Summary: It's Christmas Time 1942 in Pepperinge Eye and it's Charlie, Carrie and Paul's first Christmas with Miss Price and the entire neighborhood! Almost everyone wishes for Christmas presents underneath the tree but the children secretly wish for a certain special someone to come home to stay for Christmas. Will there be a Christmas miracle for Pepperinge Eye even in times of war? (Mostly Miss Price/Mr. Browne)
A/N: Hi everyone! ASianSuccessor2012-Disney Fan here! So this is my 2nd Bedknobs and Broomsticks fanfiction next to "Her Man and Her Family," (if you read it, I hope you enjoyed it. If you didn't read it yet, PLEASE do! And don't forget to review!) AND my very first Multichapter fanfiction on this page! My Christmas Break just started and in the light of the season, I decided to do a little B&B fanfiction for Christmas since I love the characters! Mostly Miss Price/Mr. Browne and a lot of fluff, I hope you enjoy it. Please don't forget to review! Review are much appreciated but no flames please! You can just say stuff on how I can improve.
So, here's the story! Enjoy, and Merry Christmas!
~ASianSuccessor2012-DisneyFan
P.S. The Italics in the dialogues are for the frequent flashbacks around the story. And sometime in this chapter, Miss Price is a little bit OOC during the flashbacks.
Chapter 1: Miss Price's Anticipation
It was December the 15th, 1942 in the neighborhood of Pepperinge Eye. Needless to say, ten more days until Christmas day! Pepperinge Eye, the usually calm and collected neighborhood by the seaside of England was not as it used to be. The streets were busy and bustling with so many people around the neighborhood, shopping for gifts, decorations and Holiday apparel for their homes because of the Holiday rush of ten days more until they would celebrate. The streets were all lighted up with Christmas lights regardless of day or night. The Christmas Spirit filled the air with Christmas Carols being sung by a choir all dressed in green, red and white. Upper Class people began conversing with Middle and Lower Class people, which was not very likely to happen unless it was Christmas, wishing them a Happy Holidays, peace and goodwill for their lives.
Of course, war was still at hand. Two years of long and hard battles passed and even now, the soldiers who have left England still haven't returned for the Holidays back to their friends and families. For those past years, they spent their last two Christmas back at their military camps for a short-lived celebration, then returning to their duties to fight off the Nazis in the battlegrounds. For some of these soldiers,sadly, it may have been their very last. Nonetheless, some of them looked at the brighter side of the situation and made the most of their "so-called" celebration in the snowy battlefields with guns and swords instead of mistletoe and holly. Many people back in England who knew these soldiers as fathers, brothers, uncles and even as best friends and colleagues missed them terribly for two years and never forgot to stop and think about them each and every passing day, and especially on Christmas time. Even so in the Holidays, while some men were called upon to leave the country for war, a few women still worked long and hard, building war planes for the aces who would fly away and fight for their country even on Christmas time. As a matter of fact, one of these women working on airplanes were none other than Miss Eglantine Price.
Miss Price decided to put a little hiatus to her magic and willingly contributed to the soldiers at war like a regular civilian, even in the Christmas Season. Every time she worked on those military planes with other young and older women, she never forgot to stop and think about the one soldier who remained close to her heart after all these years...Emelius Browne. Day and night, she would go about her own business, although in her quiet moments working on planes, she thought about him. His charm, his kindness and the friendship that they both made in a matter of time stayed in her mind but it never lingered longer rather than during the Christmas Holidays. It was clear to see that she indeed missed him very much and two years seemed like forever...eternity, as a point of fact. It never snowed for a long time in Pepperinge Eye, but she didn't really care. Her thoughts remained with Mr. Browne. Though they were far apart, through those long months turned to years, they always remembered to write to each other. Whenever Mr. Browne had his own spare time in the military camp, he would pull out a feather pen he always kept in handy and write his letters to Miss Price. He would often ask her how she and the children were doing and often times, she would write him back. Ever since late 1940, they took delight to writing to each other at least once every month until the Holiday season came around. The first time Miss Price wrote to Mr. Browne during Christmas time, she asked him if he and the army would be coming home for Christmas. Since it was only his first few months at war, unfortunately, he told her that he couldn't make it back in time because the army already had a scheduled battle on the 23rd of December, 1940. Just imagine how difficult it would have been for the entire army to come back in such short notice. Miss Price took it as quite understandable due to the situation, but hoped and prayed that the next year, he would finally be home for the Holidays. When Christmas time in 1941 came around, Miss Price was intensely excited and full of anticipation that she wouldn't stop talking about his return with the army for Christmas. Almost everyday in breakfast, lunch and supper, the children heard the same thing every single time, it was hard for them to show such excitement anymore. Even her cat Cosmic would be getting sick of it, letting out a small irritated 'meow' every time he heard "Mr. Browne is coming back soon," come out of her mouth. When passing by the neighborhood, Mrs. Hobday heard the same thing every morning! Miss Price wouldn't stop chattering about the return of the army one bit.
