Today in your life
by Mallory Quinn
The Christmas Miracle:
A bonus chapter
It was the holiday season. And the snow was covering the city with its beautiful white blanket. Two little bundle of joy were in their crib crying. Their mommy was changing one and when she was done she changed the first one Ryan, he calmed down when he was dry and she changed the other one Bryan who also calmed down when she was done.
- There little angels, now you're all dry and clean, she said smiling
It was a few days before Christmas and the children were all excited. Anthony wanted all the new video games, Melissa wanted the latest Barbie house. They all wrote a letter to Santa Claus, asking for whatever they wanted.
Serena went to speak to her mother in the master bedroom.
- Mommy?
- Yes baby…
- I was thinking about something…
- What?
- When I was kidnapped by my real mother, I was so afraid I wasn't going to see all of you anymore… I wasn't thinking about my toys or anything else, all I could think about was my family…
- Oh honey…
- So this year, I don't want any toys, I just want other children who are not as lucky as me to have the toys I was supposed to have…
- That's very generous of you…, said Candy smiling
- All I want is my family…, said Serena hugging her mommy
- You're a very nice little girl and I'm so proud of you. But you can have toys too, you know, you deserve it, and don't worry I'll make sure at least the children from the Pony Home have toys, and other orphans too…
- Thank you mommy!
She went to play with her brother and sister. Candy was proud of her daughter and her generosity. The twins were sleeping after she breastfed them.
Terry came back with a surprise.
- Hello Juliet, he said I have a surprise
- What? She said
- We're going to the premiere of Charlotte's Web…
- Oh my God! Said Candy, thank you! I love that story so much! It was one of my favourite!
- It was one of mine too…
- And the children loved it as a bed time story…! I wanted to take them next week…the normal way?
- And I'm taking you celebrities' style
- I don't mind at all! It's for the children…and for me..
- You don't mind being on camera?
- After being on Youtube? You're kidding right?
- "Mrs. Grandchester's outburst", said Terry laughing
- Don't you dare imitate me again!
- What? It's fun!
- Terrence Graham Grandchester!!!! I'm not one of your subject to study for a role!
- You're just my best friend, my lover, my wife, my muse, my other half, myself…
Life was a song,
You came along
I've laid awake the whole night through
If I ever dared to think you'd care
This is what I'd say to you
You were meant for me
And I was meant for you
Nature patterned you
And when she was done
You were all the sweet things
Rolled up in one
You're like a plaintive melody
That never lets me free
But I'm content
The angels must have sent you
And they meant you just for me...
But I'm content
The angels must have sent you
And they meant you just for me...
Candy smiled and kissed him.
- You're not a teacher Mrs. Wentworth. You're a tyrant!
- Stop it! She said hitting him on the chest and pushing him away…
- I can't help it, I love your tirade so much!
- I'm glad I'm the entertainer for a change…
- You were a riot! And a good actress…but you weren't acting, you were for real, unlike some of us on the big screen…
- But you look so real on screen sometimes I forget you're acting… especially with your female partners…
Terry looked at her…
- I hope it doesn't bother you…
- I would've told you if it did… it doesn't, it's just when you have a love scene, it feels so real…but that's because
you're a good actor, and you look like you're enjoying it so much…
- It's just acting, a job…with you, I'm enjoying every second of it…
- Do you have to picture me?
- No… I don't… I'd rather have you in the flesh…
- Thanks Romeo, she said kissing him.
The children were glad to they were going to see Charlotte's Web before anybody else in their school.
- That's so cool, said Anthony, do we have to dress up?
- You put on whatever you want, said Candy, but don't forget, we're going to be on television…
- I love Charlotte's Web, said Melissa, thank you so much daddy!
- You're welcome little angel, said Terry smiling.
