DISCLAIMER: I do not own anything from Tiny Toon Adventures, including characters, locations, references, or the Acme Warner Bros. logo. All rights go to Warner Bros. and Steven Spielberg's Amblin Entertainment.
Merry Christmas one and all, and Happy Holidays too!
Chapter 47
Christmas
~Dec. 25th~
The clocktower bells rang in the day. All around Acme Acres, a carol of chimes carried across the city to every home. Not just rings, but a tune of cheer and celebration. The morning was crisp and sunny, a dazzling picture of snow and splendor.
In his pajamas, Hamton rushed out into the sunlit living room where Furrball was waiting, dressed in a sweater decorated with stitched presents.
"Merry Christmas, Furrball!" he cried jubilantly.
Furrball meowed the same happy greeting, then pointed over by the tree.
There were two gifts resting underneath, beautifully wrapped and ribboned.
"You bought more presents?" Hamton asked, eyebrow raised.
Furrball shook his head, beaming.
Hamton approached to read one of the tags.
TO: Hamton
FROM: Santa
Wide-eyed, Hamton turned back to Furrball and laughed.
"I forgot!" Hamton exclaimed. "How could I have forgotten about him?"
Furrball shrugged, then wasted no time in giving Hamton his gift.
Together, they tore in. Both raised their eyebrows at what laid beyond the wrappings.
Hamton got a photo album, completely blank.
And Furrball received . . . a mailbox. Yes, a mailbox.
Attached to these strange gifts were letters, each with a red wax seal, stamped with a capital S.
Hamton opened his first.
Dear Hamton,
You've been an incredibly good boy this year. Despite all the challenges and doubts, you came through. You have spread more happiness than you can possibly know. For showing the true spirit of the holiday, I present you with something that will prove handy in the days ahead. May you fill it will many cherished memories.
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year,
St. Nick
Hamton passed the letter to Furrball. He read it quickly and shrugged his shoulders, finding no more sense to the message than Hamton did.
Furrball opened the mailbox's flap and pulled out his letter. After reading it through, he gave it to Hamton.
Dear Furrball,
I wish to congratulate you on your good fortune this December. I am deeply sorry for your years of terrible struggle. A friendly cat like you deserves a good home, just like what you've found with Hamton. You have given him help, support, and company in his endeavors, asking unselfishly for nothing except food and shelter. I promise you, you will find a home to call your own someday. In the meantime, please accept this mailbox to keep until that day comes.
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year,
St. Nick
"Funny gifts . . ." said Hamton, flipping through his empty photo album with his thumb.
Furrball looked confused at first, and Hamton could hardly blame him. The idea of him getting a mailbox but having no home to put it outside of was a bit a jab in the head, but after a minute, the cat shrugged and took to admire the box from every angle.
"Come on. Breakfast." Hamton stood up. "Fruit cake sound good?"
Furrball nodded, and together they headed for the kitchen.
Before they could take a second bite from their slices, they heard a knocking at the front door before it opened with, "Merry Christmas, boys!"
"Mom! Dad!" called Hamton.
Wade and Winnie walked through the door, the former carrying a bulky sack and the latter bags full of food.
"Hello, sweetie!" Winnie said cheerily, pulling Hamton into a big hug.
"Hey, Mom," Hamton greeted. "How are you and Dad?"
"Oh, superb! We are excited and all set for our next trip. But nevermind that now. How have things been with you? And what about you, Furrball, darling?"
"Oh, fine," said Hamton. "All's well."
Furrball meowed the same response.
"Excellent," said Wade, throwing the sack he carried in down to the floor, where it landed with a clunk. "Now, how about some presents?"
The wrapping paper from Santa's gifts were then joined by more colorful paper and bows. Hamton and Furrball both received two more gifts.
Hamton was given a wristwatch from his father and an Acme Ultra-Storage Travel Bag from his mother. It resembled a heavy-duty backpack with wheels, was designed to be feather-light and had a multitude of pockets.
"I thought," said Winnie, "you might want something a bit more stylish to carry your things in besides a duffel bag. It'll make a good backpack, too. Plenty of space for books, tools, and your lunch. Heck, you could fit a full picnic in there. As stable as a horse-stable you have there, Hamton, honey."
"Thanks, Mom," said Hamton, reaching into his whole arm into the bag. He couldn't feel the bottom.
"And that watch is top notch," said Wade. "Best jewel bearings you could ask for. That should help keep you on track, and when you're busy like me and your mother, knowing the time is always helpful."
"Thanks," said Hamton, fingering the comfortable watch on his wrist, its silvery face gleaming in the sunlight through the window.
"And you, Furrball," said Winnie tenderly. "We do hope you like your gifts."
Furrball meowed thankfully and even gave Winnie a hug.