"Good morning Mrs. Hobday!" Miss Price called out as she walked down the street.
"Why good mornin' Miss Price!" greeted Mrs. Hobday with a smile on her face and her pleasant Scottish accent, "I suppose you have some news for the Holidays now don't you m'dear?"
"Oh, of course I do!" she replied all joyfully.
"That should explain why you're just as happy as a lark!" laughed Mrs. Hobday, "Must be something new I suppose!" with the emphasis of the word 'new.'
"Yes indeed! Have you heard? Half of the army is returning for the Holidays and our dear beloved Mr. Browne is one of them!" exclaimed Miss Price, being all jumpy, which wasn't her usual self.
"Miss Price I've heard you say that a thousand times for the past week m'dear!" she chuckled in a puzzled manner, "But are you really sure that they're coming for Christmas?"
"Why do you ask that Mrs. Hobday? I read it in the Times and I still have the article!" she briskly scrambled into her purse and proudly pulled out the newspaper article stating the 'Return of England's Troops for the Holidays.'
"Oh, you're acting like a child yourself m'dear," Mrs. Hobday replied in a concerned manner,"If I were you Miss Price, you wouldn't get your hopes up too high. Not everything happens as planned you know. You wouldn't want to be disappointed now would you?"
She had been warned though she refuses to listen.
"Disappointed? Nonsense Mrs. Hobday! It's Christmas time and I'm sure you very well know that nothing would go wrong during the Holiday season," she argued.
"Even if it's Christmas time m'dear, there's clearly nothing you can do about it," warned Mrs. Hobday,"I'm sure you realize that even if it's the Holiday Season, it's war time Miss Price. It's much more difficult for all those soldiers to come home at times like these. Don't you forget it this time."
"I understand," replied Miss Price, "But I still have hope for their return, that's for sure. After all, Christmas is all about the hope now isn't it Mrs. Hobday?"
Mrs. Hobday remained speechless. Nothing could hinder Miss Price's persistence.
Sunday during the church service, Miss Price could hardly sit still on the pew, her foot constantly fidgeting out of anticipation throughout the sermon. The children were well-behaved as they learned how to be and couldn't stop glancing at Miss Price every minute. They could clearly see her determination for the end of the service, even though she was an attentive listener, because she could hardly have the sense to keep her mouth shut, ceasing to spread the good news right at the moment. Once the service ended, every one rushed out in anticipation for the Holidays, but Miss Price stayed awhile and for the first time, ran up to the stage and caught up with Mr. Jelk.
"Mr. Jelk!" Miss Price yelled with excitement, creating an echo to the church halls. Mr. Jelk turned around and smiled at his friend.
"Ah, Miss Price!" he said in his kind and joyful tone, still calm and collected, "What brings you here my friend? How may I help you?"
"Oh you won't believe what I am about to tell you Mr. Jelk!" she exclaimed.
"Hmm, good news I presume?" he guessed correctly, "You do sound quite joyful, if I must say so myself!"
"I am indeed beyond joyful, Mr. Jelk!" Miss Price said excitedly,stepping quite out of her character, "Have you heard? Our troops will be returning to England on Christmas Eve and our dear Mr. Browne will be here! Isn't that wonderful news for you?"
"Oh am I delighted to hear that Miss Price! I can see how hopeful a woman you are in this time of year!" he replied to her, reacting differently than Mrs. Hobday's response," Well just to make sure Mr. Browne and the troops return, I'll keep them in my prayers for sure."
"I'm more than happy to hear you say that Mr. Jelk. Happy Holidays to you!" she waved before she left the church, silently calling the children to exit.
