Hi everyone! Thank you so much to everyone who reviewed, favorited, followed, or even just read this story. I'm glad you guys enjoyed that first chapter! I hope you like this one as well. I'll be starting on chapter three in just a day or two so hopefully I'll have that one out in the next week or so. Well, for once I don't have too much I want to say here in the author's note, so go on and enjoy chapter two of our story. See you again soon!
Disclaimer: I own nothing of The Santa Clause movies.
2. January '96
"Santa, you are driving me insane. Why are you here? You're on vacation."
Scott's hand drops away from the radio he'd been playing with, the static between two stations echoing loudly against the quiet of the Research and Development department. He turns to face Bernard, who is sitting at Quintin's desk with a huge stack of paperwork in front of him and an annoyed look on his face. He meanders over to the chair opposite his Head Elf and flops down onto it. "I'm bored and I can't think of anything else to do."
"I thought you were going down to see Charlie before his winter break was over?"
"I am, but he's at Laura's mom's house today. He won't be back until tomorrow."
"Well," Bernard sighed going back to his paperwork. "You need to find something to do before you break the radio."
"I'm not going to break it," Scott grumbles under his breath. He continues, louder, "actually, when I called there earlier, Laura and Neil said I could go ahead and come down. They even offered to let me stay at their place whenever I'm in town since hopefully I won't have my townhouse for too much longer."
"That sounds like a great idea. Why don't you go?"
Scott hums something noncommittal, gaze moving to his fingernails. He has something on his mind he wants to say, but isn't sure if it's too personal to be discussing with the elf in front of him. He has only really known Bernard for about a month now. And would the boy even want to talk about anything private or personal with his boss? Scott was never that open with his coworkers at the toy company. He isn't sure if his relationship with the elves is supposed to be any different. He looks up and locks eyes with his Head Elf. He has the sudden impression that Bernard knows exactly what he's thinking about.
"What's up, boss?"
Scott lets out a long sigh. "I just... I don't know if I should— or want to actually— be hanging around their house when Charlie isn't there. I mean, just a couple weeks ago, they thought I kidnapped him! Plus, their whole neighborhood saw me flying away in the sleigh. I'm just kind of worried it's going to be really... awkward."
"Well, first off, don't worry about all the people who saw you. Our security team in the tower had a fake article released saying the whole flying reindeer and sleigh thing was an elaborate Christmas prank."
"You don't think people will actually believe that, do you?"
"Eh, the kids who saw you probably won't, but their parents will. You know most adults can't believe in magic. They'll just be happy to have some kind of logical explanation to believe in." Bernard finishes signing something on one of the papers and then uses his pen to point at Scott. "Now, second of all, have the three of you actually talked about what happened last month? And I mean besides that ten minute conversation you had on Christmas Eve."
"No..."
"Then that's exactly why you need to go, awkward or not. You can't spend the rest of your life avoiding being alone with Laura and Neil. I mean, you're not still upset with them for thinking that, are you?"
"Of course not, I forgave them before those cops even shoved me into that cop car. It was kind of my own fault anyway. I did just bring Charlie up here without talking to Laura about it first. But he was so excited, and Charlie never acted like that when he came to stay with me before. I just couldn't tell him no."
"Then let them know that. That way you can all move past it and work on being a family."
"Yea, I guess you're right."
"I am. Now go call Laura and tell her you're coming down."
Scott snorts. "You just want me out of your hair."
Bernard's lips curl up in a teasing grin. "Say, that would be nice, wouldn't it?"
Scott takes the boy's advice and returns to his office to call Laura. It's not too late in the morning, just a little past nine-thirty, but he still catches her on her way out the door. She seems happy he's agreed to come down early, which is a surprise. This time last year they couldn't be in a room together for longer than ten minutes without one of them starting a fight. Scott tells her he'll be taking Comet down and he'll probably be there between one and two.
After he hangs up with Laura, he heads back to his bedroom to pack a bag, and then to the stables to ask one of the elves to get Comet ready for the trip. When he walks in though, the reindeer is already saddled and waiting. Scott gives Larry a confused look, but the elf just shrugs and says Bernard radioed half an hour ago and asked him to get Comet ready. He thanks the boy, and then climbs up into the saddle and leaves.