Winnie had given Furrball a huge gift basket stuffed full of fish related foods. It included canned tuna, kippers, sardines, anchovies, fish-flavored chips, and a box of Acme Instant Non-Freezable salmon (just add water for fresh delicious seafood). And, of course, it came with a can and box opener to open it all.
"Ahhhh, you're welcome, sweetie," said Winnie, returning Furrball's hug warmly. "And that sweater looks very good on you. So nice of you to give it to him, Hamton."
"Hope you like MINE," said Wade, chuckling.
Furrball held up a sweatshirt stylized with fish. Furrball nodded thankfully at Wade.
"I remember how you inhaled that salmon we had for dinner a few weeks ago," Wade chuckled, patting the sweatshirt. "Try not to eat this, pal."
Hamton then brought out his parents' gifts. Wade and Winnie loved their fruit pies; Wade actually helped himself to an early slice.
"Now, Wade," said Winnie, shaking her head, "let's wait a little while. Me and Hamton still have to make the meal."
"Oh, okay," said Wade, his mouth full of cinnamon Dutch apple. "Sorry, dear."
The next few hours passed with Hamton, Furrball, and Winnie working in the kitchen. And this time, even Wade got to help by peeling potatoes — AWAY from the stove.
As the food heated, everyone took the time to catch up.
"Nice photo album, son," said Wade, running his hand over the cover. "Planning to record some good times?"
"I guess?" said Hamton with a shrug. He then went on to explain the letter that came with it. He still wasn't sure why Santa had given him the gift; his father was the one who liked taking pictures.
"Ah, I'm sure you'll find something worthwhile," said Wade, flipping through the pages. "Good times make the best photos, and the best come when you least expect them. Remember that, son."
Winnie eyed over Furrball's mailbox. "You looking for a place to live, Furrball?" she asked with a raised eyebrow. When Furrball shook his head, Winnie frowned. "Hmm. . . . Odd gift. But, I'm sure you'll be able to use it someday. Someday, dear. . . ." She placed her hand on Furrball's shoulder, and he smiled gently at her.
"So, son?" said Wade. "How did your little fundraising go? You know, for your dream girl?"
Hamton blushed. "Oh, um. . ."
He looked to Furrball, who smiled at him, nodding him to go on.
"I, uh . . . got her the perfume," said Hamton, grinning at how lucky he had been to actually lay hands on it, AND to have a box full of the last batch of Du Coeur in the world in his bedroom.
"And?" asked Winnie, eager to hear more.
"And. . ." Hamton wondered if it would be smart to continue, but then, knowing his parents, he may as well say it now. "She and I . . . are . . . you know . . . together."
Winnie let out a delight squeal and flung her arms around Hamton in a bone crushing embrace.
"Oh, honey!" she cheered. "That's wonderful!"
"Good going, son!" Wade laughed heartily, giving his son a playful noogie. "My son finally has a lady in his life!"
"Oh, who is it, Hamton?" Winnie asked excitedly. "Is it that cute skunk girl you took to Prom?"
Loosening himself from his mother's iron grip, Hamton shyly nodded.
Winnie hugged him even tighter. "OH! I knew it! I knew she was the one!"
"Winnie? Winnie, dear!" said Wade urgently. "Let Hamton breathe!"
"Huh? Oh!" she dropped Hamton with a gasp. "Sorry! I'm so sorry, sweetie!"
Hamton heaved a deep breath. "No . . . problem. . . ."
The Christmas Brunch was large and filling. Hamton, like Furrball and his parents, ate second helpings of turkey and stuffing, cranberry sauce, mashed potatoes with rich gravy, green bean casserole, and fresh buttery biscuits. And for dessert, Winne and Wade shared their pies.
"Mmm!" beamed Winnie. "Excellent baking, Hamton!"
"You'll make a good chef one day, son," Wade said proudly, "given the rate you're going!"
They all helped clean the plates, packing the fridge with leftovers.
"Ahh, nothing like a Holiday meal," said Winnie, patting her stomach.
"You can say that again." Wade gave a small burp. "Maybe I shouldn't have eaten my whole pie, though."
"Oh, well," said Winnie, patting her husband tenderly on the back. "Lesson learned, Dear: no more than one slice at a time."
At around 2:00 in the afternoon, Wade's stomach ache had died away. In the living room, he set up his trusty camera on a tripod and placed it in front of the couch.
"Okay, everyone," he called. "Time for the Christmas Family Photo. Now where's. . . ?"
Winnie and Hamton were already seated on the couch, but still Wade looked around
"Oh, there you are," he said. "Come on, Furrball. Take a seat."
Furrball, standing a distance away next to the Christmas tree, meowed questionably.
"Come on, my boy," said Wade, waving him forth. "Any friend of Hamton is practically family in my book."
Grateful, Furrball smiled and joined Hamton on the couch. Wade set the timer and rushed to join the others.
With everyone facing the camera, he said, "Everyone say, Merry Christmas!"
