Three Against Three: Chaos in New York
Arc Two: McCallister Family-One Year Later
Part 5: Christmas Pageant Calamity
McCallister House
December 20, 1991-6:35 A.M.
(Christine's PoV:)
The air is chilly, as Kevin, William, and myself are taking a nightly stroll through the town square of the little township, where William resides. Will and I walk arm-in-arm, smiling. Kevin walks ahead of us, drinking some hot apple cider, and munching on some popcorn.
"Oh, William, this looks so beautiful. Thanks for bringing Kevin and I here," I admire the Christmas lights and decorations that were hung up all over the town square, as part of the festival that's happening.
"It's my pleasure, Red. I'm happy that you and Kevin are having a good time at the festival," William replies, giving me a quick kiss on the cheek, causing me to blush. "Do you and Kevin want some hot chocolate?" he asks.
"Could you bring me a hot dog and a caramel apple, too, William?" Kevin asks, giving his best puppy eyes.
"Hot chocolate would be just fine," I tell William. William nods and heads for the concession stand.
"I wanted a hot dog and a caramel apple, Christine. I could've gotten one, too, if you didn't butt in…" Kevin whines.
"You've had enough junk food tonight, already. I don't want Mom to be upset with me, when you start whining about your tummy hurting." I scold. Kevin sticks out his tongue in response. "No, it can't be. They're supposed to be in prison…" I see a man that looks noticeably like the little creep, who tried to break into Mom and Dad's house last year, approach Kevin and I. The creep suddenly pulls out a pistol and aims it at the both of us. My insides turn cold in dread.
I quickly shield Kevin and scream loudly for help, knowing this is the end for me. 'Mom, Dad, siblings, Fred, William, Tia, Uncle Buck, I love you all, and I'm going to miss you. Just don't let my sacrificing my own life to protect Kevin, so he can live, not be in vain!' I sob.
"No! Kevin! Christine! Run!" I hear another voice yell, which sounds familiar. Everyone in the town square realizes what's going on, and are now fleeing the area to find cover.
"Hey, whatcha doin'?! Get off me, pal! This doesn't concern you…" I hear the little man protest, as I grab Kevin and take off running, not looking back. I hear a scuffle, followed by two gunshots.
Looking back, I notice that William is laying on the ground, not moving. Tears fill my eyes, as the little angry man prepares to fire at us, but he's quickly tackled onto the ground by a cop. My surroundings suddenly turn black…
…
I soon find myself looking up at the attic ceiling fan spinning, laying in bed, surrounded by a bunch of pillows. 'It was just a nightmare… A very real nightmare. A nightmare, where William died, taking a bullet, meant for Kevin and I. Thank God those punks are behind bars…' I think to myself, quietly crying. I check the clock on the nightstand. It reads 6:35 A.M..
"Morning, Christine," I hear Kevin say, yawning. Seeing Kevin awake, looking at me, causes me to feel a mixed flurry of emotions. I break down, sobbing. "Christine, are you OK? What's wrong? Why are you crying?" he asks, as I pull him into a hug. The words won't come out, and I just sob harder. Kevin is now looking concerned. "Do you want me to go get Mom or Dad?" he asks, patting my back.
I shake my head "no". "I had a nightmare, Kevin," I tell him, still crying. "It was about the guys, who broke into our house last year." I release Kevin from the hug.
Kevin nods, looking fearful, remembering last year all too well. "Was it bad?" I nod, as I tell him a slightly altered version of the nightmare. I purposely leave out the parts about Kevin being in my nightmare and William dying, as not to scare him. "I'm sorry that you had to dream about that horse's ass of a burglar hurting William. It must've been hard for you to see that," Kevin comments.
"It was," I nod, still shaken up.
"If it makes you feel any better, why don't you call William on the phone that Mom and Dad installed up here, and tell him about your dream?" Kevin suggests.
"What phone?" I ask, shocked at Kevin's wisdom.
"That phone over there, silly," Kevin replies, pointing at an older style telephone out of the 70's, sitting on the nightstand.
