Mom has never accepted that Micah Collins is my life partner.103901:18:29.439 --> 01:18:31.840
There will still be much to fix in terms of104001:18:31.880 --> 01:18:38.680
our family relationship, but Mom seems willing to try. Mom104101:18:38.760 --> 01:18:42.119
can't believe what's happened to both Destiny and me, but104201:18:42.239 --> 01:18:45.640
she promises us both that she won't lose us again.104301:18:46.880 --> 01:18:49.119
The only thing that still bums me out at this104401:18:49.239 --> 01:18:54.520
point is the fact that someone wants me dead. I104501:18:54.600 --> 01:18:57.960
know in time that that someone will send another chain104601:18:58.039 --> 01:19:01.560
letter out. I know I have to find that person104701:19:02.159 --> 01:19:05.680
and stop him or her before more lives are lost.104801:19:06.640 --> 01:19:09.520
The problem is I don't even know where to begin.104901:19:10.800 --> 01:19:14.039
Even I know I can only do so many things105001:19:14.079 --> 01:19:19.720
at a time, But today I just want to be105101:19:19.800 --> 01:19:35.920
with my family on Christmas. Secret Santa by Charles Campbell.105201:19:37.399 --> 01:19:41.840
It was early Floyd Bennett was tired and already dreading105301:19:41.960 --> 01:19:47.319
the day ahead. He drew Carol Tatum's name in Secret Santa.105401:19:48.479 --> 01:19:51.520
To say he and Carol didn't get along would be105501:19:51.880 --> 01:19:55.560
quite the understatement. They didn't seem to see eye to105601:19:55.680 --> 01:20:00.239
eye on much of anything. Christmas was still four days away,105701:20:00.920 --> 01:20:06.640
but today was gift swap day at the Augusta Harald. Meanwhile,105801:20:06.680 --> 01:20:10.439
across town, Carol Tatum looked on in disdain at the105901:20:10.520 --> 01:20:14.399
alarm clock. It was six point twenty nine am, and106001:20:14.479 --> 01:20:17.920
she disabled the alarm before it blared whatever was playing106101:20:17.960 --> 01:20:22.880
on WBBQ. Of all the folks at the newspaper, how106201:20:22.920 --> 01:20:26.680
in the hell did she draw Floyd Bennett in Secret Sannah.106301:20:27.760 --> 01:20:31.119
She thought about trying to swap names with someone, but106401:20:31.840 --> 01:20:35.439
that would defeat the purpose of Secret Sanna, and she106501:20:35.520 --> 01:20:39.479
couldn't bear the thought of Floyd finding out she originally106601:20:39.520 --> 01:20:42.920
had his name. At least she could keep it secret106701:20:43.000 --> 01:20:45.399
because she wasn't going to put her name on it.106801:20:45.920 --> 01:20:48.119
And if they cared enough to go through the process106901:20:48.159 --> 01:20:52.119
of elimination, they could figure out it was her, but107001:20:52.319 --> 01:20:55.359
Carol didn't think anyone would go to those lengths to107101:20:55.399 --> 01:20:59.039
figure out who gifted Floyd a bottle of cheap whiskey.107201:21:00.239 --> 01:21:03.359
Carol sighed as she rolled out of bed. It was107301:21:03.439 --> 01:21:07.760
time for a quick shower and even quicker breakfast, followed107401:21:07.760 --> 01:21:17.720
by the fifteen minute drive from the valley to downtown Augusta, Georgia. Butch,107501:21:17.880 --> 01:21:21.399
the security guard at the Augusta Herald, knew all of107601:21:21.439 --> 01:21:25.439
the faces and names of the newspaper's employees, so badge107701:21:25.520 --> 01:21:31.279
checks were only reserved for unfamiliar faces. Unfamiliar faces rarely107801:21:31.359 --> 01:21:35.039
showed up without scheduled appointments, and those that did were107901:21:35.079 --> 01:21:39.439
politely shown the door. Butch was a fully armed guard,108001:21:39.800 --> 01:21:43.000
an army veteran that knew how to handle and defuse108101:21:43.520 --> 01:21:48.600
potentially dangerous situations. With that said, most folks would not108201:21:48.920 --> 01:21:52.319
want to challenge his prowess with a side arm, and108301:21:52.439 --> 01:21:56.159
most people that were familiar knew this about Butch as108401:21:56.199 --> 01:22:00.600
he frequented the gun range. Hey, Butch said as she108501:22:00.640 --> 01:22:05.960
approached the security desk. Good morning, Carol, It's Christmas party day,108601:22:06.520 --> 01:22:10.079
Butch said with a grin. Seeing Carol was always one108701:22:10.079 --> 01:22:13.000
of the best parts of his mornings. She was easy108801:22:13.039 --> 01:22:16.479
on the eyes. Butch estimated she was in her mid108901:22:16.560 --> 01:22:20.279
thirties and he would be right. Carol had dark brown109001:22:20.319 --> 01:22:24.279
hair with equally dark brown eyes. Today she was decked109101:22:24.279 --> 01:22:27.920
out in a red form fitting Christmasy dress with green109201:22:28.039 --> 01:22:31.359
lace around the collar and sleeves, along with a pair109301:22:31.399 --> 01:22:35.079
of green velvet knee high boots. Butch would let that109401:22:35.199 --> 01:22:39.079
elf sit on his lap any time. I'll see you there,109501:22:39.600 --> 01:22:43.880
Carol replied and grinned back. Butch watched every step as109601:22:43.920 --> 01:22:47.199
she approached the elevator. He was thinking about what he109701:22:47.239 --> 01:22:50.720
would do if he was only ten years younger. As109801:22:50.760 --> 01:22:54.239
the elevator doors closed and a new set of footprints109901:22:54.279 --> 01:23:00.159
filled the corridor, Good morning, Butch. Floyd jovially said his110001:23:00.239 --> 01:23:02.720
mood got a little better on the car ride. The110101:23:02.800 --> 01:23:08.319
Christmas songs on w BBQ helped his holiday spirit. Hey Floyd,110201:23:08.560 --> 01:23:13.079
Christmas Party Day, Butch exclaimed. Yepper, I'll see you there,110301:23:13.880 --> 01:23:18.119
Floyd said as he walked past. Butch noted Floyd's outfit.110401:23:18.800 --> 01:23:22.520
It wasn't Christmasy at all. It was just a regular110501:23:22.640 --> 01:23:27.520
black polo with black slacks and equally black shoes. If110601:23:27.560 --> 01:23:30.279
Butch didn't know any better. He would swear that Floyd110701:23:30.359 --> 01:23:34.840
was attending a funeral that day. Maybe it was an omen.110801:23:36.119 --> 01:23:39.239
Floyd was older than Carol, but younger than Butch by110901:23:39.319 --> 01:23:43.079
about a decade. Floyd was forty nine years old, and111001:23:43.119 --> 01:23:45.479
by the looks of his full mop of gray hair,111101:23:46.039 --> 01:23:49.800
he could have almost passed for Butch's age. Floyd's most111201:23:49.800 --> 01:23:54.000
striking feature was the deep, superhero like dimple in his chin,111301:23:54.520 --> 01:23:58.720
and his ice blue eyes weren't far behind. Butch did111401:23:58.760 --> 01:24:03.680
not watch Floyd to the elevator. Floyd was the pre111501:24:03.760 --> 01:24:06.800
press manager, so it was his job to make sure111601:24:06.840 --> 01:24:10.439
that images sent via the newsroom to the imaging department111701:24:10.720 --> 01:24:14.560
were color corrected for newsprint. He was also in charge111801:24:14.560 --> 01:24:17.359
of making sure plates were created for the press room.111901:24:18.159 --> 01:24:21.640
The technology had moved from processing film to direct to112001:24:21.680 --> 01:24:25.000
plate years ago, and this reduced the need for a112101:24:25.079 --> 01:24:29.159
large staff of folks in pre press. This meant Floyd112201:24:29.239 --> 01:24:33.880
only managed six people total, versus the twenty plus folks112301:24:33.880 --> 01:24:37.079
he managed when he was promoted to his position fifteen112401:24:37.159 --> 01:24:40.920
years before. He wondered when the need for the imaging112501:24:40.960 --> 01:24:45.239
department would go away. It was, after all, a digital112601:24:45.279 --> 01:24:49.800
world now, and color correcting digital images required very little112701:24:49.840 --> 01:24:53.560
touch up. Floyd was sure that when the crusty old112801:24:53.600 --> 01:24:57.279
buzzard that owned the Augusta Harold realized this, the imaging112901:24:57.279 --> 01:25:01.279
department would go away, and in all likelihood his position.113001:25:02.319 --> 01:25:05.800
The reality was he really didn't need to manage the113101:25:05.840 --> 01:25:09.359
page nation, folks, and the strait to plate technology was113201:25:09.399 --> 01:25:13.279
nothing to manage. Really, Floyd would bide his time for113301:25:13.359 --> 01:25:16.720
as long as he could and continue to collect paychecks113401:25:17.119 --> 01:25:21.239
until they turned into severance checks, or so he thought.113501:25:26.000 --> 01:25:30.600
Carol smiled as her rotund boss, Pete McHugh walked by113601:25:30.680 --> 01:25:34.760
her desk. Pete was the director of production and Carol113701:25:34.920 --> 01:25:39.079
was his administrative assistant. But if you asked Pete, he113801:25:39.119 --> 01:25:42.239
would say secretary. As he was part of the Old Guard.113901:25:43.000 --> 01:25:46.439
Pete had the distinction of being the designated Santa for114001:25:46.520 --> 01:25:50.800
the annual Christmas party. He was already in costume San's114101:25:50.840 --> 01:25:54.880
fake beard and hat. You're going to work all day114201:25:54.920 --> 01:25:59.039
and that. Carol asked, why not? You're all dressed up114301:25:59.039 --> 01:26:02.319
for Christmas? Why can't I do the same? Pete shot back,114401:26:02.880 --> 01:26:07.079
point taken, your suit looks like it may be uncomfortable,114501:26:07.279 --> 01:26:11.199
was all I was getting at. Carol replied, no, not114601:26:11.319 --> 01:26:13.840
at all. I don't think much work is going to114701:26:13.880 --> 01:26:17.600
get done today anyway. Half of the advertising staff is114801:26:17.640 --> 01:26:20.720
off today, but they'll be back for the free booze114901:26:20.760 --> 01:26:24.439
and gifts later. It will be a short edition filled115001:26:24.439 --> 01:26:28.279
with ads already booked weeks ago. So unless there's some115101:26:28.680 --> 01:26:32.880
earth shattering event that happens between now and press time,115201:26:33.520 --> 01:26:35.840
things should be pretty quiet at the Augusta.115301:26:35.880 --> 01:26:36.239
Harold.115401:26:37.159 --> 01:26:40.880
Let's hope, so, Carol said, as she thought. The less115501:26:40.920 --> 01:26:45.359
she saw of Floyd, the better. Carol. One more thing115601:26:46.560 --> 01:26:52.920
just between us. Who did you draw for secret? Sanna? Now, Pete?115701:26:53.399 --> 01:26:56.840
If I told you, it wouldn't be a secret any longer,115801:26:57.399 --> 01:27:01.920
loose lips and all that, Carol replied with a sly smile.115901:27:02.760 --> 01:27:07.079
Pete smiled back and stepped into his office. He turned116001:27:07.079 --> 01:27:10.760
on the radio, and Christmas music from w bb Q116101:27:11.119 --> 01:27:16.039
filled the office, even through the closed door. The day116201:27:16.159 --> 01:27:20.119
moved along at the Augusta Herald. Floyd was trying not116301:27:20.239 --> 01:27:22.680
to doze off in his office for most of the day,116401:27:23.199 --> 01:27:25.239
as all plates for the press room were out and116501:27:25.319 --> 01:27:29.079
ready by two pm instead of the usual six pm.116601:27:30.239 --> 01:27:33.680
The page Nation folks were already gone. They were helping116701:27:33.760 --> 01:27:36.119
set up for the Christmas party on the third floor.116801:27:36.760 --> 01:27:39.680
Floyd looked at the wrappt gift he brought and sighed.116901:27:40.520 --> 01:27:42.960
He supposed he needed to sneak it up there and117001:27:43.119 --> 01:27:46.680
under the tree before many people showed up. He didn't117101:27:46.720 --> 01:27:49.560
put his name on the gift, No way did he117201:27:49.640 --> 01:27:53.119
want Carol to know he drew her name. He picked117301:27:53.199 --> 01:27:55.640
up an all in one set of cookwear from wally117401:27:55.720 --> 01:28:00.159
World for twenty nine ninety nine. It was relatively inexpensive117501:28:00.159 --> 01:28:03.119
and easy to wrap, so it checked off both of117601:28:03.159 --> 01:28:07.039
Floyd's requirement boxes. He figured Carol could use them or117701:28:07.159 --> 01:28:12.840
regift them. He really didn't care which. Carol was getting antsy.117801:28:13.479 --> 01:28:16.760
The normal six pm press run was starting at three pm,117901:28:17.239 --> 01:28:20.720
and she hadn't yet taken the opportunity to move Floyd's118001:28:20.760 --> 01:28:23.800
gift up to the third floor. She wanted to get118101:28:23.800 --> 01:28:26.800
it under the tree without being seen by anyone, and118201:28:26.920 --> 01:28:30.840
her window to do so was closing. Carol peeked into118301:28:30.880 --> 01:28:34.159
Pete's office. His back was turned to her and he118401:28:34.279 --> 01:28:37.479
was formulating an email from what she could tell, so118501:28:38.039 --> 01:28:41.239
she grabbed the wrapped whiskey bottle and blined it for118601:28:41.279 --> 01:28:45.960
the third floor. She didn't even know if Floyd consumed whiskey.118701:28:46.079 --> 01:28:49.640
She knew from personal experience that he was a beer drinker,118801:28:50.159 --> 01:28:53.920
but it didn't really matter. If he didn't want the whiskey,118901:28:54.079 --> 01:28:57.439
he could give it away or regift it. She really119001:28:57.479 --> 01:29:09.039
didn't care which. Floyd could hear Christmas music already blaring119101:29:09.159 --> 01:29:12.520
from the third floor meeting room. He saw Ronda and119201:29:12.600 --> 01:29:15.800
Amy hanging mistletoe in the far corner of the room119301:29:16.359 --> 01:29:20.119
as he skirted quickly around the Christmas tree. There were119401:29:20.159 --> 01:29:24.119
only two gifts under the tree so far. He set119501:29:24.159 --> 01:29:27.600
down the wrapped box he was carrying and was trying119601:29:27.640 --> 01:29:30.600
to make it back out of the room before Ronda119701:29:30.640 --> 01:29:35.159
and Amy saw him when he almost crashed into Carol.119801:29:36.159 --> 01:29:40.399
Carol stumbled backward, tripped, and the wrapped whiskey bottle she119901:29:40.520 --> 01:29:45.319
was carrying fell from her grip. With reflexes Floyd thought120001:29:45.359 --> 01:29:48.560
were lost to age, he managed to catch the wrapped120101:29:48.600 --> 01:29:52.359
bottle before it hit the floor while gripping Carol's shoulder120201:29:52.399 --> 01:29:56.199
with his free left hand. This prevented her from falling120301:29:56.199 --> 01:29:59.000
on her ass, with a bottle of whiskey shattering right120401:29:59.000 --> 01:30:02.960
in front of her. Even though Floyd saved her from embarrassment,120501:30:03.439 --> 01:30:06.880
anger rose in her bosom. Why don't you watch where120601:30:06.880 --> 01:30:12.159
the fuck you're going, you big oath. Hey look, I'm sorry,120701:30:12.199 --> 01:30:16.560
but you got eyes too, you know, Floyd replied, Okay,120801:30:17.720 --> 01:30:23.560
thank you. Carol forced herself to say, you're welcome. Not120901:30:23.600 --> 01:30:26.479
sure who you got, but I hope they like to drink,121001:30:27.079 --> 01:30:30.560
Floyd said as he handed over the bottle. Damn it121101:30:30.600 --> 01:30:34.479
all to hell, Carol thought to herself. Floyd knew what121201:30:34.640 --> 01:30:38.399
was behind the wrapper, and more importantly, he knew who121301:30:38.560 --> 01:30:43.600
was behind the rapper. Carol made her way back to121401:30:43.680 --> 01:30:47.720
the production office, where Pete was now in full Santa garb.121501:30:48.399 --> 01:30:51.520
The hat was on and the beard was affixed. He121601:30:51.560 --> 01:30:54.920
looked happy as a clam. She tried to smile as121701:30:54.960 --> 01:30:58.840
she pretended to be enthralled with something on her computer screen.121801:30:59.640 --> 01:31:04.319
Google search displays could be so captivating. It was almost121901:31:04.399 --> 01:31:08.439
time for the Christmas party, and Carol was not happy122001:31:08.479 --> 01:31:31.199
at all. Once the party began, most of the AUGUSTA.122101:31:31.279 --> 01:31:35.960
Harold's staff was there in full force. Mary Plunkett, the122201:31:36.039 --> 01:31:40.279
advertising director, kicked off the party with a celebratory roast122301:31:40.319 --> 01:31:43.640
to the worker bees. It was followed by the Old Man,122401:31:44.199 --> 01:31:48.159
the head Hancho, the man that signed the checks William122501:31:48.239 --> 01:31:52.359
Moore's the third, letting them know what a spectacular year122601:31:52.560 --> 01:31:55.880
they had financially, and that every single one of them122701:31:56.199 --> 01:32:00.720
would be getting a free ham or turkey for their efforts.122801:32:00.760 --> 01:32:04.199
No mention of a Christmas bonus, not that there was122901:32:04.239 --> 01:32:10.199
ever mention of one. Carol meandered toward the tree. She123001:32:10.399 --> 01:32:13.279
was going to swap out her gift with someone else's.123101:32:14.159 --> 01:32:17.920
That's the only thing she could do. No way could123201:32:17.920 --> 01:32:21.600
she let Floyd know his gift was from her, Not123301:32:21.760 --> 01:32:26.439
after what happened between them two years before. She should123401:32:26.479 --> 01:32:31.359
have spoken up when she first drew his name. Floyd123501:32:31.479 --> 01:32:34.800
was chatting with Amy when she said something that changed123601:32:34.840 --> 01:32:39.439
the course of this evening. Hey, Floyd, what's in the box?123701:32:39.960 --> 01:32:46.880
Amy asked? Box? What box? Floyd returned. Ronda chimed, in123801:32:47.479 --> 01:32:49.560
the box you brought in and put under the tree.123901:32:50.079 --> 01:32:54.159
What was in it? They were indeed paying attention after all.124001:32:55.000 --> 01:32:58.479
No way he could let Carol know that he drew124101:32:58.560 --> 01:33:02.800
her name. He needed to swap gifts with somebody on124201:33:02.920 --> 01:33:14.880
the down low. Two years prior Christmas Eve, Floyd looked124301:33:14.920 --> 01:33:19.960
into Carol's eyes. Tonight was the night he was going124401:33:20.000 --> 01:33:24.159
to pop the question. It was perfect the sky was clear,124501:33:24.319 --> 01:33:28.079
the moon was full, stars were out, and they were124601:33:28.119 --> 01:33:32.000
the only two left on the Valley hay ride. Floyd124701:33:32.039 --> 01:33:35.199
made sure of this by giving Rodney Adams a cool124801:33:35.359 --> 01:33:41.000
twenty spot. The tractor pulled them around Langley Pond. Floyd124901:33:41.079 --> 01:33:44.159
gave a loud whistle when it was time for Rodney125001:33:44.560 --> 01:33:48.000
to park the tractor. They were on the other side125101:33:48.039 --> 01:33:51.079
of the pond. The lights from the vendor booths at125201:33:51.079 --> 01:33:54.800
the Valley Christmas Eve festival were bright across the way.125301:33:55.840 --> 01:33:59.119
Rodney hopped from the tractor and walked until he was125401:33:59.159 --> 01:34:04.079
out of immediate earshot. His instructions were to return when125501:34:04.079 --> 01:34:08.000
he heard the tractor engine come back to life. Floyd125601:34:08.119 --> 01:34:10.560
learned how to drive tractors when he was a kid,125701:34:11.119 --> 01:34:16.680
so he was certainly qualified to crank one ups. What's125801:34:16.760 --> 01:34:21.880
going on, Carol asked nervously. Tonight is a special night,125901:34:22.600 --> 01:34:28.119
and tomorrow is Christmas. And this place, well, this place126001:34:28.239 --> 01:34:35.960
is perfect, Floyd said, perfect for what Carol's hands were126101:34:36.000 --> 01:34:41.760
beginning to shake Carol Floyd began as he reached deeply126201:34:42.159 --> 01:34:45.800
into his jacket pocket, pulled out a small jewelry box126301:34:46.319 --> 01:34:51.079
and continued, would you do me the honor of becoming126401:34:51.119 --> 01:34:56.199
my wife. Floyd attempted to hand Carol the small black126501:34:56.319 --> 01:35:04.640
box emblazoned with the Jared's Jeweler's logo. Floyd. Oh no, no, why,126601:35:05.399 --> 01:35:09.319
Carol questioned. She wouldn't take the box from his hand.126701:35:10.680 --> 01:35:16.279
What's wrong, Carol? I thought you loved me. I certainly126801:35:16.359 --> 01:35:21.560
love you, Floyd said. He was confused. They had been126901:35:21.600 --> 01:35:24.319
seeing each other for a few months, and he was127001:35:24.399 --> 01:35:29.479
all but certain that she felt the same way. First off,127101:35:30.039 --> 01:35:33.840
you're too old for me, Floyd. It was fun. This127201:35:34.439 --> 01:35:38.920
was fun. But that's where it ends. Geez, why did127301:35:39.000 --> 01:35:42.279
you have to go and ruin a good thing? Floyd's127401:35:42.359 --> 01:35:47.800
ice blue eyes welled with tears of hurt. Ruin a127501:35:47.960 --> 01:35:53.319
good thing. I'm trying to make a good thing better.127601:35:54.000 --> 01:35:59.079
I'm trying to make a good thing last forever. Oh127701:35:59.119 --> 01:36:02.560
my god, Floyd, is this fucking Hallmark in the valley?127801:36:03.119 --> 01:36:03.600
Rodney?127901:36:04.560 --> 01:36:11.159
Carol shouted, Carol, stop forget it, Floyd said, and stuffed128001:36:11.159 --> 01:36:15.279
the jewelry box into his pocket. Floyd jumped from the tractor.128101:36:16.039 --> 01:36:21.680
Something wrong, Rodney asked, slightly out of breath from sprinting back. No,128201:36:22.079 --> 01:36:25.840
it's nothing. Go ahead and take Carol back. I'll walk128301:36:26.439 --> 01:36:31.840
Floyd said. Carol sat silently. She didn't holler for Floyd128401:36:32.159 --> 01:36:38.000
to return. The days turned into weeks as workplace awkwardness128501:36:38.119 --> 01:36:43.399
changed into something more adversarial. It got so bad that128601:36:43.479 --> 01:36:46.680
if Floyd said the sea was blue, Carol would say128701:36:46.720 --> 01:36:51.119
it was orange, and vice versa. You see, the thing128801:36:51.359 --> 01:36:55.800
was they would have to interact daily because Pete was128901:36:55.840 --> 01:37:01.640
not only her boss, he was also Floyd's boss. Floyd129001:37:01.760 --> 01:37:05.000
was hurt that Carol was just using him as a distraction.129101:37:05.960 --> 01:37:09.119
Carol was perplexed as to why Floyd couldn't enjoy the129201:37:09.159 --> 01:37:13.560
good times while they lasted. He surely couldn't have thought129301:37:13.600 --> 01:37:17.439
it was anything more. She'd never talked about having a129401:37:17.479 --> 01:37:22.039
long term relationship with him, much less marriage, and if129501:37:22.079 --> 01:37:25.640
he thought it was something more, it was all on him.129601:37:27.000 --> 01:37:32.520
Back to the Christmas party, Floyd walked nonchalantly around the129701:37:32.640 --> 01:37:36.520
dance floor as most of the advertising team was gyrating129801:37:36.640 --> 01:37:40.960
to jingle Bell Rock. He was almost to the Christmas tree.129901:37:41.119 --> 01:37:44.800
Floyd could see the wrapped box of cookwar just where130001:37:44.800 --> 01:37:48.520
he left it. The problem was now it was surrounded130101:37:48.520 --> 01:37:52.600
by gifts, with a few others stacked on top. He130201:37:52.640 --> 01:37:56.359
would look like the Grinch sifting through presents. At this point,130301:37:57.039 --> 01:38:02.000
then someone caught his immediate attention. It was Carol. She130401:38:02.079 --> 01:38:04.680
had the gift that she brought up earlier in her hand,130501:38:05.199 --> 01:38:08.560
and he couldn't believe his eyes as he witnessed her130601:38:08.640 --> 01:38:13.199
quickly removed the tag. She crouched down behind the tree,130701:38:13.680 --> 01:38:15.960
and no one seemed to be paying her any mind.130801:38:16.840 --> 01:38:21.640
Carol was moving quickly. What Floyd saw next astonished him130901:38:21.680 --> 01:38:24.960
even more as he plucked the tag from his box131001:38:25.439 --> 01:38:28.680
and taped it on the gift she brought. Carrol had131101:38:28.720 --> 01:38:32.000
borrowed scotch tape from the office and placed the tag131201:38:32.039 --> 01:38:36.560
from hers onto the wrapped box of cookwaar. He wanted131301:38:36.560 --> 01:38:39.439
to burst out laughing because she was in the same131401:38:39.479 --> 01:38:44.319
predicament he was. It was some backwoods valley redneck version131501:38:44.399 --> 01:38:47.439
of the Gift of the Magi, except neither one of131601:38:47.479 --> 01:38:50.960
them gave a shit about the gifts being exchanged, and131701:38:51.039 --> 01:38:55.840
the love was extinguished with an emphatic no two years before.131801:38:56.720 --> 01:39:01.039
Other than that, Floyd thought jokingly, it was the same story.131901:39:02.000 --> 01:39:05.039
Floyd wanted to burst out laughing at the absurdness of132001:39:05.079 --> 01:39:09.520
the situation, and with the room being packed, nobody was132101:39:09.560 --> 01:39:14.600
calling her out. Well, this was a golden opportunity. Floyd132201:39:14.720 --> 01:39:19.000
changed course and moved quickly to the djay booth. Cheryl132301:39:19.079 --> 01:39:23.640
Moxley was Missus Moore's personal assistant who he often used132401:39:23.680 --> 01:39:28.079
as a DJ for any work parties. Hey, Cheryl, cut132501:39:28.079 --> 01:39:31.479
the music. I have an announcement to make, Floyd said,132601:39:31.520 --> 01:39:35.560
with an impish grin that defied his normal stoic appearance.132701:39:36.239 --> 01:39:40.199
Sure thing, Cheryl said, as she stopped Rudolph the Red132801:39:40.239 --> 01:39:43.680
Nose Reindeer before the crowd could sing about his place132901:39:43.720 --> 01:39:48.640
in history. Excuse me, ladies and gentlemen, if I can133001:39:48.760 --> 01:39:53.319
direct your attention to the Christmas tree, please, Santa's helper,133101:39:53.600 --> 01:39:57.319
Carol Tatum, seems to be ready to distribute the gifts.133201:39:58.680 --> 01:40:02.600
Carol's face went slack as she rose from the base133301:40:02.640 --> 01:40:08.560
of the tree. She wanted to kill Floyd. Ho Ho Ho,133401:40:09.520 --> 01:40:13.279
Santa Pete bellowed. He thought he missed his cue, so133501:40:13.800 --> 01:40:16.840
it didn't come out as jovial as he would have liked.133601:40:17.560 --> 01:40:21.039
She couldn't help it. Carol stormed out in anger, and133701:40:21.079 --> 01:40:24.840
Floyd smiled as he watched her exit. The bitch was133801:40:24.920 --> 01:40:29.239
finally going to get hers, and he followed her out.133901:40:29.359 --> 01:40:35.560
This didn't miss Santa Pete's or Butcher's observation, nobody else noticed.134001:40:36.119 --> 01:40:40.960
Eggnog and booze had the party goers feeling pretty all right.134101:40:47.239 --> 01:40:51.560
My god, what an asshole, Carol screamed as she sat134201:40:51.600 --> 01:40:55.640
behind the wheel of her Nissan Sentra. It was still early,134301:40:55.800 --> 01:40:59.319
but she wasn't going back in there. Carol was going134401:40:59.359 --> 01:41:02.600
to have a long talk with Pete. She was going134501:41:02.640 --> 01:41:06.600
to lay down the ultimatum. It was either Floyd or her,134601:41:07.000 --> 01:41:09.880
and Carol would make the case on why it should134701:41:09.880 --> 01:41:14.159
be Floyd. Carol pulled out of the AUGUSTA. Harold parking134801:41:14.199 --> 01:41:19.159
lot and drove away into the crisp December night. Unbeknownst134901:41:19.159 --> 01:41:23.560
to Carol, Floyd had beat her out of the parking lot.135001:41:24.079 --> 01:41:28.319
Carol's anger was reflected in her sobs as she drove home.135101:41:29.199 --> 01:41:32.640
She pulled into the dark driveway and felt the chill135201:41:32.720 --> 01:41:35.239
of the air as soon as she stepped from the car.135301:41:36.239 --> 01:41:39.039
He didn't have to call her out like that. She135401:41:39.279 --> 01:41:42.720
hated Floyd, and it was more than apparent the feeling135501:41:42.920 --> 01:41:46.640
was mutual. Carol unlocked the door to her home on135601:41:46.720 --> 01:41:53.039
Oak Street, walked inside and locked the door behind her.135701:41:56.039 --> 01:41:59.760
Leading A man on has consequences is what Floyd thought135801:41:59.800 --> 01:42:03.680
as he parked on Pine Street, one street over from Oak.135901:42:04.520 --> 01:42:08.199
He cut through Luis Utley's backyard and crossed over to Oak.136001:42:08.960 --> 01:42:12.920
Being dressed in all black definitely had its advantages in136101:42:13.000 --> 01:42:17.520
this moment. Floyd moved quickly to the back of Carol's home,136201:42:18.079 --> 01:42:22.000
where he let himself in through her back bedroom window.136301:42:23.000 --> 01:42:25.680
He had promised to replace the latch on it when136401:42:25.720 --> 01:42:29.159
they were seeing each other. It latched, but it was136501:42:29.279 --> 01:42:31.960
loose latched. All you had to do to free it136601:42:32.119 --> 01:42:34.520
was jiggle the window up and down for a few136701:42:34.560 --> 01:42:39.600
seconds and the latch would work itself loose. Floyd wondered136801:42:39.600 --> 01:42:42.039
if she had had it fixed in the two year interim,136901:42:42.479 --> 01:42:48.359
and true to typical Valley protocol, she had not. Floyd137001:42:48.439 --> 01:42:58.439
climbed into her bedroom and waited. Carol placed her phone137101:42:58.479 --> 01:43:01.840
in keys on the coffee tape before she marched to137201:43:01.880 --> 01:43:05.560
the bathroom. She just wanted to take a shower and137301:43:05.640 --> 01:43:10.359
go to bed. She'd deal with Floyd tomorrow. She removed137401:43:10.399 --> 01:43:13.680
her sexy elf dress, let it fall to the floor,137501:43:14.279 --> 01:43:17.960
and turned on the shower. She stepped in and tried137601:43:18.000 --> 01:43:23.479
to wash away the embarrassment. As the steam rose, she137701:43:23.640 --> 01:43:29.560
questioned herself was what he did really that bad? She137801:43:29.640 --> 01:43:32.880
was kneeling under the tree, she was dressed as an elf.137901:43:33.880 --> 01:43:36.760
Floyd may have genuinely thought that is what she was138001:43:36.760 --> 01:43:39.800
supposed to do and was just helping to move the138101:43:39.880 --> 01:43:45.000
proceedings along. Her dislike of him after that dreaded proposal138201:43:45.279 --> 01:43:50.880
at Langley Pond had grown to unreasonable proportions. The man138301:43:51.079 --> 01:43:54.880
wanted to marry her. For God's sake, Carol was evaluating138401:43:54.880 --> 01:43:59.239
her position and adjusting her tone. She would indeed have138501:43:59.279 --> 01:44:04.439
a conversation tomorrow, but it wouldn't be with Pete. It138601:44:04.479 --> 01:44:09.039
would be with Floyd, and she would apologize. They would138701:44:09.079 --> 01:44:12.920
bury the hatchet to at the very least salvage a138801:44:13.000 --> 01:44:17.000
decent work environment. He did save her from busting her138901:44:17.039 --> 01:44:20.560
ass and embarrassing herself in front of Ronda and Amy.139001:44:21.520 --> 01:44:25.880
Everything was mostly her fault, and standing naked being hit139101:44:25.960 --> 01:44:30.479
with near scalding water, Carol finally came to that realization.139201:44:33.600 --> 01:44:38.000
Floyd heard the water on and sat in silent rage139301:44:38.319 --> 01:44:41.600
as he resisted the urge to leave the bedroom and139401:44:41.760 --> 01:44:46.079
go all Norman Bates on her in the shower. He139501:44:46.159 --> 01:44:52.119
sat in silence. The shower turned off, and he heard139601:44:52.279 --> 01:45:01.119
the curtain slide. Carol dried her body, brushed her teeth,139701:45:01.600 --> 01:45:05.319
and gave a quick gargle with mouthwash. There was an139801:45:05.319 --> 01:45:08.960
oversized teal night shirt hanging on the edge of the139901:45:09.039 --> 01:45:12.840
towel rack. She pulled it over her head and yawned.140001:45:14.079 --> 01:45:17.640
She just needed a good night's sleep. Tomorrow was going140101:45:17.680 --> 01:45:20.720
to be big for her. She needed to do the140201:45:20.800 --> 01:45:24.239
right thing to move on with her life. With her140301:45:24.279 --> 01:45:28.079
hair still damp from the shower, Carol turned off the140401:45:28.159 --> 01:45:35.760
lights and went to bed. Floyd stood over Carol. He140501:45:35.840 --> 01:45:40.119
remembered her gentle snore and it sent a longing through him,140601:45:40.880 --> 01:45:45.840
but he would never force himself on anyone ever. He140701:45:45.960 --> 01:45:51.079
reached into his pocket. The Jared box was there. She140801:45:51.239 --> 01:45:53.800
was going to wear it one way or the other.140901:45:54.359 --> 01:46:00.159
Before he left. Floyd knelt beside the bed. Caro was141001:46:00.199 --> 01:46:03.399
a side sleeper. He put his face right in front141101:46:03.439 --> 01:46:07.840
of hers. He could smell mint from the scope mouthwash.141201:46:08.239 --> 01:46:11.800
Floyd set the jewelry box on the nightstand beside a141301:46:11.880 --> 01:46:16.640
long handled kitchen knife he pulled from the block. He141401:46:16.680 --> 01:46:20.279
placed his hand on her shoulder and gave it a141501:46:20.359 --> 01:46:25.039
gentle shake. Her eyes opened wide, and she was about141601:46:25.079 --> 01:46:28.239
