Stave Three
The Second of the Three Spirits
Scrooge shook his head several times and rubbed his eyes. He was trying to work out if he had just woken up from a dream or not. He felt tired but it was more a fatigue of the soul. He looked at his watch and saw that it was after 1:30. He got up and walked briskly to his car. As he drove he thought of many things and he was conflicted by his conclusions. For the first time in many years he began to seriously consider if he was a good man or not. In the past he hadn't really cared as long as he had done what suited him and had brought profit.
"Oh well, it's not like I'm killing anybody after all. It's high time to go home and get some real rest."
He pulled into his garage and locked up. He paused at the door and remembered his glimpse of Marley there. "You never did mention when to expect the other visitors. I hope they don't come tonight, I need to go to bed."
He entered the house and put away his things. He walked right past the liquor cabinet without even considering pouring himself a small nightcap. He reached the stairs and began to slowly and thoughtfully climb them. He only got halfway up when he heard a loud voice calling his name. At the same time, a bright light sprang up behind him and he turned to see it coming from the living room. The light was red and flickering but there seemed to be odd spots of color dancing in it as well. He gazed at the light but did not move. He looked at his watch and saw that it was 2 AM and surmised that the light and voice had probably appeared right on the hour.
Again the voice called out "Edward Scrooge, come in and know me better man."
"Well that doesn't sound like a dead relative" Scrooge muttered under his breath "I might as well go."
He walked back down the stairs and turned into the living room. At least he thought it was his living room. The walls were hung with blinking Charismas lights, decorations and wreaths. A fire was blazing in the grate and a Christmas tree, decorated to the nines, was made even more beautiful as the shadows danced merrily across it. A table was piled high with delicious Christmas foods and an Advent wreath sat as a reverent centerpiece. All five candles, three purple, one pink, and a white in the middle, were lit. In short, the room was furnished similarly to Mr. Fezziwig's party and it was a scene that certainly had no precedent in that house.
Scrooge's eye was quickly drawn to the large arm chair situated in the most comfortable spot near the fire. In it was seated a Man with olive skin and very dark brown hair. These locks were curly and full coming down to the Man's shoulders and brushing His bearded cheek. His forehead had very faint scars dotted across it and Scrooge didn't know what to make of that. He looked instead at the Man's clothes which consisted of a green robe with a trim of white fur. These furry cuffs fell past the Man's wrist's and rested half way down His hands. The attire was very old fashioned but somehow very appropriate. It was the Man's eyes that were the most interesting feature; they seemed impossibly old and extremely kind. He smiled as He looked upon the stunned lawyer.
"You don't know me, Edward." It wasn't a question but rather a statement
"No, I don't think I do. Should I know you?"
The Man chuckled and answered "Oh I think so. I am known by many names and it is a bit disappointing that you can't guess any of them. For tonight I think I'll call myself the Spirit of Christmas."
"Don't you mean the Spirit of Christmas Present?"
"Yes, that too."
Scrooge did not understand this answer nor why this Visitor made him feel the way he did. A thrilling and terrifying thought crossed his mind but he dismissed it quickly. If that Man were real surely He wouldn't come Himself especially to do only part of the job.
"It's hard to know what anyone would do Edward, especially the One of whom you think."
"Hey, my thoughts are off limits Spirit. I'll listen to you, even go where you want but I want you to stay out of my head."
"I'll do my best. So you are really so willing to accept the lessons I'm here to teach?"
"Well, I don't know about that" he responded with a sheepish look downward "I'm still not sure what to do with the lessons of the last visitor. I will listen though. My life just might benefit from some improvement."
"I'm so glad you feel that way. I was so looking forward to this; I even decided to dress for the occasion." The Spirit chuckled, rose and approached Scrooge. He stood beside him and offered his arm. "Touch my robe."
