It was Christmas Eve of 1985 and Jack Tripper was having the most depressing holiday season of his life. Vicky had left him the day after Thanksgiving and his business wasn't doing all that great. By this time in his life, he figured that he would have what he wanted, a booming restaurant and a wife, possibly a kid or two. It wasn't happening. Everything seemed like it was in reverse.
"Wow," he said to himself as he sat there watching It's a Wonderful Life for the one hundredth time already. "I really can relate to this poor George sucker."
He really meant it. He was watching the scene where George Bailey is alone at the bar and is praying out loud to God. George felt so desparate and alone because his life was in jeopardy. Jack thought about what he just did in that scene and wondered when the last time he prayed. He figured it couldn't hurt. He turned off the t.v, got on his knees, and thought long and hard about what he wanted to say.
"It's been a while, Lord," he began to say, somewhat uncomfortable. "I'm sorry we haven't talked much lately. It's just times have been hard. Doubly hard considering it's the holidays and I'm supposed to be happy..."
The clock ticked and it distracted Jack. It was three o'clock in the afternoon. He sighed, what did it matter? He closed his restaurant for the day. He thought maybe he should have opened it but he just didn't want to go through with it. He realized how much that sounded like he was giving up and the thought of that made him cry.
"God, I...I just don't know," he sobs.
It wasn't long before he heard a knock on the door. He wondered who that could be. He wasn't expecting anybody and frankly it annoyed him. He did not want to see anybody especially considering he had just been crying. He never liked anybody seeing him upset.
He was shocked to find Janet at the door with a baby girl in her arms. He hadn't seen her in a long time and he wondered if the baby was hers. He didn't have time to react before she enveloped him in a one-armed hug. He hugged her backed and never stopped looking at the baby.
"Merry Christmas, Jack," she says giving him a peck on the cheek. "Are you suprised?"
"Am I ever," he says backing away.
"I was going to call but I wanted it to be a suprise. I wanted you to meet my daughter."
"What's her name?" He asks stroking the baby girl's forehead.
"Ashley. Ashley Marie Dawson. Would you like to hold her?"
"Yeah," he says holding his arms out for Ashley. She was totally comfortable in his arms, never fussed one bit.
"I just had her a month ago. I felt bad because I never even called you to tell you I was pregnant but we were actually traveling a lot and time just got away from me."
"It's okay. I'm so happy you came. Would you like to sit and stay here a little while?"
"No I'm sorry but we have to go to a Christmas party soon. I got to get home before Phillip does."
"Oh, that's cool," he says handing Ashley back to Janet. "You know, I should have called you but..."
"What?" she asks, knowing there is something he wants to say but doesn't want to.
"I got busy too."
"I completely understand," she says giving him a good-bye kiss. He returns the favor and then gives Ashley a kiss on the forhead.
"Merry Christmas, Baby," he says and he could have swore she smiled at him. Janet giggles at the cuteness.
"Merry Christmas, I'll talk to you soon, I guess?" She asks turning to leave.
"Yeah, Merry Christmas, Janet," he waves as they walk down the hallway. He smiles to himself as he walks back to the couch. That was Janet. She was always there for him when he was down. Holding Ashley was the greatest thing ever, she was an angel just like her mother. He turns the t.v back on to find the movie was now ending.
We'll take a cup o' kindness yet,
For Auld Lang Syne.