As expected, he gets to Laura and Neil's house right around two. He lands in their backyard since it's a little more private; the tall fir trees and fence blocking any prying eyes. Comet grumbles something in his animal-speak as he climbs off, something about his "bad back" and it "being too cold to travel." Scott rolls his eyes and gives the reindeer a friendly pat on the head. He looks around the backyard, suddenly wondering if Laura had thought to keep the back door open or if he'll have to try and climb the fence so he can get to the front of the house. He certainly doesn't want to just sit out here in the cold until someone comes home. There's a fresh layer of snow on the ground; the soft, powdery kind that looks pretty, but isn't useful for snowball fights or building snowmen. Which is the second worst kind of snow, right behind the gross, mushy kind you get at the end of winter; when the sky can't decide if it wants to rain or snow, so it all mixes together with the mud and rock salt and everything is just brown and gray and sort of dirty looking. Scott walks over to the back porch just as the back door slides open. He blinks in surprise as Neil steps out. Scott eyes the blue, green, red, and yellow striped sweater the man is wearing. It's a little more subdued compared to his usual attire.
"Scott! Laura said you were coming today." Neil sounds happy to see him. But that isn't really a surprise. Scott knows he was a jerk to the other man sometimes, but for the most part Neil was always really polite whenever they all got together.
"Yea, thought I'd take you guys up on your offer to stay a couple days so I could see Charlie."
Neil smiles and steps aside so he can walk through the door. "Well, come inside out of the cold. I'll make hot cocoa. Laura should be home in about an hour."
"Eh, it's not too bad outside," Scott says as he walks through the sliding glass door into their kitchen. It's so warm inside, and the heavy aroma of apple cinnamon candles hangs in the air. "I don't think anything will ever be as cold as the pole."
"I suppose that's true," Neil chuckles. There's an awkward pause. Scott isn't quite sure what to say. Neil fidgets with the hem of his sweater, before finally motioning over to the kitchen table. Scott takes a seat as the other man starts digging through the cabinets, pulling out sugar, cocoa powder, cinnamon, and finally grabbing the milk from the fridge. It takes a few minutes for the drinks to be ready. Scott flips through a Psychology Today magazine that was left open on the table. When Neil slides the drink in front of him and then takes his own seat, Scott takes a long sip, smiling at the warmth and sweetness.
"This is good," he compliments.
"Thanks," Neil says. There's another awkward pause. Scott swirls the cocoa in his cup, watching it splash around the sides and up near the rim. Neil clears his throat and then pushes his own untouched drink to the side. "You know, I'm actually glad you got here early, before Laura or anyone else was home. There's something I need to talk about with you."
"Oh? What's that, Neil?"
The other man takes a deep breath, and then looks Scott in the eyes. "I wanted to apologize for not believing you."
"About?"
"About being Santa Claus."
Scott shakes his head. "You don't need to apologize for that, Neil. Heck, for the longest time, I didn't believe it myself. I just thought I was going crazy."
"Even so, I think it's best if you know I regret how I treated you. I know we've had sort of a rocky relationship ever since Laura and I got together, but you were right when you told Charlie that all of us are a family. I should start acting like it too."
"Well, it's not like I've been trying all that hard to have a friendship with you." Scott pauses and then raises his mug up in a toast. Neil copies him. "But, hey, here's to new beginnings. I promise not to be too much of a jerk this time."
Neil laughs and clinks his cup against Scott's. " I'll hold you to that. But since you mentioned new beginnings, that reminded me, Laura and I made sure all charges were dropped with the police department. And we made an appointment for all of us with the judge so we could get you your visitation rights back."
"Oh, well thanks, I appreciate that. But you didn't have to make that appointment. I thought Laura destroyed the paperwork?"
"She destroyed our copy, yes, but the judge wanted us to come see him again after the first of the year anyway. I told Laura I thought it was a good idea."
"Why?"
"Because, if it's official I think it would help us all to move on and start to trust each other again."
Scott sighs. "I guess that makes sense. When's the appointment?"
"January 29."
"Alright. I'll be there."
The rest of the week flies by. He stays at Laura and Neil's for the most part, only stopping by his townhouse once to check on it. It's strange. He knows he's not really a different person now that he's Santa, but whenever he goes into his old home now it doesn't quite feel like it belongs to him. It's almost like he's trespassing on the home of who he used to be. The townhouse is sparse and impersonal, even Charlie's room has only a few model toys and one photo of Laura decorating it. Scott only spends about a half hour in there, just checking to make sure the housekeeper is keeping it clean and tidy for potential buyers, before it gets too uncomfortable and he has to leave. He tries getting hold of his real estate agent a few times, but there's still no answer. He must still be on vacation. The rest of the week he spends with Charlie. They go to a movie, the aquarium, play in the snow in the backyard, and Scott treats everybody to lunch at McDonald's twice because it's Charlie's favorite place to eat. He's a little sad when the week comes to an end, and he can tell Charlie is too. Scott stays until Monday and even gets up at six a.m. so he can watch Charlie get on the school bus for his first day back after winter break. Laura brings him out a cup of coffee, waving as the bus pulls away. Scott takes a large swig of the drink, not even caring as the hot robust liquid burns his tongue a little.
