Hating Christmas

As the Whobilation went on, the Grinch participated in games, actually having fun. After winning the sack race, he spied the little Maywho niece. He wanted to get a better look at this girl who actually laughed when he belched. Someone who actually found that funny.

"So, you're Mayor Maywho's little niece, are you?" he said with a smirk. "Interesting. You don't look anything like him. He's much uglier than you."

Noelle sniggered a bit. She didn't know if he was implying she was ugly...she was a pretty little Who girl until she became a beast. Still, it was amusing to hear that the Grinch found her uncle to be the uglier one since it was true.

"Yea," she said nonchalant. "I guess my good looks from my Dad."

"Oh, I see. Guess Daddy is the handsome one in the family."

Another shrug with a smile as her green eyes glittered with a bit of flattery and diffidence.

"Oh...do I see red in those little Who cheeks of yours, Miss Goody Two-Shoes?" he sneered. "Grinchy make you blushy and gushy?"

"I take it you're actually enjoying yourself, Mr. Grinch," Noelle said with a small smile.

"Well...I don't think I've had this much fun in the longest time," he admitted. "I will admit you do remind me of a younger, much less hairier version of myself...I dunno if it's that twinkle in your eye or whatnot."

Noelle looked a bit uncomfortable when he said that. Yet, she kept herself composed, laughing a little.

"Well, I'm having fun for the first time as well," she said. "I'm glad you kind of crashed my birthday party."

"Wassamatter, not a fan of parties? A little on the asocial side, are we, Miss Goody?" he said with a sly look.

"I do like parties, even at Christmas. Just not with my stupid uncle."

"Oh, I see. Uncle Moneybags is a buzz kill?" he snickered mischievously.

"More like a spotlight stealer," she says with a shrug.

"And you don't mind me doing so?"

"I don't really care if you do," she says. "I just want the arrogant bastard to know what it feels like not to be the center of the attention. I saw him tonight. Let's just say he was...green with envy."

"Really?" he said, flattered to find this out about his archenemy. "Jealous? He's ACTUALLY jealous of me?"

"Yea," said Noelle with another nonchalant shrug.

Another high-pitched giggle of impish glee from the Grinch when he discovered that the perfect little angelic niece of the mayor was actually a devious little devil. He was absolutely delighted!

"Well, the enemy of MY enemy is my best friend, sweetheart," he smirked again. "Glad to meet you...er..."

"Noelle," she says smiling, shaking the Grinch's furry hand with her gloved one.

"Nice gloves," he says. "Have you always worn these?"

Noelle shrugged nonchalant. "Sometimes," she says.

Now she was a bit disturbed...her wearing the same damn gloves every day. She needed to buy a new pair to hide herself the next time. The Grinch shrugged.

"Are you sure we've never met?" he asked.

"I don't think so," she said.

"Hm, I'm not convinced," he said with a slight frown. "There really is something about those eyes of yours...I know I've seen them."

"Like I said," she said. "I'm in the papers."

"And you and Martha?" says the Grinch. "I notice you two are quite joined at the hip."

Noelle looked over at Martha May. "Why don't you go talk to her, Mr. Grinch? I think she missed you...ever since, well, you know."

"Really?" he says with piqued interest. "She...missed me?"

"Yea. But you didn't hear it from me."

Noelle watched as the Grinch went over and was chatting with Martha May. Yes. She knew that they belonged together. At least Martha didn't scream when Noelle showed her beast form. There was some kind of connection.

Mayor Maywho watched as his niece was chatting with the Grinch...then watched in envy as he began to flirt with Martha May, who seemed to be doing the same. That green bastard was not going to steal his girlfriend! He would teach him a lesson. He whispered to Whobris his plan; the two men smirked evilly.

"How's it going?" asked Noelle, bringing them two glasses of Who Punch.

"Just fine," says Martha, smiling. "Thank you, Noelle."

Noelle could tell she was so happy to see him again. Probably catching up on old times...so many years had went by. The Grinch flirted with Martha, making her flush.

"And now Her Royal Who-Ness, Princess Noelle Maywho will crown our Holiday Cheermeister," announced Mayor Maywho into the microphone. "And we will commence her Royal Birthday for her jubilant eighteenth birthday!"

"I guess...I gotta go," Noelle said with a sullen look.

