4 - Santa Claus is Coming to Town

Billy skips around the house, laughing and giggling and singing Santa Clause Is Coming To Town over and over again because he's so excited. He's being taken to see the very man himself tomorrow. Santa. In person. Billy hasn't seen Santa before. His big brother Adrian has already written him a letter, telling him how good he's been and can he please send him a new notebook for Christmas because he's definitely been good. But Billy doesn't care. He's seeing Santa. Tomorrow.

The morning arrives, and Billy is bundled up into his big coat and a scarf and some mittens and his Mummy is taking him and his brothers to town, where they can see Santa in the big shop by the bus stop. Grandad's coming too. Not to see Santa, just to go shopping. When they arrive, there's a bit of a queue. Billy doesn't like waiting patiently very much. He never has for all of his little life. He begins to huff and stamp, but Joey, his biggest brother, possibly even his favouritest person in the whole wide world, reminds him how naughty children can't see Santa. So he shuts up and waits. They're getting nearer the front of the line, and Billy is up on his tiptoes, holding onto his Mummy's hand whilst straining to see the man himself. At the moment, he can only see a woman helping out, giving out a sticker and a smile to people. Billy can feel the magic. He's nearly there.

"Ey, son! How's it going? Ready to see Papa Christmas?" A gruff voice sounds. Billy barely recognises it until his Mummy starts speaking.

"Freddie Boswell! How dare you speak to my child. What are you doing here?" Before the question is answered, another sound his heard.

"Ohh Freddie, darlin', have I found the sweetest lil bra over in the ladies department - it had tiny snowmen on it!" The Irish woman clatters up, and Billy notices Aveline, his big sister, eyeing her heeled shoes, short skirt and makeup enviously. His Mummy begins shouting.

"Oh! Here with that TART are we? Get away from my children with your BRAS and TART talk!" Billy covers his ears as the man who is apparently his Daddy starts shouting too. The next thing he knows, he's at the front of the line, but it's too late, they're all being taken outside by some security people. And Billy hasn't seen Santa. All the way home, he throws a tantrum.

Back at the house, he clatters to his room, where he continues crying. Joey appears, and Billy throws himself at him.

"JOEY! SANTA DIDN'T SEE ME!" He screams and wails. Joey pulls him into his arms.

"Ey, don't worry, our Billy. Santa will come to town again, yeah? And I'll tek yer. Me an' you? Yeah?" Billy weighs up his options, and he decides that Santa with Joey sounds appealing. He nods and sniffs, and snuggles up against Joey. Then, he falls asleep.