to let out a scream when he placed his gloved141701:46:28.359 --> 01:46:36.640
hand over her mouth. Sh Floyd began, and she stopped.141801:46:37.920 --> 01:46:41.479
This isn't going to take very long. He grabbed the141901:46:41.560 --> 01:46:45.000
knife with his free hand and held it to her neck.142001:46:45.960 --> 01:46:49.399
If you scream, when I remove my hand, I'm going142101:46:49.439 --> 01:46:53.720
to slit your throat, Floyd said, with a calmness that142201:46:53.880 --> 01:46:58.520
frightened Carol to her core. She didn't know this version142301:46:58.600 --> 01:47:02.560
of Floyd. She had never seen this version of Floyd.142401:47:03.600 --> 01:47:07.119
She nodded, and he pulled his hand away from her mouth.142501:47:08.600 --> 01:47:12.000
Oh shit, Floyd, I'm sorry, I really am. It's not142601:47:12.199 --> 01:47:17.319
that serious, not that serious. I asked you to marry me,142701:47:17.840 --> 01:47:21.319
and you acted like I was a leper, Floyd replied,142801:47:21.760 --> 01:47:26.680
trying his best to temper his rising anger. That's not142901:47:26.880 --> 01:47:29.680
what I meant. I know it was serious. I mean143001:47:30.119 --> 01:47:33.439
I shouldn't have acted like that afterward. I could have143101:47:33.520 --> 01:47:38.159
been better instead of blowing it out of proportion. I143201:47:38.239 --> 01:47:40.479
swear to God that I made up my mind to143301:47:40.560 --> 01:47:45.399
apologize to you tomorrow. If you just leave now, I143401:47:45.439 --> 01:47:49.960
won't say shit to anybody. It'll be water under the bridge,143501:47:50.119 --> 01:47:55.399
I promise you, Floyd, no bullshit, Carol said as convincingly143601:47:55.760 --> 01:48:01.159
as she could, and she truly meant every word. She143701:48:01.359 --> 01:48:06.760
wasn't going to say anything if Floyd just left. Floyd143801:48:07.600 --> 01:48:11.960
didn't leave afraid. It's a bit too late for that.143901:48:13.239 --> 01:48:16.680
It's funny, don't you think that we drew each other's names?144001:48:17.600 --> 01:48:23.319
Crazy coincidence, Floyd said, as he handed Carol the Jared's box.144101:48:24.359 --> 01:48:29.399
Open it, he commanded. Floyd moved the knife away from144201:48:29.399 --> 01:48:33.239
her neck, but kept it trained on her as she144301:48:33.359 --> 01:48:38.199
flipped open the box. The full carrot diamond engagement ring144401:48:38.680 --> 01:48:43.920
was beautiful. Carol's eyes filled with tears, and they weren't144501:48:44.000 --> 01:48:49.520
tears of joy. Put it on, Floyd said. Carol took144601:48:49.560 --> 01:48:53.279
a measured breath and lifted it from its box and144701:48:53.439 --> 01:48:57.600
placed it on the ring finger of her left hand. Floyd,144801:48:57.840 --> 01:49:02.399
Please you know I still can can't marry you, Carol replied.144901:49:03.159 --> 01:49:07.239
She couldn't believe she was actually saying it. Her survival145001:49:07.279 --> 01:49:10.279
instinct was for shit, as her mind was screaming at145101:49:10.279 --> 01:49:13.800
her to say yes. They could get married right then145201:49:13.840 --> 01:49:17.359
if he wanted, But her emotions always seemed to override145301:49:17.439 --> 01:49:22.600
reasonable thought. Oh no, I'm not asking you to marry145401:49:22.640 --> 01:49:27.640
me again. That ship is sailed. I just wanted to145501:49:27.680 --> 01:49:30.800
see how the ring looked on you before I give145601:49:30.840 --> 01:49:34.960
it to the next lucky young woman, Floyd replied as145701:49:35.000 --> 01:49:37.880
he quickly jumped on top of her, pinning her to145801:49:37.960 --> 01:49:41.960
the mattress. The knife clanged onto the floor, and Floyd145901:49:42.000 --> 01:49:47.159
had both hands firmly gripped around Carol's demure neck. He146001:49:47.199 --> 01:49:50.920
would watch the life flee from her eyes before he146101:49:50.960 --> 01:49:55.279
collected the ring and moved on with his life. Carol's146201:49:55.279 --> 01:49:59.239
eyes were bugging as blood vessels began to burst. She146301:49:59.439 --> 01:50:03.039
was bucking, but Floyd's weight was too much. He was146401:50:03.079 --> 01:50:06.920
straddled across her torso, so she was kicking nothing but air,146501:50:07.359 --> 01:50:10.520
and the energy of those kicks was quickly fading away.146601:50:11.600 --> 01:50:14.720
Floyd was in a frenzy of rage, and it wouldn't146701:50:14.720 --> 01:50:18.520
be long now Carol would be in his rear view mirror.146801:50:19.479 --> 01:50:24.359
There are consequences, is what Floyd was thinking. When the146901:50:24.439 --> 01:50:29.640
knife pierced him underneath the left shoulder blade, Floyd released147001:50:29.680 --> 01:50:33.520
his grip and spun to see Santa Pete holding the147101:50:33.600 --> 01:50:38.039
long handled kitchen knife. In the chaos, Floyd didn't hear147201:50:38.159 --> 01:50:41.520
Santa Pete unlock the front door with the spare key.147301:50:41.680 --> 01:50:45.239
Carol had trusted him with years ago when she had147401:50:45.239 --> 01:50:49.479
gone on a cruise. Blood was spewing from Floyd's back,147501:50:50.159 --> 01:50:53.600
but he had enough gumption to take out this fat147601:50:53.680 --> 01:50:58.000
boy before he bled out. Santa Pete swung again with147701:50:58.079 --> 01:51:02.159
the knife and Floyd blocked, knocking the knife back to147801:51:02.199 --> 01:51:05.840
the floor. He punched Santa Pete with a straight right147901:51:05.920 --> 01:51:10.800
hand to the face, immediately shattering Santa Pete's jolly red nose.148001:51:11.760 --> 01:51:14.960
Santa Pete stumbled to the floor and was met with148101:51:15.039 --> 01:51:18.560
a foot to the side of his dome. Carol was148201:51:18.600 --> 01:51:23.239
still on the bed, gasping desperately for air. She needed148301:51:23.279 --> 01:51:25.560
to get to the knife, but her mind could not148401:51:25.720 --> 01:51:30.159
will her body to move. Floyd spat on Santa Pete148501:51:30.520 --> 01:51:32.760
as he gave him a stern kick to the ribs148601:51:33.119 --> 01:51:36.640
before leaning over to grab the knife. He turned his148701:51:36.760 --> 01:51:41.960
attention back to Carol. Guess we all gotta go? Huh,148801:51:42.279 --> 01:51:45.640
Floyd asked, as he raised the knife above his head.148901:51:46.319 --> 01:51:49.359
He was going to slash her up Michael Meyers's style.149001:51:50.680 --> 01:51:54.960
A shot rang out and the front of Floyd's head exploded,149101:51:55.319 --> 01:52:00.760
with bone, brain, and gore covering Carol's face and neck.149201:52:02.199 --> 01:52:06.279
Butch walked into the room. Santa Pete was struggling to149301:52:06.319 --> 01:52:11.359
breathe with a broken face and equally broken ribs. Carol149401:52:11.560 --> 01:52:15.560
was staring at the ceiling in shock. This shit could149501:52:15.560 --> 01:52:20.600
not be real. Butch knelt beside Santa Pete and said,149601:52:21.680 --> 01:52:25.079
I think your plan to rig Secret Santa. So they149701:52:25.159 --> 01:52:30.039
drew each other didn't quite work out. Santa Pete flipped149801:52:30.039 --> 01:52:36.640
Butch off and Carol cackled hysterically. Her brain was wrecked.149901:52:37.920 --> 01:52:57.239
Butch called nine one one, fuck Secret Santa. Christmas Eve150001:52:57.359 --> 01:53:05.840
babysitters by Rob Feels perspective Mona abels It's the weekend150101:53:05.880 --> 01:53:08.720
before Christmas. As I'm walking in the door to my house,150201:53:09.560 --> 01:53:12.600
I can't believe the night we just had. We all150301:53:12.600 --> 01:53:15.279
had to deal with Ariel Mirn being possessed by the150401:53:15.319 --> 01:53:19.399
spirit of Queen Arcadia. Said spirit used Ariel as her150501:53:19.479 --> 01:53:23.520
vessel and wanted the souls of myself, Bailey Downs, Carter150601:53:23.680 --> 01:53:26.399
Cross and Mouse Donnerly to be able to have enough150701:53:26.439 --> 01:53:29.920
power to merge her virtual realm with the mortal realm150801:53:30.359 --> 01:53:35.640
and make Christmas every day under her tyrannical rule. Oh150901:53:35.680 --> 01:53:38.720
but the worst was yet to come. Once Ariel broke151001:53:38.760 --> 01:53:42.680
free of Queen Arcadia's control, she practically commanded all of151101:53:42.760 --> 01:53:45.159
us to come with her to her house inside the151201:53:45.199 --> 01:53:50.079
gated community. She even invited Carter Cross, which she never151301:53:50.239 --> 01:53:53.039
did before. As soon as the five of us went151401:53:53.079 --> 01:53:57.199
into Ariel's house, it became an instant war zone. Ariel151501:53:57.279 --> 01:53:59.399
screamed at the top of her lungs for her mom151601:53:59.439 --> 01:54:03.039
to come out. When she did, Hugh should have seen151701:54:03.119 --> 01:54:07.199
the look of surprise on her face. Adrian wasn't expecting151801:54:07.239 --> 01:54:11.720
Ariel to ever come home again. Mother and daughter yelled151901:54:11.720 --> 01:54:15.119
and screamed at each other. Even Ariel's own father wanted152001:54:15.119 --> 01:54:19.720
her gone. Ariel finally lost it and started throwing everything152101:54:19.760 --> 01:54:21.960
she could get her hands on at her mom and dad.152201:54:22.880 --> 01:54:26.399
To be honest, I really don't blame Ariel for losing152301:54:26.479 --> 01:54:31.279
her cool the way she did. Long story short, Ariel152401:54:31.359 --> 01:54:35.039
left with us. Adrian called out behind Ariel that she152501:54:35.119 --> 01:54:37.800
would only have the clothes on her back and that152601:54:37.880 --> 01:54:42.000
she was never to come back home ever again. Carter152701:54:42.119 --> 01:54:46.399
and Mouse walked Ariel back to their part of downtown village.152801:54:46.479 --> 01:54:49.000
I think Mouse is going to convince her parents to152901:54:49.119 --> 01:54:52.840
let Ariel stay with them. If Mouse can pull that off,153001:54:53.159 --> 01:54:55.439
then I'll have to give that wicked little rodent a153101:54:55.520 --> 01:54:59.760
lot of credit. Anyway, I'm still hungry and never got153201:54:59.800 --> 01:55:01.960
to go. I go to Denoyer's grill like I wanted153301:55:02.000 --> 01:55:07.720
to before Queen Arcadia captured me. Ow I'd grown. When153401:55:07.720 --> 01:55:13.640
my tummy's telling me to get out there, stat I153501:55:13.720 --> 01:55:16.960
know it's getting late. Good thing. Denoyer's is open twenty153601:55:17.000 --> 01:55:20.800
four to seven, three sixty five. I'm ready to head153701:55:20.840 --> 01:55:23.119
out the door and walk to the diner when I153801:55:23.159 --> 01:55:26.560
see a message on the answering machine. Thinking about it,153901:55:26.600 --> 01:55:29.840
my parents are still next door. I'm almost ready to154001:55:29.920 --> 01:55:34.319
leave without listening to the message, but I reconsider it154101:55:34.399 --> 01:55:38.720
might be important. Yes, this message is for Mona Abeles.154201:55:39.199 --> 01:55:42.079
We were given your name by your principal at Strickfield154301:55:42.119 --> 01:55:45.239
Junior High. We're looking for a babysitter to watch our154401:55:45.319 --> 01:55:46.520
children on Christmas Eve.154501:55:47.199 --> 01:55:50.239
If you're available, please call us at three three zero154601:55:50.319 --> 01:55:53.199
five five five eight three five four at any time.154701:55:53.680 --> 01:55:56.239
We're willing to make it worth your while. We'll even154801:55:56.239 --> 01:55:59.199
pay you a bonus for a job well done. Also,154901:55:59.319 --> 01:56:01.560
you can help yourself to anything out of our kitchen,155001:56:02.079 --> 01:56:04.039
or we can leave you money to order some food.155101:56:04.840 --> 01:56:07.000
Please let us know as soon as you can. My155201:56:07.119 --> 01:56:10.119
name is Summer Miran again, call me at any time.155301:56:12.039 --> 01:56:17.600
Ow I've grown again. When my stomach twists inside, Okay, okay,155401:56:17.640 --> 01:56:20.760
I'm going I walk out the door and am on155501:56:20.840 --> 01:56:24.359
my way to Denoyer's grill. The message said to call155601:56:24.399 --> 01:56:27.520
any time, So I pull out my smartphone and call155701:56:27.640 --> 01:56:31.640
this Summer Miran up. A woman answers on the second ring.155801:56:32.279 --> 01:56:36.359
From there, Summer Miran introduces herself and starts talking to me.155901:56:37.000 --> 01:56:40.079
She explains that she has two children. She wants me156001:56:40.119 --> 01:56:43.079
to babysit and practically begs me to take the job.156101:56:43.960 --> 01:56:47.119
Must be a pretty big Christmas Eve event this Mirran156201:56:47.159 --> 01:56:50.000
couple is going to. I tell her I'll take it156301:56:50.359 --> 01:56:58.760
and I'll be there on Christmas Eve night. It don't156401:56:58.800 --> 01:57:02.920
take long for Christmas Night to come. Fortunately, Mom and156501:57:03.000 --> 01:57:06.560
Dad aren't really doing anything special. They tell me to156601:57:06.600 --> 01:57:08.720
be safe when I leave the house and head to156701:57:08.760 --> 01:57:13.479
the gated community. In fact, the Mirran lady that's right,156801:57:13.520 --> 01:57:16.960
her name is Summer Anyway, Summer texted me the gatecoade156901:57:17.239 --> 01:57:21.279
to be able to enter. Speaking of texting, I'm chatting157001:57:21.279 --> 01:57:24.760
it up with Bailey. She's already asking me about hanging157101:57:24.760 --> 01:57:28.119
out at her house tomorrow. I always love hanging out157201:57:28.119 --> 01:57:30.840
with my best friend. There's nothing I wouldn't do for157301:57:30.920 --> 01:57:33.920
that girl. When she asks me what I'm doing, I157401:57:34.000 --> 01:57:37.479
tell her I'm babysitting tonight. Then I get a video157501:57:37.560 --> 01:57:41.000
call from her. When I answer it, Bailey's face appears.157601:57:41.680 --> 01:57:47.640
Are you serious? She asks, you're babysitting tonight? Hey, these157701:57:47.720 --> 01:57:50.640
Mirans are willing to pay me good money, not to mention,157801:57:50.720 --> 01:57:53.000
they're letting me help myself to whatever I want in157901:57:53.000 --> 01:57:56.600
their refrigerator. I tell her it's only a few minutes158001:57:56.680 --> 01:58:00.920
later when I realize I'm walking right past Bailey's house. Suddenly,158101:58:00.960 --> 01:58:04.399
the front door opens and the call ends. Bailey's coming158201:58:04.399 --> 01:58:07.680
outside to meet me. I'm guessing you ain't got nothing158301:58:07.720 --> 01:58:11.880
to do either, I ask her. Bailey shrugs. I suppose158401:58:11.920 --> 01:58:14.239
I could have come up with something, But then I158501:58:14.279 --> 01:58:16.920
saw you walking by my house and figured i'd walk158601:58:16.960 --> 01:58:21.079
with you for a little bit. I laugh a little. Oh,158701:58:21.119 --> 01:58:24.319
you're gonna walk me to the Miran's gate. She sweetens158801:58:24.319 --> 01:58:26.640
the pod. I'll walk you to the house if you158901:58:26.680 --> 01:58:31.960
want okay to the house, then I agree. So Bailey159001:58:32.000 --> 01:58:34.239
and me walk and talk until we reach the mir159101:58:34.520 --> 01:58:38.199
gated community. At least it ain't Adrian Miran, you're agreeing159201:58:38.239 --> 01:58:43.359
to babysit for Bailey mutters or her sister Margaret. Oh,159301:58:43.439 --> 01:58:47.800
I know, I agree. I'd never babysit for those people,159401:58:48.399 --> 01:58:51.600
especially for little Stuart Miran. Do you ever see how159501:58:51.680 --> 01:58:56.239
much trouble that little guy causes? After I punched the gatecode,159601:58:56.640 --> 01:58:59.520
Bailey and I go in from there, I followed the159701:58:59.520 --> 01:59:03.000
GPS on my phone until I reach four eighteen bel159801:59:03.079 --> 01:59:07.119
Air Drive. This is it, Bailey, the home of Helmsley159901:59:07.520 --> 01:59:11.520
and Summer Miran. Suddenly the porch lights blaze on and160001:59:11.560 --> 01:59:14.800
scare Bailey and me. Then one of the French doors160101:59:14.880 --> 01:59:18.199
opens up. Summer Miran comes right out onto the porch.160201:59:18.960 --> 01:59:21.520
All right, which one of you girls is my babysitter160301:59:21.520 --> 01:59:26.359
for tonight? She asks quickly. I slowly raise my hand. Um,160401:59:27.199 --> 01:59:30.479
that would be me, and you brought your friend along160501:59:30.520 --> 01:59:34.520
to keep you company. She further inquires, I was just160601:59:34.600 --> 01:59:38.359
walking with Mona, Bailey tells her. In fact, I was160701:59:38.479 --> 01:59:43.159
just leaving. Summer raises her hands in front of her quickly. No, no, no,160801:59:43.840 --> 01:59:46.880
She sighs and lowers her hands. I don't mind if160901:59:46.960 --> 01:59:50.079
your friend stays here with you, Mona. In fact, my161001:59:50.159 --> 01:59:54.079
husband will pay you both. So Bailey and I both161101:59:54.279 --> 01:59:57.600
got a babysitting job tonight. We walk to the porch161201:59:57.640 --> 02:00:00.720
and up the steps to meet Summer. The she invites161302:00:00.800 --> 02:00:03.640
us into her lavish home. She points to the both161402:00:03.680 --> 02:00:08.000
of us and says, shoes off please. After we remove161502:00:08.039 --> 02:00:11.039
our shoes and walk in our socks, we follow Summer161602:00:11.079 --> 02:00:14.079
to what appears to be a playroom. Bailey and me161702:00:14.159 --> 02:00:19.079
are finally gonna meet her two children. Lucius Pagan, these161802:00:19.119 --> 02:00:22.560
two girls will be your sitters tonight. Summer points right161902:00:22.600 --> 02:00:25.880
at them, and you will do what Mona and Bailey162002:00:26.039 --> 02:00:29.960
tell you. Am I understood. The children look at us.162102:00:30.520 --> 02:00:34.840
Then the girl Pagan asks her mother what happened to Monica.162202:00:35.840 --> 02:00:39.760
Summer gets a little hot under the collar. Now Monica162302:00:39.800 --> 02:00:44.279
was very irresponsible, so your father and I dealt with her.162402:00:44.640 --> 02:00:48.560
She will never be sitting here again. Summer turns and162502:00:48.600 --> 02:00:52.079
looks at us again. Okay, you girls, I'm going to162602:00:52.119 --> 02:00:54.960
trust both of you tonight. My sister told me to162702:00:55.000 --> 02:00:59.680
call Strickfield Junior High anyway. That's why you're both here now.162802:00:59.720 --> 02:01:02.439
If there are no problems, my husband will pay you162902:01:02.520 --> 02:01:05.800
both very well, and let me assure you. He tips163002:01:06.199 --> 02:01:10.039
excellent for a job well done. Then she hands me163102:01:10.079 --> 02:01:12.760
some money. I know there's a few places that are163202:01:12.800 --> 02:01:15.800
open on Christmas Eve night that deliver if you girls163302:01:15.800 --> 02:01:18.640
and the kids want to order food. After I take163402:01:18.680 --> 02:01:21.920
the money, she gets real serious and takes us to163502:01:22.000 --> 02:01:26.720
the kitchen. Then she points to the refrigerator. Phone numbers163602:01:26.760 --> 02:01:30.359
are posted right here. Also, when I call to check163702:01:30.359 --> 02:01:35.279
on the kids, you will answer promptly, understood, I reply.163802:01:36.159 --> 02:01:39.840
When Bailey and me finally meet Helmsley Miron, he seems163902:01:39.920 --> 02:01:43.439
less worried than his wife. Ah, I see you've hired164002:01:43.479 --> 02:01:46.359
two sitters for tonight. I love how you're always on164102:01:46.399 --> 02:01:50.920
top of things, honey. Then he comes and looks us over. Ah, yes,164202:01:51.000 --> 02:01:54.960
Mona and Bailey, you too will do very nicely. I'm164302:01:54.960 --> 02:01:57.880
sure Summer has told you everything that we expect from you.164402:01:58.680 --> 02:02:03.079
We both nod. After a few more formalities, the Mirons164502:02:03.119 --> 02:02:05.840
tell us they're probably going to be late. If they're164602:02:05.840 --> 02:02:08.199
going to be any later than are agreed upon time,164702:02:08.640 --> 02:02:12.359
they said they'd call and pay us both more. Helmsley164802:02:12.439 --> 02:02:15.199
reminds us about how he'll tip us extra for a164902:02:15.319 --> 02:02:18.840
job well done. When we assure him and his wife165002:02:18.880 --> 02:02:22.840
that everything will be okay. The couple finally leaves and165102:02:22.920 --> 02:02:26.239
go to whatever Christmas Eve gathering or event they're going to.165202:02:27.399 --> 02:02:32.399
Then I noticed Bailey's eyes widen. What's wrong? She quickly165302:02:32.439 --> 02:02:35.960
turns to me. Okay, I know you didn't know I165402:02:36.039 --> 02:02:40.640
was coming here with you till now. She composes herself. Mona,165502:02:41.640 --> 02:02:46.319
I never told those two my name. Yeah, you're right,165602:02:46.760 --> 02:02:50.319
I agree. Then I shake my head a little. Don't165702:02:50.359 --> 02:02:54.479
worry about it. Oh, I hope you're right, Bailey mutters.165802:02:55.119 --> 02:02:57.399
Then she calls her parents to let them know where165902:02:57.399 --> 02:02:59.520
she is and that she's going to be with me.166002:03:00.479 --> 02:03:02.920
After she gets off the phone, she turns to me,166102:03:03.640 --> 02:03:07.199
all good, let's go check on the kids. Bailey and166202:03:07.239 --> 02:03:10.560
I return to the playroom where Lucius and Pagan still are.166302:03:11.199 --> 02:03:15.279
They're playing video games together. What are your names again?166402:03:15.760 --> 02:03:19.960
Pagan asks us, glancing over her shoulder. After we tell them,166502:03:20.079 --> 02:03:23.079
we spend some time getting to know one another for166602:03:23.119 --> 02:03:26.520
a while, we play video games together. Bailey can play166702:03:26.600 --> 02:03:30.319
games better than me. Then I'm thinking maybe Mouse should166802:03:30.319 --> 02:03:32.800
be here instead. I know she'd be able to beat166902:03:32.840 --> 02:03:36.119
these too easily. I almost got half a mind to167002:03:36.199 --> 02:03:39.319
call Mouse, but then I remember Ariels living at her167102:03:39.319 --> 02:03:43.760
house now. Eventually we get done playing games. Now the167202:03:43.840 --> 02:03:46.760
kids ask if we can watch a movie. They also167302:03:46.840 --> 02:03:50.600
want to order a pizza. Fortunately, there's one pizza place167402:03:50.640 --> 02:03:54.439
in Strickfield that stays open late on Christmas Eve. We167502:03:54.520 --> 02:03:56.239
get our order in and are told it'll be a167602:03:56.279 --> 02:03:59.319
half an hour to forty five minutes. Guess other people167702:03:59.359 --> 02:04:02.960
are calling out for pizza tonight too. As for the movie,167802:04:03.319 --> 02:04:06.760
we're watching the live action Cruella. Bailey and me have167902:04:06.840 --> 02:04:09.000
watched this movie plenty of times when it came to168002:04:09.039 --> 02:04:13.600
the Strickfield Centennial Theater. As we're watching the movie, Lucius168102:04:13.640 --> 02:04:16.520
and Pagan start acting like kids and get to picking168202:04:16.560 --> 02:04:19.520
on each other. Bailey tells them to behave when they168302:04:19.520 --> 02:04:22.840
start wrestling on the couch. When they don't stop, she168402:04:23.000 --> 02:04:26.479
threatens no pizza. They're back to sitting with us and168502:04:26.560 --> 02:04:30.560
watching the movie. Before long, I get a text telling168602:04:30.600 --> 02:04:33.600
me the pizzas are at the gate. Bailey says she'll168702:04:33.640 --> 02:04:36.039
go out and get them. I hand her the money.168802:04:36.479 --> 02:04:39.199
She puts her jacket and shoes on and heads out.168902:04:39.560 --> 02:04:43.000
I'm surprised. Lucius and Pagan continue to remain calm while169002:04:43.039 --> 02:04:47.439
Bailey's gone. We keep watching the movie It's about fifteen169102:04:47.479 --> 02:04:50.680
minutes later when Bailey returns with the food. The kids169202:04:50.680 --> 02:04:53.199
get all excited when they see the two pizza boxes169302:04:53.199 --> 02:04:57.880
she's carrying. Okay, you two, let's dig in, I tell them,169402:04:57.920 --> 02:05:00.880
as Bailey brings the food to the kitchen. Once we169502:05:00.960 --> 02:05:03.760
have our plates of pizza and cans of soda, we169602:05:03.840 --> 02:05:07.039
return to the living room couch to finish watching Cruella.169702:05:07.720 --> 02:05:10.600
Once the movie's done, the phone rings. I get up169802:05:10.680 --> 02:05:13.520
and go into the kitchen to answer it. It's Summer169902:05:13.640 --> 02:05:17.560
calling to inquire about the kids, as she promised. When170002:05:17.600 --> 02:05:19.800
she wants to talk to them, I call them in170102:05:19.840 --> 02:05:22.720
and hand the phone to Lucius. After he talks with170202:05:22.760 --> 02:05:25.720
his mom, he hands the phone to Pagan, and all170302:05:26.079 --> 02:05:28.600
the kids tell Summer they're having fun with us and170402:05:28.640 --> 02:05:32.640
that they want us back again. When Pagan finishes, she170502:05:32.760 --> 02:05:35.920
hands the receiver back to me. Summer tells me not170602:05:36.000 --> 02:05:38.760
to let the children stay up too late before we170702:05:38.880 --> 02:05:42.159
end the conversation. After we hang up, we head back170802:05:42.199 --> 02:05:45.159
to the living room. Where are your parents at tonight?170902:05:45.439 --> 02:05:48.720
I asked the kids, did they tell you? I think171002:05:48.800 --> 02:05:51.439
Dad said something about doing some book reading with some171102:05:51.600 --> 02:05:56.039
friends or something. Lucius answers that's usually what they tell171202:05:56.079 --> 02:05:59.359
Pagan in me when we need a sitter book reading.171302:05:59.600 --> 02:06:06.520
I'm on Christmas Eve night. Bailey ads, that's interesting. We're171402:06:06.600 --> 02:06:10.880
about thirty minutes into the second movie, The Nightmare Before Christmas.171502:06:11.319 --> 02:06:16.439
When Pagan rests against me, Lucius leans on Bailey. I171602:06:16.520 --> 02:06:22.000
smile a little and ruffle Pagan's hair. Suddenly, some thing171702:06:22.239 --> 02:06:24.960
bursts through the glass door leading out to the end171802:06:25.000 --> 02:06:28.119
ground swimming pool. Boy, do the four of us ever171902:06:28.279 --> 02:06:31.840
scream like a choir of banshees as the monster expands172002:06:31.880 --> 02:06:36.319
its chest and roars something you want to tell me? Mona,172102:06:36.680 --> 02:06:39.760
Bailey yells. Do you think I knew about that thing?172202:06:40.079 --> 02:06:43.680
I yelled back. We quickly get the kids upstairs and172302:06:43.800 --> 02:06:46.640
hide in one of the many bedrooms. All the doors172402:06:46.680 --> 02:06:51.880
were closed, so hopefully that thing doesn't somehow pick the172502:06:51.960 --> 02:06:57.880
right door. What is that thing? Lucius stammers, We don't know,172602:06:58.399 --> 02:07:01.760
Bailey moans, we just have to hope it don't come172702:07:01.760 --> 02:07:06.479
in here. Suddenly the monster crashes right through our door.172802:07:06.760 --> 02:07:09.560
We all scream again. Then Bailey and I open some172902:07:09.720 --> 02:07:13.359
drawers to find clothes. We're in your parents' room, right,173002:07:13.640 --> 02:07:17.479
I say to the kids, you didn't know that Lucius yells,173102:07:18.119 --> 02:07:20.359
Mona and me never been in your house until tonight,173202:07:20.760 --> 02:07:24.880
Bailey protests. When the monster roars, Bailey and me start173302:07:24.880 --> 02:07:27.880
grabbing clothes and throwing them at the thing. While the173402:07:27.920 --> 02:07:32.319
monster's distracted, the kids sneak out into the hallway. We173502:07:32.399 --> 02:07:36.840
have to protect those kids, Bailey tells me, no, duh,173602:07:36.960 --> 02:07:41.239
I return. The monster roars again and comes right at us.173702:07:41.840 --> 02:07:47.279
Then I get its attention. Heres, monster, monster, come and173802:07:47.359 --> 02:07:51.319
get me, I tease. I would have expected my bestie173902:07:51.359 --> 02:07:54.399
to haul herself out the door. Instead, she grabs a174002:07:54.439 --> 02:07:57.439
wooden chair and breaks it all to pieces over its back.174102:07:58.319 --> 02:08:01.399
I can't really be mad at Bailey, though, truth be told,174202:08:01.439 --> 02:08:04.319
I'd have done the same thing. Bailey and me have174302:08:04.359 --> 02:08:07.279
always been there for each other since we became best174402:08:07.279 --> 02:08:11.399
friends many years ago. The monster turns to Bailey and174502:08:11.439 --> 02:08:14.520
tries grabbing her. Then I cry out and jump on174602:08:14.560 --> 02:08:19.760
the things back run Bailey. Now the monster's turning this way,174702:08:20.039 --> 02:08:22.960
and that I'm holding on like I'm riding one of174802:08:22.960 --> 02:08:26.560
those mechanical bulls you see in the movies. Believe me,174902:08:26.760 --> 02:08:29.239
I ain't holding on tight because I want to ride175002:08:29.239 --> 02:08:31.720
this thing. I know if it flings me off I'm175102:08:31.760 --> 02:08:36.840
gonna go flying somewhere fast, but Bailey doesn't run. Instead,175202:08:36.920 --> 02:08:40.000
she takes after Johnny Cage out of those Mortal Kombat175302:08:40.119 --> 02:08:43.199
video games by doing the splits and popping the monster175402:08:43.359 --> 02:08:47.520
right in the gut. It growls and is stunned. I175502:08:47.640 --> 02:08:50.560
quickly get off the things back. Then Bailey and me175602:08:50.680 --> 02:08:53.720
run out. The kids are waiting for us. When we're175702:08:53.760 --> 02:08:57.560
almost to them, they start sliding down the stairs. Us175802:08:57.600 --> 02:09:00.199
girls are taking two or three steps at a time time.175902:09:00.760 --> 02:09:04.319
Eventually we make it to the bottom. We might as176002:09:04.399 --> 02:09:06.960
well be back at the Home Sweet Home orphanage when176102:09:07.000 --> 02:09:09.159
Crampis was trying to get us a few weeks ago.176202:09:09.680 --> 02:09:13.199
Bailey mutters, oh, you want to go back and face176302:09:13.279 --> 02:09:18.399
Crampis again. I mutter back, as if we decide to176402:09:18.399 --> 02:09:22.279
try hiding in one of the rooms in the downstairs hallway, Mona,176502:09:22.920 --> 02:09:26.880
Bailey shrieks. We all scream and find ourselves sliding on176602:09:26.920 --> 02:09:30.039
the polished wood floor. We're all on our butts and176702:09:30.079 --> 02:09:35.039
looking down the hallway to see another monster standing there.176802:09:35.640 --> 02:09:40.840
The monster chasing us is red. This one's a black color.176902:09:41.479 --> 02:09:43.960
It grins and roars at us. As we're getting back177002:09:44.039 --> 02:09:48.199
up this way, Bailey calls out. I turn and ease177102:09:48.239 --> 02:09:51.279
the kids towards Bailey. We follow her and go down177202:09:51.319 --> 02:09:54.560
another hallway. It's hard to run when our socks keep177302:09:54.640 --> 02:09:57.680
slipping and sliding on the wooden floor. We can hear177402:09:57.760 --> 02:10:01.359
both of those things roaring, too bad. The floors ain't177502:10:01.399 --> 02:10:05.840
slowing them down. We eventually come to more doors. Bailey177602:10:05.960 --> 02:10:10.640
opens one. We'll hide in here. She says. It's a177702:10:10.640 --> 02:10:15.000
well stocked pantry. Bailey pulls the door shut. I motion177802:10:15.199 --> 02:10:18.680
for us to be quiet. It's not long before we177902:10:18.760 --> 02:10:23.359
hear those monsters scurrying past us. I pull my smartphone178002:10:23.359 --> 02:10:26.439
out and turn on the flash. Bailey does the same.178102:10:27.399 --> 02:10:30.239
Now we're texting each other, so we don't talk out loud.178202:10:30.920 --> 02:10:33.199
We agree it's best to wait for a little bit.178302:10:33.960 --> 02:10:37.359
Lucius and Pagan are both holding each other. We motion178402:10:37.560 --> 02:10:40.560
for them to be quiet. Then I type on my178502:10:40.720 --> 02:10:45.680
phone and show them that we'll get out of here shortly. Suddenly,178602:10:45.760 --> 02:10:48.520
two hands come right through the wall behind Bailey and178702:10:48.600 --> 02:10:53.119
grab her shoulders. Now we're all screaming again. Help me,178802:10:53.680 --> 02:10:59.439
Bailey yells. Then she screams again. The monster that grabbed178902:10:59.479 --> 02:11:02.880
Bailey breaks more of the wall before pulling Bailey through179002:11:03.640 --> 02:11:05.680
the rest of us quickly come out and see the179102:11:05.760 --> 02:11:09.439
monsters holding her over one shoulder as she's punching its179202:11:09.479 --> 02:11:14.439
back with her fists. Let me go, Bailey growls. I179302:11:14.560 --> 02:11:18.239
remember how slippery the wooden floor is and have an idea.179402:11:18.840 --> 02:11:21.159
I run at the creature and then slide right into179502:11:21.199 --> 02:11:24.279
home plate to clip the monster's leg and make it fall,179602:11:24.600 --> 02:11:27.960
letting Bailey go. Bailey and I quickly get up and179702:11:28.039 --> 02:11:31.560