They went to the premiere and of course the press was on them like white on white…
- Mr. Grandchester, said the reporter, you're here with your family, the kids must be really excited
- Indeed they are, said Terry
Since Candy's outburst at Mrs. Wentworth, the press have been trying to get a hold of her for a special interview… so they wanted to talk to Candy, when Terry stopped them
- Don't even think about it! Said Terry
- But we just want to ask her…, said the reporter
- Not on your life! My wife and children are off limits…
- Very well Mrs. Grandchester, I had to try…
The movie was beautiful and the children were crying at the end…like every body in the audience…. The reporters were there again and this time, Terry avoided them…
There was a small after party full with kids and a Santa Clause, giving out gift. They children had a lot of fun. Serena met Dakota Fanning, the actress playing Fern in Charlotte's Web…
- You're Mrs. Grandchester's daughter! She said, I heard you're a very good actress…
- Oh, I just do school play, said Serena, you're my favourite actress! I think you're the best actress ever! Maybe because seeing you inspired me…that I could do it to, if you can…
- Of course you can do it! Said Dakota smiling, look at your gene pool, Terrence Grandchester, Eleonor Baker… and Su…
Dakota stopped…
- You can say it, said Serena smiling; Susanna Marlowe…my biological mother is also a very good actress…
- Are you ok? It hasn't been that long
- Well it's not everyday that your biological mother turn psycho on you. But I'm fine. I have a mom I love and she's the only mom I've known all my life…
- Yes, I saw her outburst on Youtube, her defending you to your teacher, that was awesome!
- I'm so proud of her; I wouldn't ask for a better mother, she's the best!
- Yes! Said Dakota smiling
Dakota Fanning had such a beautiful and sincere smile and she was so matured for her age…
- I love your dress! Said Dakota to Serena who was wearing a beautiful red evening gown, where did you get it?
- My auntie Annie…
- Annie Cornwell is your auntie? Lucky you! You must have the best evening dresses…
- I do actually and she does everything I want, all I have to do is email her the design I want…
- You think she could do the same for me too?
- Are you kidding? Dakota Fanning wants a Annie Cornwell Original? She's going to be honoured!
- I'll do it then! Thanks for the tip.
- Any time, said Serena
- Have you ever thought about acting too…?
- I did, but with everything that happened… I hadn't been thinking about it lately…
- Life goes on, Serena. I can't even imagine what happened to you…But if you want to act, go for it. It's actually very fun…
- I know I love it on stage… my dad had a Hollywood crew film me
- Really? I would like to see it…
- I'll send it you , said Serena smiling we made a lot of copies, free of charge…
- I used to act around my house…pretending and doing plays with my neighbours in the community, when one of the organizer told my parents I should get an agent because I was very talented…my parents complied and as they say, the rest is history…
- I used to act around the house too, or while I read a book, then the school play…
- You and I have a lot in common, you're lucky your father is in the business already, you've got the best opportunity in the world
- I know but I'll have to act to prove myself
- That shouldn't be difficult if you're a natural…
- I guess not…
The two little girls, who should've been rival, were very comfortable talking together. Dakota was glad to have found a friend in Serena who had a lot in common with her. They talked about acting and they also talked about games, toys and Barbies! After all they were only children and at the end of the day, they thought like normal kids. Terry arrived and found his daughter talking with Dakota Fanning…
- Hey ladies, he said
- Dad! Said Serena
- Dakota, said Terry smiling
- Hey Mr. Grandchester, I'm glad you brought your daughter this time around
- I'm glad you two hit it off…, said Terry smiling, what are you talking about?
- The Superstar Barbie…, they both said
- Barbies? I thought you would be talking movies, acting
- Oh, said Serena, we've been there
- And we've done that…said Dakota
Terry looked at the two of them. They were great together.