"And a Merry Christmas to you and the children!" he called back. Then he decided to tease her a little bit, "Oh and if Mr. Browne returns, let me know is he ever decides to pr-"
"-Oh, say no more Mr. Jelk! I have a schedule," she brushed his statement off with a laugh,"Good day to you! Merry Christmas!"
Mr. Jelk watched her and the children exit the church, looked up at the sky through the window and smiled.
"Someday," he sighed happily,"I surely hope her wish comes true." He soon stared at the altar and walked away.
Days passed and Christmas Eve 1941 was at hand. A lot of people waited on the sidewalks, making way on the road and waiting for the parading soldiers who would soon come home for the Holidays. Miss Price and the children were at the very front of the line, wearing thick and layered coats due to the cold weather. She stood right next to Mrs. Hobday and Mr. Jelk, so far her closest neighborhood friends, anticipating the moment that the soldiers would finally come marching in to spend the Christmas with their loved ones back in Pepperinge Eye. The enchanted bed was parked next to the children and as the minutes passed, everyone's patience was being tested and the moment was becoming more tedious than it was anticipated. Paul sat on the bed, rocking back and forth, yawning in a bored manner.
"Miss Price, when's Mr. Browne gonna get 'ere?" he sighed impatiently.
"Be patient Paul, he'll be here in a moment, don't you worry," she sighed in an impatient manner as well, placing her hand on Paul's shoulder. Miss Price leaned towards Mrs. Hobday's ear and whispered, "Do you really think they'll be arriving soon Mrs. Hobday?"
Mrs. Hobday turned toward Miss Price and smiled at her friend.
"Time will come m'dear, don't worry. It always does after all," she positively affirmed her,"Who knows they could be marchin' here right now!"
The bored children finally perked up and began to sit up from the bed.
"Oh will they really Mrs. Hobday?" excitedly exclaimed Carrie.
"As I said m'dear, time will come! Professor Browne will be here in no time, I'm sure!"
Mr. Jelk, who remained silent and patient the entire time turned to Mrs. Hobday and nudged her in a friendly way.
"Mrs. Hobday, remember to let me know if Miss Price and Mr. Browne ever get to-"
"Sshh!" shushed Miss Price,"One more word about that again Mr. Jelk, and I swear you'll be standing on hind legs if you do."
Mr. Jelk just chuckled and smiled. Maybe a priest like him had a cheeky, child-like side to him after all.
"What did you say Mr. Jelk?" Paul asked curiously.
"That will be quite enough of that now Paul," interrupted Miss Price,"After all, we're supposed to be here to wait for the troops. All of a sudden I'm starting to have a feeling that they won't be coming at all."
"Oi, don't think that way Miss Price," comforted Charlie as he lay on the bed," Who knows? If we try not to mind time or something, we might as well be 'earin' the trumpets o' the army comin' right for us! You'll see!"
"Thank you Charles. If those soldiers ever come home, that will be the best Christmas present of all," Miss Price said sticking to that thought. Her anticipation was dwindling but her hope was still as strong as ever. The citizens of Pepperinge Eye and those who came from far and near just stood, some sat down and waited for the big moment to come.
Hours passed, the moment became more tedious than ever and much to Miss Price's disappointment, there was no sign of the soldiers or Mr. Browne anywhere. The sun set through the hours and the whole place turned from smiles to melancholy and disappointment. The crowds cleared out and many people gave up on waiting for the troops and sadly headed home one by one until the only people left were the few citizens of Pepperinge Eye, Mrs. Hobday, Mr. Jelk, Miss Price and the children. Mr. Jelk and Mrs. Hobday were seated on the bed with the children lying down. Miss Price stood in front of the curb, looking left and right to the roads. The Christmas lights were shining and the decorations stood out perfectly...But where were the soldiers? Where was Mr. Browne? If no one ever showed up on Christmas Eve, maybe they better call it a day and leave for home to celebrate Christmas on their own.
"Well, I suppose it's getting late now m'dears. I think I'd better call it a night," said Mrs. Hobday in a tired manner as she saw the sadness in Miss Price's eyes,"Now, now m'dear, don't let his absence get you down. Remember, absence makes the heart grow fonder." In this case, it did indeed.
"Well I'm still not giving up on his arrival Mrs. Hobday." replied Miss Price with a monotone in her voice.