"Merry Christmas!"
The flash went off.
"Perfect!" cried Winnie. "Well, Hamton," she said, getting to her feet, "your father and I had better be off."
"Off?" repeated Hamton. "You mean, you two are going already?"
"Oh, yes," Wade said with a sigh, twisting his camera off the tripod. "We need to get to the airport. Our next trip is overseas."
He paused, and looked nervously at his son. "You are okay with that, right?"
"Yeah," said Hamton truthfully. "Yeah, of course."
"You're not mad, I hope, Hamton," said Winnie remorsefully. "It's just —"
"Mom, it's okay," said Hamton evenly. "I know you guys are busy, that's just your job. I'm happy I at least got to spend some time with you on Christmas. It means a lot. So don't worry. And besides," he looked to the side, "I still have Furrball here with me."
Wade and Winnie smiled.
"Wow, son," said Wade proudly. "You have a roommate, a girlfriend, and you're your own man. You've grown up a lot."
"Oh!" said Winnie, and she hugged Hamton again in another one of her hard but loving hugs. "My little man!"
"Mom, come on," Hamton said, going red and struggling to break free, "not in front of Furrball. . . ."
"You boys take care!" called Wade as he and Winnie stepped into the car. "We'll see you both on New Year's Day, Hamton!"
"Okay, Dad!" his son called back, standing at the front door with Furrball.
"Bye, sweetie!" Winnie cried, waving back at him. "And remember, treat your new girlfriend well. Because if you don't, I'll make you wish you had."
She said this in her general sweet tone, but, knowing his mother, Hamton could sense a hint of danger behind her words.
"But," she added kindly, "I already know you wouldn't dare do that. I know you're a perfect gentleman. Take care of yourself too, Furrball!"
The two boys waved, and together they watched the adult pigs drive off down the snowy neighborhood and towards the city.
Hamton shook his head in amusement. "Ah, those two are always on the move. . . ."
Furrball meowed.
"Huh? What do they do for a living?" Hamton repeated. "They make and sell brochures for travel agencies. Dad photographs and Mom writes. As a plus, they get to go on paid vacations almost all the time."
Back into the house, Hamton and Furrball checked out the photograph Wade had left behind.
"It's neat how Dad's camera also develops the pictures," said Hamton, picking up the newest family picture. But before Hamton and Furrball could take more than a glance, there came a knocking at the front door.
"Did Mom and Dad forget something?" Hamton asked aloud, more to himself than to Furrball.
They opened the door and found not two, but four friendly faces.
"Merry Christmas, Hamton and Furrball!" they cried together.
"Hey, guys!" Hamton beamed at his best friends. "Come on in!"
And, just like they did every day, Hamton, Buster, Babs, Plucky and Shirley took the time to catch up.
"You'll all never guess what Santa gave me and Babsy," said Babs.
"Carrots?" everyone asked at the same time, a little blandly.
Buster and Babs blinked. "We really 'ought to find a different food to enjoy. That joke is really starting to get old."
"Meh," said Babs, shrugging, "we're rabbits. It's just in our nature to like carrots."
"Well," said Plucky, "I got —"
But Plucky never managed to say what it was Santa brought him. For, at that moment, there came a crash from outside the house.
"What the —" said Hamton in surprise.
He and his five friends sprinted for the door. Outside, jutting on the edge of the snow-covered yard, was a cylinder just like the one they all saw at the City Dump last night. On the side of the pod were the painted words: ACME Fast-Travel.
Hamton and his friends looked at each other, neither seeming to know what this was doing here.
Hamton stepped out onto the snow and, when close enough, found a message attached to the pod's door in an air-tight, weatherproof sealed pocket.
He pulled it out, his friends gathering around him. The envelope was addressed to him, in very familiar handwriting. And, in the upper corner where the stamp was set, there was a very interesting postmark.
PARIS FRANCE POSTE — 26 DEC
"Hamton!" said Babs excitedly. "That's from Fifi!"
"Quick, open it!" urged Shirley.
Hamton ripped the top off the envelope and pulled out the letter.
Dear Hamton,
I do hope your Christmas with your family has been wonderful. It is so good to be back in Paris, even if it is just for a few days.
My parents were positively thrilled when I told them about you! When I told my sister, Gigi, she had the nerve to question my sanity! The little brat!
But my mother and father actually broke into a dance when I told them!
In fact, Hamton, my parents are so excited to meet you that they are willing to pull together an arrangement that, I hope, will be to your liking. I will understand if you have other plans, but, if you wish, it would be a marvelous honor for you to spend the next few days in Paris so you can meet my family.
Do not worry about money. My mother and father said they are more than willing, and quite happy, to provide payment for you to rent a room here in Paris during your stay. This proposal was, after all, their idea to begin with.
I am quite serious, Hamton. They are absolutely begging to meet you.