- All right, then, you two have fun! He said leaving,
He went to look at Anthony and Melissa who were playing with some toys in an area reserved for kids. They had people looking after them while their parents were working. He went back to Candy who was talking to Julia Roberts about twin babies… a subject both women couldn't get enough of…
- Have you notice when one wakes up, the other is right behind? Said Julia Roberts
- Yes, it's incredible, I should be used to it but every time it's just wonderful when it happens…
- Even thought mine are not identical, they always act the same way… They both get fevers at the same time, they needed change at the same time, but that's not really unusual…
- When nature calls, it calls! Said Candy laughing out loud with Julia Roberts…
They met the other stars of the movie and they had a nice chat with Oprah Winfrey, who wanted Terry on her show…
- It's filmed here in Chicago, she said, you won't have to travel
- I won't indeed…, said Terry smiling,
- So can I schedule you for a near future?
- Nothing exciting is happening in my life right now
- Are you kidding? Said Oprah, I'll send you a list of things I could discuss with you for hours if you want to…
- All right Oprah, promise me you'll let me chose when I'm going to be in your show…
- Fair enough, I'll be waiting and I'll send you reminders if you forget
- Forger about you Oprah? You're unforgettable! Said Terry kissing her hand
Oprah burst out laughing.
- Aren't you the charming one! Is he always like that? She asked Candy
- Yep! Said Candy he surprises me everyday, he's always different yet always the same…
- They say that's the secret of a good relationship, said Oprah
- Well, I heard the secret of a good marriage is to never go to bed angry
- Don't let the sunset on your anger, said Oprah, the bible knows best!
- I second that! Said Candy smiling
- Hear hear! Said Terry laughing
They left the party with their children, who were starting to get tired. Serena and Dakota Fanning exchange email and phone numbers and cell phone numbers. Candy was not sure she liked Serena's relationship with a young actress, but Serena was going to be one very soon, she needed a friend in the industry, someone her age…
They put the children to bed, who were already asleep in the car, and then Candy went to check on the twins.
- How were they? She asked
- They were perfect, I changed them, fed them and they went back to sleep…, said the nanny
- All right, don't disturb them bring them to me for their next feed
Candy's breast was sensitive and full, since the twins didn't drink. In the bedroom, Terry was taking his clothes off.
- So did you have fun?
- Of course, that was very fun and the children were happy too
- Julia is an amazing actress I hope I play opposite her some day…
Candy didn't respond. Terry felt she was unhappy
- What's wrong? I thought you liked Julia, you two hit it off
- Talking about our twins…
- What's the problem?
- I heard she sleeps with every single male co-stars she does movies with… except for Denzel Washington…
- Except Denzel? You think she can seduce me too?
- She is very attractive, you might not give in, but you might me tempted
Terry looked at her.
- Juliet, listen to me. From the day I saw you, I wanted you, no other woman exists for me, aside from you…I had to think about to be with Lizzie, after I met you. I was about to dump her, when she made my job a lot easier…
- She's another actress
- She's married
- Terry, please, in Hollywood?
- You do trust me?
- Yes, I do… ok, let's forget about it…
- You're sure?
- I married an actor, I knew what I was doing…
She hugged him slightly, he wanted to hold her more
- Ouch!
- What?
- I haven't fed the twins for several meals…
- Oh… sorry
- It's ok she said smiling.
An hour later, the nanny brought the boys and Candy was glad to feed them both at the same time. The pain in her arm was gone.
Anthony and Melissa were very excited for Christmas. Serena was spending time with her mother collecting toys for children at the orphanage. She was collecting turkeys too to give to the less fortunate. Candy was amazed by her initiative. She called it,
"Operation Christmas". Her friend Dakota did the same thing. Helping the poor for the Holidays, was so easy…
Carissa came for the Christmas vacation to spend it with Candy. She was with the children telling about Christmas and how they celebrated it in other countries.
- You've been in a lot of countries, said Carissa
- Yes, your grandfather is a diplomate…
- Yes, he's the Ambassador now, right? Said Anthony
- Right!
- I want to be an Ambassador or a duke like my other grandfather, he said
- That's good, said Carissa, in Belgium the celebrate on December 6th and they call it Saint Nicholas…who was a very nice man who gave children presents,
- Like Santa! Said Melissa
- Yes!