"Later, Princess," the Grinch sneered waving his green fingers mockingly. "Y'know, you look good when you're a sour puss. I like it."

Noelle just snickered and shrugged. She made her way up towards the town hall. She was blushing as she spent those few minutes with the Grinch. Though she barely knew him, she was glad to have a sort-of acquaintance like him: two sour pusses who hated Mayor Maywho. Hehe!

"And here she is: Princess Noelle Maywho!" announced Mayor Maywho, the spotlight shining on Noelle, nearly blinding her.

Of course, it was all oohing and ahhing as the little Maywho niece, the most beautiful girl in all of Whoville stepped up towards the platform next to her uncle, who cooed over her with false love. Noelle waved like they would in the beauty pageant. Mayor Maywho handed the Cheermeister crown into Noelle's gloved hand. The Grinch was carried up to the stage, standing in the Chair of Cheer, hearing the loud cheering and applause from the entire Who village, blowing kisses to everyone.

"And now, here is our Cheermeister," said Mayor Maywho, plastering a phony smile on his face, which hurt so much...his dark eyes gleaming with envy. "Princess Noelle, if you would." Then turned to the Grinch, "Take a knee, Mr. Cheermeister."

Noelle held the crown up in the air for everyone to see and said her line, the same one she said every year:

"For the one who deserves a slap on the back and a toast, to the soul at Christmas who deserves it the most: our own Holiday Cheermeister of Whobilation 1000!"

She lowered the crown...only to see the green pervert trying to sneak a peek up her dress. Noelle glowered at him annoyed, kicking his hand away. Her cheeks red with embarrassment. Then, placed the Cheermeister crown on the Grinch's head. He lit up and stood up, striking several poses while everyone cheered loudly.

"And now for Princess Noelle's party," Mayor Maywho said.

Soon a giant green, red and white cake was carried out by the Chef Who and his assistants: triple layered, decorated in the shape of none other than a Christmas tree that lit up with a star on it. The entire Who village sang 'happy birthday'...Noelle could've sworn she heard the Grinch singing a rude version. Once the song was over, the Grinch blew a raspberry, making Noelle snigger. She blew out her candles and there were cheers amongst the crowd.

"And now, time to give our Princess her gifts," announced Mayor Maywho. "Starting with our Cheermeister."

"Oh..." says the Grinch in feign embarrassment, patting his pockets. "Well...you see...I ordered it...it's just not here yet..."

"It's fine," said Noelle. "You don't have to get me anything, really."

"Don't be silly," said Mayor Maywho. "Doesn't this beautiful, cherished princess deserve the best?"

There were nods and murmurs of agreement amongst the crowd. Now it was Noelle's turn to be embarrassed. He was doing that phony act again...and once again everyone was eating it up.

"Uncle Gus, it's fine," Noelle hissed through her teeth, irritated.

"Oh, I happen to have a gift," the Grinch smirked. He reached into the pocket of his lederhosen, producing a dirty, used handkerchief and dropped it on Noelle's lap with a peal of gleeful laughter. "Happy birthday, princess. Made it myself."

Noelle picked it up in a little disgust and amusement between pinched fingers. She shook her head and tucked it away. Everyone lined up by Noelle, handing her gifts, which she accepted graciously, thanking each and every Who, great and small. Once the gifts were given to Noelle, they were carted back to Mayor Maywho's house to be opened by Christmas morning.

"And now it's time for the moment we all have been waiting," Mayor Maywho said into the microphone.

"Ah yes! My award!" interrupted the Grinch. Then whispered to him to write a check, which Maywho insisted there wasn't any.

"Are you sure?" he said.

"Yes," replied Mayor Maywho through his teeth; he was pissed and irritated to the point that he wanted to strangle this spotlight stealer who ruined everything. "And now it's time for Present Pass-It-On!"

Everyone cheered, excited about what gift they were going to get.

"As always, we start with the Cheermeister," continued Mayor Maywho.

He looked over at Whobris with an evil smile and a nod. He knew what he implied...then handed the Grinch a small gold box. The Grinch looked at the box in delight, then tore off the lid, tossing it aside...and squinted as he dug for whatever was inside...producing a purple electric razor! The Grinch froze up for a moment, eyes wide as he stared at this so-called gift...clutching it with long, green furry fingers.