"Thank you," he sighs contently, "I haven't had a good cup of coffee in a while."
"Really? How come? I thought you loved coffee."
"I do, but the elves don't really drink coffee up at the pole so I haven't had any since November. From what I've seen they mostly drink sweet things like cocoa or anything with a lot of cream or honey in it. I swear I saw Bernard pour half a cup of honey into his tea the other morning."
Laura laughs, her breath misting in the cold, morning air. "I guess that makes sense. They are kids after all and I've never known a kid to pass on anything sweet."
"Oh, no no, don't ever call an elf a kid." Scott says with a chuckle. "I learned that the hard way. They hate that. That'll get you a long lecture about elf lifespans."
Laura shivers and then motions for Scott to follow her back inside the house. They both sigh in relief as the warm air gusts over them as soon as they step through the front door. "But I thought that elf who came here on Christmas Eve- what was his name, Bernard?- was a teenager. He certainly looks like one."
"Well from what I understand, they just look younger because their magic makes them age slower, but I'm not entirely sure. I've got a handbook that's supposed to explain all about my magic and the elves and Christmas, but I haven't really read it. I'm pretty sure Bernard is the oldest, that's why he's the Head Elf. I'm not exactly sure how old though. He mentioned something about the invention of the ball once and now I'm kind of afraid to ask..."
Laura laughs as they walk to the kitchen to sit at the table. Neil is already in there pouring himself a bowl of cereal. He looks at them as they sit. "What's so funny?"
"My ex-husband is Santa Claus," is all Laura says, a smile still lighting up her face.
"Speaking of which," Neil starts slowly. He shares a look with Laura, who face immediately drops into a worried frown, "There's something we wanted to talk to you about, Scott."
"Okay?"
"Well, we were discussing it, and we think it would be best if you- well if all of us, really- told Charlie to tell the judge at the appointment that he knows you aren't Santa."
Scott splutters on his coffee, spilling it on his chin and shirt. "What? But I am Santa."
"We know, Scott, we're not denying that," Laura says calmly, reaching behind her to grab a kitchen towel that was sitting on the counter. She hands it to Scott so he can wipe at his face and clothes. "But Judge Whalen will never change his decision if he's still worried about Charlie."
"So you want me to tell Charlie to lie?"
"No, we don't want to explain it like that. We can be honest with him. I think he'll understand if we tell him the judge-"
"Thinks I'm crazy and a danger to my son?" Scott interrupts Neil with a snarl.
"Scott." Laura warns. He takes a deep breath to calm his temper, focusing instead on scrubbing at the coffee stain on his sweater.
Neil gives him another moment before continuing, "No, that he was worried about Charlie being confused. We can tell the judge that everything that happened after Thanksgiving was a misunderstanding, and that you know you're not Santa, but the only thing that's really going to change his mind is if Charlie says it. Because Charlie's well-being is what's most important to him."
"Charlie is so smart, Scott. He'll understand if we tell him why it's important that he tells Judge Whalen you're not Santa. Please help us with this." Laura says.
Scott sighs and rubs a hand over his face. "I get what you're saying, I do. But it still feels like you want to tell Charlie he needs to lie for me."
"I know. But what else can we do. I know we got rid of our copies of the visitation papers, but Neil's right, it would be better to make this official with the court. And we don't know how else to do that without Charlie telling the judge you're not Santa."
"But I don't want Charlie thinking believing in Santa, in me, is a bad thing."
"It's not a bad thing-" Neil starts.
"But we could be giving Charlie the impression that it is."
"He does make a point," Laura says, leaning back in her chair to look at her husband.
Neil nods his head. "What do you suggest we tell him then, Scott."
Scott worries his bottom lip as he stares at the remaining coffee in his cup. "Let me... let me think of what I want to say to him, before we talk to him about it. I'll come back down the day before the appointment so we can all talk to Charlie together."
"Thank you," Laura pats his hand as Neil gives him an appreciative smile.