"I don't know how I missed that…" I look at the phone, surprised.
"So, are you going to call him? It might help you feel better," Kevin prods.
"It's kind of early to call him at this hour, especially with Aspen being an hour behind Chicago," I reply, knowingly, appreciating Kevin's thoughtfulness.
"I'm sure he wouldn't care if it was you calling him," Kevin counters. "Like I said before, it might help you feel better, hearing his voice."
"Alright. You convinced me, Kevin. I'll call him," I smile, as Kevin wipes away the last of the tears from my face.
"I'd better go see if Fred needs to be let out, and maybe sneak a slice of leftover cheese pizza, too," Kevin winks, climbing out of bed and heading downstairs, but not before giving me a hug. "Love you, big sis."
"Love you, too, little bro," I hug back. I pick up the phone and dial the number to the lodge, where William and his family are staying.
It rings a few times, before someone answers, "Hello?" I hear William's Mother, Annette, speak.
"Annette, this is Christine. Sorry, if I woke you up,"
"Good morning, Christine. No need to be apologetic. The family just got up not too long ago. We're about to head out for an early morning ski down the bunny slope. So, what can I do for you, sweetie?"
"I was wondering if I could talk to William, if it's not any problem?" I ask, still shaken up.
"Sure you can, sweetie. He's right here. Be sure to wish your family a merry Christmas from ours, if we don't talk, anymore. I hope you all have a safe trip to Miami. Well, here's William,"
It takes a few moments, before William comes on the line, "Morning, Red. Mama said you needed to talk with me. Is everything OK?" I feel a small sense of relief, hearing Will's cute voice.
"I had a very bad nightmare last night, Will..." I sob to him about my nightmare, not leaving out anything.
"Don't cry, sugar. It was just a nightmare. You're fine. Kevin's fine. I'm fine. Everyone's fine. The Wet Bandits are behind bars, where they can't hurt anyone," Will tries to reassure me.
"I know, but it was just so real…" I sob uncontrollably.
"Christine, relax. It's going to be OK. Just close your eyes, breathe in slowly, and try to calm down. Just imagine yourself stretched out on the beach with your sisters, and you three are watching the afternoon tide, while chanting, 'Everyone is going to be fine,' I'm sure your therapist mentioned this technique before,"
"I know the technique you're talking about, Will," I tell him, as I implement it into action. "Everyone's going to be fine…" I mentally chant, eyes closed. The tension inside my body slowly dissolves.
"Did the exercise help any?" Will asks after staying quiet for a few minutes.
"Yeah, it did help. Thanks, love. I feel much better," I reply.
"I'm glad you're feeling better, Red. Well, I hate to end this conversation so soon, Christine, but I have to go. My family is waiting on me. I love you, Christine. Merry Christmas!"
"I love you, too, William. Merry Christmas! Thanks again for helping me feel better," I reply, blowing him a loud kiss, before hanging up the phone. I might as well go back to bed and try to get a few more hours of sleep…
(Time Skip)
McCallister House-Peter and Kate's Room
December 20, 1991-6:56 P.M.
(Kate's PoV:)
I'm standing in front of the bed, doing some last bit of packing. Kevin and Fred are also in the room, watching a game show on the bedroom television. Kevin is sitting in a chair, with his tape recorder, in-hand. Fred is lying on the floor. The entire house is in pandemonium from the last minute packing for tomorrow's trip, and getting ready for the Christmas Pageant.
"Kevin, you'd better put on your jacket and tie. The family will be leaving for the school very shortly," I speak to him, noticing his necktie and jacket is missing. I grab my makeup kit from the master bath and place it inside my suitcase.
Kevin turns his attention to me. "I can't," he replies, looking nervous. He rubs Fred behind the ears.
"Why not?" I curiously ask, while closing up my suitcase and placing it on the floor.
"They're in the new attic bathroom, and Christine's taking a shower," he replies. "I'm afraid of what she'd do to me, if I should see her, you know… naked in the shower, accidently, of course." Kevin blushes.