return to the kids. Just then the black monster is179802:11:31.600 --> 02:11:34.359
almost on us. The four of us are running again.179902:11:35.199 --> 02:11:38.640
This is a pretty big house. The only problem is180002:11:38.680 --> 02:11:42.800
those monsters keep finding us. Seriously, what are they even180102:11:43.199 --> 02:11:47.920
doing here? What do they even want? You? Getting the180202:11:48.000 --> 02:11:52.720
feeling that that Mirr and couple wasn't completely honest with us,180302:11:53.079 --> 02:11:57.840
Bailey asks me. I nod quickly. Yeah, I'm starting to180402:11:57.880 --> 02:12:01.079
feel that way right about now. We run into the180502:12:01.159 --> 02:12:04.920
kitchen again. Then I get an idea. I open the180602:12:04.960 --> 02:12:08.520
refrigerator door and pull what's left of a big HOGI out.180702:12:08.720 --> 02:12:11.880
Then I throw it in front of those things. You180802:12:11.920 --> 02:12:15.279
guys are hungry, right, I ask them, well, eat up.180902:12:15.960 --> 02:12:19.640
The red monster picks up the sub, sniffs it, then181002:12:19.800 --> 02:12:23.520
sucks it into its big mouth. Bailey pulls what's left181102:12:23.520 --> 02:12:26.319
of a roast out and throws it at them. The181202:12:26.319 --> 02:12:30.359
black monster picks it up and starts eating. Lucius grabs181302:12:30.399 --> 02:12:32.800
what's left of our pizzas and throws them their way.181402:12:33.439 --> 02:12:36.159
There's plenty of food and drink here in this refrigerator,181502:12:36.680 --> 02:12:39.399
no wonder, Summer told Bailey in me we could have181602:12:39.479 --> 02:12:42.640
whatever we wanted from in there. I open the freezer181702:12:42.680 --> 02:12:46.079
and see all kinds of ice cream. I quickly whisper181802:12:46.159 --> 02:12:49.800
my idea and Bailey's ear. Then she helps me grab181902:12:49.800 --> 02:12:52.840
the ice cream and throw it at those monsters. They182002:12:52.880 --> 02:12:56.199
scoop it up and devour it. It ain't long before182102:12:56.239 --> 02:12:59.640
we see my plan works. The monsters stop eating and182202:12:59.640 --> 02:13:04.199
put their hands to their heads. Brain freeze, Bailey tells182302:13:04.239 --> 02:13:08.520
the kids. With the monsters Temporarily stunned, the four of182402:13:08.600 --> 02:13:12.600
us run again. We turn and go down yet another hallway.182502:13:13.119 --> 02:13:16.199
Soon we come into a game room. There's stuff ranging182602:13:16.239 --> 02:13:20.000
from arcade cabinets to even a full scale VR cabinet.182702:13:20.800 --> 02:13:25.319
Soon we hear those monsters roaring. They'll be on us again. Soon.182802:13:26.159 --> 02:13:30.399
Bailey quickly closes the door and locks it. Then she182902:13:30.600 --> 02:13:34.880
moves to a nearby couch. Help me mona. I move183002:13:34.960 --> 02:13:37.479
to the couch and help Bailey move it against the door.183102:13:38.119 --> 02:13:41.359
We quickly pick up some stuff toss it onto the couch,183202:13:41.760 --> 02:13:45.520
trying to weigh it down a little more. Eventually Bailey183302:13:45.560 --> 02:13:48.319
and me both climb up and sit on top of183402:13:48.399 --> 02:13:53.399
the stuff. Bailey looks at Lucius and Pagan, either of183502:13:53.439 --> 02:13:57.119
you know what's going on with those things out there.183602:13:58.039 --> 02:14:00.880
The kids look at each other, then they look at183702:14:00.960 --> 02:14:06.920
us and shake their heads. I laugh a little. See now,183802:14:07.119 --> 02:14:09.880
why don't we believe the two of you? I have183902:14:10.000 --> 02:14:13.159
the feeling you kids have had babysitters before, and those184002:14:13.800 --> 02:14:19.560
things came after them too, didn't they. The kids remain quiet.184102:14:19.720 --> 02:14:23.000
Then we hear a loud slam outside. Bailey and I184202:14:23.079 --> 02:14:25.920
both look at each other. We have to get out184302:14:25.960 --> 02:14:30.000
of here, girl. Bailey says, we can't leave the kids, though,184402:14:30.800 --> 02:14:34.720
we'll take them with us. I assure her, the monsters184502:14:34.760 --> 02:14:38.520
will just follow you. Pagan blurts out they followed the184602:14:38.560 --> 02:14:42.880
other babysitters too. Bailey and Me look at each other again,184702:14:43.800 --> 02:14:47.199
then Bailey points right at them as another loud crash184802:14:47.279 --> 02:14:50.840
hits the door. Yeah, you two definitely know more than184902:14:50.880 --> 02:14:54.039
you're letting on. Why do those monsters keep showing up185002:14:54.039 --> 02:14:59.239
when babysitters are here. Suddenly, a big, hairy hand crashes185102:14:59.319 --> 02:15:02.680
right through the door and almost grabs my hair. Bailey185202:15:02.680 --> 02:15:05.760
and me cry out and leap off the couch. Thankfully,185302:15:05.760 --> 02:15:08.479
the floor in this game room is carpeted, or we'd185402:15:08.560 --> 02:15:11.880
probably both have slipped and fallen on our butts. We185502:15:12.000 --> 02:15:14.720
both see the big monster hand trying to push the185602:15:14.760 --> 02:15:18.479
loaded couch away. I pick up a poll table stick185702:15:18.520 --> 02:15:21.960
and start smacking the hand with it. The hand quickly185802:15:22.000 --> 02:15:24.520
grabs it from me and pulls it out. I hear185902:15:24.560 --> 02:15:28.560
the pole stick snap. Shortly after. The door comes apart186002:15:28.600 --> 02:15:31.159
at the top half, so the red monster can stick186102:15:31.199 --> 02:15:34.680
its head in. We can see the black monster behind it.186202:15:35.520 --> 02:15:39.239
We can't get out of here, Lucius cries. Then I186302:15:39.319 --> 02:15:44.000
see the window. Only problem is the glass looks really thick.186402:15:44.640 --> 02:15:46.960
It's not the kind of window we can just open186502:15:47.039 --> 02:15:50.399
up and escape through. The next thing I know, Bailey186602:15:50.479 --> 02:15:53.119
comes to me and whispers an idea in my ear.186702:15:53.880 --> 02:15:56.720
I nod fast and turn to the kids. I motion186802:15:56.840 --> 02:15:58.920
for them to hide before I turn the light off.186902:15:59.640 --> 02:16:01.479
As soon when is Bailey and me are hidden. The187002:16:01.479 --> 02:16:04.840
rest of the door comes away. Then the monsters push187102:16:04.920 --> 02:16:08.840
the loaded couch aside. When they fully come into the room,187202:16:09.279 --> 02:16:11.720
we all come out of our hiding places and escape187302:16:11.800 --> 02:16:15.600
through the door. We're putting distance in between them. When187402:16:15.680 --> 02:16:19.479
Lucius slips and falls, when he cries out, we know187502:16:19.760 --> 02:16:21.760
it's only going to be a matter of time before187602:16:21.760 --> 02:16:26.520
those monsters are on us again. My ankle, it hurts,187702:16:27.119 --> 02:16:30.800
Lucius groans, holding it. I got you, I say, and187802:16:30.840 --> 02:16:34.399
lift the boy into my arms. Those things are coming,187902:16:34.920 --> 02:16:40.239
Bailey yells, I can't run no more. Pagan groans. Bailey188002:16:40.280 --> 02:16:43.079
scoops her up and carries her. We're getting out of188102:16:43.120 --> 02:16:46.520
here right now. I open the first door I come to.188202:16:47.159 --> 02:16:50.360
It's a huge garage. When we're all inside, I pull188302:16:50.399 --> 02:16:54.639
the door shut. That won't keep them out, I tell Bailey.188402:16:55.280 --> 02:16:58.000
She pulls her smartphone out and turns on the camera.188502:16:58.040 --> 02:17:01.520
Flash see if there's a garag door open her here somewhere.188602:17:02.200 --> 02:17:05.719
Then she groans, too bad, mouse ain't here with us.188702:17:06.120 --> 02:17:07.719
She could have driven us out of here in one188802:17:07.719 --> 02:17:13.000
of these cars. We can drive these cars, I state, confidently,188902:17:13.760 --> 02:17:16.600
we don't need that wicked little rodent. How hard can189002:17:16.680 --> 02:17:20.360
driving a car be? I believe I told you before.189102:17:20.440 --> 02:17:23.840
Mona we don't play driving video games religiously the way189202:17:24.079 --> 02:17:28.000
mouse does. Bailey reminds me, No, really, how hard can189302:17:28.120 --> 02:17:32.319
driving a car be? I persist, first, it's a problem189402:17:32.399 --> 02:17:36.440
for sure, since these cars are locked, Bailey points out.189502:17:36.840 --> 02:17:39.239
I hate to admit it, but she's got me there.189602:17:40.000 --> 02:17:43.840
Then she further throws water on my fire. And where189702:17:43.840 --> 02:17:46.559
would we get the keys or fobs to start them?189802:17:47.520 --> 02:17:54.559
She sighs, So there's no point calling mouse. Ah, I189902:17:54.639 --> 02:17:58.520
growl loudly. Then I see the button and push it. Yes,190002:17:59.000 --> 02:18:02.319
we are out of here, Bailey cries excitedly. When the190102:18:02.399 --> 02:18:06.159
light comes on and the door starts opening. As the190202:18:06.159 --> 02:18:10.239
one garage door is halfway up, the red monster bursts190302:18:10.319 --> 02:18:12.719
through the side door we came in and is in190402:18:12.799 --> 02:18:15.920
the garage with us. We quickly move the children to190502:18:16.000 --> 02:18:19.600
the half open garage door and put them through. Get190602:18:19.600 --> 02:18:22.879
out of here, I tell them. As Bailey and me190702:18:22.959 --> 02:18:25.920
are about to duck and join them, we're both grabbed190802:18:25.959 --> 02:18:29.360
by the monsters and pulled back. Then the black monster190902:18:29.440 --> 02:18:34.200
presses the button to stop the garage door. Then the191002:18:34.319 --> 02:18:41.959
creature speaks, okay, kids, come back in here. The monster191102:18:42.120 --> 02:18:47.159
sounds like it has a woman's voice. Lucius and Pagan191202:18:47.360 --> 02:18:52.920
both come back inside. Yes, mom, they say together. Bailey191302:18:52.959 --> 02:18:57.520
and me both look at each other, Mom, We ask together,191402:18:58.520 --> 02:19:03.639
now we think we understand everything. Your children are working191502:19:03.719 --> 02:19:07.200
with you. I yell at the red monster, who's got191602:19:07.239 --> 02:19:12.600
to be the dad, explain yourselves right now. The monsters191702:19:12.600 --> 02:19:16.479
put Bailey and me down and transform back into Helmsley191802:19:16.559 --> 02:19:19.959
and Summer Mirran. Bailey and I look at each other now.191902:19:20.520 --> 02:19:24.079
Then we look back at them. It looks like you192002:19:24.159 --> 02:19:28.840
both passed the test. Hemsley tells us. You see, every192102:19:28.920 --> 02:19:32.959
babysitter we've employed to watch our children has always proven192202:19:33.000 --> 02:19:38.000
to be most irresponsible, So we decided to start testing192302:19:38.040 --> 02:19:41.040
each babysitter we'd hire to make sure they were the192402:19:41.120 --> 02:19:44.719
right ones. And you two have shown your more than192502:19:44.799 --> 02:19:49.079
responsible Summer ads. Neither of you were willing to abandon192602:19:49.120 --> 02:19:53.200
our children. You even put them before yourselves, the way192702:19:53.600 --> 02:19:59.159
good babysitters should. You mentioned some chick named Monica earlier,192802:19:59.600 --> 02:20:05.799
Bailey notes summer groans and frustration. Monica was the most192902:20:05.840 --> 02:20:10.120
irresponsible sitter of all. She actually had a boyfriend over193002:20:10.159 --> 02:20:14.079
here in our house. That meant she wasn't paying the193102:20:14.200 --> 02:20:18.719
least bit of attention to Lucius and Pagan quite right.193202:20:19.159 --> 02:20:22.319
Helmsley agrees, But the two of you were there for193302:20:22.399 --> 02:20:25.520
our children from the time we left, showing you would193402:20:25.520 --> 02:20:29.959
never neglect them. Our prior babysitters were highly recommended from193502:20:30.040 --> 02:20:34.479
other family members in our gated community. I can't imagine193602:20:34.520 --> 02:20:37.959
how not with how irresponsible we found them all to be.193702:20:39.040 --> 02:20:42.120
So my sister told me that babysitters could be found193802:20:42.159 --> 02:20:45.719
at either the junior high or the high schools, so193902:20:45.959 --> 02:20:49.280
I decided to give them a try. Of course, we194002:20:49.319 --> 02:20:53.520
would still have to test them, Summer says. We picked194102:20:53.559 --> 02:20:57.000
you Mona Abeles. Of course we didn't know you'd bring194202:20:57.079 --> 02:21:00.879
Bailey along. Again. I was just going to walk with194302:21:00.959 --> 02:21:04.280
Mona to the house here and leave. Bailey reminds her.194402:21:04.920 --> 02:21:07.959
I wasn't going to just come inside while you two194502:21:07.959 --> 02:21:11.479
were gone. You ended up hiring me too, though. Then194602:21:11.600 --> 02:21:15.280
Pagan asks her parents, can we keep Mona and Bailey194702:21:15.319 --> 02:21:21.719
as our babysitters please? Yeah? They're both really cool. We194802:21:21.879 --> 02:21:26.639
like them a lot, Lucius agrees. Summer clears her throat.194902:21:27.520 --> 02:21:31.120
It looks like our kids have spoken. May we humbly195002:21:31.280 --> 02:21:34.399
call upon the two of you to babysit Lucius and195102:21:34.440 --> 02:21:37.680
Pagan again in the future. The two of us hold195202:21:37.680 --> 02:21:40.799
our hands up in front of us. Ah, no way,195302:21:41.559 --> 02:21:46.239
Bailey declares. Yeah, it's one thing for us to babysit kids,195402:21:46.280 --> 02:21:51.079
but the fact that their parents are both monsters. I add,195502:21:51.600 --> 02:21:55.360
that's a little more than we bargain for. Open the195602:21:55.360 --> 02:21:59.559
door and let us out. Bailey snaps. Now, Summer looks195702:21:59.559 --> 02:22:03.520
sad and sighs. Pay them and let them go. Helmsley195802:22:04.639 --> 02:22:07.399
the dad sighs as well and pulls out a wad195902:22:07.440 --> 02:22:10.319
of money. Sure enough, he paid both of us what196002:22:10.399 --> 02:22:14.559
Summer promised, plus a huge bonus I'm guessing for passing196102:22:14.559 --> 02:22:19.319
their tests. Then Summer opens the garage door. You too,196202:22:19.360 --> 02:22:22.879
are free to go, she tells us. Then she turns196302:22:22.920 --> 02:22:25.840
to her husband. It looks like we'll need to cancel196402:22:25.920 --> 02:22:28.959
and stay home with our children since we no longer196502:22:29.000 --> 02:22:32.479
have babysitters. Bailey and me look at each other again.196602:22:33.319 --> 02:22:37.200
We both sigh and face them. Go ahead and go,196702:22:37.799 --> 02:22:42.319
Bailey says, we'll finish out Christmas Eve night. Yeah, you196802:22:42.360 --> 02:22:45.760
did pay us in full, so we'll finish the job.196902:22:46.079 --> 02:22:49.600
I add. The kids are both excited that we're staying197002:22:49.639 --> 02:22:55.239
after all. Are you sure, Summer asks, We're sure? I reply,197102:22:56.159 --> 02:22:59.639
so Bailey and Me stay with Lucius and Pagan. Oh197202:22:59.680 --> 02:23:03.440
and at this all the damage that those monsters caused197302:23:03.440 --> 02:23:08.280
in the house, Summer easily cast a spell to fix everything.197402:23:08.879 --> 02:23:11.879
They even gave us money to order more pizza since197502:23:12.000 --> 02:23:15.440
they ate what was left of ours from earlier. Bailey197602:23:15.440 --> 02:23:18.600
and I didn't finish with babysitting until almost three am.197702:23:19.479 --> 02:23:22.479
The kids were sound asleep in their beds. When Helmsley197802:23:22.559 --> 02:23:26.239
and Summer finally returned home. They gave us a little197902:23:26.239 --> 02:23:29.680
more money for being an hour late. Before we left,198002:23:29.719 --> 02:23:32.440
they talked to both of us and asked us again198102:23:32.520 --> 02:23:36.360
if we'd consider being their babysitters when they needed us.198202:23:37.200 --> 02:23:39.879
Bailey and me both talked about this after the kids198302:23:39.879 --> 02:23:42.680
were put to bed, because we figured they would try198402:23:42.719 --> 02:23:46.719
and change our minds again. The Mirons promised they wouldn't198502:23:46.760 --> 02:23:49.719
monster out on us again and that no harm would198602:23:49.719 --> 02:23:55.239
come to us unless we became irresponsible. Probably against our198702:23:55.280 --> 02:23:59.559
better judgments, we agreed to continue being the babysitters for198802:23:59.600 --> 02:24:03.120
this house, not because of how Helmsley and Summer we're198902:24:03.120 --> 02:24:08.040
paying us well, but because we really liked Lucius and Pagan.199002:24:08.760 --> 02:24:12.399
We already knew they liked us. Bailey and me leave199102:24:12.479 --> 02:24:16.799
the gated community and walk back to our houses. Boy,199202:24:17.639 --> 02:24:20.559
just wait till the others hear about this, I say,199302:24:21.440 --> 02:24:25.239
you know, they'll believe it, considering everything we've been through recently.199402:24:25.760 --> 02:24:31.120
Bailey agrees you stopping over tomorrow, probably in the afternoon.199502:24:31.479 --> 02:24:35.120
I assure her. Bailey and I hug and wish each199602:24:35.159 --> 02:24:39.319
other a Merry Christmas before we separate. She goes into199702:24:39.319 --> 02:24:43.079
her house and I head for home. And that is199802:24:43.079 --> 02:24:47.440
where this crazy holiday adventure ends. But don't worry, we'll199902:24:47.440 --> 02:24:51.280
definitely be back with more adventures, probably in the new year.200002:24:52.280 --> 02:25:13.200
Merry Christmas. Christmas at Murder Mansion by Rob Fields Perspective Harpy,200102:25:13.959 --> 02:25:17.399
It's gonna be Christmas in another couple of days. Harpy's200202:25:17.440 --> 02:25:20.200
got to admit to being all giddy when it's Christmas time.200302:25:20.799 --> 02:25:23.959
Right now, Harpy's working on a new job, also my200402:25:24.120 --> 02:25:27.079
first job here at Strickfield Town and sent a mall.200502:25:28.079 --> 02:25:32.920
Harpy's a security guard working nights. How'd that happen? You ask? Well?200602:25:32.959 --> 02:25:35.799
A few days ago, Bethy, the other half a Harpy200702:25:36.239 --> 02:25:39.319
was eating some large pizzas at Scatto's in the food court.200802:25:39.840 --> 02:25:43.559
Of course, Bethy couldn't be left alone. This gang comes200902:25:43.600 --> 02:25:46.399
running out of nowhere with both Harmony Mirn, the owner201002:25:46.399 --> 02:25:49.200
of the mall, and a bunch of security guards chasing them.201102:25:49.799 --> 02:25:53.120
Then one of the fuckers grabs Bethy and Yankster to them.201202:25:53.360 --> 02:25:55.760
The gang's using Bethy as a shield to get the201302:25:55.799 --> 02:25:59.159
guards to back off. Bethy was real scared at being201402:25:59.200 --> 02:26:03.520
held hostage. Then she screamed and tried getting away. One201502:26:03.520 --> 02:26:06.079
of those fuckers caught her and threw her under the table.201602:26:06.799 --> 02:26:10.120
Bethy got real mad and had no objections whatsoever to201702:26:10.200 --> 02:26:13.959
let an old Harpy out. Funny thing. Bethy and me201802:26:14.159 --> 02:26:18.280
kind of look alike, but we got differences. Bethy's shoulder201902:26:18.360 --> 02:26:22.879
length red hair changed to long flowing violet hair. Bethy's202002:26:22.920 --> 02:26:26.840
green eyes became Harpy's red ones. Also, I removed Bethy's202102:26:26.879 --> 02:26:30.639
sixties cad eye glasses and put them away. In all,202202:26:30.760 --> 02:26:33.959
Bethy looks like a plain Jane kind of girl. Harpy202302:26:34.040 --> 02:26:37.479
looks like one of them manga girls. Get yourself some202402:26:37.559 --> 02:26:41.680
Japanese comics and you'll get an idea at Harpy's bodily dimensions.202502:26:42.159 --> 02:26:45.000
But let me tell you, Harpy turned the tables on202602:26:45.040 --> 02:26:49.319
that gang fast. Harpy's much stronger than Bethy and adapts202702:26:49.360 --> 02:26:52.639
to things. By the time Harpy's finished, the gang's learned202802:26:52.840 --> 02:26:56.639
you never fuck with a chick from Brooklyn. After Harpy202902:26:56.719 --> 02:26:59.959
finished Save in the Day that Wicked, Harmony mirror tells203002:27:00.120 --> 02:27:04.079
the guards. I want that Harley Quinn Squawker arrested too.203102:27:04.879 --> 02:27:10.760
I gasped, squawker, squawker, then I grabbed the rich bitch.203202:27:10.920 --> 02:27:13.920
I'll give you a squawker. Then I got all them203302:27:13.959 --> 02:27:17.680
tasers pointing right at me. Yeah, Harpy knows what tasers203402:27:17.680 --> 02:27:21.159
are like, So Harpy let's go. A Harmony miron and203502:27:21.280 --> 02:27:25.520
raises her hands. Okay, okay, put him down. Harpy'll come203602:27:25.559 --> 02:27:30.159
along quietly. Of course, Harpy grabbed the rest of Bethany's203702:27:30.239 --> 02:27:33.360
last pizza on the go. When we reached the rich203802:27:33.399 --> 02:27:37.760
Bitch's office, Harmony has two guards bring Harpy in. Harmony203902:27:37.799 --> 02:27:41.520
pointed to a chair in front of her desk. Sit you, squawker,204002:27:42.239 --> 02:27:45.719
Harpy Satin crossed her legs. Glad Bethy was wearing a204102:27:45.760 --> 02:27:49.319
mini skirt. After starting the last slice of pizza, I204202:27:49.440 --> 02:27:52.639
tossed the box at Harmony. What you want with harpy204302:27:52.760 --> 02:27:56.959
rich bitch I snap. Harmony knocked the box away and204402:27:57.040 --> 02:28:00.440
slammed her palms on the desk to lock you up204502:28:00.479 --> 02:28:04.000
forever and ever. Oh, I haven't forgotten you trying to204602:28:04.040 --> 02:28:07.399
have a slumber party in my mall, playing PlayStation at204702:28:07.399 --> 02:28:11.159
Best Buy and eating all the snacks. Harmony sat down.204802:28:13.600 --> 02:28:16.040
I only let you go because you got my baby204902:28:16.040 --> 02:28:18.600
back when that thing grabbed her and took her into205002:28:18.639 --> 02:28:22.680
the backwoods of Strickfield. Also, you paid for the damages205102:28:22.719 --> 02:28:25.840
you caused. She puts her fist under her chin and205202:28:25.920 --> 02:28:30.200
gave Arpi a devilish grin. What to do with you now?205302:28:31.000 --> 02:28:34.440
That is the question? Want me to call the police,205402:28:34.920 --> 02:28:38.600
one of the guards asks. Suddenly, her queen ship got205502:28:38.680 --> 02:28:41.719
mad as hell and sprang to her feet. You didn't205602:28:41.760 --> 02:28:44.680
call them to come get those pieces of shit out there.205702:28:45.319 --> 02:28:48.680
She bawled her fists and screamed at the ceiling. Then205802:28:48.799 --> 02:28:52.959
she glared at the guard. Are you seriously fucking kidding me?205902:28:53.079 --> 02:28:57.959
Right now? She pointed to the door. Get out. The206002:28:58.000 --> 02:29:03.799
guard left fast. Yeah, Harpy's harpy, but Harmony is a harpy.206102:29:04.399 --> 02:29:07.680
She finally calmed down and pointed to the door that206202:29:07.959 --> 02:29:12.239
is the incompetence I've got working for me. You had206302:29:12.280 --> 02:29:15.639
him get Harpy, didn't you, I asked, finishing the slice206402:29:15.680 --> 02:29:19.079
of pizza. She slammed her hands on the desk again.206502:29:19.680 --> 02:29:22.719
You let them get you. I saw how you handled206602:29:22.760 --> 02:29:24.719
those rowdy kids single handedly.206702:29:25.879 --> 02:29:26.159
Yeah.206802:29:26.239 --> 02:29:29.600
Harpy went along quietly because she didn't want no tasers206902:29:29.680 --> 02:29:32.760
juicing her up again. So what you want with Harpy,207002:29:32.879 --> 02:29:37.440
rich bitch? I ask again. Harmony gets his self calm207102:29:37.479 --> 02:29:41.079
again before looking back at Harpy. I can't believe I'm207202:29:41.120 --> 02:29:46.719
doing this. Ah, I'm offering you a job here at207302:29:46.719 --> 02:29:52.440
my mall as my head of security. Oh did Harpy207402:29:52.520 --> 02:29:55.920
ever start laughing it up? Probably the most Harpy's ever207502:29:55.959 --> 02:30:00.799
laughed in her lifetime. When Harpy's finished, Harmony's face didn't change.207602:30:01.639 --> 02:30:05.159
You have serious, then, I raised my hands in front207702:30:05.200 --> 02:30:09.200
of me. Nothing doing, rich bitch. Harpy ain't running shit207802:30:09.280 --> 02:30:14.040
detail for you. I'll pay you good money, Harmony states,207902:30:14.600 --> 02:30:18.440
and give you benefits. But Harpy can't be here during208002:30:18.440 --> 02:30:22.159
the day. I tell her, Harpy only comes out at night.208102:30:23.200 --> 02:30:27.239
Harmony pointed right at Harpy, and that is what I'd208202:30:27.319 --> 02:30:30.799
hire you. For you'll be in charge of my imbeciles208302:30:30.799 --> 02:30:34.319
in the evening and guard them all at night. Then208402:30:34.440 --> 02:30:37.479
she says what she's willing to give Harpy. I was208502:30:37.520 --> 02:30:39.959
ready to walk out till I heard Bethy in my head.208602:30:40.680 --> 02:30:43.159
Take the job, Harpy. You know how much you love208702:30:43.200 --> 02:30:46.920
it here. But what about you, Bethy? I think back.208802:30:47.399 --> 02:30:50.680
Don't you want time at night for yourself too? And208902:30:50.760 --> 02:30:54.239
exactly what would I do with my time? All I'd209002:30:54.280 --> 02:30:58.360
do is study work at the campus library and go eat. Plus,209102:30:58.360 --> 02:31:00.600
we agreed you would have the night and I would209202:31:00.600 --> 02:31:03.360
have the day. Unless they're going to need you here209302:31:03.479 --> 02:31:07.559
during the day, go ahead and take the job. I209402:31:07.600 --> 02:31:12.280
looked at Harmony again. I guess you talked Harpy into it.209502:31:12.840 --> 02:31:18.600
When does Harpy start? Harmony points right at Harpy right now.209602:31:19.680 --> 02:31:23.040
Now Harpy gets to hang out at this glamorous mall209702:31:23.200 --> 02:31:27.360
all she wants. Yeah, the guards didn't like Harmony appointing209802:31:27.520 --> 02:31:31.280
Harpy as their new queen bitch. As long as they209902:31:31.280 --> 02:31:34.200
don't fuck with Harpy, I won't put them in their place.210002:31:34.879 --> 02:31:39.000
Only thing Harpy hates is wearing a uniform. At least210102:31:39.040 --> 02:31:42.479
Harpy gets to carry your very own taser now, oh210202:31:42.799 --> 02:31:48.200
and a radio and shiny handcuffs. Bethy's right. Harpy really210302:31:48.280 --> 02:31:55.520
does love this mall perspective, Bethany, it's Christmas Eve now.210402:31:56.000 --> 02:32:00.120
Harmony asked Harpy to start working around noon today. As210502:32:00.200 --> 02:32:02.479
soon as we enter the mall, we can see why210602:32:03.159 --> 02:32:05.879
everybody and his brother and sister and their two friends210702:32:05.879 --> 02:32:09.920
and their second cousins are here. Last minute Christmas shopping210802:32:09.959 --> 02:32:14.120
always brings everybody out, it seems. Anyway, I myself am210902:32:14.159 --> 02:32:17.600
here early to fill up. Both Harpy and I need211002:32:17.639 --> 02:32:21.120
the nourishment. Even today, we still have to eat lots211102:32:21.120 --> 02:32:25.200
of food, the same way Shaggy Rogers does in Scooby Doo.211202:32:25.479 --> 02:32:29.120
Like Shaggy, I'm also quite skinny. At first, I thought211302:32:29.159 --> 02:32:33.239
I was having multiple personality disorder, especially back at that211402:32:33.520 --> 02:32:37.280
haunted mansion a few years ago. It's known as grim Manor,211502:32:37.639 --> 02:32:40.639
But after that horrible night I had there, I call211602:32:40.680 --> 02:32:44.920
it Murder Mansion. Honestly, I think I might have died211702:32:44.920 --> 02:32:47.760
there if it hadn't been for Harpy. All I had211802:32:47.799 --> 02:32:54.399
to do was see those spiders, and ah, I hate spiders. Anyway,211902:32:55.040 --> 02:32:57.760
I fainted when I saw those spiders in the attic212002:32:58.399 --> 02:33:01.879
black widows that would have killed me for sure. Harpy212102:33:01.959 --> 02:33:05.479
emerged and got us out of that situation. After we212202:33:05.600 --> 02:33:09.079
left Murder Mansion in the morning, we went to Denoyer's grill.212302:33:10.000 --> 02:33:13.440
We filled up on several breakfast platters. Harpy and I212402:33:13.520 --> 02:33:17.719
were at odds again. Then that incident happened here at212502:33:17.719 --> 02:33:20.799
the mall where I got picked on and Harpy got out.212602:33:21.840 --> 02:33:24.280
She loved the mall and wanted to be free, so212702:33:24.840 --> 02:33:28.680
she decided to have that slumber party Harmony Miron mentioned earlier.212802:33:29.360 --> 02:33:32.920
Harpy got detained by both cops and security guards and212902:33:33.079 --> 02:33:36.879
was held in Harmony's office. Not long after this, very213002:33:36.959 --> 02:33:40.719
big ghoul broke into that office and took Harmony's child.213102:33:41.319 --> 02:33:44.239
Harpy and I had to put our differences aside and213202:33:44.319 --> 02:33:48.920
go save little Melanie and result, Harpy saved the baby,213302:33:49.440 --> 02:33:52.879
and Harpy and I came to an understanding and agreed213402:33:52.920 --> 02:33:58.159
we'd share our body. Getting back to now, I have213502:33:58.280 --> 02:34:03.079
three extra large pizzas with everything, including lots of cheese213602:34:03.440 --> 02:34:06.120
that I just ordered from Scatto's in the food court.213702:34:06.719 --> 02:34:08.959
There are times when I hate having to eat the213802:34:08.959 --> 02:34:11.399
way I do, which I'm sure is part of the213902:34:11.440 --> 02:34:15.040
reason why guys don't want anything to do with me. Also,214002:34:15.159 --> 02:34:18.639
they don't like that I'm far superior to them, not214102:34:18.719 --> 02:34:21.639
to toot my own horn. For the record, I do214202:34:21.760 --> 02:34:25.040
go out and have fun. I still enter escape room214302:34:25.120 --> 02:34:29.440
contests and win money. Even after what happened at Murder Mansion.214402:34:30.040 --> 02:34:33.639
I still love doing them. I feel they stimulate my214502:34:34.000 --> 02:34:39.159
mutant brain. Also, I'm a freelance detective who solves mysteries214602:34:39.200 --> 02:34:43.600
for police departments when they need help. Getting back to eating,214702:34:44.040 --> 02:34:46.680
I'd be lying if I said I didn't enjoy all214802:34:46.719 --> 02:34:50.399
the delicious food. What's even better is that we don't214902:34:50.399 --> 02:34:53.719
ever put on weight. On the other hand, if we215002:34:53.879 --> 02:34:57.319
don't eat when we need to, the hunger pangs can215102:34:57.399 --> 02:35:01.360
hurt like hell. If we go to do long without eating,215202:35:01.840 --> 02:35:06.799
we can feel some serious pain and eventually die. That's215302:35:06.840 --> 02:35:11.280
what comes with having an ultra high metabolism. Then there's215402:35:11.360 --> 02:35:15.120
those damn sorority girls who keep calling me Bethany the Bore,215502:35:15.719 --> 02:35:18.479
and those stupid fraternity guys who make fun of me215602:35:18.600 --> 02:35:22.040
because I dress like I'm from the sixties. Maybe I215702:35:22.079 --> 02:35:24.360
should just say the hell with it and let harpy215802:35:24.399 --> 02:35:29.120
out full time, I mutter to myself, Ah, come on, Bethy,215902:35:29.399 --> 02:35:32.159
quit me in so hard on yourself. I hear Harpy216002:35:32.239 --> 02:35:36.879
in my mind. I sigh, Am I that transparent? I216102:35:36.959 --> 02:35:40.719
think back. Give me a break, Sissy. We're only twin216202:35:40.799 --> 02:35:44.200
sisters that gotta share a body forever and ever. We216302:35:44.360 --> 02:35:47.239
also share the same noggin. Even though we do our216402:35:47.280 --> 02:35:50.879
own thinking and can keep our thoughts to ourselves, don't216502:35:50.920 --> 02:35:55.360
forget we see everything together. I sigh and feel a216602:35:55.399 --> 02:35:58.399
little better. To be honest, I'm used to having you216702:35:58.479 --> 02:36:02.360
with me by now, Harpy. You're my sister, but at216802:36:02.399 --> 02:36:05.440
the same time, you're the only real friend I've got216902:36:05.559 --> 02:36:09.959
in this world. Go figure where two souls living in217002:36:10.040 --> 02:36:14.040
one body will be? Okay, we'll make it work, right,217102:36:14.920 --> 02:36:19.879
What choice we got, Sissy, Harpy replies, I finally finished217202:36:19.879 --> 02:36:23.319
the pizzas I suppose I could probably order another one,217302:36:23.399 --> 02:36:25.840
but I don't want to make Harpy late for work.217402:36:26.440 --> 02:36:29.319
After throwing the boxes away, we head towards the mall217502:36:29.440 --> 02:36:37.440
exit to get to where the security office is. Harpy217602:36:37.520 --> 02:36:41.360
spent her shift patrolling them all. It ended up being217702:36:41.440 --> 02:36:44.600
a good day for Christmas Eve, and nobody got out217802:36:44.639 --> 02:36:47.360
of line. Harpy had to straighten out a few of217902:36:47.399 --> 02:36:50.920
