The Before Clause

Fandom: The Santa Clause

Rating: T

Genre: Romance/Adventure/Spiritual

Full Summary: Who was that Santa Scott scared off the roof? How did he become Santa and was his transformation any easier than Scott's? Follow Samuel Clark through his time and see how he became the new Santa Claus.

Disclaimer: I do not own The Santa Clause or any of it's characters. I do, however, own my characters.

Comment: Yay! We finally get to meet some characters! :3 Again, if I get anything wrong in this period of time, please, tell me and I'll do my best to fix it. :D Also, I am attempting to do a British accent...though, I'm pretty sure I suck at typing it and even worse at acting like I have one in real life. So, please bare with me, I know I suck. xD

It was high noon and the streets of Birmingham, Great Britain, were especially busy. It was Christmas Eve and lots of people were getting in their last minutes of shopping done. Well, the more wealthy and middle class folks were shopping. The more poor of the people in the city were out working; hoping they will earn enough to get at least something special for the family later on in the day.

The line to get into Hamley's 'Noah's Ark' Toy Warehouse reached all the way to the streets; the line to pay was almost as long. A tall, scrawny man stood in the pay line, held a doll under his left arm and a toy train under the other. In his right hand, he held a wooden yo-yo. He tapped his foot impatiently, wanting to pay for the items already. As he moved through the line, he felt his hat go lopsided and became aware that he might be late getting back to his home. This only made him more impatient.

The man, taller then most men his age, had dark brown hair and bright green eyes. His mustache matched the color of his hair and he was unusually skinnier and scrawnier for someone who ate well every night. As he was the third one to the front, he slowly and carefully pulled out a golden pocket watch with his free hand and clicked it open. Huffing in annoyance, he closed it and glared at a man in front of him; trying to burn a hole through the poor fellow's head. Finally, he was next.

"Good afternoon, Mr. Clark," the clerk said cheerfully. "Out late shopping for your niece and nephew again, I see?" Sam gave a guilty smile.

"John, Mr. Fisher as you know him, and I are still working on that second Mill. It's not easy, you know," Samuel quickly clarified. "But, I've been so busy working on all the paper work, that I haven't had anytime to buy their presents...again." The clerk gave a chuckle. He was currently wrapping the train up in a box.

"You're still working on that Mill? How long has it been since your father had been trying to open another Mill?" The clerk asked.

"Almost ten years. But, I only took over about four years ago."

"What's taking so long to open the second one?"

"The damn building." Sam leaned forward, waving for the clerk to come closer; Samuel didn't want rumors going around the town. "John's father had found the perfect building before he died. It was big, it needed very few repairs, and it's right smack in the middle of the town. It was the..." Samuel paused and then decided stop talking after that. After all, John and Sam both didn't want other people to find out where they were going to put the Textile Mill quite yet. The clerked stared at Sam, waiting for him to continue.

"Well, as you can tell, I really need to get back. My sister will never let it go if I'm late," Samuel Clark said, nodding towards the gifts. The clerk snapped out of his trance and stumbled wrapping the last gift; the yo-yo. Once he payed, Sam picked up his gifts, tipped his hat at the clerk, and gave a thankful smile.

"Good day to you, Joseph," Sam said, and then walked out the door. While walking, he shifted all his presents to his right side and used his left hand to straighten his hat, which had gone lopsided again. But, before he could grab one of the heavy packages from his right arm, he saw an old woman on the side of the street. She was in rags and was a beggar. He had passed her on his way here, except, he was on the opposite side of the road and had easily avoided her.

He took a glance at the cup she had at her side; very few pennies. He then took a few glances around himself, reached into his pocket and threw whatever change he had into her tin can. The woman looked up at him as if he were an angel and gave him a toothless grin. Sam gave her a quick, shy smile and then walked on. He took out his pocket watch again and looked at the time. When he clicked it shut once again, he quicken his pace. He was going to be late.

When he walked up to his front door, it opened. A middle aged man stared at Samuel as he walked into his home.

