I hope everyone had a very merry Christmas! And I wish everyone a happy New Year!
Sincerely Author-AR
3rd POV
November 1994
New York City... The Big Apple... The City That Never Sleeps
A city that goes by many names and is home to millions. In the future the city and its people would be witnesses to events that will change the earth. It will become the stage for some of history's greatest events, both good and bad.
For today it will witness a small event, but one that will cause ripples in the lives of a few individuals.
The streets are packed with both residents and tourists alike. They wait in anticipation for the Cole's Holiday Parade to being.
Among the crowd is an old looking gentleman. Wearing a large grey trench coat and a matching bowler hat. He could pass off as someone's grandfather.
But the children around him could sense something was different. That he wasn't just an old man, but someone important... someone jolly.
Many would stare as he passed by, but only one young girl had the courage to walk up to him.
"Excuse me sir!"
"Why hello. what can I do for you?"
" Are you Santa?"
The man smiles, but before he could answer a woman pulls the child back.
"I'm so sorry sir! Monica! what did I tell you about letting go of my arm?"
"Sorry Mom"
*Chuckle "First time in the city?"
"Yes we came today to see the parade, you?"
"I regularly visit the city, but it is also my first time seeing the parade"
Shaking hands they exchange names
"Kris Kringle"
"Maria Rambeau and my daughter Monica"
"Nice to meet you both. I hope you enjoy the parade"
"Goodbye"
As the man walks away the young Monica began to shake her mother's hand.
"Mom! that was Santa Claus he told us his name!"
"Monica just because they share the same name doesn't mean they are the same person. Now hold on tight we still need to find a place to stand."
1st POV
It has been three years since I first put on the suit. While I spent the majority of the time at the North Pole I also took some trips around the world in my free time.
Today I decided to visit the Big Apple for a month. Most of the work back at the workshop was already finished and Bernard can deal with the rest.
Walking along the parade route I see the final touches being completed.
Finally I reached the Santa float, but I noticed that the "Santa" was swaying from side-to-side.
...
This seems familiar...
Walking up to the "Santa" I ask if he is alright. He answers yes, but slurs his words. Stepping closer to him I can smell the alcohol on him.
"Excuse me"
"Hey... wait... whaaat are you!"
Searching him I discover three small bottles of whiskey. He pushes me off, but I keep hold of a bottle, pouring out the whiskey onto the street.
"Unbelievable... of all the times to drink you had to pick now. Hundreds... Thousands of children will be watching this parade. What will they think if they see "Santa" fall out of the sleigh!?!"
"Back off! I don't know who you are, but this is my gig no one is taking it from me!"
He tries to take a swing at me, but I dodge and trip him.
"Police! Help! This old man hit me!" He shouts from the ground
An officer walks over and intervenes.
"Gentlemen please... the parade is about to start why don't we all take a breather."
"Officer arrest him! He got in my face and tried to hit me with a cane!"
Holding up the umbrella in my hand I speak to the officer "First off this is not a cane and second I only got in his face because he is drunk on the job."
"If so that is something his employer will deal with. For now please sir return to the sidewalk and enjoy the show."
*sigh walking off I can hear the "Santa" behind me shouting at me until I hear something hit the ground. Turning around I can see that the "Santa" had blacked out.
The officer shouts at the surrounding workers to get a doctor.
*sigh... well... he won't be in the parade now.
- five minutes later-
"Sir! Excuse me sir!"
Hearing someone shout I turn around to see a woman speed walking towards me.
"Hi sorry I wanted to apologize for our "Santa." I saw what actually happened through a camera and wanted to apologize."
"It is no problem I was just concern about him being drunk in front of everyone, especially children."
"Well... there is something else I wanted to ask you. My name is Ms. Dorey Walker, Director of special projects for C.F. Cole's department store. We have no Santa now so I was wondering if you could fill the position."
"...Me?"
"Yes, we can provide the suit easily and you are a suitable match to what we need. Please sir the parade is starting and we desperately need a replacement."
"Well... alright"
"Perfect! We have to hurry! I'll have someone bring the extra suits for you to try quickly.
"No need I have my own suit"
"Even better... if you will follow me, I'll get you up to speed on the parade route."