the other guards when she caught them slacking off. Harmony218002:36:50.959 --> 02:36:54.319
mer and sure was happy to see her latest investment218102:36:54.440 --> 02:36:58.520
paying off. Since Harpy is staying here all night, she218202:36:58.600 --> 02:37:02.440
gets to enjoy all the Crittersmith's decorations and animatronics that218302:37:02.520 --> 02:37:06.040
remain on. It's not Harpy's job to turn them off.218402:37:06.600 --> 02:37:09.760
A couple of times we've seen Harmony actually admiring them218502:37:10.399 --> 02:37:14.680
like they were touching her inner child. Harpy's been patrolling218602:37:14.760 --> 02:37:18.959
and hanging around. It's nearly midnight. It'll be Christmas in218702:37:19.079 --> 02:37:23.680
just a few short minutes. Suddenly I feel myself coming218802:37:23.719 --> 02:37:29.399
back out Harpy. I ask, what are you doing? Go218902:37:29.399 --> 02:37:32.920
ahead and enjoy the Christmas stuff. She tells me. You219002:37:32.959 --> 02:37:37.079
know ya wanna. She's right, I love Christmas just as219102:37:37.120 --> 02:37:40.799
much as Harpy. Harmony never spares any expense when it219202:37:40.799 --> 02:37:46.040
comes to the holidays, especially these moving scenes. Thank you, Harpy,219302:37:46.760 --> 02:37:49.680
I think to her. I put my glasses on and219402:37:49.760 --> 02:37:53.120
admire them all while closed yet still lit up like219502:37:53.159 --> 02:37:57.680
a Christmas wonderland. Now I'm at Center Court and really219602:37:57.719 --> 02:38:01.280
admiring the big tree with it. It's bright lights and219702:38:01.319 --> 02:38:06.719
beautiful decorations. Of course, I'm not paying attention. When Harmony219802:38:06.760 --> 02:38:11.520
Miren's golf cart pulls up, she points right at us.219902:38:12.120 --> 02:38:15.079
You can't be here. The mall's closed, and what are220002:38:15.079 --> 02:38:18.200
you doing in a security uniform. I hold up our220102:38:18.239 --> 02:38:22.520
hands in front of us. I'm leaving right now. When220202:38:22.559 --> 02:38:26.280
I run, Harmony immediately moves her cart in front of me. No,220302:38:26.639 --> 02:38:31.239
I'm taking you to the security office and calling the police.220402:38:31.319 --> 02:38:34.799
Then she gets on her radio, Harpy, where are you?220502:38:35.639 --> 02:38:41.120
When she obviously doesn't answer, she gets upset. Where are you, squawker?220602:38:41.440 --> 02:38:43.799
You're spending the night here at the mall. That's part220702:38:43.840 --> 02:38:48.319
of your job as nighttime security. You're stuck here with me.220802:38:49.840 --> 02:38:52.600
I'm ready to run to where Harmony can't see me220902:38:52.760 --> 02:38:56.760
so I can let Harpy back out. Suddenly, Harmony blocks221002:38:56.799 --> 02:39:00.120
me with her cart again when she starts yelling at me.221102:39:00.200 --> 02:39:04.280
I hear my sister, Bethy, look to you left. As221202:39:04.319 --> 02:39:07.559
Harmony grabs my arm and shakes me. I listen to221302:39:07.600 --> 02:39:12.520
Harpy and look to see see what the hell are221402:39:12.559 --> 02:39:16.959
they doing here? I choke out Harpy and I can't221502:39:16.959 --> 02:39:21.680
believe we're seeing those three walking here inside Strickfield Town221602:39:21.760 --> 02:39:26.079
Center Mall. Those are the three detectives we met up221702:39:26.120 --> 02:39:29.920
with at Murder Mansion two years ago on July fourth.221802:39:30.760 --> 02:39:36.319
Ed Smith, Brian Davenport, and John Riddle. Last we checked221902:39:37.600 --> 02:39:42.040
their ghosts. They died that night, just before Harpy and222002:39:42.079 --> 02:39:45.600
I ended up at Murder Mansion. You just know this222102:39:45.799 --> 02:39:55.040
is not going to be good perspective, Harpy. Let's turn222202:39:55.120 --> 02:39:58.360
back the clock a few years to July fourth, when222302:39:58.399 --> 02:40:01.600
Bethy was on her way back from Shore City. She222402:40:01.680 --> 02:40:05.440
won top prize in an escape room contest there. She222502:40:05.639 --> 02:40:08.040
just wanted to get back to Strickfield and get to222602:40:08.079 --> 02:40:13.680
Denoyer's grill. Unfortunately, Bethy drove into a real bad storm.222702:40:14.319 --> 02:40:17.840
She kept her cool and stayed on the asphalt. When222802:40:17.879 --> 02:40:20.120
she saw the bridge she had to cross to get222902:40:20.159 --> 02:40:23.600
back into Strickfield got washed out by the storm. Well,223002:40:24.079 --> 02:40:27.760
she had to take a detour. Unfortunately, we ended up223102:40:27.760 --> 02:40:31.639
in the backwoods of Strickfield. Then this burnout car was223202:40:31.719 --> 02:40:34.680
right in the middle of the road. Bethy couldn't stop223302:40:34.719 --> 02:40:37.840
in time and hit it. From there, she left the223402:40:37.879 --> 02:40:42.600
car to find shelter. She soon found grim Manor, a223502:40:42.680 --> 02:40:46.000
haunted plantation house like right out of the Civil War era.223602:40:46.879 --> 02:40:52.120
The house let Bethie in and kept her us inside. Yeah,223702:40:52.200 --> 02:40:55.760
Bethy's been referring to us as us, so it's only223802:40:55.799 --> 02:41:00.479
fair Harpy does the same, right. Anyway, we walked until223902:41:00.520 --> 02:41:04.639
we reached the living room. That's where Bethy sees those detectives.224002:41:05.200 --> 02:41:07.840
Come to think of it, those idiots never met Harpy.224102:41:08.879 --> 02:41:12.680
Long story short, Bethy solved all the escape rooms in224202:41:12.719 --> 02:41:16.959
the mansion with a little help from Harpy. Bethy also224302:41:17.040 --> 02:41:22.520
determined everybody we met at grim Manor were ghosts. Yeah,224402:41:22.760 --> 02:41:28.319
that even included Ed Smith, Brian Davenport, and John Riddle. See.224502:41:28.520 --> 02:41:32.079
Bethy determined those idiots died on their way here to224602:41:32.120 --> 02:41:36.760
look for Beauregard Grim's fortune years ago. Bethy accidentally got224702:41:36.840 --> 02:41:40.799
them all fired when she solved cases those morons should224802:41:40.799 --> 02:41:44.680
have been able to solve. After that, they tried challenging224902:41:44.719 --> 02:41:47.920
Bethy and escape rooms and couldn't beat her at those either.225002:41:48.879 --> 02:41:51.479
Guess they found they was good at treasure hunting because225102:41:51.879 --> 02:41:54.600
they made the papers with all the treasures they uncovered.225202:41:55.399 --> 02:41:58.239
Grim Manner was one treasure hunt. They should have looked225302:41:58.280 --> 02:42:02.280
the other way. On the one driving the car wasn't225402:42:02.319 --> 02:42:06.079
slowing down in the storm, he lost control, hit a tree,225502:42:06.760 --> 02:42:11.159
came back on the road and cublamy. They all died225602:42:11.200 --> 02:42:15.079
in a big fiery explosion, and their ghosts found their225702:42:15.120 --> 02:42:18.920
way to grim Manner. It took Bethy figuring and telling225802:42:18.959 --> 02:42:22.399
them they was ghosts, and she proved it by passing225902:42:22.440 --> 02:42:26.319
our hand right through each of them, flashing back to now,226002:42:27.079 --> 02:42:29.040
how the hell did they get out of grim Manner226102:42:29.120 --> 02:42:33.639
and come to the mall? Yeah, Harpy ain't getting in neither, Bethy,226202:42:34.200 --> 02:42:37.120
I think to her. Even though one of us is226302:42:37.120 --> 02:42:40.280
in control of our body, the other one also sees226402:42:40.319 --> 02:42:45.360
what's happening. Also, the one riding along can rest, which226502:42:45.399 --> 02:42:47.559
is how Bethy and me found out we can keep226602:42:47.600 --> 02:42:52.520
moving without sleeping. Eventually we both got to have our rest.226702:42:52.760 --> 02:42:55.799
That's how we agreed. Bethy can have daytime and Harpy226802:42:56.200 --> 02:43:00.719
can have the night life. Careful Bethy that in this way.226902:43:01.239 --> 02:43:05.000
As Bethy's about to let Harpy come back out, Harmony227002:43:05.040 --> 02:43:08.799
Mirn grabs a hold of his shoulder. You listen to me,227102:43:08.959 --> 02:43:11.680
young lady. I don't care if you stuff yourself full227202:43:11.719 --> 02:43:14.079
of pizza in my food court at least three times227302:43:14.079 --> 02:43:16.479
a week you're coming with me so I can call227402:43:16.520 --> 02:43:21.479
the police. She's back on her radio. Harpy answer me,227502:43:21.600 --> 02:43:25.879
damn it. It's Christmas now and them three ghosties are227602:43:25.879 --> 02:43:30.680
making their way here. Bethy tries telling Harmony, you need227702:43:30.719 --> 02:43:34.680
to go lady right now. But you know how stubborn227802:43:34.719 --> 02:43:40.000
the rich bitches this is my mall. Well, well, well227902:43:40.680 --> 02:43:44.120
look what we got here. Ed Smith sneers when he228002:43:44.200 --> 02:43:49.280
reaches us. Look at you, Bethany Martinsen. You think you're228102:43:49.319 --> 02:43:52.360
too smart to follow the rules of this mall. Eh.228202:43:52.600 --> 02:43:55.799
John Riddle points at us. You really thought you was228302:43:55.840 --> 02:43:59.879
gonna get away and with all our money. Brian davin228402:44:00.079 --> 02:44:04.440
Or it's sneering now. Yeah, we ain't going with that.228502:44:04.440 --> 02:44:08.479
That's why we snuck away from grim Manor. See, we228602:44:08.520 --> 02:44:12.959
ain't ready to go into eternal peace just yet. In228702:44:13.079 --> 02:44:16.360
other words, we got a score to settle with you first,228802:44:16.639 --> 02:44:20.799
little miss know it all. Ed Smith says, And since228902:44:20.840 --> 02:44:23.200
we can't take our money we came for that night229002:44:23.280 --> 02:44:26.200
back with us. We gotta get you to come back229102:44:26.200 --> 02:44:30.159
to grim Manor right now so you can die and229202:44:30.239 --> 02:44:35.840
hang out with us for the long term. Brian Davenport remarks,229302:44:36.280 --> 02:44:40.319
I'll never return to that house ever again. Bethy yells229402:44:40.719 --> 02:44:43.479
as Harmony Mirron gets off of her cart to give229502:44:43.520 --> 02:44:47.239
them Ghosties hell. They immediately grab her right to them.229602:44:48.040 --> 02:44:50.959
What the hell do you think you're doing, Harmony yells?229702:44:51.479 --> 02:44:53.680
Do you have any idea? Who the fuck I am?229802:44:54.000 --> 02:44:58.959
I am Harmony Miron and you will ah shut your trap, lady,229902:44:59.440 --> 02:45:02.920
John Riddle snaps ed Smith points right at us. Now,230002:45:03.559 --> 02:45:06.200
if you ever want to see this woman here ever again,230102:45:06.559 --> 02:45:08.959
you'll have to come out to grim Manor and get her.230202:45:09.639 --> 02:45:13.719
And before Bethy can change places with Harpy, those bastards230302:45:13.760 --> 02:45:16.600
fly in the air, lifting Harmony off the floor with them.230402:45:17.239 --> 02:45:19.600
They fly her to a nearby exit and pass right230502:45:19.680 --> 02:45:23.399
through it. Even Harmony passes through it, just like the ghosties.230602:45:24.360 --> 02:45:30.000
Oh shit, Bethy cries, it'll be okay, I think to her,230702:45:30.680 --> 02:45:33.239
Just let Harpy out and she'll go get the rich bitch.230802:45:34.159 --> 02:45:38.200
Bethy don't argue and comes back inside when Harpy's coming out.230902:45:38.479 --> 02:45:42.079
Once Harpy's free, I take off Bethy's glasses and slip231002:45:42.120 --> 02:45:47.000
them into my pocket. Okay, you fucking ghosties, I say,231102:45:47.440 --> 02:45:51.239
you made a big mistake coming here. And now Harpy's231202:45:51.280 --> 02:45:59.879
coming and Harpy's mad perspective. Bethan is, I still can't231302:46:00.159 --> 02:46:02.879
leave the change that takes place between us when we231402:46:02.920 --> 02:46:07.159
switch our souls. It's amazing that Harpy's more than human231502:46:07.200 --> 02:46:11.120
when she gains control of our body. I'm skinny, but231602:46:11.200 --> 02:46:14.959
Harpy has meat on the bones. Now, Harpy's marching to231702:46:15.000 --> 02:46:19.440
the mall exit. Suddenly she stops before reaching the doors.231802:46:20.040 --> 02:46:23.399
What are you doing, Harpy, I think to her. Got231902:46:23.399 --> 02:46:27.600
a dress for battle? Sissy? Harpy thinks back, I know232002:46:27.719 --> 02:46:31.239
I won't win this one. Harpy believes that the clothes232102:46:31.319 --> 02:46:35.079
make the girl. She lifts the gate to Falconer's Fashions,232202:46:35.440 --> 02:46:39.559
breaking the lock, and goes in. She quickly grabs what232302:46:39.600 --> 02:46:43.600
she wants off the racks and changes clothes. When she's finished,232402:46:43.639 --> 02:46:47.600
she remembers my glasses and storms out. She unlocks one232502:46:47.600 --> 02:46:51.079
of the exit doors to get outside, then she relocks it.232602:46:51.559 --> 02:46:54.920
We need a car, Sissy. Harpy can do lots of things,232702:46:54.959 --> 02:46:58.840
but she can't fly. Harpy, please don't get us arrested,232802:46:59.239 --> 02:47:03.959
I implore her. Who Harpy, Nah, Why don't I like232902:47:04.000 --> 02:47:07.760
that tone in her voice? Harpy walks out onto the233002:47:07.799 --> 02:47:13.239
parking lot to look around. Ooh yeah, look, Sissy, listen, Harpy.233102:47:13.879 --> 02:47:16.799
You've only driven a car one time, I tell her,233202:47:17.280 --> 02:47:21.360
and that one is huge. Come on, Sissy, you gotta233302:47:21.399 --> 02:47:26.239
stop being such a boor and Bethy, she teases, Harpy'll233402:47:26.280 --> 02:47:30.120
take care of everything. That's what I'm afraid of. I groan.233502:47:30.959 --> 02:47:34.079
Harpy reaches the hummer and breaks into it. I think233602:47:34.120 --> 02:47:36.639
it's safe to say Harpy's learned a lot during my233702:47:36.799 --> 02:47:40.600
lonely movie nights in our dorm, especially when we watched233802:47:40.760 --> 02:47:44.959
the terminator. Harpy rips the steering column open and starts233902:47:45.000 --> 02:47:49.719
the car the same way Arnold Schwarzenegger did. Yeah, cries234002:47:49.799 --> 02:47:53.120
that crazy Brooklyn girl who sounds just like Harley Quinn.234102:47:53.680 --> 02:47:58.200
Hi ho, Harpy. When my sister floors the gas she's234202:47:58.200 --> 02:48:01.760
heading in the direction of the backwoods of Strickfield, I groan.234302:48:01.840 --> 02:48:04.719
When Harpy's on the road and running multiple red lights,234402:48:05.360 --> 02:48:08.399
I'm still thinking Harpy's making up for all the years234502:48:08.440 --> 02:48:11.879
she remained the recessive soul in our body. I know234602:48:11.959 --> 02:48:14.799
we're really in trouble. When Harpy turns on the radio234702:48:15.399 --> 02:48:19.200
to George Thoroughgoods bad to the bone. Oh my god,234802:48:19.239 --> 02:48:22.760
what are the chances. Harpy changes the station and gets234902:48:23.040 --> 02:48:27.319
rocking around the Christmas tree by Brenda Lee. Yeah, we're235002:48:27.319 --> 02:48:31.840
on our way, Sissy, Harper cries out, happily. Just get235102:48:31.920 --> 02:48:35.920
us to Murder Mansion alive, will you? I mutter? Always235202:48:36.000 --> 02:48:39.879
the boor and Bethy, she mutters back. Harpy knows what235302:48:40.000 --> 02:48:43.959
she's doing. Harpy keeps us speeding along with her lead235402:48:44.000 --> 02:48:50.000
foot whee. Before long we're on the main road leading235502:48:50.040 --> 02:48:55.840
out to the backwoods. Then Harpy utters some choked happy sounds.235602:48:55.840 --> 02:49:01.680
Such pretty lights. Bethy, she whispers, harp loves Christmas decorations.235702:49:02.079 --> 02:49:05.440
They go so good with the snow. She's not wrong.235802:49:06.000 --> 02:49:09.120
Harpy's eyes definitely brightened up over the Halloween lights and235902:49:09.159 --> 02:49:13.520
decorations back in October as well. You do remember the236002:49:13.559 --> 02:49:19.799
way to Murder Mansion, right, I ask, Harpy's gotcha, she promises.236102:49:20.840 --> 02:49:24.000
Once Harpy reaches the curve where the detective's car was236202:49:24.040 --> 02:49:26.799
in the middle of the road, she drives right off236302:49:26.840 --> 02:49:30.879
it and into the snow covered backwoods of Strickfield. I236402:49:30.920 --> 02:49:33.440
don't swear much, but I think we're going to be236502:49:33.520 --> 02:49:37.920
in some serious shit before too long. In fact, Harpy236602:49:38.000 --> 02:49:43.799
breaks to a halt right in front of murder mansion.236702:49:44.719 --> 02:49:48.479
Harpy cuts the motor and gets out. She marches right236802:49:48.559 --> 02:49:51.239
up to the front double doors and moves to kick236902:49:51.280 --> 02:49:56.479
them in, only they don't budge. What the fuck, Harpy growls,237002:49:57.000 --> 02:49:59.840
I know I'm strong enough to rip these doors right off, Sissy.237102:50:00.760 --> 02:50:04.079
Harpy keeps throwing her strength into the doors, but they237202:50:04.120 --> 02:50:07.959
won't give up the ghost no pun intended. She even237302:50:08.079 --> 02:50:11.799
tries shattering the windows, but they won't even vibrate when237402:50:11.840 --> 02:50:16.200
her fists make contact. When Harpy sees she can't get through,237502:50:16.760 --> 02:50:21.319
she looks up to the sky and howls with rage. Hearty, mad,237602:50:22.639 --> 02:50:24.280
you're going to have to let me out for a237702:50:24.319 --> 02:50:28.959
little bit. I tell her those detectives are expecting me not.237802:50:29.200 --> 02:50:34.239
You trust me on this. Harpy thinks about it. Okay, Bethy,237902:50:34.760 --> 02:50:39.760
let's hope you're right. Harpy shifts back into boring Bethany, Great,238002:50:40.040 --> 02:50:43.879
I'm wearing these slutty clothes and I still couldn't get238102:50:43.879 --> 02:50:46.520
a man to want me. I gulp in terror and238202:50:46.559 --> 02:50:50.079
make myself go to the front doors. I'm breathing fast238302:50:50.120 --> 02:50:53.639
as I turn the knob. Sure enough, it opens right238402:50:53.760 --> 02:50:58.120
up just for me. I feel my knees shaking. Suddenly,238502:50:58.200 --> 02:51:01.399
this huge gust of winter wind blows me right into238602:51:01.399 --> 02:51:06.520
the haunted house. Shortly after, the door I opened slams shut,238702:51:07.920 --> 02:51:11.079
just like that Fourth of July night two years ago.238802:51:11.159 --> 02:51:14.559
I quickly turn around and try opening the doors. When238902:51:14.559 --> 02:51:16.760
they won't budge, I suck it up and make my239002:51:16.840 --> 02:51:19.000
way to the living room where I first saw those239102:51:19.079 --> 02:51:23.280
three douchebags. Sure enough, they're in the living room waiting239202:51:23.319 --> 02:51:27.040
for me, and they've got harmony Mirran secured to a recliner.239302:51:27.879 --> 02:51:31.719
Ed smith sneers aw. Gee, Bethany, you didn't have to239402:51:31.719 --> 02:51:35.159
get all dressed up just for us, John Riddle gives239502:51:35.159 --> 02:51:41.000
me a thumbs up. Sex See. Okay, I'm here, I yell.239602:51:41.600 --> 02:51:43.600
I can't believe you three got all but hurt over239702:51:43.639 --> 02:51:45.879
what happened when we were all out here over two239802:51:46.000 --> 02:51:49.799
years ago. I realize I'm not feeling so scared when239902:51:49.840 --> 02:51:54.479
I'm pissed. Riddle points to me that was our money240002:51:54.799 --> 02:51:57.040
and you were the one who walked out of here240102:51:57.079 --> 02:52:01.239
with it. I tightened my fists. Don't blame me because240202:52:01.280 --> 02:52:05.040
your dumbasses died that night. I wasn't the one driving240302:52:05.120 --> 02:52:10.280
recklessly in a bad rainstorm. Brian Davenport points at me. Now,240402:52:10.680 --> 02:52:13.319
but you left us here and took off with the money.240502:52:14.040 --> 02:52:17.600
I'm squeezing my fists now, Why is it always that240602:52:17.639 --> 02:52:22.680
you men can never take responsibility for anything you do? Again,240702:52:23.200 --> 02:52:26.840
I wasn't the one driving your car. I had no240802:52:27.079 --> 02:52:31.479
idea you three would even be out here at Murder Mansion.240902:52:31.879 --> 02:52:34.639
I just wanted to find a phone and call for241002:52:34.719 --> 02:52:39.559
a tow I point to them. Now. Actually, actually it241102:52:39.600 --> 02:52:42.680
was you who caused my car to be wrecked. You're241202:52:42.760 --> 02:52:45.440
the reason I ended up coming here in the first place.241302:52:45.959 --> 02:52:49.680
I wasn't here for Beauregard Grim's fortune. I only ended241402:52:49.760 --> 02:52:52.719
up solving the escape rooms and taking the money because241502:52:52.760 --> 02:52:57.559
I was forced into the hunt. Ed Smith waves me off.241602:52:58.079 --> 02:53:02.639
Don't matter now, What does matter is you're here? He241702:53:02.799 --> 02:53:06.040
points at Harmony. The two of you are gonna remain241802:53:06.120 --> 02:53:10.840
here and take our places. See, we're leaving and going241902:53:10.879 --> 02:53:14.600
back into the real world. We're tired of staying here.242002:53:15.440 --> 02:53:19.479
Davenport sneers now, so we're gonna kill you both and242102:53:19.600 --> 02:53:21.879
take your bodies to get back into the real world.242202:53:22.559 --> 02:53:25.959
Guess we're gonna be chicks now. I groan and shake242302:53:26.040 --> 02:53:30.760
my head slowly. There are three of you here, and242402:53:30.879 --> 02:53:33.799
you're going to kill two of us. What is one242502:53:33.840 --> 02:53:37.840
of you staying behind? Clearly, you idiots did not think242602:53:37.920 --> 02:53:41.360
this through. When the three of them look at each other,242702:53:41.799 --> 02:53:45.520
I just shake my head slowly. Like I told you242802:53:45.719 --> 02:53:50.760
two years ago, it's all about the details. You never242902:53:50.799 --> 02:53:54.159
paid attention to them before, and you still don't pay243002:53:54.200 --> 02:53:59.319
attention to them now. We paid enough attention. Smith replies.243102:54:00.000 --> 02:54:02.600
If you came to save this woman and you don't243202:54:02.600 --> 02:54:06.120
even know her, he looks at Harmony, you should have243302:54:06.239 --> 02:54:09.239
just left her for dead. She's one of those ultra243402:54:09.399 --> 02:54:12.760
rich mirrors, right. I highly doubt she'd have come to243502:54:12.799 --> 02:54:17.360
save you. But we're not talking about her, right. I snap,243602:54:18.120 --> 02:54:22.040
your beef is with me. Suddenly, Smith flies at me.243702:54:22.559 --> 02:54:25.040
When he passes right through me, I quickly dropped to243802:54:25.079 --> 02:54:27.879
my butt. Now I feel like I haven't slept for243902:54:27.920 --> 02:54:32.040
four days. Let me out, Bethany. I hear Harpy calling244002:54:32.079 --> 02:54:35.479
from within. I try and focus to let my sister244102:54:35.600 --> 02:54:39.879
back out. Then Davenport passes right through me. I groan244202:54:40.000 --> 02:54:42.920
and fall on my side. I feel like I've got244302:54:43.159 --> 02:54:46.760
no energy at all. I can't even focus enough to244402:54:47.840 --> 02:54:52.760
release Harpy. Come on, Bethany, let Harpy out. She yells,244502:54:53.239 --> 02:54:59.360
I'm trying, I think back, so I'm so exhausted I244602:54:59.399 --> 02:55:05.120
can't move. I can't think, Bethy, we ain't dying here244702:55:05.159 --> 02:55:09.239
in this fucking shit hole, and on Christmas. Harpy yells,244802:55:09.639 --> 02:55:13.360
now get your ass up and let Harpy out. Finish244902:55:13.440 --> 02:55:18.000
her off. Smith tells Riddle, one more pass and she's dead.245002:55:18.479 --> 02:55:20.600
Then we can finish the Mirror and Woman and leave245102:55:20.680 --> 02:55:25.120
for good. We can also hear Harmony Mirrans struggling and245202:55:25.159 --> 02:55:29.959
throwing every curseword at those bastards in one breath. You know, Bethy,245302:55:30.639 --> 02:55:34.879
what if them spiders come back? Harpy goads me, what245402:55:34.959 --> 02:55:37.600
if you end up being hanged like August and Dorothy245502:55:37.680 --> 02:55:40.799
Grimm was back in the day. Or do you want245602:55:40.879 --> 02:55:44.319
us roam in the halls here is ghosties, cause if245702:55:44.360 --> 02:55:48.879
you don't move, Sissy, that's what's gonna happen. Of course,245802:55:48.959 --> 02:55:51.680
you can lay right here and wait for the spiders245902:55:51.680 --> 02:55:56.280
to come and get you. Then we hear riddle. Since246002:55:56.319 --> 02:56:00.239
it's obvious we ain't getting our money. Bethany, I think246102:56:00.280 --> 02:56:04.799
it's a pretty good consolation prize that we get you.246202:56:04.799 --> 02:56:08.319
You should have stayed out of our business. Kid. We246302:56:08.399 --> 02:56:11.440
can see Riddle coming at us, and I know this246402:56:11.520 --> 02:56:16.840
is the end if he passes right through me perspective Harpy,246502:56:17.840 --> 02:56:21.319
except Riddle ain't expecting the girl to suddenly spring up.246602:56:21.879 --> 02:56:25.559
Then that Riddle idiot slams into Harpy and bounces away.246702:56:26.440 --> 02:56:31.440
Harpy steps up to him boo. Then the Ghosty cries246802:56:31.479 --> 02:56:34.440
out in frighten tumbles through one of the big couches,246902:56:34.840 --> 02:56:39.079
making Harpy laugh. I pointed him you was a ghostye,247002:56:39.239 --> 02:56:45.840
and Harpy just scared you. Ha ha. Bethany, Bethany, your247102:56:47.079 --> 02:56:51.959
Harpy harmony shrieks in disbelief. You miss me, rich bitch,247202:56:52.360 --> 02:56:57.079
I reply, Yeah, Harpy came out here to save you ass.247302:56:57.680 --> 02:57:02.000
Pass through or already Riddle. Smith yells his way, Riddle247402:57:02.040 --> 02:57:06.120
gets his shit together. Riddle gets his shit together. I247502:57:06.159 --> 02:57:09.159
don't get it. How'd you get purple hair, red eyes247602:57:09.200 --> 02:57:12.319
and a hot body, Bethany? And why are you talking247702:57:12.440 --> 02:57:18.120
like that? You finally lose your marbles now, Harpy laughs again. Yeah,247802:57:18.280 --> 02:57:21.760
your shitheads ain't never met Harpy, did you Now all247902:57:21.879 --> 02:57:25.479
them ghosties come flying right at Harpy. They try passing248002:57:25.520 --> 02:57:29.600
through me and bounce off. Don't ask how Harpy repels ghosties.248102:57:30.120 --> 02:57:33.600
I probably adapted to him. Of course, Harpy can do248202:57:33.680 --> 02:57:37.440
lots of things. Bethy can't. I leap over to Harmony248302:57:37.479 --> 02:57:40.559
and break a ropes. We're getting out of here, rich bitch.248402:57:41.159 --> 02:57:45.120
Harmony tightens her jaw and looks right at Harpy. Excuse you,248502:57:45.840 --> 02:57:51.200
I laugh a little. Okay, okay, boss bitch. Harmony smirks.248602:57:51.680 --> 02:57:55.399
That's more like it, squawker. I point at her. You're248702:57:55.399 --> 02:57:59.280
pushing your luck, calling Harpy a squawker. Maybe Harpy, you'll248802:57:59.319 --> 02:58:02.639
leave you here at after all? Then I think to Bethany,248902:58:03.879 --> 02:58:07.840
how do we kill ghosties? Sissy, Let's just get out249002:58:07.840 --> 02:58:12.600
of here. Bethy returns works for Harpy. I think back.249102:58:13.000 --> 02:58:16.079
I turned to Harmony. Come on, boss bitch, we out249202:58:16.120 --> 02:58:18.879
of here. I hoist up Harmony and speed to the249302:58:18.920 --> 02:58:22.239
doors we came in through. This time, Bethy ain't suggesting249402:58:22.319 --> 02:58:25.920
coming out again. I put Harmony down and pump my fists.249502:58:26.399 --> 02:58:30.079
Harpy's throwing punch after punch, but the door refuses to249602:58:30.120 --> 02:58:34.799
budge again them Ghosties are getting closer. Then Harpy takes249702:58:34.840 --> 02:58:40.120
another deep breath before focusing on the doors again. Harpy Mad.249802:58:40.840 --> 02:58:43.799
Harpy hits them doors so hard they fly right past249902:58:43.840 --> 02:58:47.239
the hummer. Bethy and me came here in. Harmony and250002:58:47.280 --> 02:58:50.879
Harpy run outside. I tossed the keys to her. Get250102:58:50.920 --> 02:58:54.920
out of here. Harmony tosses him back. I'm not getting250202:58:54.920 --> 02:58:58.280
my ass pulled over for driving a stolen vehicle. How250302:58:58.360 --> 02:59:02.040
fucking stupid do you think I am. She's got a250402:59:02.079 --> 02:59:06.680
good point, Harpy Bethy thinks at me, Yeah, yeah, I250502:59:06.760 --> 02:59:10.319
think back. But we wouldn't have had a chance to250602:59:10.399 --> 02:59:14.000
leave in the hummer. The ghosties go into it and250702:59:14.120 --> 02:59:20.399
make it blow up. Hey, Harpy love driving that car.250802:59:21.000 --> 02:59:25.959
Harpy yells at the ghosties car. That's it. Harpy Bethy250902:59:26.079 --> 02:59:29.120
cries out, We've got to go look for that car,251002:59:29.559 --> 02:59:32.680
the one those men came here in. I reported it251102:59:32.719 --> 02:59:35.159
once I got my new cell phone, but the police251202:59:35.159 --> 02:59:38.840
said they never found it. So how do we find it? Sissy?251302:59:39.520 --> 02:59:42.559
I think we'll have to just go looking for it.251402:59:43.000 --> 02:59:46.879
She thinks back, there's no easy way to do it.251502:59:47.959 --> 02:59:50.760
Then Harpy's eyes changed for me. To see better in251602:59:50.799 --> 02:59:56.959
the dark. Ooh, night vision. So what now? Harmony asks,251702:59:57.280 --> 03:00:01.639
you're coming with me, boss, bitch? I tell her. Harpy251803:00:01.719 --> 03:00:05.440
removes her jacket and gives it to Harmony. After she251903:00:05.520 --> 03:00:08.280
puts it on, Harpy lifts her onto her shoulder again.252003:00:09.200 --> 03:00:13.319
Put me down, you squawker, she yells, you are so252103:00:13.639 --> 03:00:18.000
fired whatever I muttered back. Can't leave you here for252203:00:18.040 --> 03:00:22.159
them ghosties. Right, Harpy's finding she can run real fast.252303:00:22.719 --> 03:00:26.719
Harpy's feeling her leg muscles swelling up and burning. Yeah,252403:00:26.879 --> 03:00:30.719
Bethy's superpower is in her brains. Harpy's being able to252503:00:30.760 --> 03:00:34.399
adapt to shit. Harpy can cover a lot of ground252603:00:34.479 --> 03:00:38.319
fast now, even wearing heels. Bethy tells me where she252703:00:38.440 --> 03:00:42.600
hit the car, So Harpy heads that away. Stop. We252803:00:42.680 --> 03:00:46.000
hear one of them ghosties calling out, what do you252903:00:46.040 --> 03:00:49.920
think you're doing? Another one calls out looking for a253003:00:50.000 --> 03:00:53.799
place to pee. I call back, you fuckers want to watch.253103:00:54.879 --> 03:00:58.319
Harpy keeps running and keeping ahead of the ghosties. When253203:00:58.360 --> 03:01:01.920
Harpy starts running out of breath, she's feeling something weird253303:01:01.959 --> 03:01:06.840
in both lungs. Harpy adapting again. I know what happened,253403:01:06.879 --> 03:01:10.200
but Harpy ain't breathing now and can run even faster.253503:01:11.040 --> 03:01:14.840
The thing about these adaptations is when I become Bethy again,253603:01:14.879 --> 03:01:17.559
I lose all of them till they gotta happen again.253703:01:18.559 --> 03:01:21.879
When Harpy makes it to the main highway, Bethy tells253803:01:21.879 --> 03:01:25.600
me where to go. After a little more running over253903:01:25.639 --> 03:01:30.520
here Harpy. Bethy cries, I see it, Sissy, I think back.254003:01:31.120 --> 03:01:34.159
Harpy steps on it and races to the snow covered car.254103:01:34.799 --> 03:01:38.600
When I reach it, I put Harmony back down. It's254203:01:38.639 --> 03:01:43.559
a burnout car with three charred skeletons sitting inside. What now, Cissy,254303:01:43.920 --> 03:01:47.719
I think, use that strength of yours and start digging.254403:01:48.159 --> 03:01:52.120
Bethany thinks back, Ah, I get you now, Bethy. I254503:01:52.200 --> 03:01:55.840
tell her Harpy's grabbing and tearing chunks out of the ground,254603:01:56.239 --> 03:02:00.000
Bethy's ideas to make three graves. I'm thinking, She's thinking,254703:02:00.079 --> 03:02:03.680
and we gotta give those idiots decent burials. I remember254803:02:03.719 --> 03:02:06.879
how Papa used to tell us stories about burying the254903:02:06.959 --> 03:02:09.760
dead and why when we was kids back in Brooklyn.255003:02:10.399 --> 03:02:14.200
Harpy keeps digging and digging. My hands become bigger and255103:02:14.280 --> 03:02:17.719
turn into long claws. Now I'm own hard when I'm255203:02:17.760 --> 03:02:21.879
feeling my muscles growing more and more, Harpy can easily255303:02:21.959 --> 03:02:26.079
rip more and more ground out. Now those fucking ghosts255403:02:26.120 --> 03:02:31.239
are getting closer, Squawker, Harmony yells my way, keep it up, Harmony,255503:02:31.600 --> 03:02:35.040
Harpy'll be digging a fourth grave just for you. I growl.255603:02:35.760 --> 03:02:38.879
Now shut up and make yourself useful by getting them255703:02:38.879 --> 03:02:45.239