"Oh what a woman of perseverance...that's what you are,"smiled Mrs. Hobday,"Cheer up, now. It's Christmas Eve! Whether he ever comes home or not, Professor Browne wishes you a Merry Christmas deep inside his heart."
Miss Price just smiled for a short while and then it faded away much to her disappointment.
"It's time I'd better be headin' out! Good nights youngsters, good nights Mr. Jelk,"Mrs. Hobday waved to the children and Mr. Jelk.
"Bye Mrs. Hobday!" waved Paul.
"See ya 'round!" bade Charlie.
"Merry Christmas Mrs. Hobday," greeted Carrie.
"I'll see you tomorrow Ma'am," waved Mr. Jelk.
"Merry Christmas to you too," Mrs. Hobday said as she walked over to Miss Price's direction,"Good night Miss Price. A Merry Christmas to you and the children."
Miss Price smiled and replied softly, "Thank you Mrs. Hobday. A Merry Christmas to you as well."
"Alright, I'll see you tomorrow," said Mrs. Hobday as she headed off.
She and Mr. Jelk made plans to spend Christmas day with Miss Price and the children. As a matter of fact, they were very good neighbors and so far, they happened to be the closest to Miss Price. Whenever she needed to confide in them, or needed someone to talk to, they were always there. The night all of a sudden grew colder, sending a chill up their spines. Mr. Jelk looked toward the direction of the village and decided to head home as well.
"Children, Miss Price, I think I should be heading home as well," Mr. Jelk said kindly,"You all have a wonderful Christmas."
"Thank you Mr. Jelk," smiled Carrie.
"Now, now Miss Price, don't be downhearted this Holiday season. If he doesn't come, perhaps it isn't his time yet," Mr. Jelk comforted his friend.
"I don't know what to say..."sighed Miss Price,"He said he would arrive. It even said it in the Times! And to think that I was very happy..."
"Come of it now my friend, don't look at it that way,"said the gentleman in a comforting tone,"Just think of it as a door of opportunities. You find an open door and all of a sudden, just like that, it closes on you! Imagine how disappointing that must be..."
"Oh I most certainly agree," said Miss Price as she and the children listened.
"It doesn't seem fair at all, right? Seeing all those doors close on you right before your very eyes is just like watching all those opportunities fading away one by one," he continued,"But that's not where it ends! Someday around those closed doors, you'll find a window. A window of new and better opportunities just awaiting for you to walk into them and take them while they're still there! You'll see Miss Price, this may still be a closed door. But always remember this: for every closed door comes an open window."
With that, Mr. Jelk walked off, hoping that his powerful statement changed Miss Price's way of thinking.
"Mr. Jelk," she said, suddenly turning towards him,"Thank you."
He smiled, tipped his partially flat black hat and walked away. Miss Price's face fell after she realized she was the only one left down at the side walk while everyone was at home spending Christmas time together with those they loved. But what about Mr. Browne? He was coming, wasn't he?
"Miss Price?" asked a sleepy Paul in the middle of a yawn.
"Yes Paul?"
"Mr. Browne's still coming 'ome, isn't 'e?" he asked. Her face fell once more at the question and let off a heavyhearted sigh.
"I don't know Paul...I just don't know."
Charlie and Carrie remained laying down on the bed until Carrie spotted a light coming from the other end of the road.
"Miss Price!" she yelled,"Look! Someone's coming!"
All their heads turned towards a tall figure on the other end of the road, wearing a thick brown jacket, holding a lamp to light his way with a huge bag strapped to his outfit. Miss Price all of a sudden began to show a smile along with the children.
"My goodness," she said almost excitedly,"It must be him...It must be him!"
The children smiled at each other and ran toward the tall man.
"Mr. Browne! Mr. Browne!" she yelled out as she ran, trying to catch up with the children. When the children reached the tall man, Miss Price followed after them, catching her breath. She slowly raised her head up to see that the man they ran to was not Mr. Browne. It was the neighborhood's mailman.
"Eh-erm..."he said as he cleared his throat,"Are you Miss Eglantine Price?"
"Yes, that's me,"she replied in a confused manner,"I don't understand...I thought the soldiers would be arriving at Christmas Eve."
"So did I Madam," said the Mailman.
"Have you had any sign of them at all?" asked Miss Price, hoping for the answer she was looking for.