"The gift of a Christmas shave," Mayor Maywho said with an evil smile.

Everyone started laughing. The Grinch pressed the button...his yellow eyes stared off...a memory so long ago being brought back. Breathing heavily to control his boiling anger, his face scrunched up, gritting his teeth into a snarl, his yellow eyes glittered as this cruel joke was brought to light once again.

Noelle herself was angry. Her uncle ruined the party! She looked at the Grinch, filled with pity.

"Ah, yes. Good times," laughed Mayor Maywho, patting the Grinch on the shoulder. "Good times. And now, I have a little something for the love of my life."

Noelle watched as he produced a small blue box from his robes...about to kneel down next to Martha Mae...

"Please become Mrs. Augustus MayWho," he said, kneeling and presenting Martha Mae with a triple-tier diamond ring.

Noelle rolled her eyes. She tried to keep herself composed. She had been holding in her anger all night...then, she actually forgot her anger...only for her uncle to repeat history once again: making himself the center of attention...this time it was a stupid proposal. She knew Martha Mae didn't love her uncle.

"If you agree to become my wife," said Mayor Maywho. "Along with a lifetime supply of happiness...you'll also receive this..."

Was he kidding?!

"It's a new car!" he announced.

The spotlight shined on a shiny, new red car on a rotating turntable with Whobris caressing this. Noelle sighed in exasperation. He made this proposal sound like a game show! How arrogant and stupid this was! Oh...was he going to tell Martha Mae this: "Oh by the way, my niece is a horrible ugly beast. Here's lots of money to never speak of it outside the house and we lock the doors and keep the blinds shut." Well, not that Martha would ever tell him that she knew already.

Martha Mae was hesitant with her answer about Mayor Maywho's proposal...when the silence was split by the sound of fingernail on a chalkboard. Noelle looked over and saw the Grinch scratching a LONG line with his fingernail on the side of the car.

"Of course it is," he snarled. "That's what it's all about, isn't it?" Then paused to the crowd. "Gifts. Gifts. GIFTS GIFTS GIFTS GIFTS!" He shoved a long finger in everyone's face, making people gasp.

After a beat, he continued.

"Y'know what happens to your gifts? They all come to me, in your garbage. Y'see what I'm sayin'? In your...GARBAGE!" He made a gesture like he was hanging himself. "I could hang myself from all the awful Christmas neckties I found at the dump."

More gasps of horror.

"And the avarice," he hissed. "The avarice NEVER ends!" Then he mocked a bit, "I want golf clubs! I want diamonds! I want a pony so I can ride it twice and get bored and sell it to make glue!"

While everyone was horrified by this rant the Grinch, Noelle was actually calm. Everything he said was true. He was right.

"I agree," Noelle burst suddenly.

Everyone gasped in shock as they heard the small Maywho's voice.

"Excuse me?" said Mayor Maywho offended.

"That was terrible gift you gave him! I can't believe you did that!"

"Now, now, Noelle," said the Mayor placating before his niece got any angrier and laughing a bit embarrassed that she was having a public outburst. "Don't get overexcited."

"You are so mean!"

"Noelle, calm yourself down! Just because it is your birthday doesn't mean you can to act the way you want," her uncle scolded; his face was red with anger and embarrassment. Then hissed low in her ear. "Don't you dare embarrass me or else you are never coming out."

She glared at her uncle, full of defiance and rage. Then he turned to the crowd and once again apologized for her outburst, making up a lame excuse.

"Well," says the Grinch. "Glad to see someone agrees with me. Look, I don't wanna make waves, but this whole Christmas season is stupid, stupid, STUPID!" He paused once again, "However, there is one, teeny-tiny little Christmas tradition that I find quite meaningful."

He approached Martha Mae slowly and plucked the sprig of mistletoe off the blue box she was holding, holding it above his head.

"Mistletoe," he purred. Then shouted, "Now pucker up and kiss it, Whoville!"

He pointed the mistletoe towards his huge bottom, wiggling it...Martha Mae swooned and fell over. Noelle was laughing hysterically. Yup! That's what they deserved. Then, the Grinch grabbed the electric razor and shaved off Mayor Maywho's fabulous hair. His face was frozen in shock, mouth dropped open.