skeletons out of the car. Oh Christ, Harmony groans. Ew255803:02:46.520 --> 03:02:49.319
Harpy's a real mess. By the time she's finished digging255903:02:49.360 --> 03:02:52.840
the graves. Harpy's new clothes she got at the mall256003:02:53.079 --> 03:02:57.360
before leaving got all fucked up. I even lost my boots,256103:02:58.120 --> 03:03:03.079
least my nails. Okay, claw are still perfect. Leave those256203:03:03.120 --> 03:03:07.239
skeletons alone. Ed Smith roars as the ghosties are almost256303:03:07.280 --> 03:03:11.120
on us. I run and help Harmony. Harpy rips the256403:03:11.159 --> 03:03:14.959
door off and grabs two skeletons. Harmony grabs the last one.256503:03:15.719 --> 03:03:19.159
Come on, boss, bitch, let's move, I tell her. Then,256603:03:19.239 --> 03:03:22.120
I think to Bethy, there ain't no burial rates we256703:03:22.159 --> 03:03:25.520
gotta perform, is there? I only know what Dad talked256803:03:25.559 --> 03:03:30.040
about years ago. Bethy thinks back, we can only hope256903:03:30.079 --> 03:03:34.159
burying them works. Harmony and me get the skeletons into257003:03:34.159 --> 03:03:38.200
the graves. Now, Harpy's gotta cover up the holes. Stop257103:03:38.280 --> 03:03:42.280
right there, or we'll kill the mirror woman. Riddle threatens Harpy.257203:03:43.079 --> 03:03:46.840
Harmony points to me. You keep right on working, you squawker.257303:03:47.120 --> 03:03:49.639
I'm rehiring you, so you do what your boss bitch257403:03:49.680 --> 03:03:53.559
tells you. Move it. Harpy works faster and faster till257503:03:53.600 --> 03:03:57.440
the holes are filled in. Harpy's feeling really strong now,257603:03:57.879 --> 03:04:01.280
I groan when I'm still getting stronger and bigger. My257703:04:01.399 --> 03:04:04.360
mini skirt rips until it falls off, and my top257803:04:04.440 --> 03:04:07.239
rips at the sides, but don't completely fall off to257903:04:07.319 --> 03:04:11.319
reveal the ladies. Harmony quickly comes and stands to where258003:04:11.319 --> 03:04:15.280
I'm blocking the ghosties. Harpy keeps working and working till258103:04:15.319 --> 03:04:19.239
all the graves are filled in completely. It's then when258203:04:19.280 --> 03:04:22.559
the ghosties roar and disappear in a bright flash of light.258303:04:23.559 --> 03:04:29.040
When the ghosties are gone, Harpy stands back up. Holy shit,258403:04:29.760 --> 03:04:35.719
Harmony shrieks, Squawker, you're you're Harpy's a good three heads258503:04:35.760 --> 03:04:40.600
taller than Harmony now and she's ripped all over. Harpy258603:04:40.680 --> 03:04:44.440
turned into a big Amazon. Harpy then I pick up258703:04:44.479 --> 03:04:47.280
Harmony by her shoulders and look her in the face.258803:04:48.040 --> 03:04:51.920
Even like this, Harmony still ain't scared of Harpy. You258903:04:52.159 --> 03:04:54.319
do know I still expect you to guard the ma259003:04:54.319 --> 03:04:59.200
al toonite, you squawker, even though it is Christmas. Then259103:04:59.319 --> 03:05:03.000
she looks hard again. Guess I'll have to get you259203:05:03.040 --> 03:05:10.239
a bigger uniform perspective. Bethany Harpy, still in her Amazon259303:05:10.399 --> 03:05:13.559
like state, ran all the way back to Strickfield Town259403:05:13.680 --> 03:05:18.799
Center Mall with Harmony miron cradled in her arms. Even barefoot,259503:05:18.840 --> 03:05:21.120
Harpy could still run like she had the best set259603:05:21.159 --> 03:05:24.879
of running shoes money could buy, even though our panties259703:05:24.959 --> 03:05:28.120
in her top were stretched to their limits. The freezing259803:05:28.200 --> 03:05:31.600
cold didn't bother Harpy in the slightest, and she had259903:05:31.639 --> 03:05:35.559
a lot of skin exposed. The mall is still closed.260003:05:36.079 --> 03:05:39.680
After Harpy put Harmony down, she pulls out her keyring260103:05:40.040 --> 03:05:42.399
and uses her master key to open the entrance to260203:05:42.479 --> 03:05:47.159
let us back inside. Harpy squats down to enter after260303:05:47.239 --> 03:05:50.200
Harmony locks the door back up. She turns to look260403:05:50.239 --> 03:05:53.239
at Harpy and is still amazed at how tall and260503:05:53.559 --> 03:05:54.520
muscular she is.260603:05:55.680 --> 03:05:55.920
Now.260703:05:56.000 --> 03:05:59.600
Harpy and Harmony are just looking at each other, even260803:05:59.639 --> 03:06:03.120
though it's nice and warm in the mall. Harmony's shivering now,260903:06:04.000 --> 03:06:08.200
no more like trembling. Then she falls to her knees261003:06:08.239 --> 03:06:12.479
and starts crying. Harpy lowers herself to one knee and261103:06:12.520 --> 03:06:16.479
puts a huge hand on her shoulder. Ah, hey, what's261203:06:16.520 --> 03:06:20.079
the matter. Why the tears? We got out of them261303:06:20.120 --> 03:06:23.399
woods and beat them ghosties. No problem, right, Come on?261403:06:23.559 --> 03:06:29.639
Why so sad on Christmas? I hate my life, she261503:06:29.799 --> 03:06:34.000
chokes out. I hate this fucking mall, I really hate it.261603:06:35.200 --> 03:06:38.280
She makes herself look up at Harvey. I hate my261703:06:38.440 --> 03:06:41.559
fucking parents. Nobody has any idea of the hell they261803:06:41.600 --> 03:06:44.559
put me through. They pounded the mirror and weighs into261903:06:44.600 --> 03:06:48.120
me over and over again. I wasn't allowed to date,262003:06:48.159 --> 03:06:52.239
I wasn't allowed to leave the house. I was always homeschooled.262103:06:52.639 --> 03:06:55.879
Everything in my life was planned out for me, ruining262203:06:55.920 --> 03:07:00.920
my childhood. I was being groomed to take over dad's businesses.262303:07:01.879 --> 03:07:05.399
Harmony gets up. She makes a fist and screams as262403:07:05.440 --> 03:07:09.280
she's about to punch a nearby wall. Harpy quickly stops262503:07:09.280 --> 03:07:13.159
her before she punches it and injures herself. She turns262603:07:13.159 --> 03:07:17.840
her around. Come on, you can talk to Harpy, She262703:07:18.079 --> 03:07:21.959
urges Harmony. I ain't got nothing but time. I'm your262803:07:22.000 --> 03:07:25.319
nighttime security guard. Remember or did you really mean it262903:07:25.360 --> 03:07:30.760
when you said Harpy was fired? Please don't leave, Harmony begs,263003:07:31.840 --> 03:07:34.879
I have to talk to somebody. I can't. I can't263103:07:34.920 --> 03:07:40.200
be alone on Christmas again. Please we sit down with263203:07:40.239 --> 03:07:43.319
Harmony and let her talk. The two of us are263303:07:43.360 --> 03:07:47.280
both sad at hearing how Harmony inherited them all after263403:07:47.319 --> 03:07:50.399
her parents were killed by the Angel of Death and263503:07:50.559 --> 03:07:53.120
was forced to learn everything about the business on her263603:07:53.159 --> 03:07:56.760
own and keep it from going under. She had to263703:07:56.840 --> 03:07:59.879
raise money to pay off all the investors who demanded return.263803:08:00.799 --> 03:08:03.040
She ended up getting pregnant because she met a man263903:08:03.120 --> 03:08:06.600
in a bar when she snuck out one night. When264003:08:06.600 --> 03:08:09.680
her parents learned she was pregnant, they wanted to throw264103:08:09.719 --> 03:08:13.639
her out. They didn't, though they made her take care264203:08:13.680 --> 03:08:18.680
of the baby herself. Harmony had sleepless nights once Melanie264303:08:18.719 --> 03:08:23.159
was born. To make matters worse, Harmony ended up losing264403:08:23.200 --> 03:08:27.000
Melanie when her grandparents suit her for custody and won.264503:08:28.120 --> 03:08:31.079
Since Harmony had to keep this mall going and keep264603:08:31.120 --> 03:08:34.120
it from collapsing and having to pay off the investors.264703:08:34.120 --> 03:08:38.360
She couldn't make enough quality time for her child. Even264803:08:38.399 --> 03:08:41.719
though she brought her daughter to the mall, her grandparents264903:08:41.719 --> 03:08:44.680
still didn't think it was an ideal environment for a baby.265003:08:45.760 --> 03:08:48.479
It's no secret that the Mirons will turn on anybody,265103:08:48.879 --> 03:08:52.479
even their own. Harmony finally had to sell the family265203:08:52.559 --> 03:08:56.399
mansion to pay off the debts. She since got the265303:08:56.479 --> 03:09:00.239
mall in the black. But now Harmony reveals them all265403:09:00.239 --> 03:09:05.079
itself is actually her home. Guess that explains why she's265503:09:05.120 --> 03:09:10.200
always here. Harmony had been crying and trembling while venting265603:09:10.280 --> 03:09:13.840
to us. I think she was surprised Harpy was willing265703:09:13.920 --> 03:09:20.479
to listen. Hey you're gonna be okay, Harpy tells her softly.265803:09:21.360 --> 03:09:25.879
Harmony takes Harpy's big hand in hers. I know we're265903:09:25.920 --> 03:09:30.639
on pins and needles, but I'm glad you're here, and266003:09:31.680 --> 03:09:35.520
thanks for not kicking my ass. Believe me, I know266103:09:35.680 --> 03:09:40.000
I deserve it. Now you just stop right there, Harpy snaps.266203:09:40.479 --> 03:09:45.360
Remember something, it's Christmas. It's never too late to change266303:09:45.399 --> 03:09:48.680
who you are, and even Harpy knows it's this time266403:09:48.719 --> 03:09:51.879
of year when you can do it. I mean it266503:09:51.959 --> 03:09:56.159
worked for Scrooge, right, I myself watched a Christmas carol266603:09:56.280 --> 03:09:59.920
enough times. We can see things through our eyes together,266703:10:00.520 --> 03:10:03.200
regardless of who the dominant soul is at the time.266803:10:04.479 --> 03:10:10.680
You really think I can change, Harmony stammers. You can266903:10:10.719 --> 03:10:14.479
do what you want. Harpy tells her. You're still young.267003:10:14.680 --> 03:10:17.040
It ain't too late. You don't want to be like267103:10:17.120 --> 03:10:19.479
Scrooge and be over the hill and find life passed267203:10:19.479 --> 03:10:22.559
you by, do you, especially if you was mean and267303:10:22.639 --> 03:10:26.799
nasty all your life. Yeah, you can change, you gotta267403:10:26.840 --> 03:10:33.440
wana though. Harmony nods quickly. Thank you, squawker. I do267503:10:33.520 --> 03:10:37.360
want to keep working here. It sure sounds like Harmony's267603:10:37.399 --> 03:10:44.079
taken a real liking to Harpy. Harpy smirks, you got it, boss, bitch.267703:10:45.399 --> 03:10:49.000
Then Harpy lifts Harmony into her arms as the two267803:10:49.079 --> 03:10:52.479
of them hug. I think this is the start of267903:10:52.520 --> 03:10:59.399
a beautiful friendship between these two frenemies. Also, Harmony promised268003:10:59.399 --> 03:11:03.840
to keep this secret Harpy and I share together. The268103:11:03.959 --> 03:11:08.440
question is will Harmony change for the better the way268203:11:08.479 --> 03:11:13.559
Ebenezer Scrooge did. I guess we'll see. I myself think268303:11:13.600 --> 03:11:16.879
the spirit of Christmas caught up to harmony. If a268403:11:16.959 --> 03:11:20.719
rough edged Brooklyn spitfire like Harpy can learn the meaning268503:11:20.719 --> 03:11:25.600
of Christmas, then harmony can learn too. The truth is268603:11:26.399 --> 03:11:29.399
we can all learn to embrace the spirit of Christmas.268703:11:30.520 --> 03:11:33.719
All we have to do is just open our hearts268803:11:34.719 --> 03:11:50.000
and let it in Merry Christmas Holiday Homecoming Hullabaloo by268903:11:50.159 --> 03:11:55.520
Joe Solmo, Hey, Grandpa, came the voice of a child269003:11:55.559 --> 03:11:59.959
from the other room. The chill late December air followed269103:12:00.040 --> 03:12:04.360
as Mark's daughter and grandson entered. A smile crossed his269203:12:04.520 --> 03:12:07.760
creased face, and his eyes lit up brighter than the269303:12:07.840 --> 03:12:12.079
Christmas tree adjacent to the big picture window looking out269403:12:12.399 --> 03:12:17.319
on suburbia. It had been five years since Brandon died,269503:12:18.200 --> 03:12:21.680
since she lost the love of her life. It took269603:12:21.760 --> 03:12:24.440
her that long to get herself back into a position269703:12:25.159 --> 03:12:30.200
to have control on her life, not just emotionally, but financially.269803:12:31.319 --> 03:12:34.600
It was the first time since the funeral she could269903:12:34.600 --> 03:12:38.879
come home for a visit to their hometown and where270003:12:38.920 --> 03:12:43.719
her husband was buried. Hey, there, Bryce, look how big270103:12:43.760 --> 03:12:48.479
you got, Mark said, rising from his chair with some effort.270203:12:48.760 --> 03:12:51.840
His hip was bothering him again. He would have to270303:12:51.879 --> 03:12:54.840
ask Amy to bring him his prescription when she got270403:12:54.879 --> 03:12:58.520
back from the store. He gave his grandson a look over.270503:12:59.399 --> 03:13:02.559
He could see his daughter's face and the one looking270603:13:02.639 --> 03:13:06.799
back at him. She had the same cherub cheeks separated270703:13:06.840 --> 03:13:10.959
with a gap toothed smile when she was ten. He270803:13:11.000 --> 03:13:13.879
looked up at his daughter standing in the doorway to270903:13:13.959 --> 03:13:18.600
the living room. He wondered where the time had gone.271003:13:18.680 --> 03:13:21.959
She had turned into a woman without him even knowing.271103:13:22.920 --> 03:13:27.440
He held out his arms, inviting her in. Jennifer rushed271203:13:27.440 --> 03:13:30.760
to her father. It had been years since she had271303:13:30.799 --> 03:13:37.200
smelled his aftershave. They stood there, father and daughter reunited271403:13:37.719 --> 03:13:42.120
in silence. Only the crackle of the fireplace made a sound.271503:13:43.280 --> 03:13:47.040
A short moment passed before Bryce started to tug on271603:13:47.079 --> 03:13:51.280
his mom's jacket. Mom, I have to use the bathroom,271703:13:51.920 --> 03:13:55.639
he said in a whiny voice. Jennifer pulled away from271803:13:55.639 --> 03:13:59.559
her father with a smile. It's right down the hall,271903:13:59.639 --> 03:14:02.639
young man, and Mark said and held his hand out272003:14:03.159 --> 03:14:07.440
right this way. Jennifer watched her father lead her son272103:14:08.079 --> 03:14:11.959
down the same dark wood paneled walls towards the bathroom.272203:14:12.920 --> 03:14:15.600
She remembered him walking her down that hall with the272303:14:15.639 --> 03:14:19.959
same paneling. It might be time to replace it, she thought.272403:14:21.079 --> 03:14:24.920
She dropped into a worn armchair facing the fire and272503:14:24.959 --> 03:14:30.159
took a moment to herself to enjoy the warmth, the silence,272603:14:30.840 --> 03:14:35.280
and the feeling of being home. She had been so272703:14:35.479 --> 03:14:39.280
disheveled since the funeral, trying to figure out who she272803:14:39.600 --> 03:14:43.239
was and where she was going to land. She had272903:14:43.239 --> 03:14:46.840
barely had a moment to sit and just enjoy life,273003:14:47.719 --> 03:14:52.920
or even fine joy in life, if she was being honest.273103:14:54.200 --> 03:14:57.600
Her eye drifted over the various knickknacks and bric a273203:14:57.680 --> 03:15:02.559
brac her parents had collected in their forty years of marriage.273303:15:03.079 --> 03:15:07.559
Various ceramic figures stood vigilant on wooden shelves in both273403:15:07.639 --> 03:15:11.760
interior corners of the room, A stark white against the273503:15:11.879 --> 03:15:16.920
dark walnut paneling. A dancing girl twirling an umbrella was273603:15:16.959 --> 03:15:20.479
on the top shelf, next to a fisherman holding a273703:15:20.600 --> 03:15:25.159
rod with a whopper of a fish. Jennifer remembered when273803:15:25.200 --> 03:15:28.360
she was a child, she had said they were her parents,273903:15:28.920 --> 03:15:32.200
since her mom loved to dance and her dad spent274003:15:32.319 --> 03:15:37.239
many saturdays on the water. A pop in the fireplace274103:15:37.319 --> 03:15:42.159
grabbed her attention. She stared into the fire, remembering so274203:15:42.319 --> 03:15:46.799
many years ago her father stoking that fire as her274303:15:46.840 --> 03:15:50.719
and her brother would gather to open their presence for Christmas.274403:15:51.680 --> 03:15:55.559
She wanted that same kind of memory for her son, Bryce,274503:15:56.559 --> 03:16:00.559
but it wasn't meant to be. Bryce could have a274603:16:00.680 --> 03:16:04.440
Christmas with his father. Why did Brandon have to be274703:16:04.559 --> 03:16:07.479
such an asshole and die on her, leave her to274803:16:07.559 --> 03:16:11.040
raise Bryce alone? He said he would always be there274903:16:11.079 --> 03:16:16.239
for her, But where was he now? Deep down inside,275003:16:16.840 --> 03:16:20.440
she knew she could face whatever came her way. She275103:16:20.680 --> 03:16:24.479
just didn't want to face it alone. She missed having275203:16:24.520 --> 03:16:28.920
him around to bounce ideas off, to make memories with, hell,275303:16:29.799 --> 03:16:32.520
just to snuggle with on the couch with a good movie.275403:16:34.000 --> 03:16:37.959
She wished he was there with her now. She stood275503:16:38.040 --> 03:16:41.680
up and got closer to the fireplace, looking at the275603:16:41.719 --> 03:16:45.799
old pictures and stand up frames on the mantle. Then275703:16:46.000 --> 03:16:49.239
her eyes fell upon the saw her father had on275803:16:49.280 --> 03:16:54.680
the mantle on a little stand. It looked old, ancient really,275903:16:55.639 --> 03:16:58.840
The wood handle sanded smooth except where a sun and276003:16:58.959 --> 03:17:04.959
moon were carved, forming the grooves for fingers. Her father276103:17:05.319 --> 03:17:09.319
never spoke of the saw, He never used it. It276203:17:09.479 --> 03:17:13.360
just sat there as a curious curio from the past.276303:17:14.879 --> 03:17:18.600
She traced her fingers along the polished metal surface of276403:17:18.639 --> 03:17:22.799
the blade, careful to keep her fingertips from the sharp teeth.276503:17:23.719 --> 03:17:28.319
It called to her in some subconscious way. She could276603:17:28.319 --> 03:17:34.920
almost hear a voice call her name in a breathy whisper, Jennifer.276703:17:36.959 --> 03:17:40.319
She wrapped her hand around it. It was warm to276803:17:40.399 --> 03:17:44.239
the touch. She felt the pulse of life in the wood,276903:17:45.440 --> 03:17:53.719
like a heartbeat. Jennifer. That voice so familiar, like a277003:17:53.760 --> 03:17:59.200
favorite hoodie or blanket. The words wrapped around her, comforting her.277103:18:00.159 --> 03:18:05.200
Where did she know it from? Jennifer? Are you okay?277203:18:06.319 --> 03:18:10.639
Jennifer gasped and pulled her hand back. She turned to277303:18:10.639 --> 03:18:15.719
see her mother looking concerned at her. Didn't you hear277403:18:15.760 --> 03:18:20.879
me come in? Jenny, Amy asked, No, I guess not,277503:18:21.760 --> 03:18:25.840
she replied, looking back at the saw resting on its277603:18:25.879 --> 03:18:31.280
display stand. Grandma came a shrill voice from the hall277703:18:32.079 --> 03:18:35.639
as Bryce charged into the down coat his grandmother wore.277803:18:36.399 --> 03:18:39.879
He wrapped his arms around her waist and squeezed so277903:18:40.159 --> 03:18:45.000
hard she could hardly breathe. Nice to see you, Bryce,278003:18:45.760 --> 03:18:49.479
she said in a strained voice. She tried to pry278103:18:49.600 --> 03:18:54.479
his young arms apart and escape his excited clutch. Bryce,278203:18:54.680 --> 03:18:58.479
Let your grandma go, Jennifer said, and helped her mom278303:18:58.559 --> 03:19:04.360
out got any cookies, Bryce asked, I might. Let's go278403:19:04.399 --> 03:19:07.680
to the kitchen and find out, although I think it's278503:19:07.799 --> 03:19:13.280
time for lunch, Amy said, leading him away. Amy, dear278603:19:14.040 --> 03:19:20.440
my pills, Mark asked right away. His wife replied, Dad,278703:19:20.479 --> 03:19:24.479
I could have gotten them for you. Jennifer stated, no278803:19:24.600 --> 03:19:28.280
big deal, she likes to fuss over me. Mark answered278903:19:28.319 --> 03:19:31.399
and sat back down where he was before company came.279003:19:32.399 --> 03:19:36.159
Have a seat, he finished, gesturing to the chair she279103:19:36.319 --> 03:19:40.840
was sitting in earlier. Grandma said, come get lunch, Bryce said,279203:19:41.000 --> 03:19:46.399
entering the room. I'm not very hungry, Jennifer said, looking279303:19:46.479 --> 03:19:50.159
up at the mantle. Grandma said, I can't have a279403:19:50.239 --> 03:19:55.399
cookie until everyone eats lunch. Bryce answered his mom looks279503:19:55.479 --> 03:19:59.639
like we have no choice. Mark said, help your grandfather up.279603:20:00.360 --> 03:20:04.319
Bryce grabbed his grandfather's sweater sleeve and gave a big yank.279703:20:05.159 --> 03:20:09.440
He pulled the sleeve half off Mark's arm. Easy, you279803:20:09.520 --> 03:20:13.399
gotta hold my hand, Mark said, with a chuckle. Bryce279903:20:13.440 --> 03:20:16.280
did better the second time, and they all went to280003:20:16.360 --> 03:20:20.239
the kitchen. Let's go get lunch. Then I can take280103:20:20.280 --> 03:20:25.920
my pills. Supposed to take him with food anyway, Mark finished, Look, Grandpa,280203:20:26.479 --> 03:20:32.559
it's snowing as the evening shadows grew, the snow outside280303:20:32.639 --> 03:20:37.440
began to pile up in large puffy flakes, the beauty280403:20:37.479 --> 03:20:42.000
of which was lost on Keko. She came here to280503:20:42.040 --> 03:20:46.399
the mortal realm for one reason, to get back what280603:20:46.639 --> 03:20:51.440
was stolen from her people. It was her shame that280703:20:51.559 --> 03:20:55.719
drove her. It was the perfect time, a fortnight to280803:20:55.760 --> 03:20:59.319
get the job done. As the days grew their darkest280903:20:59.719 --> 03:21:04.840
to cross over. It was a long way home, tunneling281003:21:04.959 --> 03:21:09.440
through the strange rock of this new continent, but she281103:21:09.600 --> 03:21:14.159
had to return to where it had happened. She eyed281203:21:14.239 --> 03:21:18.360
the home of her adversary. Many years had gone by281303:21:18.520 --> 03:21:23.239
since their paths had crossed since that night so long ago.281403:21:24.239 --> 03:21:28.399
In fact, this wasn't where it happened at all, and281503:21:28.479 --> 03:21:32.680
it took years to track him down. Fifty years ago.281603:21:33.280 --> 03:21:38.200
This Christmas Eve, it happened, but she had no concern281703:21:38.840 --> 03:21:43.319
for mortal calendars. All she knew was that her kind281803:21:43.879 --> 03:21:47.159
could come out during the twelve days of Christmas while281903:21:47.159 --> 03:21:52.040
the sun ceases its seasonal movement for that two week span.282003:21:52.760 --> 03:21:55.920
They could put down their tools and take a break282103:21:56.159 --> 03:21:59.280
from toiling down in the earth on the roots of282203:21:59.319 --> 03:22:03.959
the world tree. The last time she was here was282303:22:04.000 --> 03:22:10.120
a fiasco, one that she was now going to write. Keiko,282403:22:10.639 --> 03:22:13.879
along with a fire hydrant, made their way across the282503:22:13.920 --> 03:22:19.280
snow covered driveway, glancing this way and that her greatest282603:22:19.319 --> 03:22:23.040
fear was that one of this world's dogs would grab282703:22:23.120 --> 03:22:27.000
her and run off the hydrant. Sphere of dogs was282803:22:27.040 --> 03:22:32.239
a different one altogether. She stood on tippy toes and282903:22:32.360 --> 03:22:35.440
looked over the hood of the buick, but there was283003:22:35.440 --> 03:22:41.600
no canine in sight. One diminutive hand slid into her pocket,283103:22:42.319 --> 03:22:52.120
pulling out a small knife. A wicked smile crossed her face. Grandpa,283203:22:52.840 --> 03:22:56.319
do you have any good Christmas stories? Bryce asked, with283303:22:56.399 --> 03:23:02.200
a mouthful of gingerbread cookie about sam Huah. Mark asked, no,283403:23:02.920 --> 03:23:07.280
I've heard all those. Those are boring, Bryce said, in283503:23:07.319 --> 03:23:12.040
an impatient voice. Jennifer noticed her father's glance to the283603:23:12.079 --> 03:23:16.120
mantle on the fireplace. It was only for a second,283703:23:16.719 --> 03:23:20.760
but she caught it. Hey, Dad, why don't you tell283803:23:20.760 --> 03:23:23.879
the story of that small saw on the mantle? Even283903:23:23.959 --> 03:23:28.840
I haven't heard that one, Jennifer prodded. That's not a284003:23:28.879 --> 03:23:34.159
story I'm particularly proud of. Mark responded with a sigh.284103:23:34.520 --> 03:23:37.719
He rose to his feet gingerly and walked over to284203:23:37.799 --> 03:23:41.280
the fireplace. He stared at the fire for a long284303:23:41.360 --> 03:23:49.159
moment before he spoke again, Well, I'm not getting any younger,284403:23:49.360 --> 03:23:53.799
it's probably best I get it off my chest. Mark284503:23:53.920 --> 03:23:57.200
reached up with his weathered hand and wrapped it around284603:23:57.239 --> 03:24:02.920
the handle, feeling the smooth worked wood once again in284703:24:03.000 --> 03:24:07.760
his hands. No species of tree on Earth compared to this,284803:24:08.239 --> 03:24:12.000
he thought, as he looked at the grain, which seemed284903:24:12.079 --> 03:24:17.280
to shimmer from his touch. He turned and faced his family.285003:24:18.360 --> 03:24:22.000
It was such a crazy story, an insane night from285103:24:22.159 --> 03:24:26.440
five decades earlier, when he was just a teenager, a285203:24:26.559 --> 03:24:30.760
story no one believed over the years, so much so285303:24:31.559 --> 03:24:35.079
that he doubted his own memories if it wasn't for285403:24:35.120 --> 03:24:39.760
the saw. A tear raced down his cheek as he285503:24:39.799 --> 03:24:43.799
looked at it. At first, instinct had told him to285603:24:43.840 --> 03:24:48.159
take it from her. Then he decided to keep the thing.285703:24:49.079 --> 03:24:53.239
He always meant to return it some day, but one285803:24:53.319 --> 03:25:01.879
year turned into another, then another. It was Christmas Eve,285903:25:02.559 --> 03:25:05.479
a fourteen year old Mark was making his way through286003:25:05.520 --> 03:25:10.079
the snow that covered the streets of Suburbia. He was286103:25:10.200 --> 03:25:14.120
visiting his friend Claudio when Claudio's mother called down to286203:25:14.159 --> 03:25:17.520
them in the basement. Mark, your mother wants you to286303:25:17.520 --> 03:25:22.879
come home, she yelled down the stairs. Mark sighed. Always286403:25:22.879 --> 03:25:25.959
in the middle of combat, he thought, as he threw286503:25:26.079 --> 03:25:29.959
his twenty sided dice down on the table. I gotta go.286603:25:30.959 --> 03:25:34.719
You leave now, you might die, Claudio said with a smirk.286703:25:35.479 --> 03:25:38.799
Mark knew he was just teasing. He looked around the286803:25:38.799 --> 03:25:44.440
table at his friend's Sorry guys, Mark said, before racing286903:25:44.520 --> 03:25:48.799
up the stairs and out into the frigid air. He287003:25:48.920 --> 03:25:51.719
still only had one arm in his coat, since the287103:25:51.760 --> 03:25:54.760
other held his book back. He stopped in front of287203:25:54.760 --> 03:25:57.520
the church on Main Street to put his jacket all287303:25:57.559 --> 03:26:02.520
the way on. That's when he first saw her. At first,287403:26:03.159 --> 03:26:06.399
he thought someone had let their kid out alone. The287503:26:06.479 --> 03:26:09.159
small figure was in the front lawn of the church287603:26:09.680 --> 03:26:13.360
and ducked behind the hedges that were carved into nativity287703:26:13.399 --> 03:26:16.920
animals for the holidays. As he made his way in287803:26:16.959 --> 03:26:19.879
front of the large brick building, he called out to287903:26:19.920 --> 03:26:23.639
the kid, I swear if I get hit with a snowball,288003:26:24.280 --> 03:26:29.479
he started to warn. Then he heard a sound. He288103:26:29.600 --> 03:26:35.639
stopped and listened. In the snowstorm, sound was all but silenced,288203:26:36.319 --> 03:26:41.479
but he heard the rhythmic sound of a saw. What288303:26:41.680 --> 03:26:45.799
was that kid up to back? There, hey, kid, Mark288403:26:45.879 --> 03:26:48.879
called out, and started to walk towards the break in288503:26:48.920 --> 03:26:52.000
the hedges where the slabs of concrete lead to the288603:26:52.000 --> 03:26:57.079
front door. You cutting down their hedges or something, Mark288703:26:57.159 --> 03:26:59.520
finished as he rounded a hedge in the shape of288803:26:59.520 --> 03:27:03.440
a donkey to confront the young child. What are you288903:27:03.559 --> 03:27:07.360
up to, Mark asked the kid hidden in the shadows289003:27:07.360 --> 03:27:12.040
of the hedge. The child gasped and turned to face him,289103:27:12.399 --> 03:27:16.440
its features illuminated in a beam of street light. Mark289203:27:16.520 --> 03:27:19.600
took a step back, unsure what he was looking at.289303:27:20.360 --> 03:27:25.959
Its eyes showed years beyond comprehension, dark pools of eternity.289403:27:27.040 --> 03:27:30.920
What he thought was a snowsuit was long brown hair289503:27:31.680 --> 03:27:36.280
covering its body. He called it an it because it289603:27:36.319 --> 03:27:41.120
had a long tail that flicked with nervous energy. What289703:27:41.360 --> 03:27:47.840
are you, he whispered, in anxious awe. Keko it replied289803:27:47.920 --> 03:27:53.719
in a feminine voice. You're cako, Mark asked. There was289903:27:53.760 --> 03:27:57.479
a hint of wonder in his voice. He was still cautious,290003:27:58.159 --> 03:28:05.879
but was more curious than anything else. Keiko name, the290103:28:05.959 --> 03:28:10.840
creature responded, pointing at her chest. That was when he290203:28:10.920 --> 03:28:16.159
first laid eyes on the saw. It was beautiful. What290303:28:16.280 --> 03:28:20.799
are you doing with that? Saw, Keiko, he asked. The290403:28:20.879 --> 03:28:25.239
creature clutched the small cutting tool to her chest protectively.290503:28:26.399 --> 03:28:28.879
He looked past her and saw where she had been290603:28:28.959 --> 03:28:33.559
sawing into the small trunks of the hedges. Small piles290703:28:33.639 --> 03:28:39.079
of sawdust lay on the snow. Give me that, Mark said,290803:28:39.520 --> 03:28:43.360
and yanked the saw from Keiko's hand. She growled at290903:28:43.399 --> 03:28:45.719
him and charged at him with a quickness he was291003:28:45.760 --> 03:28:50.360
not expecting. Mark backpedaled away a few steps, but when291103:28:50.399 --> 03:28:53.479
he saw the look on Keiko's face, he thought it291203:28:53.600 --> 03:28:57.639
best to run. He ran back to the street and291303:28:57.719 --> 03:29:01.920
looked over his shoulder. Keiko was standing on the edge291403:29:01.920 --> 03:29:05.159
of the road, and Mark could finally get a good291503:29:05.159 --> 03:29:10.239
look at her. She had cloven feet, a hairy body,291603:29:10.639 --> 03:29:15.079
and a tail. She growled at him, and he swore291703:29:15.200 --> 03:29:19.399
her eyes glowed with a red intensity. He looked down291803:29:19.440 --> 03:29:22.760
at the saw and thought about chucking it back at her,291903:29:23.760 --> 03:29:27.799
but for some reason, he thought taking it was the292003:29:27.879 --> 03:29:32.440
right thing to do to stop whatever mayhem Keiko was292103:29:32.559 --> 03:29:38.760
up to. Clump clomp. Mark could hear Keiko behind him292203:29:38.840 --> 03:29:43.479
and gaining fast. Suddenly, a burst of something shot past292303:29:43.559 --> 03:29:48.159
him and hit a fire hydrant. The hydrant came alive,292403:29:48.719 --> 03:29:51.840
splitting at the top into a mouth of fangs. It292503:29:51.920 --> 03:29:55.799
broke free from the concrete and started after him with292603:29:55.879 --> 03:30:01.280
a metallic clang. Oh shit, Mark yelled and ran back292703:30:01.319 --> 03:30:05.120
across the street, diving through the same hedges he had292803:30:05.159 --> 03:30:08.719
fled just in time as another blast hit The bush292903:30:09.120 --> 03:30:12.719
shaped like a camel, and it came to life as well.293003:30:13.719 --> 03:30:17.079
It lowered its head down towards him and roared with293103:30:17.120 --> 03:30:21.920
an open, thorny mouth. It vomited a terrified, wide eyed293203:30:21.959 --> 03:30:26.040
squirrel at him. Mark fell on his butt trying to293303:30:26.040 --> 03:30:28.760
get away from the camel as it tried to lift293403:30:28.799 --> 03:30:33.520
its legs and uproot itself to give chase. He scooted293503:30:33.559 --> 03:30:37.719
backwards until his back came to rest on something. The camel,293603:30:38.079 --> 03:30:40.959
the hydrant, and Keiko were standing at the edge of293703:30:41.000 --> 03:30:46.840
the church lawn looking at him. Oh shit, I am293803:30:46.920 --> 03:30:52.559