"Well Madam, I have been meaning to tell you about this,"he said as he reached into his bag full of mail, looking for the letter written for Miss Price,"Here. A letter all the way from Berlin in the Military Camp from a Professor Emelius Browne."
She took the letter and stared at the envelope. "What must this mean?" she thought to herself as she unfolded the envelope and started reading it.
"Dear Eglantine,
So it's the Holidays isn't it? I hope you and the children are well and rather cheerful this season! Has the Thames froze yet? (That's a trick question!)I've heard from your recent letter that you were absolutely excited for my homecoming along with the troops, which was all over the Times I presume. I could tell your anticipation and excitement for this day, and so do the children. As a point of fact my dear, I was so looking forward to see you and the children, I just couldn't wait for the day that I would finally reunite with you once more with open arms after a year of our being quite far apart. Unfortunately my dear, I hate to say this, but the troops and I will not be coming home for Christmas. I know, it's heart breaking and I really didn't want to tell you, but I had to. I didn't want to leave you with an ignorant bliss for the rest of the Holiday. The soldiers and I have another scheduled battle on Christmas Day (Oh...of all days) and all so suddenly I wish that I were home. I wish that I were with you. I can't stand another day at the Military Camp filled with war where peace is as rare as a blooming flower that I can't seem to find. Only coming home to you would heal my heartache and make it better. So my dear, I deeply apologize. I wish I were here with you right now. All the best wishes of peace and love for the New Year. Merry Christmas.
Signed with affection,
Emelius Browne"
After reading the letter, Miss Price's heart began to ache. After all this time, she's been happy, excited and anticipated his homecoming. Just hearing the news about their war on Christmas Day made her feel even worse. Where was the peace that was supposed to be there on Christmas Day? Where was the love? Where was the joy? Where was it all? Paul walked up to Miss Price and tugged at her sleeve.
"Wot's 'appening now Miss Price? Is he coming home?"
"No Paul," said a miserable Miss Price letting off a huge sigh,"Come along children, let's go home."
She waved to the mailman, and he tipped her hat towards her, feeling sorry for the sad news he brought her. The children and Miss Price walked slowly towards the bed, feeling awful, sad and disappointed. Of all times, on Christmas Eve, 1941. After that happened, Miss Price felt that she would never see Mr. Browne again after a long, long time to come.
Now in the year 1942, as Miss Price was working on the airplane's wings, she thought about that day that was almost a year ago. She sighed once more as she fought a lump in her throat, looked to the sky, and let the tears escape her eyes. She then stopped working and walked off to the nearest seat to her in the work house. One of the women who worked with her, Eleanor, noticed the sadness in her face and walked over to Miss Price.
"There now deary, wot seems to be the matter?" she asked with a kind voice in her Cockney accent,"It's Christmas Ma'am! You should be happy!"
"Oh, it's nothing Eleanor, nothing at all,"replied Miss Price,"I'm just missing someone that's all."
"Hmmm...is it one of those men in the war?" she asked, still with a smile on her face.
Miss Price nodded quietly.
"I understand you deary, I know 'ow you feel," Eleanor comforted her, placing a hand on her shoulder,"Me 'usband's in the army too. But just remember what our good friend told us in the service...whenever there's a closed door, there's always gonna be an open window."
Miss Price began to smile at what Eleanor said, realizing that the good friend she was talking about was Mr. Jelk.
"Well now, we better 'urry deary! Those children o' yours must be waitin' for you at 'ome! It's almost nighttime y'know...time for you four to go a'Christmas shoppin' 'round the town!" she perked up, rushing to finish the job.
"I'll be on my way now,"said Miss Price as she packed up her things and headed out of the work lot,"Merry Christmas Eleanor!"
"A Merry Christmas to you too deary!" she waved.
As Miss Price walked out of the work lot, she thought, "That was last Christmas, this is this Christmas!" Who knows? A Christmas Miracle may happen one day in Pepperinge Eye...
A/N: And that was my first chapter! Did you like it? Please REVIEW! Reviews are much appreciated, also constructive criticism (but NO flames! Please!). I actually thought that this chapter started off as lighthearted and happy until it turned out to be kind of sad sometime in the middle. But don't be disappointed! I'll update as soon as I can and get this fanfic done before or ON Christmas Day!
Cheers and Merry Christmas!
~ASianSuccessor2012-DisneyFan