"Thank you, Thomas," Samuel said, giving a nod at his butler.

"Sir, you're late," declared Thomas. "Mrs. Caroline has been waiting for about an hour now. I told you to take the carriage so you would be here on time."

"I know, I know. I'm sure I'm going to get a mouth full from her, so I don't need it from you, too," Samuel said, placing the gifts down. Just then, two small children rushed into the room, both trying to get to their uncle first. The girl, finally able to push her older brother out of the way, raced next to her uncle and he quickly picked her up.

"How is my favorite niece?" He asked, giving her a big grin. Martha smiled back.

"Good, but, I'll be even better once I get my gift," the three year old girl said, smiling. Sam chuckled.

"I guess so." He picked up a present that was wrapped in pink cloth and then tied with a purple bow. Martha squealed and grabbed the gift from her uncle. William tugged at his uncle's pants.

"What about my gift?" The six year old boy asked. Samuel bended down, gave the boy a quick hug, and handed him his gift; a box wrapped in a dark green cloth and a blue bow. The young boy smiled and ripped the paper off as if his life depended on it. When Sam stood back up, Thomas was was right next to him, which, made Sam jump in surprise.

"You've got to stop doing that, Thomas," Sam said, putting his hand over his heart.

"Sir, where is Franklin?" his butler asked, completely ignoring Sam's statement.

"Still asleep, probably," Samuel said without even thinking over what he said.

"Asleep?!" Exclaimed the butler. "He's suppose to be by your side at all times!"

"Yes, asleep. And, I know, I know. But, he was up late helping me with some paper work and I thought he deserved some rest today," Sam explained, trying to get Thomas to see his point. Thomas certainly did not. The butler huffed in disapproval.

"That boy should be thankful! You took him off the streets and he repays you by sleeping! I'm going to wake that boy up at once!" Thomas yelled and scurried up the stairs and to the right; towards Franklin's room. Samuel sighed. Martha tugged on his pants.

"Why is Thomas always so mean?" Martha asked. Sam picked her up and smiled; the doll he had gotten her was in her little hands. He was about to speak up when William cut in.

"He's not mean, stupid. That Franklin kid should be by uncle's side. He is his bodyguard after all," William explained, expecting praise from his uncle. Instead, Sam frowned and put Martha down.

"I'm not so sure about that, William," was all Sam said before a woman in her early twenties came into the room. She had bleach blond hair and bright blue eyes. Her skin was a beautiful cream color and her waist was tiny; though, this was mostly because of the girdle she wore. Her blond hair was twisted into a bun on top of her head and walked with grace. The woman stopped when she saw Sam and gave him a glare.

"Hello, Caroline," Sam said, giving a wave of innocence. Caroline stalked up to him.

"Do you not understand how long we've been waiting, brother?" Caroline asked him, annoyance in her voice. Sam gave a guilty smile.

"Sorry, but, I had to buy the children their presents..." Sam trailed off, knowing that no matter the excuse, she was not going to let this go. Caroline hated waiting for people; and, it didn't matter who you were, if you were late, she was going to scold you to no end. Unlike his sister, Sam was usually always late to things, and even as kids, he usually got in trouble for it as well.

"Nonetheless, you should have been here on time for once. I told you multiple times, family comes before business," Caroline scolded, glaring at her older brother. Samuel sighed once again.

"Caroline...you know I have to get this Mill done...for father...I have to," Sam whispered to her. Caroline's gaze softened.

"Sam..." Caroline went over to her brother, he stare soft and mother like. Then, she smirked and punched him in the arm playfully; a little harder then she meant. She did this a lot when they were kids.

"Ow! What on earth was that for?" Sam asked, rubbing his arm.

"Nice try, but, you can't foul me into forgiving me with that story. I refuse to fall for it again!"Caroline said, amusement in her voice. Sam smiled back.