If you decide to come, enter the Fast-Travel pod we send you at 11:30 PM on your side, so it will be 7:30 in the morning here in Paris.
But, as I have said, it is up to you. Either way, I will see you when I return to Acme Acres on New Year's Eve.
I can hardly wait to start the new year with you and our friends.
Sincerely,
With all my Love,
Fifi
P.S. - I showed Gigi the fake diamond Plucky gave me. She thought it was real! Oh, you should have seen her face!
Hamton laughed a little at the message, imagining a small version of Fifi hopping up and down, probably thinking they were now filthy sticking rich. The mental picture was absolutely adorable.
"Hamton, come on, what are you waiting for?" said Buster with enthusiasm.
"What?" asked Hamton, but then his brain kicked into gear.
"What do you mean 'what'?" said Babs incredulously. "You're not going to leave Fifi hanging, are you?"
"What? No!" said Hamton in alarm. "Of course I'll go! I mean, me and Fifi, in Paris?" A series of beautiful images flooded his mind.
"Come on!" said Buster, waving his hand towards the house. "We'll help you pack!"
Though he would not have to leave for seven more hours, Hamton, with his friends' help, was ready to leave for Paris within thirty minutes. Using the new travel bag his mother had given him, he had his clothes, food, toothbrush, and everything else packed away. The inside of the Acme Ultra-Space Travel Bag was so roomy, he was even able to fit his Acme Ultra-Storage Duffel Bag inside it. Plucky had stuffed it in, laughing at how light the whole thing was when Hamton picked it up.
The sun was beginning to set by the time Buster opened the front door. The neighborhood and city were growing darker in the fading blue.
"You have fun in Paris, Hamton," he said, giving his friend a handshake.
"Yeah, take some pictures and write," said Babs eagerly. "We want to know everything that happens."
"No problem," said Hamton. "Thanks for helping me pack."
Buster and Babs both walked out, hand in hand.
"Like, come and alert us when you get back," said Shirley, stepping through the doorway. "We can, like, ring in the New Year."
"Okay," said Hamton. "Thanks, Shirley."
Plucky was about to leave with her, when he shot around and said, "Oh, Hamton?"
"Yeah?"
"Word of advice: do NOT eat escargot during your stay. Trust me, it's NOT something to eat. Your tongue AND your gut will thank you."
Hamton smirked wryly. "Okay. Thanks for the warning."
Plucky winked, then walked out to join Shirley in their trip home.
Buster and Babs were still standing on the sidewalk.
"Merry Christmas, you guys!" Hamton called.
"Merry Christmas!"
And smiling, feeling so thankful, Hamton and Furrball stood in the doorway until their friends were out of sight.
Full from the afternoon meal, Hamton fell asleep quite easily around 5:00. He wanted to be fully rested when he arrived in Paris, so he could start spending time with Fifi right away.
It was the easiest Hamton had slept in a long time. There was no stress about raising money, no worry about not being a skunk, no fret that anything bad would happen. Though he had no idea what it would be like in Paris once he arrived, he was sure, so long as Fifi was with him, that he would be happy.
She was his reason, his drive which had pushed him through this month, and she will be with him as they make the next step in their lives. Where it will go, who knows, but they'll see it through together — they and their friends.
The alarm clock went off at 11:00. Very quickly, Hamton washed up, then grabbed his Travel Bag, ready to head outside where the Acme Fast-Travel Pod was waiting for him.
But when he caught sight of Furrball on the couch, sleeping comfortably, he got an idea. Hamton had already discussed it with him and agreed that Furrball could stay and have the house to himself while he was away; he trusted him enough to allow this privilege, knowing that his house would be in very good paws.
But then an idea struck Hamton as he approached the front door.
Quickly, he ran back to his room and scribbled a quick message.
Furrball,
Help yourself to this. Don't push it away. I insist. PLEASE. Use it and get yourself something nice. How about a nice big salmon? Or maybe share it amongst our friends. Do whatever you want with it. It's yours. You deserve every cent.
If you don't mind, I'm just taking five hundred from the stack, just in case I need some cash for while I'm in Paris.
See you on New Year's Eve,
Hamton
Hamton grabbed all the money he had made over the month, pulled five-hundred dollars, and placed the rest of the money on the message he wrote. He wrapped it up with a rubber band and placed it on the coffee table beside the couch.
Smiling, he straightened the blanket covering Furrball. It was the blanket Fifi had given him yesterday. Softly, Hamton gave Furrball's shoulder a soft pat. The cat smiled very lightly and snuggled on his pillow, lost in the comfort of a happy dream.
Giving his good friend one last nod, Hamton grabbed hold of his incredibly light Travel Bag and walked out into the night, viewing the glow of the Christmas tree's light though the window as he closed and locked the door.
All comments are welcome. And again, Happy Holidays.