Scrooge laid his hand upon the fur garment and instantly the fire and the lights all went out. They were replaced with the light of day coming through the windows and the Spirit walked right through the wall with Scrooge in tow. The morning was cold and bright and happy music could be heard coming from several of the houses. In the distance, the church towers could be faintly heard to be ringing out a Christmas carol.
"Is it Christmas Day, Spirit?"
"Of course it is. You yourself said I was acting as the Spirit of Christmas Present."
"Wouldn't the present more accurately be two in the morning?"
"Well if you're going to be that literal minded we're going to be at this until the next century. Let's just take a nice walk and see what there is to be seen."
It didn't take Scrooge more than a few seconds to see his first sight. It was the boy who had been sighted with the gang; he was walking slowly up the sidewalk outside of Scrooge's house. His head was hung and he didn't seem very merry.
"I wonder what's on his mind."
"He's wishing that home were a happier place to be on Christmas Morning and also wishing he had some real friends. He's slipped out and is his on his way to meet the people who claim to be his friends. Sadly, even on this day people can have some very sad situations and thoughts. Oh that's right; you don't like me reading people's thoughts."
"You're right, it's creepy. However, if what you said is true then it's really sad. Is his home really such a bad place?"
"He thinks it is. His parents are busy people and his older brother is very popular. He doesn't always feel very adequate when compared to the jobs and the trophies. The truth is that his family cares about him a lot but they have forgotten how to show it. In fact, they have forgotten that they need to show it; they just take it for granted that he knows. However, we can't do anything to help right now. Let's walk."
Scrooge tore his eyes away from the child and began to stroll down the street with the Spirit. They slowed and glanced through living room windows as they did. As the morning wore on Scrooge saw families of all sorts opening presents and having a very happy time. At some houses, the Spirit would say a small blessing over the dwelling and these tended to be the ones where focus was less on the presents and more on each other. These blessed houses also seemed to have the happiest people inside of them.
After a while Scrooge said "So the Spirit of Christmas not only reads minds but He peeps into private homes."
"My Spirit is already there and I know everyone of these people although not all of them know me as well as they might. I am sharing a small portion of their lives with you so that you might learn from them and they would not mind knowing that they are my teachers. What are you learning Edward?"
"That everyone seems to be happy to be getting things. Maybe I wasn't so wrong to worship profit."
The Spirit looked at him a bit sternly but kindly and said "Be honest Edward, what do you really see?"
Scrooge looked back through the nearest window. Inside he saw a mother and her two children cuddled on the couch and chatting merrily while the toys lay on the floor, forgotten for the moment. It made Scrooge happy to see this but also he felt a little sad. He found himself reflecting on how he probably would have passed this morning in a lonely sulk reading or trying to find something non-holiday related on TV. He didn't like it and he turned back to the Spirit.
"I see love. It sounds strange to hear my voice say it but I see families enjoying a special time in each other's company. Yes there is some greed to be found on these streets but there is also warmth."
"You do have a way with words Edward. I suppose that's what makes you so powerful in a courtroom. You speak truly and I'm glad. Let's take a glance at another type of home. Place your hand on my robe again, please."
Scrooge laid his hand on the offered arm and the scenery changed. They were standing outside a small two story house that had seen better days. Still it seemed like a cozy little place and the Spirit of Christmas pronounced a blessing over it.
"I feel there is some special significance to this house. Who lives here?"
"Your administrative assistant, Bob Cratchit, lives here. He rents an upstairs room from a wonderful woman named Martha Gail."
"Oh well, I didn't think I paid him that shabbily. It's not like its minimum wage."
"It's not a great wage either. The fact is that you never considered what you were paying him very deeply just like you never considered the man very deeply. You never considered his needs, his cares, and his life. Do you remember when he came to you once for legal advice and you shut him down without even hearing what he wanted help with?"
"What did it matter? He wasn't going to be able to pay my fees."
"Is there really a price on simply talking and helping someone in need?"
Scrooge felt very uncomfortable and looked around the street in order to find a distraction. "Oh speak of the devil."
"I try not to do that but I will speak of Bob and Tim."