gonna die tonight. Claudio was right, he said, through shallow breaths,293903:30:53.120 --> 03:30:57.840
give me back what is mine? Keiko said, why are294003:30:57.840 --> 03:31:02.399
you destroying the hedges, asked, looking down at the saw294103:31:02.479 --> 03:31:07.799
he still gripped for fun. Keiko replied and took a294203:31:07.799 --> 03:31:12.399
few steps closer. You see, my kind only come to294303:31:12.440 --> 03:31:15.760
the mortal realm for twelve days a year, we can294403:31:15.799 --> 03:31:19.040
finally take a break from our labor and come live294503:31:19.079 --> 03:31:22.120
it up. Causing a little mayhem as just how we294603:31:22.200 --> 03:31:26.920
blow off steam after a hard year's work, The creature continued,294703:31:28.479 --> 03:31:32.159
What do you do for work? Mark asked, trying to294803:31:32.239 --> 03:31:35.520
bide him time until he caught his breath and could294903:31:35.600 --> 03:31:39.840
run away again. My brothers and sisters and I saw295003:31:39.920 --> 03:31:43.719
away at the World Tree. We were almost through this time.295103:31:44.319 --> 03:31:47.159
One final push when we get back, should do it.295203:31:47.840 --> 03:31:50.799
But right now, my kin are here with the mortals295303:31:50.799 --> 03:31:55.639
for a little fun. Give me back my saw. Keiko snarled,295403:31:56.799 --> 03:32:02.319
the World Tree. Don't we need that? Mark asked. In reality,295503:32:02.879 --> 03:32:06.360
he had never heard of it. We cut and saw,295603:32:06.559 --> 03:32:10.239
we make it fall, We saw and cut the World's295703:32:10.280 --> 03:32:15.920
cup put the creature, fire, hydrant and camel sang in unison.295803:32:17.120 --> 03:32:19.959
I got to get out of here, Mark said, and295903:32:20.079 --> 03:32:23.559
scrambled to his feet, just as Cako held up a296003:32:23.600 --> 03:32:28.280
wand and shot another blast at him. He somersaulted out296103:32:28.280 --> 03:32:32.040
of the way, losing his backpack in the process. He296203:32:32.159 --> 03:32:35.079
turned to see what the blast had hit and was296303:32:35.120 --> 03:32:39.559
horrified as Baby Jesus crawled out of the manger with296403:32:39.639 --> 03:32:43.920
a menacing look. Mark ran through the ankle deep snow296503:32:44.239 --> 03:32:48.719
before launching over the hedges and raced home, still clutching296603:32:48.760 --> 03:32:53.000
the saw in his hand. As the boy made his296703:32:53.079 --> 03:32:56.879
way down the dark street, Keko picked up the backpack296803:32:57.520 --> 03:33:02.200
and rifled through it, pulled out a hat and lowered296903:33:02.239 --> 03:33:05.799
it to the crawling baby Jesus and had it sniff it.297003:33:07.000 --> 03:33:11.079
Lead me to him, boy, she said, and followed the297103:33:11.120 --> 03:33:15.479
little savior on the back of a thorny camel. The297203:33:15.520 --> 03:33:20.600
fire hydrant reluctantly followed behind, having to clang his way297303:33:21.479 --> 03:33:30.399
through the streets. Grandpa, did that really happen? Bryce asked,297403:33:30.520 --> 03:33:34.159
with half a cookie stuffed in his mouth. Everyone had297503:33:34.200 --> 03:33:38.159
been engrossed in the story. The room had grown dark,297603:33:39.239 --> 03:33:43.319
the fire was now embers. Jennifer went over to stoke297703:33:43.440 --> 03:33:48.600
and feed it every word of it. Mark said, Was297803:33:48.639 --> 03:33:53.079
it an elf? Bryce asked, Oh, no, nothing like that.297903:33:54.280 --> 03:33:58.200
It was a goblin, you see, a kalakant Tsarro's to298003:33:58.280 --> 03:34:01.079
be exact. Took me away while to find them at298103:34:01.079 --> 03:34:05.079
the library, but I eventually did you see? They spend298203:34:05.159 --> 03:34:10.120
all year toiling underground, hacking and sawing at the world tree,298303:34:10.159 --> 03:34:13.680
trying to topple the world but they get a Christmas298403:34:13.760 --> 03:34:18.079
vacation like you do. For the twelve days of Christmas.298503:34:18.600 --> 03:34:23.239
They come to the surface to cause mayhem. Every year298603:34:23.280 --> 03:34:27.520
they cause mischief, then return to the world tree to298703:34:27.600 --> 03:34:31.239
find it. It healed itself in their absence, and they298803:34:31.280 --> 03:34:37.120
have to start all over again. Mark explained. The sound298903:34:37.159 --> 03:34:41.120
of broken glass came from the kitchen. Jennifer was faster299003:34:41.239 --> 03:34:44.159
than her parents and made it to the doorway. First.299103:34:45.000 --> 03:34:47.879
She saw the shards of glass lying in the sink299203:34:48.399 --> 03:34:51.840
as the curtains whipped around in the snowy wind coming through.299303:34:53.239 --> 03:34:58.959
Then a small hand gripped the windowsill, and then another.299403:35:00.280 --> 03:35:04.879
A face peeked out over the sill, straining to lift299503:35:04.920 --> 03:35:11.360
itself with its tiny Nativity arms. There was a pounding299603:35:11.399 --> 03:35:16.040
on the front door. Jennifer heard everyone gasp. What is it?299703:35:16.559 --> 03:35:19.440
She called back. As she opened the closet where her299803:35:19.440 --> 03:35:22.920
mom kept the brooms and mops. She grabbed the first299903:35:22.959 --> 03:35:26.159
handle she could find and raised it like a weapon300003:35:26.520 --> 03:35:31.920
towards the small savior. There is a there's a hydrant300103:35:31.959 --> 03:35:35.200
at the door, Bryce called back, like it was the300203:35:35.200 --> 03:35:40.120
most natural thing in the world. A hydrant, she called back,300303:35:40.840 --> 03:35:45.680
and a grassy camel. The sun replied. Jennifer took a300403:35:45.719 --> 03:35:49.319
deep breath and prepared to fend off the animated child300503:35:49.360 --> 03:35:53.760
of God. It giggled a child's giggle as saliva dripped300603:35:53.760 --> 03:35:57.639
off its fanged teeth. It ran a forked tongue over300703:35:57.680 --> 03:36:02.360
those teeth as its blood red eyes made contact with Jennifers.300803:36:02.920 --> 03:36:07.079
Not today, baby Jesus, she said, and swatted at the300903:36:07.120 --> 03:36:10.959
tiny trinity with her broom, knocking it back into the sink.301003:36:11.600 --> 03:36:14.079
She ran up and jabbed it with the wooden handle.301103:36:14.760 --> 03:36:18.319
The nimble animated Nativity set dodged and grabbed with a301203:36:18.319 --> 03:36:21.280
little hand on the end of the broom handle. It301303:36:21.399 --> 03:36:24.840
had surprising strength, and it took all that Jennifer had301403:36:24.879 --> 03:36:28.120
to pull it from his holy grip. She struck back,301503:36:28.200 --> 03:36:32.040
but he dodged again. She hit the sink so hard301603:36:32.079 --> 03:36:37.000
it split the wooden handle and made a sharp point. Mom,301703:36:37.559 --> 03:36:41.280
they're breaking down the door, Bryce called from the other room.301803:36:42.000 --> 03:36:45.680
In her manick state, Jennifer's fight or flight response removed301903:36:45.719 --> 03:36:48.799
any intelligent thought and sent her in for the kill.302003:36:49.239 --> 03:36:53.639
As the animated Christ Child climbed onto the countertop, it302103:36:53.719 --> 03:36:56.120
was making its way towards the knife block a few302203:36:56.159 --> 03:37:00.840
feet away. Jennifer jabbed again with the broken broom handle,302303:37:01.079 --> 03:37:05.159
this time impaling the side of the diminutive Messiah. She302403:37:05.319 --> 03:37:09.079
pushed with such force that the nearly weightless porcelain prophet302503:37:09.360 --> 03:37:13.879
slid across the counter until the exposed broomstick stuck into302603:37:13.920 --> 03:37:18.000
the wall. Its wicked, forked tongue lashed out at her,302703:37:18.440 --> 03:37:22.120
wrapping around her wrist. She fought to pull back, but302803:37:22.159 --> 03:37:25.440
the tongue is a strong muscle. She grabbed her arm302903:37:25.479 --> 03:37:28.360
with her other hand and pulled. She started to make303003:37:28.399 --> 03:37:32.600
some progress as the saliva coated muscle began to lose303103:37:32.639 --> 03:37:37.200
its grip. From the other room, Jennifer heard the door303203:37:37.360 --> 03:37:41.719
breaking down. She gave a final yank, giving a slip303303:37:41.760 --> 03:37:45.760
to the tongue. The life left the animated body and303403:37:45.840 --> 03:37:49.280
it fell limp. She watched the body for a few303503:37:49.399 --> 03:37:54.200
seconds before she was satisfied it wouldn't attack again. A303603:37:54.280 --> 03:37:58.639
golden light illuminated the pierced porcelain child, and a ghostly303703:37:58.760 --> 03:38:03.239
visage of the baby raised up through the window. She303803:38:03.360 --> 03:38:06.440
turned her back on the kitchen and started towards the303903:38:06.479 --> 03:38:14.360
living room. Jennifer, she heard the voice again. It stopped304003:38:14.360 --> 03:38:18.440
her in her tracks. She turned back around the hare304103:38:18.639 --> 03:38:21.239
stood on the back of her neck. She could no304203:38:21.319 --> 03:38:24.879
longer hear the chaos in the room next door. She304303:38:24.920 --> 03:38:31.120
could only hear Jennifer. There is a way to fix this.304403:38:33.680 --> 03:38:36.440
Bryce kicked at the fire hydrant as it opened its304503:38:36.520 --> 03:38:40.639
toothy mouth and puked rusty water at him. It sent304603:38:40.719 --> 03:38:44.600
him reeling back into his grandfather's chair. He shivered in304703:38:44.639 --> 03:38:47.200
the cold water as he got back to his feet.304803:38:47.840 --> 03:38:51.719
He had to protect his grandparents. Mark stood in front304903:38:51.719 --> 03:38:54.639
of Amy as the camel backed them towards the wall305003:38:54.760 --> 03:38:58.399
next to the fireplace. In his left hand, he held305103:38:58.399 --> 03:39:03.799
the saw he had taken so long ago. Where was Keiko?305203:39:04.000 --> 03:39:08.120
Why hadn't she made an appearance yet? The snarling mouth305303:39:08.159 --> 03:39:11.319
of the camel monster closed in on Mark, its hot305403:39:11.360 --> 03:39:15.879
breath the smell of burning leaves. Amy gasped behind him305503:39:16.040 --> 03:39:19.760
when she realized there was only the wall behind them.305603:39:20.120 --> 03:39:23.799
Don't worry, I won't let it hurt you, he reassured her.305703:39:24.399 --> 03:39:27.159
The camel snipped at him, but he brought the saw305803:39:27.239 --> 03:39:30.799
up in time. Its wooden teeth gnashed into the metal305903:39:30.799 --> 03:39:33.799
of the saw. Mark struggled to keep a hold on306003:39:33.840 --> 03:39:37.399
it as the carnivorous camel had Christmas miracle thrashed its306103:39:37.479 --> 03:39:41.239
head left and right. He saw bits of sawdust fall306203:39:41.520 --> 03:39:45.440
as the metal saw bit into the animated hedge. Leave306303:39:45.479 --> 03:39:50.040
my grandpa alone, Bryce called out defiantly and slammed his306403:39:50.120 --> 03:39:54.159
grandfather's cane into the side of the humped hedge. It306503:39:54.239 --> 03:39:59.000
lost its balance and fell into the fireplace. A roaring306603:39:59.079 --> 03:40:03.520
scream erupted from its maw. Smoke billowed out. A moment after,306703:40:04.239 --> 03:40:07.760
the fire began to spread As the incendiary hedge camel306803:40:07.879 --> 03:40:11.079
thrashed about. Amy and Mark moved out of the way,306903:40:11.520 --> 03:40:15.159
looking for something to help keep the fire contained, but307003:40:15.239 --> 03:40:18.399
they need not have worried, for their hero was in307103:40:18.479 --> 03:40:22.360
the room with them. The hydrant vomited rusty water all307203:40:22.399 --> 03:40:26.120
over his villainous friend trying to help, but by the307303:40:26.200 --> 03:40:29.799
time the fire was out, the drenched dromedary was only307403:40:29.840 --> 03:40:35.319
a skeleton of branches. Sadness crossed the hydrant's featureless face307503:40:35.680 --> 03:40:40.200
as it realized his comrade was no longer moving. The307603:40:40.239 --> 03:40:42.600
family took a moment to catch their breath. Now that307703:40:42.680 --> 03:40:46.920
the fire was out, including the original fire in the fireplace,307803:40:47.719 --> 03:40:51.639
Bryce watched his soot fell onto the wet law. He307903:40:51.719 --> 03:40:54.719
took a step closer to the fireplace and picked up308003:40:54.760 --> 03:40:59.600
the poker. A second later, a pair of cloven feet appeared,308103:41:00.200 --> 03:41:04.840
then legs. Then Keiko crawled out of the fireplace, covered308203:41:04.879 --> 03:41:08.079
in soot. She looked around at the scene in front308303:41:08.079 --> 03:41:11.639
of her, a flicker of sadness in her eyes when308403:41:11.639 --> 03:41:15.319
they fell on the camel they had been together for308503:41:15.399 --> 03:41:20.479
fifty years. She turned her attention to Mark and the308603:41:20.520 --> 03:41:25.799
tool he held in his hand. It took me a308703:41:25.840 --> 03:41:29.239
while to find you, but I have. The game is over.308803:41:29.920 --> 03:41:33.120
I will not be the laughing stock of the Kalakantazari.308903:41:34.079 --> 03:41:37.000
I need my saw so I can get back to work,309003:41:37.719 --> 03:41:41.559
Keiko said, and pulled her wand from her belt. She309103:41:41.760 --> 03:41:46.719
raised it menacingly at Mark and Amy kill it, Bryce said,309203:41:47.000 --> 03:41:51.479
connecting the fire poker with Keiko's temple. She crumpled into309303:41:51.520 --> 03:41:56.600
a pile on the floor. Bryce his grandmother called out.309403:41:57.520 --> 03:42:01.399
Just then, Jennifer came into the room and reached down309503:42:01.559 --> 03:42:04.959
and grabbed the wand. She gave a quick look around309603:42:05.440 --> 03:42:08.440
like she wanted to say something to her family, but309703:42:08.559 --> 03:42:12.719
she raced out the door instead. The hydrant followed her,309803:42:13.239 --> 03:42:18.920
as sension animated hydrants tend to do. Mom Bryce asked309903:42:19.319 --> 03:42:25.319
confused by her actions, where are you going? Ow my head?310003:42:25.959 --> 03:42:29.680
Came Kiko's voice from the floor. Mark quickly wrapped her310103:42:29.799 --> 03:42:32.680
up in a scarf and tied her to a wet chair.310203:42:33.559 --> 03:42:37.040
Now listen to me, Keiko, Mark said, wagging a finger310303:42:37.079 --> 03:42:40.559
in her face. I'll give you back this saw, but310403:42:40.719 --> 03:42:43.159
you have to promise me you will never come back310503:42:43.159 --> 03:42:47.959
to the surface again. You leave us mortals alone. No deal,310603:42:48.559 --> 03:42:50.680
Give me what is mine, or I'll have my friends310703:42:50.760 --> 03:42:55.319
tear you apart. She looked around for her companions, but310803:42:56.000 --> 03:43:01.399
didn't see any of them. Where are they? They're gone.310903:43:01.520 --> 03:43:05.879
You're all alone. Do we have a deal? Mark asked311003:43:05.920 --> 03:43:10.440
his nemesis. What's to stop me from agreeing then coming311103:43:10.479 --> 03:43:16.479
back anyway? Keiko asked, your word? Mark said, give me311203:43:16.600 --> 03:43:19.280
your word that you will take your saw and leave311303:43:19.319 --> 03:43:25.680
the mortal realm for good? Fine? Fine, Keiko said, in defeat.311403:43:25.879 --> 03:43:30.040
She lowered her head. Mark nodded to Bryce, who untied her.311503:43:31.280 --> 03:43:36.079
Say that you promise, Mark ordered, I promise on my311603:43:36.280 --> 03:43:40.680
wand Keiko patted her pouches and looked up at Mark311703:43:40.719 --> 03:43:44.239
with a sneer. How did you do it? You stole311803:43:44.319 --> 03:43:47.360
my wand faith faith. I will kill you had your311903:43:47.440 --> 03:43:53.200
whole family. Just then, Jennifer entered the door. Everyone frozen place.312003:43:54.079 --> 03:43:57.159
There was someone looming behind her in the shadows of312103:43:57.239 --> 03:44:03.639
the winter night. Bryce asked the figure. He was shocked312203:44:03.680 --> 03:44:07.120
as the living room light illuminated his father's face as312303:44:07.159 --> 03:44:11.440
he stepped inside, a face he thought he would never312403:44:11.520 --> 03:44:15.920
see again. His father pushed past and came to his312503:44:15.959 --> 03:44:19.920
son's side. He gave him a smile and took the312603:44:20.000 --> 03:44:24.239
poker from him with a suddenness that left everyone in shock.312703:44:24.600 --> 03:44:30.360
Brandon pierced the heart of Keiko, ending her life. Everyone312803:44:30.440 --> 03:44:36.239
stood in silence for a moment, looking at the carnage.312903:44:37.120 --> 03:44:41.360
Bryce wrapped his arms around his father and squeezed tight.313003:44:42.559 --> 03:44:46.120
Jennifer pulled the wand from her pocket and threw it313103:44:46.200 --> 03:44:50.000
onto the corpse laying on the floor. Enough of this,313203:44:51.000 --> 03:44:55.600
it's Christmas Eve after all, Mark said, and dragged Keiko's313303:44:55.600 --> 03:44:59.600
body over to the fireplace. Help me get it lit,313403:45:00.120 --> 03:45:06.200
Bryce together, grandfather and grandson got the fire going, and313503:45:06.280 --> 03:45:10.280
when the flames were high enough, they tossed Keiko's body,313603:45:10.799 --> 03:45:16.879
who went up quickly but smelled like burnt hair. Mark313703:45:17.000 --> 03:45:21.079
looked over at his wife Amy, his daughter, Jennifer, and313803:45:21.159 --> 03:45:27.000
her husband Brandon. A smile crossed both their faces as313903:45:27.000 --> 03:45:32.399
they were now reunited. Mark had to assume from the314003:45:32.479 --> 03:45:36.559
rod that brought things to life. Still clinging to his314103:45:36.639 --> 03:45:42.440
father was Mark's grandson Bryce, with the biggest smile of all.314203:45:44.200 --> 03:45:48.239
Christmas is a time for family, Mark said, and sat314303:45:48.319 --> 03:45:52.520
in his chair. He barely noticed the fangs on Brandon314403:45:53.360 --> 03:45:58.920
as he dozed off in his beloved recliner. Looking through314503:45:59.000 --> 03:46:03.920
the window in the old blistery night, a lonely hydrant314603:46:04.600 --> 03:46:08.719
made an important decision. It was time to see what314703:46:08.760 --> 03:46:12.120
it could make of itself in this world. He was314803:46:12.200 --> 03:46:18.639
no longer taking orders. It was indeed its own hydrant.314903:46:28.719 --> 03:46:36.200
High Beams on Christmas by Rob Fields raya Autumn was315003:46:36.239 --> 03:46:41.360
attending a Christmas party at Brighton Miron's house. She didn't315103:46:41.440 --> 03:46:44.840
really have much going on after her family opened presence315203:46:44.879 --> 03:46:48.639
that morning. She could have gone to the Strickfield Centennial315303:46:48.639 --> 03:46:52.840
Theater since they were open on Christmas Day, but there315403:46:52.840 --> 03:46:57.280
really wasn't anything she truly wanted to see there. Also,315503:46:57.799 --> 03:47:03.600
she didn't want to be alone. She never liked being alone. Then,315603:47:03.719 --> 03:47:07.360
as if her prayers of curing her loneliness were answered,315703:47:08.040 --> 03:47:12.440
she received the group Facebook message from Brighton Mirn inviting315803:47:12.440 --> 03:47:15.239
anyone in the group who didn't have anything to do315903:47:15.760 --> 03:47:20.600
to an impromptu Christmas party at her house. Raya quickly316003:47:20.719 --> 03:47:25.120
changed for the party and went downstairs to leave. After316103:47:25.159 --> 03:47:27.760
telling her parents she was going to a Christmas party,316203:47:28.479 --> 03:47:31.840
they told her not to be there too long, considering316303:47:31.879 --> 03:47:34.559
the family's big dinner was going to be around seven316403:47:34.639 --> 03:47:38.440
p m. Raya got into her car and drove to316503:47:38.479 --> 03:47:42.040
Brighton's house. She was glad that Brighton was one of316603:47:42.079 --> 03:47:45.600
the select few Mirans who didn't live inside the gated316703:47:45.639 --> 03:47:49.879
community where the majority of the others lived. Brighton lived316803:47:49.920 --> 03:47:53.479
in a beautiful two story house on Pleasant Valley Road.316903:47:54.200 --> 03:47:57.840
At the same time, Raya was feeling a little jittery,317003:47:58.399 --> 03:48:02.399
knowing Brighton's house was only three houses down from the317103:48:02.479 --> 03:48:15.120
Carnivosh estate, which was known to be haunted. Reya made317203:48:15.200 --> 03:48:19.600
it past the old mansion without any issues. She was comfortable,317303:48:19.719 --> 03:48:23.479
knowing it was still daylight. She parked on the street317403:48:23.520 --> 03:48:27.159
in front of Brighton's house and got out. Just as317503:48:27.239 --> 03:48:31.159
she was about to ring the doorbell, the door suddenly317603:48:31.200 --> 03:48:37.959
opened to reveal the always flamboyant Brighton Miron herself. Raya317703:48:38.479 --> 03:48:41.520
I was hoping you would come to my party. Brighton317803:48:41.600 --> 03:48:45.600
reached out, took Raya's hand and pulled her into the house.317903:48:46.680 --> 03:48:50.559
Brighton was always the center of attention. Even today. She318003:48:50.719 --> 03:48:54.040
was wearing a Christmas colored dress that didn't leave a318103:48:54.040 --> 03:48:57.680
lot to the imagination. She even had her hair dyed318203:48:57.719 --> 03:49:01.520
in red and green streaks with Glynn, which she would318303:49:01.639 --> 03:49:05.120
wash out after the party was over. Even both sets318403:49:05.120 --> 03:49:10.079
of nails were polished Christmasy. Raya often wondered why Brighton318503:49:10.520 --> 03:49:13.920
had taken such a liking to her. Raya was a318603:49:13.920 --> 03:49:17.040
girl who got around and had no problem hooking up318703:49:17.079 --> 03:49:20.200
with someone, even though she had been branded the school's318803:49:20.200 --> 03:49:23.120
slut at Strickfield High School, there were a few of318903:49:23.159 --> 03:49:27.600
her fellow students who were pining for her affections. At319003:49:27.600 --> 03:49:30.840
the same time. Raya didn't know whether to be scared319103:49:30.879 --> 03:49:35.959
of Brighton or if she was always so flamboyant. Raya's319203:49:36.000 --> 03:49:40.399
eyes opened wide when Brighton leaned in and pecked her319303:49:40.440 --> 03:49:46.680
on the lips. After the kiss, she pointed up mistletoe.319403:49:46.879 --> 03:49:50.440
Then she gestured to the kitchen and dining room. There's319503:49:50.479 --> 03:49:53.520
plenty to eat and drink here, so help yourself. Mi319603:49:53.680 --> 03:49:58.680
Casa Sukasa Raya took a silent breath of relief. When319703:49:58.680 --> 03:50:03.719
the doorbell rang, Brighton turned away and went to answer.319803:50:04.840 --> 03:50:08.479
Raya wondered why Brighton kissed her the way she did.319903:50:09.399 --> 03:50:13.040
In fact, it wasn't the first time Brighton had kissed her.320003:50:13.959 --> 03:50:17.040
Rayah shook her head slowly and went to see what320103:50:17.200 --> 03:50:21.159
she felt like eating. She knew she couldn't stuff herself320203:50:21.200 --> 03:50:25.079
since her family would have Christmas dinner later. As she320303:50:25.159 --> 03:50:28.520
was making a small plate and admiring the Christmas tree320403:50:28.559 --> 03:50:32.520
and decorations, she loved the attention many of the guys320503:50:32.600 --> 03:50:37.520
were giving her. Raya herself wore form fitting clothes in320603:50:37.600 --> 03:50:42.000
the style of a shoulderless top and pants. On her feet,320703:50:42.200 --> 03:50:45.840
she wore red pumps. As she started to eat, she320803:50:45.959 --> 03:50:50.040
felt someone standing right behind her and wondered if Brighton320903:50:50.120 --> 03:50:54.879
had returned. Raya twirled to see the last person in321003:50:54.920 --> 03:50:59.120
the world she ever wanted to talk to, Mulson. Jagger321103:50:59.159 --> 03:51:01.559
had a bottle of beer in his hand as he321203:51:01.639 --> 03:51:08.399
grinned looking her over. Merry Christmas, Raya. He said, um, yeah,321303:51:09.120 --> 03:51:13.479
same to you, She replied, clearly conveying she did not321403:51:13.799 --> 03:51:16.680
want to talk to him. As she was about to321503:51:16.760 --> 03:51:20.840
walk away, he took hold of her arm. Now, now321603:51:20.920 --> 03:51:23.680
you just wait a minute here. When he was looking321703:51:23.719 --> 03:51:28.680
into Raya's eyes, he demanded, what's your problem? Huh? You321803:51:28.719 --> 03:51:31.799
always act like I'm trying to get you alone. He321903:51:31.879 --> 03:51:35.280
looked down at her cleavage. Not that that wouldn't be322003:51:35.360 --> 03:51:40.600
a bad thing, but you get the idea. Leave me alone, Mulson,322103:51:41.120 --> 03:51:45.639
She snapped. Mulson shook his head slowly. Not until you322203:51:45.760 --> 03:51:51.159
tell me what your problem is, Raya groaned. Fine, it's322303:51:51.200 --> 03:51:53.280
no secret you've always been in and out of trouble322403:51:53.360 --> 03:51:56.319
with the law. In fact, I heard you just got322503:51:56.319 --> 03:52:01.360
out of jail again. Uh huh. Then Moulson pointed right322603:52:01.399 --> 03:52:05.280
at her. That was bullshit. Yeah, the knife was found322703:52:05.280 --> 03:52:07.959
in my hand. I ain't gonna lie about that, But322803:52:08.120 --> 03:52:12.319
I wasn't the one who stabbed Brian Giles anyway. He322903:52:12.440 --> 03:52:14.879
was in the wrong place at the wrong time. The323003:52:14.920 --> 03:52:19.000
police couldn't pin anything on me, so they let me out.323103:52:19.239 --> 03:52:22.440
Rayah pointed at him. You should be in glen View,323203:52:22.520 --> 03:52:26.239
not in the local jail. She lowered her hand. What323303:52:26.360 --> 03:52:29.120
did you do threatened to beat up Brighton if she323403:52:29.159 --> 03:52:32.239
didn't invite you to her party? Or did you just323503:52:32.440 --> 03:52:35.000
crash like you've done to most of the other parties323603:52:35.040 --> 03:52:39.120
I've seen you at Molson sneers, I only crash the323703:52:39.159 --> 03:52:42.719
parties you happened to be at Raya. Then he put323803:52:42.760 --> 03:52:46.840
both his hands on his heart. Face it, Babe, you're323903:52:46.840 --> 03:52:49.479
the one girl here in Strickfield who truly rocks my324003:52:49.600 --> 03:52:54.559
world and my Christmas wish for you to go on324103:52:54.600 --> 03:52:59.440
a date, just one with me, or we could skip324203:52:59.479 --> 03:53:03.639
the date and just go fuck somewhere. Lady's choice now.324303:53:03.760 --> 03:53:06.959
Raya sneered as she put her plate down. Then she324403:53:07.159 --> 03:53:10.840
raised both her middle fingers right in his face, as324503:53:10.879 --> 03:53:14.840
if perfect timing was on her side. Raya turned and324603:53:15.000 --> 03:53:19.319
swiped the incoming Brighton to her and locked their lips.324703:53:19.799 --> 03:53:24.840
Brighton's hands went up in surprise as she moaned. Then324803:53:24.959 --> 03:53:28.760
she went with it and kissed Raya back. After a324903:53:28.799 --> 03:53:33.159
little bit, the two girls came apart. Raya gave Moulson325003:53:33.200 --> 03:53:36.719
a look that dared him to challenge her claim to Brighton.325103:53:38.200 --> 03:53:43.879
Fuck you, Raya, Moulson said, with disgust. When Moulson walked away,325203:53:44.319 --> 03:53:48.120
Raya soon realized maybe kissing Brighton might not have been325303:53:48.319 --> 03:53:54.159
the best idea. Brighton smiled and took Raya's hands. I325403:53:54.239 --> 03:53:57.760
won't force you, babe. For the record, I swing both ways.325503:53:58.319 --> 03:54:02.479
Give me your phone number. Raya couldn't believe she was325603:54:02.520 --> 03:54:06.840
handing Brighton her phone. A few moments later, Brighton handed325703:54:06.840 --> 03:54:10.520
it back to her. You've got my number, now text325803:54:10.520 --> 03:54:14.959
her call anytime, and I do mean any time. It325903:54:15.120 --> 03:54:19.200
was then when another guy appeared. Jack Rosemont gave his326003:54:19.280 --> 03:54:23.559
Dennis Quaid like smile as he looked at Brighton, still326103:54:23.600 --> 03:54:27.159
trying to sleep with everybody at Strickfield High, regardless of sex.326203:54:28.000 --> 03:54:32.319
Neither girl was sure whom he was addressing. Brighton glared326303:54:32.319 --> 03:54:35.959
at him. Last I checked, I didn't invite you to326403:54:36.079 --> 03:54:41.360
my party. Jack looked at Raya. Better be careful. Brighton326503:54:41.440 --> 03:54:45.079
doesn't handle rejection very well. She doesn't live in that326603:54:45.120 --> 03:54:47.680
walled off community with the rest of her family, but326703:54:48.360 --> 03:54:51.040
she's just as rich as the rest of them. They326803:54:51.120 --> 03:54:54.200
live by the credo that they always get what they want.326903:54:54.799 --> 03:54:58.840
If Brighton wants you, Raya, she won't stop until she327003:54:58.920 --> 03:55:03.719
gets you in her bed. When Raya gulped, Brighton clinched327103:55:03.719 --> 03:55:07.559
her fists and growled. Then she raised a hand and327203:55:07.600 --> 03:55:10.959
pointed at him, Fuck you, Jack, I believe you know327303:55:11.040 --> 03:55:13.680
where the door is, use it and get the fuck327403:55:13.680 --> 03:55:18.440
out of my house. When Brighton stormed away, Raya turned327503:55:18.479 --> 03:55:24.879
to Jack, thank you. Then Raya's eyes were wide open327603:55:25.479 --> 03:55:28.799
when Jack eased her into his arms and kissed her.327703:55:29.920 --> 03:55:33.079
Though Raya had dated and been with plenty of guys327803:55:33.120 --> 03:55:37.760
at Strickfield High, she secretly had a huge crush on Jack.327903:55:38.680 --> 03:55:43.600
The kiss was lasting longer and longer. Raya was beginning328003:55:43.639 --> 03:55:45.920
to wonder if they were going to have sex soon,328103:55:46.559 --> 03:55:49.440
because she was getting more and more in the mood.328203:55:50.440 --> 03:55:53.760
It wasn't long before Jack felt being pulled away from her.328303:55:54.760 --> 03:55:59.840
Then Raya cried out when she saw another man punch Jack.328403:56:01.079 --> 03:56:04.719
When Jack was on the floor, Raya quickly went to him.328503:56:05.639 --> 03:56:09.879
Jack checked his jaw and then looked up at his attacker,328603:56:11.000 --> 03:56:14.559
Devon Crenshaw, a known jock who was twice the size328703:56:14.600 --> 03:56:19.520
of Jack, pointed down at him, Fuck you, asshole. Then328803:56:19.639 --> 03:56:22.639
he pointed at Raya. Guess I don't mean that much328903:56:22.680 --> 03:56:26.200
to you. After a few dates, we even fucked. Now329003:56:26.239 --> 03:56:29.319
you're looking for another guy, and don't think I didn't329103:56:29.360 --> 03:56:33.200
see you kissing Brighton. She stood up and shoved Devon,329203:56:33.239 --> 03:56:36.959
who hardly moved. Then she put her finger in his face.329303:56:37.840 --> 03:56:40.559
I told you to leave me alone. Who I date329403:56:40.760 --> 03:56:45.399
and who I fuck are none of your goddamn business.329503:56:45.840 --> 03:56:50.159
Devin sneered, just how many guys do you need, Reraya?329603:56:50.879 --> 03:56:54.559
How many were you fucking while we were dating? Yeah?329703:56:54.879 --> 03:56:58.959
Words sure got around about you fast face it. You329803:56:59.079 --> 03:57:02.520
got a rep being the school slut. Then he looked329903:57:02.520 --> 03:57:06.239
past her to Jack as he was getting up. Better330003:57:06.319 --> 03:57:09.040
watch Raya if you get with her, she don't commit330103:57:09.120 --> 03:57:12.399
to just one person. Hugh might think she's yours, but330203:57:12.559 --> 03:57:18.959
remember she loves sleeping around. Fuck you, Raya yelled, don't330303:57:19.040 --> 03:57:21.399
drag my name through the mud because you couldn't get330403:57:21.440 --> 03:57:26.200
it up snorting nosecandy? Does that you know? Devin shoved her.330503:57:26.760 --> 03:57:30.360
Raya staggered back and was caught by Jack. It wasn't330603:57:30.399 --> 03:57:34.079
long before another guy showed up. Moulson was just as330703:57:34.079 --> 03:57:37.680
big as Devon, except now the latter was looking at330803:57:37.719 --> 03:57:41.520
a switchblade. Better get the hell out of here, Moulson330903:57:41.639 --> 03:57:44.719
told Devin, or you ain't gonna have that little pecker331003:57:44.760 --> 03:57:48.559
to call your own. Just then, Brighton returned and took331103:57:48.600 --> 03:57:52.719
the switchblade from Molson, after retracting it and handing it331203:57:52.799 --> 03:57:56.479
back to him, she smiled. I believe I told you331303:57:56.479 --> 03:57:59.600
you could come to my party if you weren't going331403:57:59.639 --> 03:58:04.520
to start any trouble. Mulsen smiled back. Hey, Hoti, it331503:58:04.600 --> 03:58:08.159
wasn't me this time, it was this jock motherfucker. Here.331603:58:09.040 --> 03:58:13.159
Brighton uttered a romantic sigh. Then she walked right into331703:58:13.200 --> 03:58:17.280