"I understand, Kevin. Your jacket and tie can wait, until Christine finishes her shower," The last thing I need, is for Christine to lose her temper. Changing the subject, I ask Kevin, "So, are you excited about your big solo?" I look around the spacious walk-in closet for a nice dress of mine that Christine can wear to the Christmas Pageant.
Kevin looks down for a moment and replies, "Not really. I'm just scared I'm going to do something that embarrasses the entire family,"
"Kevin, I'm sure you're going to do great. It's just your nerves," I reassure him.
"If you say so, Mom…" Kevin replies, sounding unconvinced.
"Did you see the inflatable clown your Grandma McCallister sent you to play with in the pool? I've already packed it with the rest of your stuff,"
Kevin groans. "Yeah, I have… My siblings have already had a field day, teasing me about it. I expected that from Buzz and Jeff, but not from my sisters. I thought they would be more sympathetic, especially Christine,"
"I'm sure your siblings didn't mean anything by it,"
"Mom, why haven't we told Grandma McCallister about Christine being reunited with the family? It's been over a year. Shouldn't we have told her, by now? She has a right to know, you know. I'm sure Christine would love to see Grandma, too,"
I smile, as I speak, "Well, to answer your question, sweetheart: Your Grandmother Penelope is a hard person to reach, with her always traveling to out-of-the-way places. I assure you, the next time she contacts us, we'll tell her about Christine coming back home," Kevin has really grown up over the past year. There have been some mishaps and misunderstandings, but overall, Kevin has matured. I wonder if Christine coming home has anything to do with it?
"Mom, why has Grandma been travelling so much for the past three years? I mean, it's all she's been doing, since Grandpa died. In addition, it's been two years, since we've last had any meaningful contact with her. You don't think anything happened to her, do you?"
"I think she's still mourning over your Grandpa, and travelling is her way of coping. I'm sure she's fine. She sent you that Christmas present, didn't she?"
"I guess. Mom, can I ask you another question?"
"Sure, sweetheart," I come out of the closet (lol), with a lovely dark blue floral knee-length dress, a black jacket, and heels to go along with it, for Christine to wear.
"Why do we have to spend Christmas in Florida?" Not this topic again. Kevin was very vocal about not spending the holidays in Miami, after Peter and I shared the news with the family.
I sigh. "I already told you, Kevin. Your Dad and I thought a nice, quiet, tropical vacation would be the best way to spend the holidays. In addition, we wanted to make it special for Christine. It's her first vacation she's spending with the family in eight years,"
"They don't even have Christmas Trees in Florida, Mom. You can't have Christmas without Christmas Trees," Kevin protests.
I just smile. "How about we settle for a nice Palm Tree, OK? We can decorate it with some seashells, coconuts, and lights…" I'm hoping that resolves everything.
"Sure, Mom," Kevin just sighs, turning his attention back to the TV. A commercial for a fancy New York hotel is airing.
"Kate, where's the camcorder batteries?" Peter asks, entering the room, camcorder, in-hand.
"They're in the charger," I reply, making sure the dress I picked for Christine isn't wrinkled. "Do you like the dress I picked for Christine?"
Peter nods. "I do. It's going to look great on her. I'm sure the rest of the family is going to be pouring over her with the compliments about how beautiful she looks,"
"Dad, I'm trying to record this song on the TV," Kevin complains. Peter reaches down to grab the batteries. They're both unaware the alarm clock needs to be reset now, after Peter accidentally unplugs it, while grabbing the camcorder batteries.
"Mom! Did you find me something to wear?!" Christine yells from the hall, before entering the room. She's wearing a robe and has a towel wrapped around her head.
"You don't have to yell, Christine. And, yes, I found you something to wear," I lightly scold her, showing her the dress I selected. "Let me get these boys out of the room, and I'll help you get ready, OK?" I glance at Peter, while Christine nods, excitedly. She likes the dress, and is eager about trying it on.