They were watching with interest as Bob came strolling up the road hand in hand with a little boy. The child was bundled up very warmly but his voice carried very strongly through the scarf as he sang "God Rest You Merry Gentlemen" with Bob joining in for choruses. The song finished as they drew near the front of the house and Bob let go of his son's hand momentarily so that he could applaud the carol.
"Excellent job Tim, you have the voice of an angel."
"I do my best Daddy."
"And you always should. Come on Tim; let's go see how Christmas dinner is coming."
"Hooray!"
"Come on Edward, let's go in with them."
"Are we invited?"
"I am always welcome in this house. Come on."
They followed Bob and Tim into the house. The pair hung up their coats, hats, and scarves before heading towards the kitchen. "Hello, we're back"
Bob was greeted by a woman with curly hair and a Christmas sweater. She looked up from the stove and said "How was the walk?"
"It was great Martha. We had a lot of fun."
"Daddy went down the slide with me on the playground."
"Well that's your father for you" said Martha's laughing teenage daughter as she collected plates for the table "You've got him pretty much wrapped around your finger."
"Linda, be nice."
"Sorry Mom, I didn't mean anything by it."
"And she was right anyway" Bob chimed in "There isn't anything I wouldn't do for this little guy." He scooped Tim up and placed him on his shoulder "We're going to go have a quick wash and then I'll come help with the food."
"Ok Bob" Martha replied with a smile and a wink "Linda, where is your brother?"
"I'm not sure" she took the plates into the small dining area and called out "Peter, are you in the house?"
"Here I am" called her twin brother as he peeled himself from the TV with some difficulty and rushed to help set the table
"Why is that thing on anyway? It's family time."
"Well there wasn't anything for me to do at the moment so…"
Before he could think up an excuse his mother's voice called out from the kitchen "I can always find something for you to do Peter Gail."
The twins laughed and asked at the same time "How does she do that?"
All was pleasant as the happy household went about setting the table for Christmas dinner. Bob and Tim had rejoined the brood and soon all five people were seated around a table. They joined hands and Martha led them in a prayer. Scrooge was surprised when he realized he had bowed his head with them.
"Dear Jesus, we thank you for this fine meal that we are about to enjoy together and ask that you bless it to the nourishment of our bodies. We also thank you for friends and family as well as this Holy Day. May you bless us all, Oh Lord."
"God Bless us" the rest of the table repeated with the exception of Tim who said after everyone else "God Bless us everyone!"
They laughed and said "Amen" before tucking into ham and vegetables.
"This is delicious Ms. Martha" Tim said
"Thank you very much, Tim. A good little boy like you deserves far better than what I could cobble together but I'm glad you like it."
"Try a bit of everything Tim" Bob said "You need to keep your strength up."
"Yeah and if you eat all your peas and carrots, you'll be as big as me one day" Peter piped up
"That would be great" Tim said with a huge grin as Peter ruffled his hair affectionately and returned to his own plate.
"Spirit" Scrooge asked "is there anything wrong with that boy?"
"Bob does tend to worry a bit too much but the fact is that he a touch delicate. A terrible illness in his infancy weakened his immune system. Bob takes care of him as best as he can with the help of his Landlady and her children but sometimes they have to make do with home remedies rather than doctors. Neither Bob nor Martha makes a lot at their jobs and he in turn has to pay her rent. She keeps the price as low as she can but it's a tough situation from all sides. After all Martha is a widow and Bob is divorced, which by the way has made him a bit weary of getting married again even if Martha has noticed Bob's handsome face more than once. As I said, it's complicated. Then again, why am I telling you any of this? It's none of your business and the losers probably deserve it for not working harder, am I right?"
Scrooge's jaw dropped as he heard his own words hurled back at him. He turned to look at the Spirit who did not look very merry at the moment. "Judge not that which you cannot understand. Do not ever presume to know anything about your fellow man or the details of his personal life. You and men like you try to make life so simple, so safe, and so very selfish. There is nothing simple about the world in which mankind now lives. Man is called to love and help one another as much as they love themselves. If you learn anything from this struggling family, let it be that."