Devon's face. Last I checked, I sure as hell didn't331803:58:17.319 --> 03:58:22.000
invite you either, Devin grinned like the cheshire cat from331903:58:22.000 --> 03:58:25.559
Alice in Wonderland. But you invite a hood and the332003:58:25.559 --> 03:58:29.200
school's slut here. Hell, I even see some geeks here.332103:58:29.680 --> 03:58:32.319
What is this a Christmas party for all the shit332203:58:32.399 --> 03:58:36.719
that walks the halls of Strickfield High. But Brighton didn't332303:58:36.760 --> 03:58:40.639
back down. You can either leave or She put a332403:58:40.680 --> 03:58:43.799
few fingers in her mouth and whistled, even over the332503:58:43.879 --> 03:58:47.959
Christmas music. Two very big dogs came to her side.332603:58:48.719 --> 03:58:52.440
You're familiar with my boys here, right, Last I checked332703:58:52.440 --> 03:58:56.879
Brutus and Bronson here. Ooh, I do believe they're growling, Devon.332803:58:57.159 --> 03:59:00.000
I think it's safe to say they just don't like you.332903:59:00.479 --> 03:59:02.360
All I have to do is point right at you,333003:59:02.920 --> 03:59:06.879
and they'll have you for a special Christmas treat. You333103:59:07.120 --> 03:59:11.840
fucking bitch, he growled, Hey, you jock, asshole, you're in333203:59:12.040 --> 03:59:18.079
my house. Brighton persisted, your move. Devon looked from one333303:59:18.159 --> 03:59:21.719
growling dog to the next. Devon had fought with the333403:59:21.760 --> 03:59:26.159
dogs a few times before and lost each time. He333503:59:26.319 --> 03:59:29.680
wanted to fight them again, but he knew how rough333603:59:29.719 --> 03:59:33.159
the dogs could be. Then there was the fact of333703:59:33.559 --> 03:59:38.799
how sharp their teeth were. Okay, bitch, I'm leaving, Devon replied.333803:59:39.399 --> 03:59:43.200
Then he pointed to Jack, I ain't finished with you, asshole.333903:59:43.799 --> 03:59:48.840
Then to Rea have a good time, slut. Reya had334003:59:48.879 --> 03:59:51.760
an unopened can of beer in her hand and threw334103:59:51.799 --> 03:59:54.959
it at him. Devon caught it, cracked it open, and334203:59:55.040 --> 03:59:58.440
drank it down in one gulp. He was still smiling334303:59:58.479 --> 04:00:01.399
his wicked smile when and he slammed the can down334404:00:01.479 --> 04:00:06.440
on the counter. Ah. After that, he walked to the334504:00:06.520 --> 04:00:11.920
front door and left. Brighton turned to Rea, you okay, baby.334604:00:12.920 --> 04:00:16.280
Raya had her eyes closed and her fists tightened as334704:00:16.319 --> 04:00:19.760
she was taking quick breaths. Clearly Devon had pulled the334804:00:19.840 --> 04:00:23.440
right strings with her to piss her off. Oh you334904:00:23.600 --> 04:00:27.360
poor thing, Brighton purred. As she came in to Raa.335004:00:28.239 --> 04:00:32.559
Jack watched as Brighton kissed her again. Raya soon calmed335104:00:32.639 --> 04:00:35.959
down and held Brighton close. It seemed as if the335204:00:36.000 --> 04:00:39.680
girls would never stop kissing. He wondered if Brighton would335304:00:39.719 --> 04:00:45.159
take Raya to her room. Shortly after the girls finally disengaged.335404:00:46.360 --> 04:00:51.440
Oh wow, you're blushing, Raya, Brighton laughed. Raya bit her335504:00:51.440 --> 04:00:57.000
lower lip and muttered shit. Brighton again turned away to335604:00:57.159 --> 04:01:01.840
check on her other guests. Raya looked at Jack. I'm sorry.335704:01:03.159 --> 04:01:07.159
Why did you do it, Raya? Jack demanded, why did335804:01:07.200 --> 04:01:10.600
you fool around with so many people? Rayah closed her335904:01:10.639 --> 04:01:16.440
eyes insighed I don't know. Finally, she decided she had336004:01:16.479 --> 04:01:20.399
had enough. I'm going home. I really don't need this336104:01:20.479 --> 04:01:24.760
shit today. Jack stopped her. Wait a minute, you're just336204:01:24.840 --> 04:01:28.040
going to run away. He pulled Raya to him and336304:01:28.159 --> 04:01:31.680
held her close. What was that earlier when I kissed you?336404:01:32.719 --> 04:01:36.639
Rayah collected herself and looked at him. You tell me336504:01:37.280 --> 04:01:41.680
you kissed me. Remember you know I've always cared about you,336604:01:42.200 --> 04:01:45.239
He reminded her. I even told you that back when336704:01:45.239 --> 04:01:48.360
we were in Strickfield Junior High. How come you won't336804:01:48.399 --> 04:01:52.159
give me the time of day? Is that what you want? Jack?336904:01:52.680 --> 04:01:56.719
Raya asked, you want to date me? He took her hand.337004:01:58.159 --> 04:02:00.840
I want to do more than dates you, ray I337104:02:00.879 --> 04:02:03.719
want to be with you. They looked at each other337204:02:03.840 --> 04:02:08.200
for a long moment. Then Rayah gently squeezed his hand337304:02:08.600 --> 04:02:12.000
as she took him outside. They went to the little337404:02:12.000 --> 04:02:16.559
cottage out back and went inside. After closing and locking337504:02:16.600 --> 04:02:20.239
the door, Jack backed Raya up against the wall and337604:02:20.399 --> 04:02:27.959
kissed her again. Raya gave in and kissed him back again. Eventually,337704:02:28.319 --> 04:02:31.799
Raya gave in completely when Jack stopped kissing her and337804:02:31.879 --> 04:02:35.159
scooped her up into his arms. Then he took her337904:02:35.159 --> 04:02:39.879
into the bedroom and laid her down on the soft mattress.338004:02:40.479 --> 04:02:43.600
He got on the bed beside her and began kissing338104:02:43.639 --> 04:02:48.239
her again. Soon the two of them began undressing each other.338204:02:49.639 --> 04:02:52.719
As it was getting dark. Raya and Jack came back338304:02:52.760 --> 04:02:55.959
into the house. After the two of them had had sex,338404:02:56.079 --> 04:03:00.159
everything exploded. Jack told Raya that he loved her, but338504:03:00.280 --> 04:03:03.719
she couldn't say it back. In fact, she had told338604:03:03.879 --> 04:03:07.840
Jack that what they had done was just sacks. The338704:03:07.879 --> 04:03:10.719
two of them were still arguing, getting the attention of338804:03:10.760 --> 04:03:14.200
everybody else who was looking to watch the drama unfold.338904:03:15.200 --> 04:03:18.879
Even Brighton was looking at them with great interest. Raya339004:03:19.000 --> 04:03:21.040
looked as though she was ready to pick up the339104:03:21.079 --> 04:03:24.639
punch bowl filled with eggnog and throw the spiked, thick339204:03:24.680 --> 04:03:29.440
liquid all over him. Suddenly someone grabbed Jack and started339304:03:29.520 --> 04:03:32.879
laying into him. Brighton yelled when she saw that Devon339404:03:32.959 --> 04:03:37.559
Crenshaw had returned. You son of a bitch, he roared,339504:03:38.120 --> 04:03:41.799
I know you were with Raya. Jack tried fighting back,339604:03:42.239 --> 04:03:45.600
but he was clearly no match for Devon. It was339704:03:45.639 --> 04:03:48.559
when Devin lifted Jack up and dropped him right onto339804:03:48.600 --> 04:03:52.680
the dining room table, making it collapse that Brighton was339904:03:52.799 --> 04:03:56.920
right there with a big sharp kitchen knife. I mean it,340004:03:57.000 --> 04:04:01.159
you bastard, she yelled, Get the fuck out of my house.340104:04:01.280 --> 04:04:05.600
Or suddenly Devon snatched her wrists to make her drop340204:04:05.600 --> 04:04:10.559
her knife, or what rich bitch. Devon quickly looked for340304:04:10.600 --> 04:04:14.319
the dogs, but he soon found a fist coming his way.340404:04:15.200 --> 04:04:19.000
On impact, he let go of Brighton and staggered back.340504:04:19.719 --> 04:04:23.559
Another punch sent him right to the floor. Mulson Jagger340604:04:23.680 --> 04:04:28.200
was certainly ready for a fight. Get up, Moulson yelled,340704:04:28.639 --> 04:04:30.399
I don't care if I end up back in jail340804:04:30.399 --> 04:04:35.760
tonight or not. Get up. Then Devon heard the familiar whistle.340904:04:36.639 --> 04:04:41.200
Soon the dogs were right there and waiting for Brighton's command.341004:04:42.399 --> 04:04:46.000
When Reya helped Jack up, he pushed her away. You341104:04:46.040 --> 04:04:50.680
know what, just leave me alone. I'm going home, he341204:04:50.799 --> 04:04:54.479
pointed at her. He don't just play with people's hearts341304:04:54.559 --> 04:04:58.079
like that. He really are a cold and motionless bitch.341404:04:58.319 --> 04:05:03.040
You know that, have nice life. At first, Raya wanted341504:05:03.040 --> 04:05:06.440
to run after him, but she found she didn't really341604:05:06.520 --> 04:05:11.200
care and let him leave. Last time, Devn, get your341704:05:11.319 --> 04:05:14.000
mother fucking ass out of my house right now, or341804:05:14.040 --> 04:05:17.120
I will let my dogs have their special Christmas dinner341904:05:17.719 --> 04:05:22.840
with you, Brighton threatened. But one of the dogs wasn't342004:05:22.840 --> 04:05:26.040
going to wait for his master's command and sank his342104:05:26.200 --> 04:05:30.360
teeth into Devon's wrist. Devon cried out and tried shaking342204:05:30.399 --> 04:05:34.520
the dog free. The other animal followed suit and chomped342304:05:34.600 --> 04:05:38.239
down on the other wrist. Devon cursed again and again342404:05:38.479 --> 04:05:42.200
as he tried shaking them off. Eventually, the dogs got342504:05:42.239 --> 04:05:44.639
him to the floor and were on top of him.342604:05:45.280 --> 04:05:48.120
After a while, Brighton gave the order for the dogs342704:05:48.600 --> 04:05:51.840
to leave him. They did so without needing to be342804:05:51.920 --> 04:05:56.600
told twice. Devin slowly got up and pointed at her342904:05:57.440 --> 04:06:01.079
this ain't over. When he saw Brighton was getting ready343004:06:01.079 --> 04:06:04.040
to order the dogs on him again. He raised his343104:06:04.120 --> 04:06:07.559
hands in front of him. Okay, okay, bitch, I'm leaving.343204:06:08.680 --> 04:06:11.600
Devon made his way to the front door again, but343304:06:11.680 --> 04:06:16.360
before he left, he pointed right at Raya. You'll be back,343404:06:16.760 --> 04:06:19.440
you know you will. You know what, don't you dare343504:06:19.559 --> 04:06:23.159
leave this party tonight. I'll be waiting for you. Then343604:06:23.719 --> 04:06:28.520
he pulled the door shut. Brighton and Raya both looked343704:06:28.559 --> 04:06:31.559
out the front window to see Devon walking away from343804:06:31.559 --> 04:06:34.879
the house. It was obvious he was cursing and yelling343904:06:34.920 --> 04:06:40.639
at no one in particular. Eventually he was gone. Raya sighed,344004:06:41.319 --> 04:06:44.319
you know what, I think I'm going to go home too.344104:06:45.040 --> 04:06:47.399
Have caused a lot of trouble here today and on344204:06:47.559 --> 04:06:51.319
Christmas of all days. But Brighton wouldn't hear of it344304:06:51.680 --> 04:06:55.799
and eased her arms around Raya. Honey, no, you don't344404:06:55.840 --> 04:06:58.920
have to leave. In fact, I don't want you to.344504:07:00.079 --> 04:07:03.920
Rayah moaned again when Brighton kissed her. When they're kissing344604:07:04.000 --> 04:07:08.040
became more intense, Raya felt she truly wanted to give344704:07:08.079 --> 04:07:13.479
in to Brighton. However, she forced herself to stop. No, Brighton,344804:07:14.280 --> 04:07:18.000
I'm sorry, but this was all a mistake, Reya said.344904:07:18.479 --> 04:07:22.719
As she started crying. Raya grabbed her jacket and stormed345004:07:22.760 --> 04:07:27.360
out the front door. Brighton appeared at the doorway. Then345104:07:27.719 --> 04:07:31.959
Moulson appeared too. What are you going to do? Keep345204:07:32.040 --> 04:07:34.360
running away when the going gets too rough for you,345304:07:35.079 --> 04:07:40.959
Moulson jeered. Raya turned to him. Fuck you. Moulson stepped345404:07:40.959 --> 04:07:44.719
off the porch steps. Hey, you know I'm ready, baby.345504:07:45.000 --> 04:07:46.959
I'll gladly take you to bed and show you what345604:07:47.000 --> 04:07:50.440
you've been missing out on. Raya growled until she ran345704:07:50.559 --> 04:07:53.920
up to Moulson and punched him in the face. All345804:07:53.920 --> 04:07:56.840
it did was rock him slightly. When he looked back345904:07:56.879 --> 04:08:00.879
at her, Reya gasped and turned to run. She quickly346004:08:00.959 --> 04:08:05.079
moved back to her car. As Moulson started marching towards her,346104:08:05.520 --> 04:08:10.319
he suddenly stopped. Stay here, Raya, he rumbled, I mean it.346204:08:10.399 --> 04:08:13.479
Don't get in your car and leave. Raya raised her346304:08:13.520 --> 04:08:16.879
middle finger. Fuck you, Mulson, Why can't you just leave346404:08:16.920 --> 04:08:19.639
me alone? Why do you have to keep coming after346504:08:19.680 --> 04:08:24.479
me all the time? Just fuck off? Molson tightened his fists.346604:08:25.040 --> 04:08:27.079
Don't get in your car and leave, Raya, You'll be346704:08:27.120 --> 04:08:31.280
making a big mistake. Raya groaned and got in her car,346804:08:31.920 --> 04:08:34.959
she quickly started it. Moulson was at her door and346904:08:35.040 --> 04:08:37.520
trying to pull on the handle. She flipped him off347004:08:37.559 --> 04:08:41.399
again before she quickly shifted gears and sped away. As347104:08:41.399 --> 04:08:46.040
he continued to yell at her, Jesus Christ, Raya groaned,347204:08:46.760 --> 04:08:50.040
what the fuck is wrong with me? Raya knew that347304:08:50.159 --> 04:08:53.879
people always talked about her at Strickfield High. She knew347404:08:53.920 --> 04:08:57.399
people called her the school's slut. Just the same, she347504:08:57.479 --> 04:09:01.399
knew she couldn't stop. She loved being with people too much.347604:09:02.079 --> 04:09:05.239
She refused to be alone, even if it meant having347704:09:05.280 --> 04:09:08.879
to be sexual with them. After she had lost her virginity,347804:09:09.000 --> 04:09:13.040
she knew she always had to be with someone. Oh347904:09:13.079 --> 04:09:17.559
my god, Mulson, leave me alone, she yelled when she348004:09:17.639 --> 04:09:20.920
saw his truck coming up behind her. As Raya was348104:09:20.959 --> 04:09:23.920
about to lift her middle finger to him again, the348204:09:23.959 --> 04:09:27.520
truck suddenly turned on its high beams, flooding her car348304:09:27.559 --> 04:09:32.639
with light. Bastard, Raya screamed. When the brights were off,348404:09:32.719 --> 04:09:35.639
Rayes sped up and eventually turned at a nearby road.348504:09:36.360 --> 04:09:40.319
The truck quickly followed. Raya dug into her purse to348604:09:40.399 --> 04:09:43.399
try and find her phone, but she was too angry348704:09:43.399 --> 04:09:47.280
and flustered to grab it. Suddenly, the truck came alive348804:09:47.559 --> 04:09:51.079
with its high beams again. Once more, her compartment was348904:09:51.120 --> 04:09:56.440
ablaze with light. God damn you, Moulson, Raya screamed, leave349004:09:56.680 --> 04:10:01.440
me alone. The high beams went off again. Not even349104:10:01.479 --> 04:10:05.000
a half minute later, they were back on. Raya screamed349204:10:05.040 --> 04:10:07.719
like a banshee and was so upset that she didn't349304:10:07.799 --> 04:10:11.399
care about driving safely. She tightened her hands around the349404:10:11.440 --> 04:10:14.639
steering wheel and floored the gas. She sped away from349504:10:14.680 --> 04:10:17.319
the truck. The high beams went off, and the truck349604:10:17.399 --> 04:10:22.000
moved and stayed right behind her. Raya sped through Strickfield349704:10:22.040 --> 04:10:26.159
and eventually drove down Indian Hollow Road. No matter where349804:10:26.239 --> 04:10:30.399
Raya drove, Moulson and his big pickup stayed right behind her.349904:10:31.120 --> 04:10:33.959
Every so often, the high beams would keep coming on350004:10:34.200 --> 04:10:37.360
and flooding her car with light. She dug into her350104:10:37.399 --> 04:10:40.639
purse again to try and pull out her smartphone. When350204:10:40.680 --> 04:10:43.040
she finally had it, she hit a bump in the350304:10:43.120 --> 04:10:45.799
road that caused her to drop it on the passenger350404:10:45.879 --> 04:10:50.840
side floor where she could easily reach it. Shit, she shrieked.350504:10:51.399 --> 04:10:54.159
She screamed one more time when her car was filled350604:10:54.200 --> 04:10:58.360
with bright light. Yet again, She turned off Indian Hollow350704:10:58.479 --> 04:11:02.280
Road and made her way toward downtown village. As she350804:11:02.399 --> 04:11:05.719
turned down her road, the truck stayed right behind her.350904:11:06.319 --> 04:11:09.879
The brights came on again, and this time they remained351004:11:09.920 --> 04:11:12.840
on her. She was only a quarter mile from her351104:11:12.840 --> 04:11:18.040
house when she became deeply flustered. When Raya recognized the351204:11:18.079 --> 04:11:21.479
bright Christmas lights on her home, she jammed on the351304:11:21.520 --> 04:11:25.399
brakes and turned into her driveway. She pulled right up351404:11:25.399 --> 04:11:29.200
to the garage and stopped fast. Molson pulled in right351504:11:29.239 --> 04:11:33.000
behind her. Raya got out of her car and pointed351604:11:33.040 --> 04:11:37.000
at him, Get out of here, you bastard. Suddenly, the351704:11:37.040 --> 04:11:40.559
front porch light came on. The door soon opened to351804:11:40.600 --> 04:11:44.440
reveal Raya's father. What the hell is going on out here?351904:11:45.319 --> 04:11:49.719
Raya turned to her dad call the police, she screamed.352004:11:50.360 --> 04:11:52.920
As soon as both Raya and her father saw Molson352104:11:53.479 --> 04:11:56.520
with a gun in his hand. Her father quickly went352204:11:56.559 --> 04:12:00.000
inside to dial nine one one. Raya could have even352304:12:00.360 --> 04:12:03.840
gone inside herself, but she was much too angry to352404:12:03.959 --> 04:12:08.600
even think straight. So it's come to this, huh, Raya yelled,352504:12:09.120 --> 04:12:13.520
I hate you. Mulson remained where he was pointing the352604:12:13.600 --> 04:12:18.200
gun at no one in particular. Soon, two Strickfield police352704:12:18.239 --> 04:12:23.040
cars came speeding down her road. After screeching to a halt,352804:12:23.600 --> 04:12:27.760
the officers got out of their car. Much to Rea's delight,352904:12:27.920 --> 04:12:31.959
the police started to arrest Moulson. Then she heard him353004:12:32.040 --> 04:12:37.959
say something to the police that completely caught her off guard. Whoa, whoa, whoa.353104:12:38.159 --> 04:12:41.000
You don't want to arrest me this time? He pointed353204:12:41.000 --> 04:12:45.079
to Reya's car, you want him. Two of the officers353304:12:45.120 --> 04:12:48.399
went to her car. They had their guns drawn as353404:12:48.440 --> 04:12:52.000
one of them opened the driver's side door. Then he353504:12:52.120 --> 04:12:56.520
pointed his gun and back freeze right there. Raya was353604:12:56.600 --> 04:13:00.799
horrified when she saw the police pulling Jack Roseman out353704:13:00.840 --> 04:13:05.719
of the back seat. They also found a long, sharp353804:13:05.840 --> 04:13:09.479
kitchen knife back there with him, probably from the incident353904:13:09.520 --> 04:13:13.799
at Brighton's house earlier. Jack turned and pointed right at Raya.354004:13:14.559 --> 04:13:17.520
Then he said, in front of her parents, I was354104:13:17.559 --> 04:13:20.040
going to make sure you never fucked around on anybody354204:13:20.040 --> 04:13:23.479
ever again. You just don't break people's hearts like that.354304:13:24.680 --> 04:13:29.479
I guess you'll always be the school slut. Raya started crying,354404:13:30.239 --> 04:13:34.159
especially when her parents were finally learning the truth about her.354504:13:35.319 --> 04:13:39.799
The police took Jack away when they got statements from354604:13:39.879 --> 04:13:44.159
both Raya and Molson. That was when she heard his explanation.354704:13:45.200 --> 04:13:49.239
Molson wanted to confront Raya at Brighton Miron's house. That354804:13:49.440 --> 04:13:52.200
was when he saw that Jack was already in the354904:13:52.200 --> 04:13:56.440
back seat. He tried to warn her, but she wouldn't355004:13:56.479 --> 04:14:01.879
listen when Raya fled and quickly jumped into his truck355104:14:02.239 --> 04:14:06.280
and pursued her. Every time Moulson would see Jack come355204:14:06.360 --> 04:14:09.639
up out of the back seat to try and overpower Raya,355304:14:10.520 --> 04:14:13.520
he would turn on his high beams. Fearing that he355404:14:13.559 --> 04:14:18.239
would be seen. Jack would quickly crouch back down. Every355504:14:18.280 --> 04:14:23.319
time thereafter, when Jack would try overpowering Raya again, Moulson355604:14:23.360 --> 04:14:26.879
would turn on his high beams. Eventually, Raya would lead355704:14:26.959 --> 04:14:29.879
him back to her house, where she felt she would355804:14:29.879 --> 04:14:34.760
be safe. When the police checked Moulson's gun, they found355904:14:34.799 --> 04:14:38.879
it wasn't loaded. Since Moulson had Savedraya's life, there would356004:14:38.879 --> 04:14:42.600
be no charges filed against him. Moulson would not be356104:14:42.719 --> 04:14:48.680
arrested or returned to jail. Raya became emotional and threw356204:14:48.719 --> 04:14:53.360
herself into Maulson's arms. She expected him to just throw356304:14:53.399 --> 04:14:58.959
her aside, but he didn't. He held her gently until356404:14:59.000 --> 04:15:12.079
she was ready to pull away. A Sinister Santa Spectacle356504:15:13.000 --> 04:15:17.799
by Keith Tomlin. The lights from the huge Christmas tree356604:15:17.879 --> 04:15:20.680
sitting in the middle of the small park next to356704:15:20.760 --> 04:15:24.639
City Hall lit up the street, a mist in the air,356804:15:24.760 --> 04:15:29.559
giving each light a halo. The cold wind blew the356904:15:29.639 --> 04:15:34.600
light layer of snow across the sidewalk and street. Many357004:15:34.760 --> 04:15:37.879
people stood around the tree with their children in hand,357104:15:38.600 --> 04:15:43.559
enjoying the holiday display. From deep within the branches of357204:15:43.559 --> 04:15:48.799
the Christmas tree appeared a man like silhouette that solidified357304:15:49.120 --> 04:15:51.799
as it got closer to the outside of the tree.357404:15:52.399 --> 04:15:56.840
A tall, impossibly thin man stepped out from the branches357504:15:57.319 --> 04:16:01.680
and held his hand up high, holding a silver cane357604:16:02.079 --> 04:16:05.479
as if he was a rock star on stage. Acknowledging357704:16:05.600 --> 04:16:10.159
his many adoring fans. He wore a Christmas version of357804:16:10.200 --> 04:16:13.479
a ring master. His two tailed jacket was green with357904:16:13.600 --> 04:16:17.079
tufts of white fur at the cuffs. On his head358004:16:17.360 --> 04:16:21.120
sat a red top hat, which itself was topped with358104:16:21.239 --> 04:16:25.600
a Santa hat. Sitting at an impossible angle, he did358204:16:25.600 --> 04:16:30.280
a forward role, barely missing several spectators who seemed to358304:16:30.319 --> 04:16:33.280
have only eyes for the tree, as they did not358404:16:33.520 --> 04:16:40.559
react to his antics. Hello, children, adults, and those in between.358504:16:41.200 --> 04:16:46.639
I am your humble servant, Jack Scratch. It's been years,358604:16:47.360 --> 04:16:51.280
the speaker spun around, since I've been able to experience358704:16:51.360 --> 04:16:57.079
the joy and agony that is Christmas. I normally only358804:16:57.120 --> 04:17:00.239
make it to the mortal realm on Halloween, but I358904:17:00.399 --> 04:17:04.479
was exceptionally busy this year. After all, with the election359004:17:04.879 --> 04:17:08.200
and all, it's been a banner year for the big359104:17:08.239 --> 04:17:11.600
guy downstairs, and the dark Lord took pity on his359204:17:12.280 --> 04:17:17.680
unworthy minion. He bowed in mock humility and allowed me359304:17:18.000 --> 04:17:26.120
to visit on this most holy of occasions, Christmas. This359404:17:26.479 --> 04:17:30.680
is my second favorite holiday. I find the despair and359504:17:30.799 --> 04:17:36.280
greed irresistible. He gestured like he was playing a violin.359604:17:37.319 --> 04:17:42.000
These are a few of my favorite things, he said359704:17:42.040 --> 04:17:46.040
in a musical voice. It's hard to find that perfect359804:17:46.159 --> 04:17:49.159
gift for someone. You think you know what they want,359904:17:49.239 --> 04:17:53.680
but can you really see deep down inside their souls360004:17:54.079 --> 04:17:58.920
for their true heart's desire. Let's see what happens when360104:17:58.959 --> 04:18:03.959
a perfect family finds the perfect gift. He gestured at360204:18:04.000 --> 04:18:07.719
a family of five walking down the street, a couple360304:18:08.040 --> 04:18:13.399
walking arm in arm, and three adorable children. Maybe it's360404:18:13.440 --> 04:18:16.440
not the most clever title. But I think I'll call360504:18:16.520 --> 04:18:17.280
this one.360604:18:18.360 --> 04:18:28.159
Hm the gift open a gift on Christmas Eve?360704:18:29.120 --> 04:18:32.520
Why would we do that, Mark said, with an air360804:18:32.600 --> 04:18:39.559
of feigned puzzlement. Come on, dad, Sophia whined. She risked360904:18:39.559 --> 04:18:42.159
a quick glance at the presence piled in front of361004:18:42.200 --> 04:18:45.920
the family Christmas tree, before snapping her eyes back to361104:18:46.000 --> 04:18:50.920
her father. She searched his face, her six year old mind,361204:18:51.159 --> 04:18:56.239
trying to comprehend why her father would treat her so cruelly.361304:18:57.440 --> 04:19:00.840
She started to open her mouth to protest the injustice361404:19:00.840 --> 04:19:05.760
of it all, but her older brother beat her to it. Dad,361504:19:06.000 --> 04:19:10.280
You know we do this every year, Ethan said, after361604:19:10.319 --> 04:19:14.040
dinner on Christmas Eve. We always open one gift. He361704:19:14.200 --> 04:19:18.360
pointed at his younger brother and sister. I mean, look361804:19:18.399 --> 04:19:22.799
how excited they are. We can't disappoint the children. Both361904:19:22.840 --> 04:19:27.680
Sophia and Connor, the youngest of the bunch, nodded. Wild eyed.362004:19:28.559 --> 04:19:33.639
Mark tried not to smile. Damn, he thought, they grow362104:19:33.760 --> 04:19:37.959
up so fast. Ethan just turned twelve and he was362204:19:38.040 --> 04:19:41.680
already sounding like a lawyer, just like his old man.362304:19:42.600 --> 04:19:45.440
It's been a tough couple of years, starting a new362404:19:45.520 --> 04:19:48.559
job and moving to a New City. He hasn't been362504:19:48.559 --> 04:19:51.040
able to spend as much time at home as he liked,362604:19:51.680 --> 04:19:54.559
but he wanted to provide for his family and give362704:19:54.600 --> 04:19:58.399
them the best life he could. Mark rubbed the stubble362804:19:58.440 --> 04:20:03.719
on his chin. Well, I don't know. Mark joined his362904:20:03.840 --> 04:20:09.360
sister in whining dead, while a three year old Connor363004:20:09.600 --> 04:20:13.440
just giggled and clapped his hands. What do you think?363104:20:14.000 --> 04:20:18.040
Mark looked over at his wife, Susan. I think you363204:20:18.200 --> 04:20:21.040
better stop teasing them, or we may have a riot363304:20:21.079 --> 04:20:24.840
on our hands, Susan said, as she reached over and363404:20:24.879 --> 04:20:29.360
picked up Connor, plopping him in her lap. Okay, fine,363504:20:29.639 --> 04:20:33.840
I know when I'm beaten, Mark conceded. He moved over363604:20:33.920 --> 04:20:35.840
to the end of the couch and began to look363704:20:35.879 --> 04:20:39.360
through the mound of gifts. He pulled a couple of363804:20:39.399 --> 04:20:41.959
them out and put them on the couch next to him.363904:20:43.079 --> 04:20:48.760
He stopped, looking puzzled and pulled a medium sized box364004:20:48.879 --> 04:20:52.280
out of the pile. He held it up for Susan364104:20:52.399 --> 04:20:57.600
to look at. I don't recognize this wrapping paper. Do364204:20:57.639 --> 04:21:01.799
you know where it came from? Susan leaned forward and364304:21:01.920 --> 04:21:06.600
studied the gift. The wrapping paper depicted a Santa Claus364404:21:07.040 --> 04:21:11.680
with horns and flames surrounding him, sitting in a sled364504:21:11.879 --> 04:21:18.000
being pulled by skeleton reindeer. No, I've never seen that before.364604:21:19.000 --> 04:21:25.399
It's very unsettling, she said, as the chills ran through her.364704:21:26.680 --> 04:21:30.600
Mark looked at every side of the gift. There's not364804:21:30.719 --> 04:21:35.920
a card or anything. He shook it, but couldn't hear anything.364904:21:37.280 --> 04:21:42.319
I'm going to open it, Susan looked apprehensive. Maybe we365004:21:42.360 --> 04:21:45.799
should just put it aside until we figure out who365104:21:45.799 --> 04:21:49.920
it came from. Tearing into the package, Mark did not365204:21:50.200 --> 04:21:53.799
seem to hear her. He tore off the wrapping to365304:21:53.879 --> 04:21:59.399
reveal an ancient looking lacquered wooden box. For some reason,365404:22:00.159 --> 04:22:04.440
the box looked bigger unwrapped. He set the box on365504:22:04.559 --> 04:22:07.760
the coffee table and sat there, staring at it for365604:22:07.799 --> 04:22:12.479
a few minutes. His wife and the kids, even the baby,365704:22:13.040 --> 04:22:18.079
also sat there unmoving. Mark shook his head like he365804:22:18.239 --> 04:22:22.520
was jerking away from a dream. He reached out and365904:22:22.760 --> 04:22:29.520
slowly opened the box. The lid seemed to jump and366004:22:29.719 --> 04:22:35.159
sprung all the way open. A smell of ancient dust366104:22:35.559 --> 04:22:42.000
fire and a trace of something else, something sinister and sickening,366204:22:42.520 --> 04:22:48.159
permeated the air. Mark slowly leaned forward and looked into366304:22:48.159 --> 04:22:54.479
the box. He saw a necklace with a pendant hanging366404:22:54.520 --> 04:22:58.520
from it. The pendant showed a skull in the middle366504:22:58.559 --> 04:23:02.760
of a pentagram. When Mark touched the necklace, it flickered366604:23:03.360 --> 04:23:07.360
and he was now holding a pair of dog tags.366704:23:08.319 --> 04:23:12.440
What Mark whispered as he pulled them from the box366804:23:12.959 --> 04:23:16.879
and held them up. He looked over the dog tags,366904:23:17.159 --> 04:23:25.200
confused until he read the name emblazoned on them. My God,367004:23:25.799 --> 04:23:29.680
Mark thought, as he carefully turned them over in his hands.367104:23:30.600 --> 04:23:34.559
These were his grandfathers. He hadn't seen them since he367204:23:34.639 --> 04:23:39.879
was a kid playing soldier with his cousins. He remembered367304:23:39.920 --> 04:23:45.799
the hours spent listening to his grandfather, his hero, talking367404:23:45.879 --> 04:23:51.040
about World War Two and Korea. His grandfather had an367504:23:51.120 --> 04:23:56.520
endless supply of amusing anecdotes about army life, which he367604:23:56.600 --> 04:24:00.200
loved telling. When he got a few beers in him,367704:24:00.559 --> 04:24:03.719
he would talk about the more violent side of war,367804:24:04.559 --> 04:24:09.879
and those were Mark's favorite stories. Mark had lost the367904:24:09.959 --> 04:24:13.520
dog tags while playing in the woods when he was eleven.368004:24:14.520 --> 04:24:18.520
His grandfather said he wasn't upset, but Mark could see368104:24:18.559 --> 04:24:23.360
the disappointment in his eyes. Losing them was one of368204:24:23.399 --> 04:24:28.879
the biggest regrets in Mark's life, and now he finally368304:24:28.959 --> 04:24:33.799
had them back. Susan's eyes teared up when she saw368404:24:33.840 --> 04:24:38.680
what Mark pulled from the box. The ragged doll hanging368504:24:38.719 --> 04:24:41.879
from Mark's hands looked like it was being held together368604:24:42.000 --> 04:24:46.479
by only a few threads, but to Susan, the doll368704:24:46.680 --> 04:24:51.280
was perfect. The doll had been her mother's and her368804:24:51.280 --> 04:24:55.120
mother's before her. It was passed on to Susan when368904:24:55.159 --> 04:24:59.200
she was just a toddler. Susan grew up an army brat.369004:24:59.479 --> 04:25:02.600
Her father there was an army doctor, and they seemed369104:25:02.600 --> 04:25:05.319
to have to move every year or two. When she369204:25:05.479 --> 04:25:11.040
was growing up, that doll was her constant and sometimes369304:25:11.200 --> 04:25:18.040
only friend. She loved that doll and was devastated when369404:25:18.040 --> 04:25:21.399
it was lost in an apartment fire soon after she369504:25:21.559 --> 04:25:26.520
graduated from college. She slowly began to reach out to369604:25:26.600 --> 04:25:32.680
take the doll. At that moment, Ethan gasped as his369704:25:32.799 --> 04:25:37.479