Peter takes the hint. "Come on, Kevin. Let's give your sister some privacy, so your Mom can help her get ready, OK?" He places a hand on Kevin's shoulder.
"Alright, Dad. I have to put on my jacket and tie, anyway," Kevin replies. He gets up and turns off the TV, before leaving the room.
"Peter, before you go, could you take Fred out for a walk, before we leave?" I ask.
Peter nods. "Sure," He whistles for Fred, who springs into action and darts out of the room, to everyone's amusement. Peter leaves the room, closing the door behind him…
St. Gerhard's Parochial School-Lobby
December 20, 1991-7:45 P.M.
(Christine's PoV:)
The butterflies are dancing in my stomach, as the entire family steps through the main entrance of St. Gerhard's Parochial School. The place hasn't changed a bit, since I graduated. I glance around the lobby.
"Is that Sister Mary Dominic?" I ask Mom, whispering. I point at the elderly nun, who's talking to two men. They must've helped set up the stage, judging from how they're dressed. She was my religious studies teacher at St. Gerhard's, when I attended here.
Mom nods. "Yes, that's her, alright. And, she's the principal now!"
I'm in shock. "When did that happen? Last I remember, Father Cecil was the principal," I say. I notice Sister Dominic's lips thin in anger, like an angry lion, as one of the men mouth "the stuff", about how they quickly set up the stage. Whatever "the stuff" is supposed to mean…
Mom replies, "A few years ago, Father Cecil wanted to go back to teaching,"
I'm about to reply, when a familiar voice out of the past speaks, "Bless my heart. Are my eyes deceiving me, or is that Christine McCallister, standing here, in the flesh, after all these years?" Spoken in a thick Irish accent, I know that voice from anywhere.
The family turns around to see who's speaking. "Is that Edward Herrmann dressed like a Priest?" I hear Uncle Frank ask, much to Aunt Leslie's embarrassment.
"Father McCabe!" I reply, smiling. I rush to give him a hug. Father Gerald McCabe was my mentor and favorite teacher during my time at St. Gerhard's. He was the reason why I graduated early.
"It's great to see you with your family again, Christine. I was very saddened, when I heard you ran away from home, all those years ago. It brings me joy that God answered my prayers, and you've been reunited with your family. You'll have to share your story with me, sometime,"
"I'd be glad to," I reply, smiling. I remember the guilt I felt about betraying his trust on the night I ran away from home. "It's great seeing you again, Father McCabe."
"You too, Christine. I'm holding it to you about you sharing your story with me," he tells me, as he turns his attention to my siblings. "What are you McCallister younglings standing there for? You have a pageant to get ready for! So, go on! Chop, chop!" Father McCabe smiles, as he greets Mom and Dad, and is introduced to my extended family…
St. Gerhard's Parochial School-Assembly Hall
December 20, 1991-7:55 P.M.
(Christine's PoV:)
The entire family is seated in the middle row, waiting for the pageant to start. I'm sitting in the seat in the middle, in between Mom and Uncle Frank. The stage looks beautiful, with all the Christmas-themed props and backgrounds.
Mom and Aunt Leslie are beaming with pride, while Dad is fiddling with the camcorder. Uncle Frank looks like he's about to fall asleep out of boredom. I'm bursting with excitement about Kevin and Linnie's solos. The assembly hall is loud with chattering, which soon quiets down, once Sister Dominic appears on stage and taps on the podium to get everyone's attention.
"Parents, guests, students, and former students. Thank you, and welcome to the St. Gerhard's Christmas Pageant. We have a wonderful show planned for you tonight and to get things started, ninth grader, Melinda McCallister, will be sharing a special Christmas poem that she's written herself for your enjoyment," Sister Dominic speaks, before addressing Linnie, "Melinda, the stage is all yours."
Linnie walks onto the stage and stands in front of the podium that Sister Dominic just vacated. I send a smile of encouragement Linnie's way, which she acknowledges back, with a quick smile of her own.
"Peter, get that camera focused. Linnie is about to read her poem," Mom silently snaps at Dad, before turning her attention onto Linnie.