"I…I will Spirit. I really will."
They continued to watch as the meal was finished and homemade pie was served for dessert. The family laughed and joked and made themselves very merry indeed. Scrooge couldn't help watching the boy sitting between Peter and Bob. His laugh was especially infectious and often Scrooge found himself laughing right along with the child. Scrooge was impressed when Tim said that the pie was great but a cake might have been better.
"Why's that Tim?" Linda asked him
"Because then it would be a real birthday party for Jesus. He does so much for us that we should have a party for Him."
"Don't worry Tim" his beaming father responded "We are still celebrating Him today and I'm sure He'll appreciate it in any form."
"You're right Daddy. I think I like pie better than cake anyway."
More laughter followed this and Scrooge chuckled as well "That is a very smart child Spirit. He'll make a fine man one day."
"Assuming he does become a man."
"What? I know he's a bit weak but it's not like he's dying or anything. Is he?"
The Spirit sighed deeply and looked genuinely grieved "The future holds many unforeseen surprises Edward. The future can also begin at any time."
As the Spirit finished speaking, Bob's cell phone rang and he excused himself to answer it. The Spirit indicated that Scrooge should listen and he found he was able to catch every word Bob said. "Hello…Lucille! I didn't expect to hear from you today. Listen now's not a good…we've discussed this, Tim belongs with me. No listen he…Lucille please don't do this. Why do you suddenly care? Lucille I…very well, I'll be there. I said I'll be there. Goodbye."
Bob returned to the table looking downright miserable. Martha asked him what was wrong and he said nothing. The shrewd woman asked her own children to go play with Tim and said that they'd be along in a minute. Scrooge followed the pair into the kitchen and listened as they discussed the call.
"That was her wasn't it?"
"Yes, it was Lucille."
"Why can't she just leave you and Tim alone? She can't care about him like you do. Didn't she leave you when he was just a baby?"
"Yes she did. I think all of this gives her a power trip not to mention her new significant other wants kids. I don't know what to think about that one."
"Not to mention that she and her lawyer will probably find a way to bleed child support out of you, Bob."
"Yeah you're right. I mean she barely pays any but of course I can be expected to make up for that" he said with dark sarcasm
"It's not as if you don't already have a money grubbing leech in your life in the form of your wonderful boss."
"Mr. Scrooge did give me a job when I couldn't find one…"
"Some job! You practically run that whole office yourself and he pays you peanuts."
"That's a bit of an exaggeration."
"My point still stands though, doesn't it?"
Bob rubbed his face with his hands and said "Martha, I'm scared. I don't want to lose my little boy."
"We'll do everything we can to help you. Come here, you wonderful, somewhat stubborn man." She pulled him into a hug which he gladly returned "Let's go find the children. If anyone in the world needs a little Christmas right now, it's you Bob."
They left the kitchen and Scrooge was alone with the Spirit. "I had no idea things were that bad for Bob."
"It was never your business, was it?"
"What's going to happen to them?"
"I'm here to talk about the present, not the future. Come" he offered his arm again "we still have much to do."
Scrooge once again touched the green robe but his ears were straining for Tim Cratchit's laughter until the very end. The scene transformed into a small, cozy house with a family sitting together watching a Christmas special on TV. There was a father and a daughter but Scrooge felt his breath catch as he found himself recognizing the mother. It was Belle, the woman he himself had let get away those years ago. She was still very beautiful, at least to Scrooge's eyes, and he found himself filled once again with regret.
"Mommy watch this part, it's really funny."
"Yes dear I know it is. That silly Grinch is always up to something isn't he?"
"Shush or we'll miss it."
"Yes dear" she said with a smirk and then the family again fell silent before bursting into laughter.
"As Fran so recently reminded me, we can't change the past" Scrooge quietly remarked "I wish I could but I can't. Can you, Spirit?"