dad pulled out his old baseball glove. Back in his369804:25:37.559 --> 04:25:40.879
old house, his father used to play catch with him369904:25:40.920 --> 04:25:45.399
every day after school when the weather was nice. On370004:25:45.559 --> 04:25:49.120
days when they couldn't go outside, he remembered sitting in370104:25:49.200 --> 04:25:52.840
the den while his dad went through his massive collection370204:25:53.040 --> 04:25:57.479
of baseball cards, explaining the stats and the history of370304:25:57.520 --> 04:26:02.120
the players. His new job didn't allow him to get370404:26:02.159 --> 04:26:05.760
home before dark, and he kept putting off spending time370504:26:05.799 --> 04:26:11.239
with Ethan, promising to play catch tomorrow, which never seemed370604:26:11.239 --> 04:26:16.360
to come around. His eyes teared up with shame when370704:26:16.399 --> 04:26:19.079
he thought about how he threw the glove away last370804:26:19.159 --> 04:26:24.920
year in a fit of anger and resentment. Ethan had370904:26:24.920 --> 04:26:32.120
regretted that ever since Sophia stared mesmerized at the little371004:26:32.159 --> 04:26:37.799
black puppy in her father's hands. It was beautiful, its371104:26:37.879 --> 04:26:42.120
long ears flopping every time her dad moved his hands,371204:26:42.680 --> 04:26:47.200
Its sad puppy dog eyes staring deep into her soul.371304:26:48.639 --> 04:26:52.280
Every year that she could remember, she always asked for371404:26:52.360 --> 04:26:56.840
a dog for Christmas, but her parents kept telling her no,371504:26:58.000 --> 04:27:04.559
that she wasn't old enough to take care of one.371604:27:05.120 --> 04:27:08.360
Susan reached out for the doll in her husband's grip.371704:27:09.360 --> 04:27:13.200
As her hands touched it, Mark seemed to jerk back371804:27:13.239 --> 04:27:18.280
to reality and pulled his hands away. Those dog tags371904:27:18.280 --> 04:27:22.879
are mine, Susan lunged forward, grabbing again at the doll.372004:27:23.360 --> 04:27:26.479
Stop it. What are you doing? Why would you want this?372104:27:27.159 --> 04:27:31.120
Ethan yelled, Where did you get that? Glove. It's mine.372204:27:31.239 --> 04:27:34.479
Look inside, you'll see my name. He took a swipe372304:27:34.479 --> 04:27:38.680
at the glove in his father's hands, but missed. Using372404:27:38.719 --> 04:27:42.360
his right hand, Mark fended off Susan and Ethan as372504:27:42.360 --> 04:27:45.120
he held the dog tags off to the side With372604:27:45.239 --> 04:27:49.600
his right hand, Mark swung the puppy around, squeezing it372704:27:49.680 --> 04:27:54.159
so hard that it began to whimper. Sophia's little heart372804:27:54.239 --> 04:27:59.760
broke and she snapped. Don't you hurt that dog? She screamed,372904:28:00.280 --> 04:28:03.559
leaping up onto the coffee table and jumping into her373004:28:03.639 --> 04:28:09.000
dad's lap, inadvertently landing on his crotch. Mark screamed in pain.373104:28:09.319 --> 04:28:12.239
As Sophia grabbed the dog and ran out of the373204:28:12.280 --> 04:28:17.399
living room and up the stairs. Mark screamed, you little bitch,373304:28:17.600 --> 04:28:22.559
get back here. Susan yelled, bring mommy her doll. She373404:28:22.719 --> 04:28:26.120
jumped to her feet, causing Connor to be flung forward,373504:28:26.520 --> 04:28:28.920
hitting the side of his head on the edge of373604:28:28.959 --> 04:28:33.200
the coffee table. He hit the ground and began screaming373704:28:33.239 --> 04:28:37.559
in pain. Susan didn't seem to notice as she ran373804:28:37.600 --> 04:28:42.280
off after Sophia. Both Mark and Ethan leapt up and373904:28:42.440 --> 04:28:46.040
ran out of the room, following Susan. Mark stepped on374004:28:46.120 --> 04:28:49.760
Connor's leg as he ran by. No one heard the374104:28:49.920 --> 04:28:54.399
crack of a bone breaking or of a baby crying.374204:28:55.440 --> 04:28:59.120
The two adults and Ethan searched the second floor looking374304:28:59.200 --> 04:29:03.319
for their gift. Ethan entered the laundry room, pausing to374404:29:03.360 --> 04:29:07.840
see if he could hear anything. Hearing only silence. He374504:29:07.920 --> 04:29:11.760
looked under the folding table and behind the door and374604:29:11.840 --> 04:29:15.799
did not see Sophia. He pulled the door of a374704:29:15.840 --> 04:29:21.040
cabinet open, and there she was, cradling his baseball glove374804:29:21.079 --> 04:29:24.799
to her like it was a baby. She screamed and374904:29:24.840 --> 04:29:28.399
began kicking at him, grunting. He grabbed her leg and375004:29:28.520 --> 04:29:31.559
dragged her out onto the floor. Her head hit with375104:29:31.600 --> 04:29:35.879
a loud thump on the floor. As she laid there, dazed,375204:29:36.879 --> 04:29:41.920
screaming with triumph, Ethan grabbed the glove and began to run.375304:29:42.760 --> 04:29:46.879
After only two steps, he stumbled, tripped up by Sophia,375404:29:47.159 --> 04:29:51.479
who latched onto his leg. The glove flew across the room,375504:29:51.959 --> 04:29:56.360
bouncing off of the dryer. Sophia grabbed her puppy and375604:29:56.479 --> 04:30:00.559
began to stand when a toolbox slammed down on the375704:30:00.600 --> 04:30:04.920
back of her head. A panting Ethan growled with frustration375804:30:05.600 --> 04:30:09.600
as he tossed the toolbox aside. The box hit the375904:30:09.639 --> 04:30:14.559
wall and popped open, spilling screwdrivers in a hammer across376004:30:14.600 --> 04:30:18.600
the floor. Grabbing the baseball glove, Ethan ran out of376104:30:18.639 --> 04:30:23.520
the room and into the hallway. Connor's scream subsided, turning376204:30:23.559 --> 04:30:27.280
more into a loud whimper. The young man made it376304:30:27.319 --> 04:30:30.520
to the top of the stairs before a hand grabbed376404:30:30.559 --> 04:30:35.000
the back of his shirt and spun him around. Mark's376504:30:35.079 --> 04:30:38.840
face was filled with hate as he looked at his son.376604:30:43.479 --> 04:30:46.840
When his eyes flickered to the chain and tags in376704:30:46.920 --> 04:30:52.719
Ethan's hand, he screamed in rage. Grabbing Ethan's throat, he376804:30:52.799 --> 04:30:55.520
began to squeeze as he grabbed the tags with his376904:30:55.600 --> 04:30:59.079
other hand. The veins on his throat began to stand377004:30:59.120 --> 04:31:05.159
out as he squeezed even harder, Ethan's eyes bulging. Finally,377104:31:05.920 --> 04:31:10.760
a crack echoed through the hall as Ethan went limp,377204:31:11.319 --> 04:31:15.920
dropping the body. Mark stood there, examining the dog tags377304:31:16.440 --> 04:31:22.760
as the cries from Connor faded into silence. That silence377404:31:22.879 --> 04:31:27.559
was broken by a primal scream clawing on his face.377504:31:28.319 --> 04:31:32.200
Mark grunted as her long fingernails raked across his flesh.377604:31:32.440 --> 04:31:35.840
A loud pop echoed through the hall as she dug377704:31:35.879 --> 04:31:39.959
a finger into his left eye. She snatched at the377804:31:40.000 --> 04:31:44.879
doll as one arm snaked around his neck. With a roar,377904:31:45.280 --> 04:31:49.479
Mark reached behind him and grabbed Susan's head. He leaned378004:31:49.520 --> 04:31:53.040
forward as he pulled and flipped Susan forward and over378104:31:53.120 --> 04:31:58.200
the railing into the air. A sickening splat reverberated through378204:31:58.239 --> 04:32:01.959
the house as Susan and hit the living room floor below.378304:32:03.440 --> 04:32:08.239
Roaring with triumph, Mark turned around and saw his daughter378404:32:08.440 --> 04:32:13.719
standing there. Sophia swayed back and forth, blood pouring from378504:32:13.760 --> 04:32:18.200
the back of her head. Confusion filled Mark's face as378604:32:18.239 --> 04:32:21.200
he tried to reach out to move her aside, but378704:32:21.360 --> 04:32:27.600
instead slumped to his knees. Looking down, he noticed a378804:32:27.639 --> 04:32:32.559
screwdriver sticking out of his chest. He glanced at his378904:32:32.719 --> 04:32:39.399
daughter again in confusion, and fell forward, driving the screwdriver deeper.379004:32:40.559 --> 04:32:43.920
Stumbling forward, shaking her head to try to clear the379104:32:43.959 --> 04:32:49.639
double vision, Sophia gently picked up the puppy and headed downstairs,379204:32:50.479 --> 04:32:54.280
leaving a trail of blood in her wake. She had379304:32:54.319 --> 04:32:57.959
to stop several times on the stairs to wait out379404:32:58.040 --> 04:33:01.920
bouts of dizziness. She finally made it to the bottom379504:33:02.600 --> 04:33:07.479
and walked across the room. She left bloody footprints as379604:33:07.520 --> 04:33:11.400
she stumbled through the puddles of gore that were her mother.379704:33:12.400 --> 04:33:15.759
When she made it to the Christmas tree, she laid down,379804:33:16.560 --> 04:33:22.080
embraced her puppy, and closed her eyes for the last time.379904:33:39.520 --> 04:33:45.159
Burr Jack shook all over his grin, belittling his claim.380004:33:46.119 --> 04:33:50.599
I'm not used to this cold. It's quite toasty where380104:33:50.639 --> 04:33:55.680
I'm from. Ah, the sacrifices I make for my fans,380204:33:56.799 --> 04:34:02.520
he sighed mockingly. He looked around. I do so miss380304:34:02.639 --> 04:34:06.759
the hustle and bustle of kids running around for trick380404:34:06.880 --> 04:34:12.759
or treating unsupervised. Jack stated, But it seems like the380504:34:12.799 --> 04:34:18.080
streets are getting pretty bear here. Not that many people380604:34:18.159 --> 04:34:25.159
out and about, except maybe for carollers, he said, pointing380704:34:25.200 --> 04:34:28.560
at a house where a small group of people stood380804:34:28.599 --> 04:34:35.840
around a front porch singing Christmas carols. Well, I suppose380904:34:36.000 --> 04:34:46.479
we'll just call this one the carrollers. Phil Miller closed381004:34:46.520 --> 04:34:50.159
the wedding album and wiped the tears from his eyes.381104:34:51.200 --> 04:34:55.200
He took another drink of whiskey and looked longingly at381204:34:55.240 --> 04:34:59.680
the picture of a happy older couple standing in front381304:34:59.720 --> 04:35:03.880
of an ancient ruin. Smiling like they had the rest381404:35:03.959 --> 04:35:11.439
of eternity together. God, I miss you, he mumbled. The381504:35:11.520 --> 04:35:15.000
picture was from their trip to Rome, a trip that381604:35:15.080 --> 04:35:18.159
his wife, Margaret, had been asking him to go on381704:35:18.439 --> 04:35:23.680
for decades. He finally had the time and money to381804:35:23.799 --> 04:35:27.720
take the trip after his retirement from his job driving381904:35:27.799 --> 04:35:32.360
long haul tractor trailers. He took another swig of whiskey.382004:35:33.599 --> 04:35:37.439
God damn it, he said as he tossed the wedding382104:35:37.479 --> 04:35:42.360
album onto the coffee table. Although it had been almost382204:35:42.400 --> 04:35:46.279
two years since Margaret died, it still seemed like he382304:35:46.319 --> 04:35:49.880
would hear her voice coming from the kitchen telling him382404:35:50.159 --> 04:35:53.400
it was time to eat. He could almost smell the382504:35:53.520 --> 04:35:57.479
roast cooking in the oven, his favorite meal and one382604:35:57.520 --> 04:36:01.759
that she learned to cook to perfection. A hint of382704:36:01.799 --> 04:36:05.240
a smile crossed his face as he remembered when they382804:36:05.279 --> 04:36:08.799
first wed. He would come home from a twelve hour382904:36:08.880 --> 04:36:13.240
shift sweeping up sawdust at Cooper's Lumber, and she would383004:36:13.240 --> 04:36:17.400
have dinner ready for him, or at least something that383104:36:17.560 --> 04:36:21.560
vaguely resembled dinner. He would say that it looked good383204:36:21.959 --> 04:36:26.759
and eat every last burnt bite, both knowing that it383304:36:26.840 --> 04:36:32.560
was a lie that woman could burn water. It took383404:36:32.599 --> 04:36:37.520
her years, but eventually she became the best cook he knew,383504:36:38.639 --> 04:36:44.560
even including his mother. He poured more whiskey into his glass.383604:36:44.919 --> 04:36:48.799
The drink didn't make the pain hurt less, it just383704:36:48.919 --> 04:36:52.919
made him not care as much. As he lifted the383804:36:53.000 --> 04:36:58.159
glass to his mouth, he suddenly realized he heard singing383904:36:58.639 --> 04:37:03.560
from outside. He wasn't sure if it just started or384004:37:03.599 --> 04:37:06.319
it had been going on a while, and he was384104:37:06.400 --> 04:37:11.000
too lost in his memories to notice, but sure as shit,384204:37:11.720 --> 04:37:16.599
there was Christmas music coming from his front yard. Sitting384304:37:16.639 --> 04:37:20.040
the glass on a side table, he stood and walked384404:37:20.080 --> 04:37:24.520
to the picture window, Pulling the blinds aside. He saw384504:37:24.680 --> 04:37:29.159
seven or eight people standing in a semicircle facing his384604:37:29.240 --> 04:37:37.159
front door. Carrollers. God damn Christmas carrollers. Besides the clerks384704:37:37.200 --> 04:37:40.159
at the liquor store, he hasn't had contact with other384804:37:40.240 --> 04:37:44.799
people since the funeral. Cursing, he made sure his robe384904:37:44.880 --> 04:37:48.680
was tied shut and walked to the front door. As385004:37:48.680 --> 04:37:52.040
he stepped onto his porch, the cold hit him like385104:37:52.080 --> 04:37:57.080
a sledgehammer. Fuck, he thought, this is going to sober385204:37:57.119 --> 04:38:02.520
me up. It was eerie. The carollers ignored his presence,385304:38:03.360 --> 04:38:07.639
continuing to sing little drummer Boy, after which they launched385404:38:07.680 --> 04:38:11.360
into Silent Night. Phil took a good look at them.385504:38:12.520 --> 04:38:18.720
They seemed off somehow. Most were adults, and some of385604:38:18.759 --> 04:38:23.520
those were dressed in old timey outfits. The lone child385704:38:23.680 --> 04:38:28.360
was a girl, maybe twelve or so, dressed in some385804:38:28.520 --> 04:38:33.919
kind of quaker outfit, her long blonde hair tied in braids.385904:38:34.680 --> 04:38:38.279
Phil tried not to shiver and to be polite by386004:38:38.360 --> 04:38:41.840
standing there and acting like he was enjoying the show.386104:38:43.680 --> 04:38:48.880
When they finished Silent Night, they stopped singing and just386204:38:49.799 --> 04:38:57.360
stood there, unmoving, staring at him expectantly. After a minute386304:38:57.360 --> 04:39:03.720
of uncomfortable silence, Phil finally spoke, well, that was great,386404:39:04.319 --> 04:39:10.159
very uh christmasy. A few more seconds of silence passed386504:39:10.759 --> 04:39:15.360
until he spoke again, I'm not sure how to handle this.386604:39:16.200 --> 04:39:18.439
My wife used to be the one to take care386704:39:18.479 --> 04:39:22.080
of this kind of stuff. He looked at the singers386804:39:22.720 --> 04:39:30.439
and none of them moved, each staring unblinking at him. Well,386904:39:30.880 --> 04:39:34.599
let me run inside and grab my wallet. He waited387004:39:34.639 --> 04:39:39.959
for an acknowledgment, and when none came, he stumbled inside387104:39:40.000 --> 04:39:42.799
and retrieved his billfold from a table next to the387204:39:42.799 --> 04:39:46.439
front door. When he returned, he walked toward the edge387304:39:46.479 --> 04:39:50.319
of the porch. Digging through his wallet, he held out387404:39:50.319 --> 04:39:54.639
a twenty dollars bill. Here you go, give it to charity,387504:39:54.799 --> 04:39:59.360
or divide it between yourselves. Have a merry Christmas. He387604:39:59.479 --> 04:40:03.240
stood there for at least ten seconds before the young387704:40:03.319 --> 04:40:07.880
girl rushed forward, ripping the bill out of his hands.387804:40:08.639 --> 04:40:13.080
She turned and ran off into the darkness. As if387904:40:13.119 --> 04:40:17.200
that were a signal. The other singers turned and wordlessly388004:40:17.279 --> 04:40:25.680
walked off after her. Okay, Phil said, Confused, that was weird,388104:40:26.680 --> 04:40:32.119
He shrugged and walked back inside. Shivering from the cold.388204:40:33.200 --> 04:40:36.360
He locked the door and stood over a heating duct,388304:40:37.119 --> 04:40:40.840
the hot air blowing up into his robe. After the388404:40:40.880 --> 04:40:45.400
shivering stopped, he untied his rap and sat back down388504:40:45.479 --> 04:40:50.520
on the couch, pouring himself another drink. Margaret would have388604:40:50.599 --> 04:40:55.799
loved seeing the carrollers. She loved bullshit like that. After388704:40:55.880 --> 04:40:58.880
Beggar's Night, she would talk for a week about the388804:40:58.959 --> 04:41:03.919
kids and their costumes. She was a people person, the388904:41:04.000 --> 04:41:08.240
total opposite of Phil. She volunteered both at the animal389004:41:08.360 --> 04:41:12.959
and homeless shelters. He would often tease her about loving389104:41:13.000 --> 04:41:16.279
any kind of strays she could find, to which she389204:41:16.400 --> 04:41:20.159
would usually respond about him needing to find a hobby,389304:41:21.159 --> 04:41:25.840
he would remind her that he had one. Drinking. At389404:41:25.840 --> 04:41:30.279
the thought of this, Phil held up his whiskey, saluting389504:41:30.720 --> 04:41:34.880
his dead spouse. He looked over at the bottom of389604:41:34.919 --> 04:41:38.919
the stairs leading up to the second story. That's where389704:41:38.919 --> 04:41:44.279
he found her. She died on November first, the night389804:41:44.360 --> 04:41:48.880
after trick retreat. He didn't like thinking about that day.389904:41:49.799 --> 04:41:52.880
Whenever he did think about it, he would drink until390004:41:52.880 --> 04:41:57.639
the memories faded away. True to his word, he raised390104:41:57.639 --> 04:42:00.799
the glass to his lips and took a long pull.390204:42:01.919 --> 04:42:06.759
The cheap, bitter whisky burned his mouth and throat. He390304:42:06.840 --> 04:42:10.119
wished he had the money for better whiskey, but in390404:42:10.159 --> 04:42:13.560
the amounts that he drank this rot cut was all390504:42:13.599 --> 04:42:18.799
he could afford. Phil poured more whiskey. The glass was390604:42:18.840 --> 04:42:27.479
halfway to his mouth when he heard singing again. Those390704:42:27.560 --> 04:42:33.799
damn carrollers were back. He waited a few moments, and then, sighing,390804:42:34.279 --> 04:42:38.759
got up and walked to the front door. Stepping outside,390904:42:39.119 --> 04:42:43.000
he put on a fake smile. The carrollers were singing391004:42:43.040 --> 04:42:47.040
the second verse of Frosty the Snowman. When Phil shut391104:42:47.119 --> 04:42:51.319
the front door, he looked them over and spotted the391204:42:51.360 --> 04:42:56.479
little girl with pigtails yep, he thought, this is the391304:42:56.520 --> 04:43:01.159
same bunch. His eyes flicked over the back grow and391404:43:01.240 --> 04:43:04.279
it seemed like there were quite a few more than before.391504:43:05.479 --> 04:43:09.880
He continued to stand there, faking a smile, wishing yet391604:43:09.919 --> 04:43:13.599
again that Margaret was still alive so she could deal391704:43:13.639 --> 04:43:19.119
with this bullshit. After Frosty, they sang jingle bells, and391804:43:19.200 --> 04:43:22.599
as they did before, when they finished the second song,391904:43:23.400 --> 04:43:30.000
they stood there, every eye staring at him. He pulled392004:43:30.000 --> 04:43:32.880
his wallet out of his robe pocket and removed the392104:43:33.000 --> 04:43:36.959
last of his cash. He showed the empty wallet to392204:43:37.040 --> 04:43:43.319
the crowd. So here's like fifty three dollars. That's all392304:43:43.360 --> 04:43:47.279
I have, so thanks again. It was real nice with392404:43:47.400 --> 04:43:52.520
the singing and everything. He held the money out, and392504:43:52.599 --> 04:43:57.000
as before, the little blonde girl ran forward and ripped392604:43:57.040 --> 04:44:02.279
the money from his hand. They all disappeared into the darkness.392704:44:02.880 --> 04:44:08.279
Phil walked back inside, tossing his now cashless wallet onto392804:44:08.360 --> 04:44:12.360
the table next to the door. He once again warmed392904:44:12.439 --> 04:44:15.680
up on the heating duct. Before moving to the couch,393004:44:16.720 --> 04:44:20.200
Phil drank the rest of his whiskey. He reached over393104:44:20.279 --> 04:44:23.759
and opened a new bottle, noticing that this was the393204:44:23.759 --> 04:44:27.279
one that his son in law Jonathan gave him for393304:44:27.400 --> 04:44:31.959
Christmas last year. He knew it was from Jonathan because393404:44:32.000 --> 04:44:36.599
his daughter April wouldn't have given anything except for a393504:44:36.680 --> 04:44:41.400
cold shoulder. Their relationship had been strained for years, and393604:44:41.439 --> 04:44:43.720
the death of her mother seemed to have pushed her393704:44:43.759 --> 04:44:47.360
over the edge. He shook his head at the memory393804:44:47.720 --> 04:44:52.400
of Margaret's funeral. All of the screaming and accusations from393904:44:52.400 --> 04:44:57.959
his daughter made that dark day even worse. So what if,394004:44:58.000 --> 04:45:00.439
in his younger years he had fallen into the arms394104:45:00.479 --> 04:45:04.159
of other women. That was between him and Margaret. He394204:45:04.279 --> 04:45:07.080
was gone at least four days a week, delivering cargo394304:45:07.200 --> 04:45:10.319
all across the country. He was a man, after all,394404:45:10.720 --> 04:45:14.560
He had urges, and was it his fault that drinking394504:45:14.639 --> 04:45:18.880
made it difficult to resist temptations. He knew that Margaret394604:45:18.959 --> 04:45:23.240
was aware, but she forgave his weaknesses. As long as394704:45:23.240 --> 04:45:27.360
he indulged away from home, April had no right to394804:45:27.439 --> 04:45:31.360
accuse him of cheating, and in front of strangers no less.394904:45:32.000 --> 04:45:35.040
He angrily slammed his glass down on the wooden arm395004:45:35.080 --> 04:45:39.520
of the couch, splashing whiskey on his hand. Once again,395104:45:40.080 --> 04:45:43.759
the hand holding the glass stopped halfway to his mouth395204:45:44.599 --> 04:45:51.400
as he heard singing from outside Are you fucking kidding me?395304:45:52.040 --> 04:45:56.479
He thought? He leaped ungainly from the couch and stumbled395404:45:56.520 --> 04:46:01.159
to the door, his robe hanging open. Bursting through the door,395504:46:01.520 --> 04:46:05.680
he stood ready to berate the singers, but the yard395604:46:06.799 --> 04:46:13.240
was empty. Confused, he stared for a few seconds before395704:46:13.279 --> 04:46:22.919
realizing that the singing was coming from behind him. He395804:46:23.040 --> 04:46:27.200
turned and stepped back inside, slamming the front door shut.395904:46:28.000 --> 04:46:31.720
The carrollers seemed to emerge from the air around him,396004:46:32.360 --> 04:46:37.319
humming some Christmas song or another. The pigtailed girl was396104:46:37.360 --> 04:46:42.840
the only one who was silent. She stepped forward and396204:46:43.040 --> 04:46:51.599
touched his bare chest. Remember, she said, Phil gasped as396304:46:51.639 --> 04:46:55.119
he dropped to his knees, his mind going back to396404:46:55.159 --> 04:47:00.279
the morning of November first, the morning that Margaret died.396504:47:01.240 --> 04:47:05.240
He was in bed, sleeping off another whiskey filled bender.396604:47:05.919 --> 04:47:10.279
When pain invaded the darkness. He clawed his way out396704:47:10.279 --> 04:47:15.360
of unconsciousness and opened his eyes. Margaret was slapping him396804:47:15.400 --> 04:47:19.439
as hard as she could across his face. After a396904:47:19.479 --> 04:47:22.599
few tries, he was finally able to grab her hand397004:47:22.959 --> 04:47:27.680
and stop her. He mumbled, what the hell's going on?397104:47:28.759 --> 04:47:33.319
How dare you? She screamed, spittle flying from her mouth.397204:47:34.119 --> 04:47:36.360
I put up with all the women when you were397304:47:36.360 --> 04:47:40.720
on the road. But this, She held up her left hand,397404:47:41.200 --> 04:47:45.919
where she clenched a stack of polaroids. This is sick397504:47:46.759 --> 04:47:51.240
your own daughter. Phil wiped the sweat from his face,397604:47:51.759 --> 04:47:55.880
his brain racing. I don't know what those are. Where397704:47:55.880 --> 04:47:58.919
did you get those? I was looking for a pair397804:47:58.959 --> 04:48:03.439
of scissors and found these in your desk, You sick bastard.397904:48:04.439 --> 04:48:09.959
She was so young. Tears rolled down Margaret's face. Phil's398004:48:09.959 --> 04:48:16.000
face was ashen. Damn, he thought, I must have left398104:48:16.040 --> 04:48:22.000
that desk drawer unlocked last night. On nights when he overindulged,398204:48:22.080 --> 04:48:26.159
which was often, and Margaret was asleep, he liked to398304:48:26.200 --> 04:48:31.639
spread the pictures out and reminisce about daddy's girl. I398404:48:32.599 --> 04:48:36.000
don't know what those are, he said, pointing to the398504:48:36.040 --> 04:48:43.240
pictures in her hand. I oh, bullshit, Margaret exclaimed, I'm leaving.398604:48:43.799 --> 04:48:47.560
I hope you rotten hell, you bastard. She threw the398704:48:47.599 --> 04:48:53.040
pictures at him, turned and stomped away. Phil jumped out398804:48:53.040 --> 04:48:57.880
of bed. Wait can we talk about this? Margaret ignored398904:48:57.919 --> 04:49:02.599
him and kept moving. Phil followed, trying to convince her399004:49:02.639 --> 04:49:06.880
to stay, saying that it was all a misunderstanding. He399104:49:06.919 --> 04:49:09.000
caught up to her at the top of the stairs.399204:49:09.639 --> 04:49:14.479
He reached out and grabbed her shoulder. She turned, knocking399304:49:14.520 --> 04:49:18.319
his hand away and began to shake her finger in399404:49:18.400 --> 04:49:23.240
his face. Two Flustered for words, she took a step399504:49:23.319 --> 04:49:27.639
back and began to lose her balance. She waved her399604:49:27.759 --> 04:49:32.000
arms as she struggled to keep from falling. Phil reached399704:49:32.040 --> 04:49:36.639
out with the intent of pulling her toward him towards safety,399804:49:37.639 --> 04:49:40.799
but his hand seemed to have a mind of its399904:49:40.840 --> 04:49:47.599
own as he gave her a small, almost gentle push.400004:49:48.159 --> 04:49:52.040
Margaret plunged down the stairs, her head hitting a step400104:49:52.200 --> 04:49:56.639
half way down, and there was a loud crack as400204:49:56.680 --> 04:50:01.319
her skull was twisted sideways. She landed on her stomach,400304:50:02.040 --> 04:50:07.159
her face looking up toward the ceiling. Phil stood there,400404:50:07.360 --> 04:50:13.319
shocked the reality of the situation finally hitting him. He400504:50:13.439 --> 04:50:17.159
cleaned up all the pictures and fed them to the shredder.400604:50:18.080 --> 04:50:20.439
He placed a hamper of clothes at the top of400704:50:20.479 --> 04:50:23.720
the stairs at an angle to make it look like400804:50:23.799 --> 04:50:28.680
she tripped and fell. Once he had the scene set,400904:50:28.799 --> 04:50:32.319
he called the paramedics to let them know that he401004:50:32.360 --> 04:50:38.240
had woken up to find his wife dead. The pigtailed401104:50:38.279 --> 04:50:43.439
girl removed her hand, and Phil pitched forward, curling up401204:50:43.479 --> 04:50:47.680
on the floor whimpering. She patted the top of his401304:50:47.799 --> 04:50:51.799
head like she would apprized pet and helped him to401404:50:51.880 --> 04:51:03.200
his feet. Later that forty six miles away in Middletown,401504:51:03.720 --> 04:51:08.159
Ron Steward, thirty five, was sitting on the couch eating chips,401604:51:08.520 --> 04:51:13.479
drinking diet coke, and watching TV. As he watched, he401704:51:13.520 --> 04:51:16.040
wiped the grease in salt from his hands on the401804:51:16.080 --> 04:51:19.759
couch cushion, something he would never have done if his401904:51:19.919 --> 04:51:24.439
mother was still alive, that is, if he hadn't killed402004:51:24.479 --> 04:51:29.360
her three years ago. He cocked his head as if402104:51:29.400 --> 04:51:34.040
hearing a noise. He muted the TV and heard singing402204:51:34.720 --> 04:51:39.040
coming from his front yard. Putting the bag of chips down,402304:51:39.720 --> 04:51:42.919
he walked to the front porch and saw a group402404:51:42.959 --> 04:51:49.799
of carollers singing White Christmas. Standing in front was a402504:51:49.840 --> 04:51:55.479
little blonde girl with pigtails. Standing next to her was402604:51:55.520 --> 04:52:01.759
an older man wearing a robe. Ron stepped outside to402704:52:01.880 --> 04:52:14.880
greet the carrollers. Ah, it's so nice to see a402804:52:14.959 --> 04:52:19.520
family spending time with each other in these hectic times.402904:52:20.400 --> 04:52:25.119
Almost brings a tear to my eye. With an exaggerated gesture,403004:52:25.639 --> 04:52:29.880
he wipes at his eyes. It's always difficult to find403104:52:30.000 --> 04:52:35.319
that perfect gift, but when you do, it's just so403204:52:35.520 --> 04:52:40.599
much sweeter. Jack checked his watch. Oh my, it's later403304:52:40.680 --> 04:52:44.840
than I thought. I'd better get going, but first I403404:52:44.959 --> 04:52:48.720
need to find the old big red a gift. I403504:52:49.040 --> 04:52:53.159
have the perfect thing. Jack reached the front gate of403604:52:53.200 --> 04:52:57.360
an expensive looking house. Using the cane, He tapped its403704:52:57.479 --> 04:53:01.840
latch and it popped open. Swinging the cane like he403804:53:01.880 --> 04:53:04.840
didn't have a care in the world, Jack walked up403904:53:04.880 --> 04:53:09.040
to the front door and went inside. He headed past404004:53:09.119 --> 04:53:13.599
the stairs to the upper level, effortlessly avoiding the body404104:53:13.639 --> 04:53:18.200
and gore that covered the floor. He approached the Christmas404204:53:18.200 --> 04:53:22.919
tree and leaned down, grabbing a necklace still locked in404304:53:22.959 --> 04:53:27.000
the hands of a little girl. When he pulled the404404:53:27.080 --> 04:53:30.880
necklace up, the congealing blood seemed to try and hold404504:53:30.919 --> 04:53:35.840
the arm down, but let go as more pressure was applied.404604:53:37.080 --> 04:53:40.639
Jack scratch held up the necklace, which appeared to be404704:53:40.680 --> 04:53:47.799
an amulet showing a skull and pentagram. Ah perfect, he said,404804:53:48.159 --> 04:53:52.599
as he pocketed the gift, and with that I must404904:53:52.639 --> 04:53:58.119
bid you a jew. Jack removed his hat and bowed405004:53:58.799 --> 04:54:03.479
the Santa hat, hanging on. Much to do before next Halloween,405104:54:03.959 --> 04:54:07.319
and unlike you, I don't have the time to sit405204:54:07.400 --> 04:54:12.560
around and listen to podcasts. I have much more exciting405304:54:12.639 --> 04:54:17.319
and painful things to listen to. Jack put his hat405404:54:17.479 --> 04:54:21.319
back on his head and strolled out, leaving the house405504:54:21.680 --> 04:54:31.959
as quiet as a tomb. And that's the last ribbon405604:54:32.119 --> 04:54:37.759
cut my spookies, the final Christmas marathon of the year,405704:54:39.119 --> 04:54:42.200
emptied out onto the snow like a sack with a405804:54:42.279 --> 04:54:46.520
hole in it. If you're still breathing, if the lights405904:54:46.560 --> 04:54:51.720
are still on, if nothing is tapping softly at your window,406004:54:52.840 --> 04:54:59.360
well maybe just wait. Because here's the thing about endings.406104:55:00.119 --> 04:55:04.840
The holidays love to pretend they're meat and tidy, a406204:55:04.880 --> 04:55:09.439
little bow on the box, a smile for the photo,406304:55:09.560 --> 04:55:15.560
a clean sign off. But something's been stirring in the406404:55:15.599 --> 04:55:22.959
weekly Spooky feed and later today, yeah, later today, there's406504:55:23.000 --> 04:55:29.479
another gift coming, bigger, heavier, the kind you don't remember406604:55:29.599 --> 04:55:35.599
putting under the tree, and you definitely don't remember ordering.406704:55:36.880 --> 04:55:40.000
I'm not going to tell you what it is. I'd406804:55:40.040 --> 04:55:44.319
hate to ruin the surprise. Just keep an eye on406904:55:44.439 --> 04:55:49.279
the feed, make sure you've clicked that little subscribe button,407004:55:50.200 --> 04:55:55.119
and if you see something drop that feels wrong in407104:55:55.159 --> 04:55:59.319
a festive way, like it slid into place while you407204:55:59.360 --> 04:56:08.319
weren't looking well. Go ahead, open it. Merry Christmas, my spookies,407304:56:09.400 --> 04:56:13.279
and sleep with one ear open.
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