"I wish you did fall for it, it would hurt less." Just then, a boy raced down the stairs, tightening his belt on his way down. Once he off the stairs, he ran towards Sam. He was out of breath and before he spoke, he looked at Caroline, bowed and then looked back at Sam.

"S-Sorry...I didn't mean... to s-sleep in...sir!" Franklin explained, taking in deep breaths of air. Sam smiled at the boy and ruffled his already messy reddish brown hair.

"No need to be sorry, Franklin. I let you sleep in. And, you could have slept longer, but, Thomas had a melt down and woke you up," Sam said with a eye roll. Thomas grunted in disapproval behind him; Sam jumped again by the sudden noise.

"My goodness, Thomas! One of these days you're going to give me a heart attack!" Samuel said. The children behind him giggled at their uncle; finding it very amusing that he was frightened.

"Sir, you should know better then anyone that--" Thomas' lecture was interrupted by a knock at the door. The butler frowned in annoyance and walked over to the door. Caroline gave Sam a quick look. Sam knew this look too well; it was the it-better-not-be-anyone-that-is-going-to-pull-you-away-from-your-time-with-the-family look. And, to Caroline's and Sam's disappointment, John Fisher came through the door, a wide grin on his face.

"J-John! You're here early!" Sam stumbled getting out his watch and when he finally was able to look at the time, he learned that John was right on time. "...Or not."

"Sammy, my boy! You ready to go?" John asked, excitement in his voice. His huge smile slowly went down when Sam didn't answer. "Well? Are you ready to go or not?"

"Not!" Caroline answered for Sam. "Samuel Alexander Clark, you promised me that we could have the morning together and you were late getting here, so, I expect that you will be spending the afternoon with your family for making up lost time?" Caroline tapped her foot, waiting for an answer quickly; as if daring him to go with John. John looked at Caroline as if she had just appeared out of thin air. His smile returned to his lips.

"Mrs. Caroline! Lovely to see you again. Looking as beautiful as ever," John said, going over to her and kissed her hand. She quickly pulled it away from his lips and gave him a look of disgust. He only smirked in return. "Though, I think woman as beautiful as your self should hold their tongues when they are not being talked to. Don't you agree, Samuel?" Sam ignored his question.

"John, how you go without me? I mean, I did promise I would spend some time with my sister and her children," Sam tried to explain. John flinched as if Samuel just punch him in the gut, but, quickly regained his calm exterior. John was never used to being told no; Sam usually always listen to him and always did what John told him to do.

"That's fine." John went over to Sam, put his arm Sam's shoulder, and started talking to him as if understood completely; though, Sam had to bend down for John, since, he was so tall.

"It's just...I was hoping you could be there. I mean, both our father's worked together to get this building, I just thought that you and I could do it together as well," John whispered to him. Then, he sighed. "And, just think that they might not sign the contract if there isn't both of us there." Sam frowned. He hadn't thought of that. John let go of Sam with a wicked smirk, knowing that he had convinced him.

"Well...if you put it that way..." Sam said, scratching his chin thoughtfully. Just then, he looked over at Caroline, giving her a pleading look. She just glared at him, piecing into his heart. He walked over to her.

"I promise I'll make this up to you. Just...I need to get that contract signed. You know how long father worked to get this place," Sam said, giving her a puppy dog stare. Caroline sighed and nodded.

"Fine, but, you better make it up," Caroline said, not even looking him in the eye. Sam smiled, delighted. He hugged her and gave her a kiss on the forehead before saying goodbye to Martha and William, who, were sad to see that they had to leave. Caroline picked up Martha and held Williams hand while Thomas held the door open for them to leave. Before they left though, Caroline turned to her brother.

"I hope you made the right choice," she said, wiping her eyes, and then walked out of the house. Sam was surprised by her expression more then her words though. To Sam, Caroline looked more sad then mad; and, he knew his sister better then anyone. Though, John quickly waved it away.