"No"
"Well then that's that." He looked again at the family of three and smiled "I'm happy for her. She found what she was looking for and that's good."
"Then I am glad we came. Let's move on."
The next transition confused Scrooge greatly. They seemed to be smack in the middle of the farmland that surrounded the city Scrooge lived in. They were standing near a river that flowed through the fields and it looked to be in a very sorry state indeed. The water was very murky, and it didn't seem to be due to mud, and the stench was awful.
"What is this?"
"This is one of the complaints of the people filing suit against that factory you plan to defend. This river runs right through these farms, livestock sometimes drinks from it, and yet it's so polluted you could possibly poison someone with this water. Tell me Edward, does it seem like an unfair sanitation complaint now?"
"Again with the use of my own words, eh Spirit? Well, this mess could come from many…it depends on your angle…well…"
"A bit harder to defend now isn't it? Oh I'm sure you could do it well but should you do it well? I notice how sometimes your research on a case can be a bit lacking if it seems that facts and morals could get in the way of your money."
"I get the point. First the house of misery, next the heartbreak hotel, and now you show me this. Can't we go somewhere happy?"
"Of course we can Edward. I know just the place."
Scrooge was startled to hear the voice of his nephew, Fred. They were in his on campus apartment with happy decorations and music filling the air with a joyous atmosphere. A surprising number of people, considering it was the Christmas break, were milling everywhere. The guests started at the typical college age but there were some older people there as well.
"He certainly is popular, isn't he?"
"Fred invited his friends who in turn invited their friends and families, with his permission of course. It's a wonderful little affair; a nice contrast to the parties you attended in college." Scrooge gave the Spirit a sharp glare and He added gently "I wasn't specifically referring to that one."
Scrooge gave a little nod and turned back to the party. His nephew was filling the glass of a lovely young woman with red hair. As she accepted the soda, he quickly stole a little kiss and she reacted in mock rage.
"Fred Scrooge, you should be ashamed of yourself."
"I'm sorry Clara but it's hard to keep my hand out of the chest when the treasure is so beautiful."
"You are so full of it" she said with a smile before kissing him back.
Fred smiled and turned back towards the crowd. "Ok guys, what are we going to do now?"
"How about a game?" someone cried out
"Yes, definitely, but what should we play?"
"How about Twenty Questions and you should be it first Fred. You are the host after all."
"Okay, okay. I've got it."
"Is it an animal?" Clara asked
"Yes"
"Is it a cat?"
"No"
"Is it a dog?"
"Nope"
"Is it a human" another person called out
Fred thought for a moment with a mischievous smirk before saying "Yes"
"Is it a man?"
"Yes"
"Is it a famous person?"
"Not really"
"You should only say yes or no! We'll allow it though" Clara said
"Is it someone likable?"
Fred said "No" with a slight grimace
"Is it a teacher here?"
"No"
Suddenly Clara exclaimed "Oh, oh I think I know. It's your Uncle Scrooge!"
"Yes it is! Clara is our first winner"
"No wonder you had to stop and think about whether or not it was human."
"Ah that's not nice."
"Neither is he nor are you really. How many people here would have guessed that?"
"More than you'd think" replied another partygoer "His court victories do make interesting conversation."
"Not pleasant conversation though" said his friend "I hate some of his work. It's a little hard not to hate him."
"Now none of that talk on Christmas" Fred chimed in "Let's do something else, something that doesn't involve bashing my uncle. I made a joke at his expense and I already regret it. I have no grudge against the man."
"You have every right to" Clara said
"Yes but that only makes me miserable and I don't want to be miserable. As for him, he only punishes himself with his actions. He refuses my invitation to come to my party and what does he lose? He loses some food, some fellowship, and some fun. He is left alone doing whatever it is he does at Christmas. I'm determined to love him and always be there for him because he's family. Come on, let's think of another game."