Carissa didn't want to tell them the truth about Santa, they'll find out soon enough… So she kept the Christmas spirit alive.
- I'm going to show you a Christmas song in French, she said…
C'est la belle nuit de Noël
La neige étend son manteau blanc
Et les yeux levés vers le ciel,
A genoux, les petits enfants,
Avant de fermer les paupières,
Font une dernière prière.
Petit Papa Noël
Quand tu descendras du ciel
Avec des jouets par milliers
N'oublie pas mon petit soulier
Mais, avant de partir,
Il faudra bien te couvrir
Dehors tu vas avoir si froid
C'est un peu à cause de moi
Il me tarde tant que le jour se lève
Pour voir si tu m'as apporté
Tous les beaux joujoux que je vois en rêve
Et que je t'ai commandés
Le marchand de sable est passé
Les enfants vont faire dodo
Et tu vas pouvoir commencer
Avec ta hotte sur le dos
Au son des cloches des églises
Ta distribution de surprises
Et quand tu seras sur ton beau nuage
Viens d'abord sur notre maison
Je n'ai pas été tous les jours très sage
Mais j'en demande pardon
Petit Papa Noël...
She sang the song and she was teaching them the fun part ;
- Petit papa Noël, quand tu descendras du ciel avec tes jouets par milliers, n'oublies pas mon petit soulier…
- What does it mean ? Said Melissa, it's so nice
- It means, Little father Christmas, when you come down from heaven, with your multiple toys, don't forget my little shoe…
- Oh, that's cute, said Serena…
An hour later the three of them were able to sing that little part in French and they immediately went to their mommy to sing it for her. Candy was amazed… she looked at Carissa smiling.
- Isn't Michael half French? Said Candy
- Yep!
- Oh I get it…, said Candy smiling
- He was surprised to see I knew French, he was with me talking to himself in French, I heard him… he was so embarrassed!
- What did he say?
- That he wanted to…
- Oh my God!
- But he also said, that he was going to wait until I'm ready, if not for the wedding…
- Wedding? Said Candy
- Not for now, said Carissa, but I…
- Carissa, take your time…
- I will, she said smiling, I love him so much and he's much more mature
- That's because he's older too
- Like mom and dad when they met…
- You take after mom I guess…
- Candy, thank you again for saving my life
- You don't have to thank me, it was a pleasure to save you. I was so relieved I was a match and that I could save you…
Carissa hugged her, then she left with the kids to show them more songs in French and other languages.
It was snowing hard outside, Christmas was in two days. Terry went to give more food, clothes and toys to the poor, he was at the Pony home.
- Terry, said Miss Pony, It's getting heavy outside with the snow
- I hope I'll be able to get home on time for Christmas, said Terry, so I better leave now
- Good luck, said Sister Maria, be careful
- I will. Merry Christmas!
- Merry Christmas! Thank you, God bless you.
- Merry Christmas! Said the children
Terry left in his Pathfinder. The snow was getting heavier by the minute. Nobody was outside. He saw a man outside, struggling in the snow. He stopped his car.
- Where are you going?
- To Chicago, said the man, my car broke down and I have to go back to Chicago first
- Hop in, said Terry
- Thank you so much! Said the man
They started talking until an hour later the man said.
- You're Terrence Grandchester!
- Well it took you long enough! Said Terry smiling
- I'm sorry
- It's all good, said Terry smiling, it was nice to be treated like a normal person and please don't change your attitude toward me
- I won't said the man smiling, my name is Sunny
- Well you didn't bring much sun, have you?
They burst out laughing.
- I get that all the time, said Sunny
They talked about stuff. Terry was trying to get home on time and he was going as fast as possible giving the circumstances…but the pathfinder eventually couldn't continue… Terry try calling for help, but his cell phone couldn't get a signal…All they had to do is wait for mel
Candy was getting worried. She had called the Pony Home a while ago and Terry had left for a long time and outside there was a terrible storm. She was getting worried, but she tried not to panic.