Linnie speaks, "The Christmas poem I'm about to share with all of you tonight, is something I've written myself, based on a real-life event that happened last Christmas. It goes something like this:
When I stepped through the door,
I saw someone I've seen before
Many years it's been.
I thought it was going to be never again.
To my joy, I was wrong.
She hugged me; it's been too long.
I cried, and she wept.
Happy we're together, once more.
A thought of Christmas, from the year before."
Linnie finishes.
I'm in tears, as is Mom and Aunt Leslie. My sweet little sister wrote a beautiful poem about our reunion last year. I can't help but feel deeply touched. Everyone in attendance claps loudly, our family being the loudest, as Linnie does a brief curtsey, before leaving the stage. I can see Father McCabe, congratulating Linnie on a job well done.
Sister Dominic speaks, "Thank you, Melinda, for that beautiful poem. Now, everyone, for our next act, the St. Gerhard's School choir will be performing the song, Oh, Christmas Tree,"
The choir takes their place on the risers. Kevin is on the lower one, Buzz is on the middle one, and Jeff and Megan are on the upper one. Sister Dominic instructs the pianist to start playing, and the choir begins singing. It's beautiful.
About several lines into the song, I hear Mom whisper to me, "Your brother's solo is coming up. Pass it along," I just nod and turn to tell Uncle Frank. I notice his head drooped back, and is snoring.
"That's not very nice, Uncle Frank," I smirk, as I lightly stomp on Uncle Frank's foot. Uncle Frank lightly moans in pain, as his head shoots up.
"Who did that?" Aunt Leslie is glaring at him for falling asleep.
I just smile innocently and tell him, "Kevin's solo is coming up," Uncle Frank just glares, while Aunt Leslie gives me a double thumbs up. Everyone's attention is focused on the stage, as Kevin begins singing his solo. Kevin has a beautiful voice…
(Buzz's PoV:)
I know the senior prank I'm about to pull, is going to upset a lot of people and shake their faith that I've matured over the past year, especially my family. But, I need to send my fellow seniors a message that I'm starting the traditional St. Gerhard's senior prank war off early, with an unexpected bang, and that they have to work hard to top this. I just hope I survive the ass-kicking Christine is going to give me later.
"Hey, Jeff, give me your candle," I ask my brother, who quickly becomes suspicious. He knows that I'm about to unleash the senior prank I've been planning, since the start of school.
Jeff quickly looks to see that no one is watching, before handing me the candle. "Here. Just leave me out of it. I don't want Mom's, or worst, Christine's, wrath unleashed onto me," Jeff whispers, while double-checking that Megan isn't watching…
(Kevin's PoV:)
I'm singing to my heart's content. It helps that my older sister, Christine, is here, watching me perform. Her presence helps with my stage fright. I notice the crowd suddenly start laughing, save for the teachers and my family, who don't look amused. I wonder what's so funny about my singing. All this laughing is throwing me off.
It makes me happy that Christine, Dad, Aunt Leslie, and Mom don't find it funny. Judging from their expressions, Mom and Aunt Leslie are horrified, and Dad is Mad. The look on Christine's face, suggests she's getting pissed, which isn't good news for anyone. Even Uncle Frank is mad, which surprises me.
My ears suddenly start feeling warmer, raising my suspicions that someone is trying to sabotage my solo. I quickly turn around to discover that I'm right. I see Buzz, trying to hide the fake candles and plead innocence.
The anger boils up inside. I knew Buzz hadn't changed. Buzz is still the same ol' nasty brother, and his mature act was just a sham that fooled the rest of the family. Even Christine fell for it. The anger inside me grows even more.
I'm tired of Buzz spoiling everything, I'm tired of being his target for pranks, and I'm tired of him making my life a living Hell. I wind my arm back and slug Buzz right in the gut. It triggers a chain reaction, that sends the entire choir crashing down, like a house of cards. I swear, I hear Mom scream, before the curtain closes. I know I'm in deep trouble now…
END