"Your sister is very stubborn. It's a shame really. Someone as pretty as her, I mean. She would be so much more appealing if she just kept quiet," John said, lighting a cigar. Samuel wanted to snap back at him, no one spoke of his sister like that. But, he regained his sensibility and thought better then to yell at John; it was be too disrespectful. Instead, he just decided ignored it.

"Are we leaving or not?" he asked, annoyed.

"Oh, yes. Come now, Sammy boy. There isn't reason for you to be mad. I think you should be thankful! I just got rid of that angry woman in your house!" John rambled on as they went into the carriage; Franklin quietly at Sam's side. Sam ignored John as he talked and decided to stair out the window of the carriage. He started to think about his sister and how upset she looked. He couldn't remember the last time his sister cried. Probably when their father died four years ago.

John walked out of the bank, a skip in his step. Sam was right behind, smiling happily with Franklin at his side.

"We did it! We did it, Sammy boy! We finally got the bankers to see it our way!" John cheered as Sam came up next to him. "We're going out to celebrate! Drinks on me!" Suddenly, the doors' to the bank burst open and a young woman walked out; steaming. Her black hair was in a messy braid and her skin was tanned, as if she worked in the sun a lot. She had piercing brown eyes and had on a dress with too many holes.

"This is outrages! How could they do this to me?! How could they do this to all of us?!" the woman screamed at no one in particular. Sam stopped walking and turned to stare at the crazy woman, his brow arched. The woman locked eyes with Sam and came stalking up to him, pointing her finger at him.

"You cruel, cruel man!" she yelled at him. "How could you be so...so...so horrible?!" Sam vaguely remembered the woman being with the bankers. She was introduced as Isabelle Henson; the owner of the building that was being bought for the textile mill. John was next to Sam in a second.

"Just ignore her, Sam. You're way above her class and she has no right to speak to you so illy," John scuffed, glaring at Isabelle. Isabelle sent him a hateful glare back.

"You're talking to me about class?! You two are the ones buying an orphanage for your damn mill!" Isabelle screamed, her voice breaking. "Damn you! Damn you both to hell!" Then, Isabelle fell to her knees and covered her face, not wanting them to see her cry. She didn't want to cry in front of them. She didn't want them to see her at her weakest point, but, she couldn't help it. The tears just came even with her protests. John quickly turned around and started walking towards their carriage.

"Come along, Sam. She's not worth our time." Though, Samuel hesitated. He felt bad for Isabelle and having her cry made him think about his sister, which, made him feel worse. He would have gone over to Isabelle, helped her up, and would have tried to make her stop crying if he didn't already know that she would just slap his hands away from her. Franklin looked at Isabelle sadly, wishing he could help her.

"Sam!" John called from inside the carriage. Sam looked at Isabelle one last time before turning and walking into the carriage. Franklin came in a second after him. All three stayed quiet while they rode through the town. Sam kept thinking back to how Isabelle just broke down in front of them.

He really wished now that he had at least tried and helped her, then, he wondered why he thought this. She was the one cursing at him, so, shouldn't he loath her. Instead he felt something else. At first he thought it was pity, but, after thinking it through more and more, he felt something else and he couldn't quite put his finger on it. He thought about this until finally the driver stopped in front of the local pub, The Dirty Duck.

"Ready to celebrate what we've been trying to accomplish for ten years?" John said, stepping out into the street.

"Certainly," Sam said getting out of the carriage, but, before getting out completely, he turned back around to stare at Franklin.

"Franklin, I want you to go home. The driver will take you. I think it would be best if it was just me and John tonight," Samuel tried to explain, giving the boy a smile. Franklin looked like he was about to protest, but, then thought better of it and nodded. "Great! I'll see you later tonight then." Sam left the carriage completely, determined to get his mind off of Isabelle and to have a good time tonight, because he should be celebrating; despite the sinking feeling in his gut.

I'm really sorry this took so long to get out, but, I've been extremely busy with school and then things with my friends. I haven't had really that much time to write, but, the time I did had, I worked on this chapter. I hope it was worth the wait. :3