An: I have no idea what I'm doing. I'm still on hiatus for Ship of Dreams. I'm going to finish it I promise! But anyways, this idea has been mulling around for quite some time. Look, I know it's not Christmas but, I can't wait six months for this to be published! My fingers are aching to type more. As you will see it is highly based off Frank Capra's 'It's a Wonderful Life'. I've changed names and a lot of the lines but the concept is the same. I'm in the Christmas mood even though it's summer (is that strange?) so that's why I am writing this. Enjoy it though!
Disclaimer: I DO NOT OWN IT'S A WONDERFUL LIFE OR ANY CHARACTERS AFFILIATED WITH IT.
Each year on Christmas Eve when the snows falls silently on the ground, a magic reins within the air. Some call it the spirit of the holidays, others call it faith but for those who don't believe; it's humbug. On this very night in the heart of England a man suffers greatly. He suffers from the weight of the world around him and is questioning his belief in himself. With the stars shining brightly in the sky, and with the heavens arms wide welcoming the man should he make the decision, a miracle begins.
"Dear God, if there was any time I desired your assistance, tonight would be the night. I've realized I've not been my best but, there is a man that needs your help, God. He's very distraught and I cannot lose him, he is my best friend. Please God, please help him."
"I realize that I haven't prayed for quite some time, God. I don't pretend to have stable ground with you but… It's come to my attention that a man who is very loved by all is not quite himself. He tries so hard, God… All my prayers are with him tonight, please he needs someone by his side tonight most of all."
"There is something wrong with him, Lord. I know that he is good man, even though he has never been quite as good as he could be… but, just for tonight, I believe that he is not in his right mind. Please, Lord. Be with him tonight, he deserves it more than any of us."
As the stars shined bright within the dark sky the flickering of two in particular should catch your eye. The North Star, the most powerful and beautiful of the stars, rested in the center of the sky.
"Is everything alright, Joseph, you seem upset?" The deep voice of the North echoed for only you and I to hear.
"Sir, it looks like we will have to send someone down, and on tonight of all nights. A lot of people are asking for the help of a man named Charles Carson." The star, although did not differ in size held a softer, gentler voice.
"Carson, you say?"
"Yes sir, tonight's his crucial night it would seem. The moons have not spoken of him until now, it's urgent they say."
"Yes, yes of course. We will have to send someone down immediately. Now, whose turn is it?"
A lingering silence filled the air until the second star spoke once again in a hesitant manner.
"That's why I'm here; it would seem that it's that old map maker's turn again." He finished with a deep sigh.
The North Star chuckled at Joseph's bleak demeanor.
"Ah yes, Elijah. Such a simple man, with the faith of a child. I don't believe he has wings yet, Joseph. Maybe tonight we will hold witness to two miracles. Please send for him."
As soon as the words were spoken a flit of light crossed the sky and joined the other two stars.
"You sent for me, sir?" A weak voice came from the smaller star.
"Yes, Elijah. A man on Earth needs our help, and seeing as it is your turn we have no choice then to send you down." Joseph said with a snort.
"Oh, wonderful! What's wrong with him? Is he his sick? Dying? I'm quite good with the sick and dying, sir!"
"No, not sick… And not quite dying. The man, at exactly midnight on the night of Christmas Eve, will be thinking seriously of throwing away God's greatest gift." The North Star didn't bear to speak the words himself. He feared the very thought of it all.
"Not quite dying, you say?" Elijah paused for a moment, as if he were trying very hard to solve the puzzle that was given to him. "Oh! Oh, dear! You mean he's thinking of taking his life, oh dear. This is urgent, I must dress. I have to –"
"Sit down, Elijah. If you want to help a man you better know a thing or two about him, don't you think?" Joseph said in a rather annoyed voice.
"Sit down? Oh well, yes I suppose."
"If you help this man, Charles Carson; Elijah I promise you shall earn your wings." The North Star's humble voice filled the air. The wind sparked with a certain hum and flew through the night; swirling the snowflakes along the ground creating a certain glow against the white land. And through the night it sped as fast as a steam train. From the depth of space it hurriedly traveled miles and miles, appearing at a home; more of a mansion some might say and others would compare it to a castle. And within these never ending corridors lies our tale of a very distraught man, and the miracle that saved him.
Charles Carson stared through the frosted window, his breath fogging the glass with each exhale. The day was Christmas Eve and he was overwhelmed with the numerous tasks of the day. He rubbed the window to reveal a scene of white. Since the beginning of winter it started snowing and has not stopped since. The thick blanket of snow engulfed the Abbey and made it difficult for things to come and go. The chauffer was sent out every day just to fetch the paper. The delivery boy refused to continue bringing it, even when offered a considerably higher wage, due to the heavy weather. Just another complication for Carson, after all what did he expect.
His mood was very foul this holiday season for no particular reason. But, she noticed. He didn't know but she knew when something was wrong, even when he wouldn't admit to it. Her hand held herself steady as she watched him by the window. He didn't see her questioning stare and her relaxed body against the door frame. Charles squinted to see the car pull around the bend of the Abbey. Pulling his waistcoat down and straightened his jacket he turned to face her.
"Oh! Mrs. Hughes, I didn't see you there." He shook his head and came to stand in front of her.
"Did I give you a fright? Were you expecting the Ghost of Christmas Past, Present, or Future, Mr. Scrooge?" As if it were natural she shifted the documents from her hand to underneath her arm, freeing her hands to tighten his tie. He stared at her fingers as she did this and didn't fathom to stop her. Mr. Carson had always been very distant during the holidays. Mrs. Hughes had tried everything for him to at least acknowledge her presence at times. Intimacy was not their strong point; it wasn't even a point in his mind but it was Christmas and she desperately craved for some sort of affection.
"You've been reading Dickens again." He looked at her as he said this, and saw how her brow was furrowed as she concentrated on fixing his attire to the peak of perfection. When she finished she gave a small smile and met his eyes.
"Don't I always this time of year, Mr. Carson?" Her smile caught him off guard. The twinkle of her eyes, the rosiness of her cheeks. Her lips were red, not the color of blood but the color of a freshly picked apple. They looked nice. She looked nice he took note. His mind diverged from such trivial nonsense. He shouldn't be thinking of her in such a manner, and with that he became the hardened rock that he was known to be. Her smile faded and the moment was shattered.
Mrs. Hughes extended her hand and handed him a copy the schedule for the day. Another day, the same as always; his demeanor would not even change for the holidays. As he passed her in the doorway their hands brushed. Another chance wasted. She walked along beside him discussing the normal procedure on Christmas Eve; breakfast for the family, then the decorating of the tree, and after a day of constant ringing of bells for a fresh pot of tea they would finish with Christmas dinner. Simple but plenty of time for something miraculous to happen.
"Who is she?" Elijah spoke up finally. "Are they lovers?"
"Oh my man, far from that. Perhaps we should see when they first met?" the North Star replied and with a flash of light the scene changed.
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