- Mommy, where is daddy? Said Melissa
- He's on his way, but the storm…
- I hope he gets here fast, said Melissa, I miss daddy
- Me too angel…
But it was getting later and later and Terry was still a now show. Candy called the police who said they would have to wait for the storm to calm down.
Candy started to pray. The children joined her.
- I heard when you give up something; you might a favor done for you by God… So I'm giving up my toys to get my daddy back
- Oh., said Anthony sorry, it's not use if I have all these games and daddy can't play with us
- Is daddy dead? Said Melissa sadly
- Don't say that! Said Candy loudly
Melissa was startle.
- I'm sorry, said Melissa with tears in her eyes
Candy felt bad and took her in her arms.
- I'm sorry I yelled at you baby, said Candy hugging her, I'm just worried about daddy and don't talk about the "D" word, be positive
- Ok mommy. I'm sorry mommy…
- It's ok…
- I give up my toys to get my daddy back
- Oh…, Said Candy
Carissa was moved, she wanted a family like Candy's one day. They all prayed and promised to give up their Christmas presents if they got Terry back.
The next day, still no sign of Terry who was still stranded in his car somewhere on the road. Candy didn't want to think , she knew Terry was fine, she could feel it. The storm had calmed down but there were a lot of people were stranded in the snow.
Candy was going nuts…Christmas Eve was passing by and still no sign of Terry. But she knew he was alright. The children kept praying promising their toys for their daddy. It was getting darker outside so the search stopped for the night and Christmas Eve…might continue tomorrow and they were hoping it was not going to be a recovery mission…
Terry was in the car with his new friend and they were covered wit the snow inside the pathfinder… the gas had run out since Terry was planning to put gas on his way and they were getting colder and colder…
- You think we're going to make it, said Sunny
- Well why don't you make your sun shine? Said Terry shaking
- I wish, said Sunny trembling in his coat
Both men eventually fell asleep, which put them in more danger…
Terry was in his car and he heard some noise outside.
- Oh Oh Oh! What have we here? He said a man who need help
- Santa! Said one, we don't have time for charity cases, we're running late!
- This man was giving presents to orphans, I'm going to help him and can manipulate time, remember?
- Very well, let's help so we can be on our way… arguing with you is useless!
Santa undid his reindeers and hooked them to the Pathfinder. They pulled him to a save place.
- There you go, he said, have a Happy Christmas!
Terry was looking at the scene like a in a dream. "Happy Christmas"? He knew he was British, of course he did! He's Santa Claus! During the whole thing he thought he was hallucinating…Sunny was still sleeping.
- Sunny, said Terry we can leave now
- Great, we're not dead?
- Apparently not, said Terry smiling
He looked at the gas, it was full, he didn't ask questions he just turn on the engine…
Terry woke up all of a sudden still in his car. Freezing.
- Oh bloody hell! It was only a dream!!!!!! We're still buried in the snow! Out of gas! I wish I was stranded with my Juliet…
While he thought that, he looked at the indicator which showed a full tank.
- But. Said Terry stunned,
He turned on the engine, it was fine and he was driving! Just like in his dream… or was it? Anyway, he woke up Sunny
- Wake up buddy we're on our way!
Sunny woke up.
- We are? What happened?
- I have no idea… but I'm eager to get home!
Terry drove Sunny to his house where his wife and kids were waiting.
- Thanks Terry, Merry Christmas
- Happy Christmas, call me, he said giving him his card
- I will, said Sunny;;;
Terry finally arrived at his mansion and when he got in… He found Candy and the whole family praying in front of the tree…
- Please come back daddy, said Melissa crying, we miss you
- I'm here baby… said Terry
Everybody was surprised and opened their eyes.