"Uh oh!" he said flamboyantly. "Somebody's...FABULOUS!" Then planted a HUGE kiss on Mayor Maywho's cheek.

"You...my hair!" he exclaimed in shock, unable to believe what had just happened. "HOW DARE YOU!"

"You deserved it!" Noelle spat. "This is ALL your fault!"

"Noelle Christina Maywho!" her uncle bellowed. "I want you to go home right now! You are not allowed to be a part of the Whobilation for the rest of the night!"

In a pique of rage, she let it go and screamed loudly...

"FINE! I DON'T CARE! I HATE YOU! I HATE CHRISTMAS!"

There was a loud explosion of shattering glass: lights, ornaments, windows, even the star on the Christmas tree. Crystal and colorful shards rained on the screaming Whos...which set off a panic...

She ripped off her tiara and necklace and threw it at her uncle's feet and ran away, tears streaming down her face...clutching her cape...

"NOELLE!" yelled Mayor Maywho as he saw his niece disappear into the panicking crowd.

She shoved past everyone...getting bumped herself by the panicking Whos, not caring. She continued to run until she was outside of Whoville...hearing the screams and chaos behind her...she saw the Christmas tree burn in a giant triangle shaped flame. She guessed the Grinch was the one responsible for this. Yet, it didn't matter anyway. She wasn't going home...what would be the point? Face Uncle Gus's usual shaming lecture about embarrassing him and then he would shut her away...this time would be permanent.

As she wandered farther away from Whoville, she guessed she couldn't go back now. She had screamed in front of the entire public that she hated Christmas, probably shocking everyone...and of course, breaking all the glass, humiliating herself and her uncle. He wouldn't bother going to look for her. No. She was better off being alone...just like the Grinch...isolating her self from society...

Well, she could be herself now that she was alone. She decided to look for her old home where she and her parents lived. At least they allowed her to be herself there in that lone cottage in the woods. That would be her new home from now on. After nine years of hell, being kept a prisoner in her uncle's home, she was free.

Yet, her Daddy always looked sad. She began to recall a memory...

FLASHBACK

Noelle saw her Daddy was always sad. He looked out at Noelle, playing in the yard, sitting on the porch in a chair. Mommy was making lunch inside.

"Daddy?" said Noelle, the green girl jumped on his lap, giving him a hug. "Don't be sad."

Julius Maywho, handsome and loving, looked at his little daughter: though she was a hideous monster (to everyone else), he loved her. He hugged her tightly.

"Why are you sad, Daddy?" asked Noelle.

"It's your uncle Gus," he said. "He...he and Daddy had a disagreement."

"Oh. Can't you just tell him you're sorry?"

Julius shrugged with a small, painful smile. "Wish it could be that easy," he said.

"Why did you and Uncle Gus have a disagreement?"

"Mm...you'll understand someday, Noelle," he said.

"It's because...of me, right?" she said sadly.

Julius saw the sad little girl; he knew it wasn't her fault because of how she looked.

"Mm," said Julius. "But I want you to know something. You are beautiful on the inside. What's outside doesn't matter. Don't let anyone say that you're not beautiful because you are, Noelle."

Noelle smiled and hugged her Daddy. Then went off to play.

Julius watched as his little daughter played in the front yard, smiling painfully. His heart was broken since his brother banished his family here...far outside of Whoville. He wondered what happened to his brother Gus, recalling how sweet and happy he was. Since he became mayor of Whoville, he became prideful and arrogant...and he did something so cruel and cold-hearted like banishing him because his daughter had the curse. He recalled their latest argument that he couldn't stand being isolated anymore...that he wanted to take Noelle into town, how exhausted Lelianna was taking care of her whenever he left to go into town. Sure, Gus would send him money to support themselves, but he wouldn't allow the child to see Whoville.

He had to try something that would reunite the two brothers...he would do anything to spend time with his older brother...

She wandered who knew how far...somewhere in a thickened part of the woods, shivering, clutching her cape. It was getting cold with the snow coming down fast.

She came upon a small cottage in the woods with lights still on. Obviously someone was home. She knocked on the door...only to be answered by the strangest looking woman: old, wrinkly with earrings in her ears of all shapes and sizes. Her eyes wandered to the shivering creature that stood in her doorway.

"Could I...come inside...?" Noelle asked, shivering. "Please?"

"Certainly," said the old woman.