Scrooge was certainly feeling miserable. It's wasn't just the unkind words of Fred's friends that hurt him but Fred's words of kindness somehow had a deeper sting. He may have his father's features but Fred had Fran's heart. Scrooge found himself wishing that he were visible, that he could thank Fred for standing up for him.
"Come Edward, I have more for you to see."
"Can't we stay a little longer?"
"I'm afraid not."
"Oh but they're playing charades."
"Oh very well but we'll stay just for a few rounds."
Thanks! Oh this is going to be fun."
Scrooge was very good at it and he guessed everything right. Fred did a perfect impression of a circus clown and even did a few simple gymnastics. Poor Clara had a horrible time trying to get people to guess she was Mickey Mouse but they finally figured it out, long after Scrooge already had. They watched monkeys and airplanes and all sorts of things being acted out and Scrooge enjoyed every second of it. However, the Spirit soon put his foot down and they were again traveling.
They visited the home of a man who had been sued for apparently scalding a customer at a restaurant after he served the coffee "too hot." Scrooge had defended the coffee drinker and had gained a spectacular victory although he didn't feel very victorious now. The poor server lived in a small apartment with rent demands and bills stacked on the counter. As the Spirit pointed out, having to pay that greedy guest the settlement had set him back horribly.
"That's not my fault. I was simply doing my job" However he looked sad and there was no conviction in his voice.
"I know it's a very complicated world and things are not always just but shouldn't everyone do their best to make things a touch fairer? You knew the suit was a silly one but you didn't care as long as you got paid."
"Am I supposed to only take the cases that seem morally right?"
"You're supposed to care about people and try to see things from their point of view where possible. That's all."
There were a few similar such cases where Scrooge had used his talents to ruin lives in order to fatten his pockets. Mercifully the Spirit only showed him a small few of these but it was enough to give the man serious inner turmoil. After this journey, night was beginning to fall and they arrived in a soup kitchen where many people had come in off the streets hoping to get some Christmas cheer.
"Let me guess, some of these men and women are very nice, honest, hardworking people who simply are victims of an unfair world?"
"Now who is reading minds" the Spirit replied with a smile
"Even if that's true, what am I supposed to do about it? I can't save the world."
"You can help a few and that will carry enormous weight. Were there not some men outside your office you could have given a nice contribution to? It would have helped to make these lives a little better if just for one day."
"Yes but…but…" Scrooge let his words trail as he spied a family walking into the kitchen. They were covered in rags and were very dirty. Scrooge was especially interested in watching the children who stuck very close to their single mother in fear of the world that had put them in this situation. Scrooge felt his heart aching as the boy and girl accepted their soup and bread and found a place to sit.
"What happened to that family Spirit?"
"Their father fell very ill. She was already having a hard time making ends meet and the doctor's bills, and soon the funeral bills, piled up. They lost the house and had nowhere to go. She tried to find work but was unable to find either a kind employer or someone to watch the children while she worked. Thus the situation grew worse and now here they are."
"I didn't know."
"Once again you say that. You didn't know or it wasn't your business. Oh mankind, you are consumed by greed and let yourselves wallow in ignorance. Let someone else find out what's going on. Let someone else care. Well, Edward Scrooge, if everyone leaves the caring up to everyone else then there will be no one caring at all. That is the curse of mankind that man has cast upon himself. The curses of greed and willful ignorance that shall lead to mankind's doom unless they sit up and do something about it."
"I get is Spirit, I get it. Please don't be so angry."
"What else can I be when mankind acts like this on a daily basis? Yes I am very angry and I would hope that you would be as well."
"Spirit, you've taught and said so much. I need to think."
Scrooge half ran past the homeless and unfortunate as if he could no longer stand to look at them. He passed through the open door and found he was standing in his own dark hallway at the foot of the stairs. He turned around and observed that his living room was once again dark and gloomy without a trace of Christmas cheer anywhere.
"Spirit? Spirit, are you there?!"
Scrooge received no answer and he knew that his second visit must have come to an end.