- DADDY!!!!!! Yelled the children
- Happy Christmas! Said Terry hugging his children
- Happy Christmas! Said the children kissing him
A few minutes later, he let go of the kids and Candy approach him and fell into his arms, kissing him passionately.
- Don't you ever scare me like that again! She said kissing him again
- I won't, sorry Juliet, I was stuck in the snow, literally
- Who took you out? Asked Anthony
- I have no idea
- It must be Santa, said Melissa
- Santa?
- Yes, I wrote him a letter so he could bring you home, that's all I wanted for Christmas
Terry looked at his angel and hugged her.
- We're going to give our presents away daddy, said Serena, that's what we promise if you came back to us safe and sound
- That's generous. A promise is a promise… let me go kiss the twins and I'll come with you
He went upstairs with Candy. He kissed the twins, they kissed some more.
- What happened? How did you get out?
- I had a dream that Santa and his reindeers helped me got me out and I had a tank full… then I woke up, the tank was full I was able to turn the engine on and drive!!!!
- A Christmas miracle, said Candy smiling
- Yes… you're not even doubting
- It's Christmas time, the time for miracles… I got mine you're here alive
- I thought I would never see you again and all I could think about was that I wish you were there with me… to die with me. How selfish is that
- It's not… I wish I could die with you too…
- I love you so much Juliet
- I love you very much Romeo
They smiled and they kissed some more. They went to donate all of their present and when they came to the mansion, they found the house full of present and a nice dinner on the table.
- Wow! Said the kids, Mom what a nice surprise!
- Yeah, said Candy with a little voice
- I'm starving, let's eat! Said Anthony
They all went to wash their hands and they went to sit a the table. Terry looked at Candy,
- You have no idea who did this do you?
- Nope!
- Another miracle, we get our present back after donating them… let's just enjoy the moment. Happy Christmas Juliet
- Happy Christmas Romeo she said, smiling
They had dinner. Later their friends come over for a little while and Michael came to be with Carissa. They sang Christmas carols had fun and the others left.
O' Holy night, the stars are brightly shining
It is the night of our dear Savior's birth
Long lay the world
In sin and error pining
'Til He appeared and the soul felt His worth
The thrill of hope,
The weary world rejoices
For yonder brings a new and glorious morn
Fall on your knees
Oh, hear the angel's voices
O' night divine
O' night when Christ was born
O' night divine
O' night,
O' night divine
O' Holy night, the stars are brightly shining
It is the night of our dear Savior's birth
Oh...
Long lay the world
In sin and error pining
'Til He appeared and the soul felt His worth
The thrill of hope,
The weary world rejoices
For yonder brings a new and glorious morn
Fall on your knees
Oh, hear the angel's voices
O' night divine
O' night when Christ was born
O' night divine
O' night,
O' night di...divine
On Christmas morning the kids brushed their teeth and they went downstairs. Candy and Terry had the twins in the arms.
- Merry Christmas mom and dad
- Merry Christmas kids, said the parents.
They opened their presents… they all got what they wanted. Serena got a script for a movie, her first role.
- Oh daddy!
- You deserve it
- Thank you!
- Your first role…
- Yes… I have to tell Dakota! Via-email
- Yes, I was going to say that, said Candy smiling
Candy and Terry were looking at the children happy and playing on Christmas morning. What a beautiful sight. They were happy. Terry thank God for his miracle or whatever it was, it saved his life and Christmas with his family. It also saved Sunny's life.
Christmas is a time of miracles, also a time to be with your family. Christ was born on that night, bringing salvation to the world. We celebrate it every year to remember what God did for us, sending us his only son to save us.
Families gather together, talk, laugh eat and thank God on this very important event in the history of the world.
Life for Candy and Terry was normal and beautiful, with ups and downs…
Serena became a star like her father… but that's another story.
Note from the author
I wrote this chapter as a bonus for Christmas. I hope you liked it.
Happy Holidays to you all!