Scott leaves for the North Pole not too long after that. He spends the next two and a half weeks wandering around the workshop, trying to get to know the elves a little better without getting in their way too much. Bernard at one point barks at him to at least leave the workshop and explore Elfsburg some, since Scott was on vacation and people aren't supposed to spend their vacations at work. Which is why he finds himself walking around the town square, one hand holding a to-go cup of cocoa from the little cafe just around the corner from the workshop, and the other waving at the elves who greet him as he passes. Besides just trying to get to know his elves, Scott passes the time trying to decide what he will say to Charlie when he goes back down for the appointment. He can't think of anything that doesn't just sound like "please lie so the judge doesn't think I'm crazy and shouldn't be around you." Scott stops at the large outdoor ice skating rink near the edge of the square. He leans on the gilded fencing that wraps around the edge of the ice, watching one boy perform a rather impressive jump, which earns him excited applause from everyone around him. He sees Quintin and Judy skating on the far side of the rink. Judy has Quintin's hands in her own as she skates backwards in front of him. The boy is staring half-amused and half-terrified at her, and Scott swears he sees him mouth the words please don't let go, to which Judy only gives him a mischievous smirk in return.
"Hey, boss," says a voice from behind him.
Scott turns and sees Bernard, wearing a chunky blue sweater that's a little too big for him and holding a pair of worn ice skates in his hands. "Hey, Bernard. I didn't know you skated."
"Eh, I used to all the time, but I don't really do it all that often anymore. Quintin and Judy made me promise to join them today though, so here I am."
"How come you don't really skate anymore? Lose interest?"
"No, I just..." Bernard pauses and gives Scott a strange look, "something's wrong with you. What is it?"
Scott huffs. "What makes you think something's wrong?"
"I'm an elf. I always know when a human needs help. So are you going to tell me, or do I have to try and pry it out of you?"
"Well..." Scott hesitates, "okay, fine. You know how I told you a couple weeks ago that I have to go back down to Laura and Neil's for a court appointment on the twenty-ninth? Well, they want my help telling Charlie that he needs to tell the judge I'm... not Santa."
"Why?"
"Because the judge won't give me my visitation rights back if he's still worried Charlie thinks I'm Santa. And even though we all know I am Santa, the judge will obviously never believe that. I just... I don't know how to explain it to him in a way that doesn't make it seem like I'm making him lie for me. I don't want to make him feel like he's doing something wrong just to protect me."
Bernard nods his head in understanding. "That is a pretty tough problem. But Charlie's a smart kid. If you just tell him the truth I'm sure he'd understand."
"What truth?"
"About the Secret of Santa." Bernard sighs when he sees Scott's blank look. "you really don't... that's in the first chapter of the handbook, boss. I know I told you to just read it on your own time since I'm here to answer any questions, but I figured you'd have gotten to that part at least."
Scott gives him a sheepish look. "I've skimmed it. Anyway, what's the 'Secret of Santa?'"
"The SOS is a rule we have that states Santa's identity and the location of the North Pole must be kept a secret at all cost to ensure that Christmas remains as it is to protect both yours and the elves's magic. If everyone knew who Santa was it could take the wonder and happiness out of Christmas time and without that, Christmas magic would weaken and the North Pole would disappear."
"Oh... so, wait, are you saying I should tell Charlie all of this?"
"Yea. I know it's a pretty big secret for a kid to keep, but I think Charlie can do it."
Scott nods his head, thinking over his Head Elf's words. "You know, I think you're right. Thanks Bernard, you've been a big help. Have fun skating."
"No problem. See you later," the boy calls as he walks away to sit on one of the wooden benches so he can slip on his skates. Scott leaves to head back to the workshop, deciding he wants to read up on this SOS thing before he heads back down to Laura and Neil's.
It's at dinner the day before the appointment with the judge that Scott, Laura, and Neil decide to talk to Charlie. Scott had taken Prancer down from the pole, reaching their house around a quarter to four. Charlie is happy to see his dad again and they spend the time before Neil finishes dinner playing board games with Laura in the living room. When the food is ready, they all sit down at the dining room table together. Charlie is teasing Scott about kicking his butt in battleship, mouth full of peas and carrots and ignoring his mom's chiding to not talk with his food in his mouth. Scott laughs and then in the moment of quiet while Charlie thinks of something else he wants to talk about, he shares a look with the other adults, hoping either Laura or Neil will bring up the issue. Neil sort of motions with his head in a way that Scott thinks is supposed to mean go ahead, so he just sighs and sets his fork down onto his napkin.
"Hey sport, there's something we want to talk to you about."
Charlie copies his dad and sets down his silverware. "Okay."
"Well, you know how tomorrow we're all going down to the courthouse to talk to Judge Whalen again?" He waits for Charlie to nod his head to continue. "Well, I think- all of us think, I mean- that it would be best if you told the judge you know I'm not Santa Claus."
"But, you are Santa," the boy says, tilting his head in confusion.
"I know. It's just... well, being Santa is supposed to be a secret. No one else is supposed to know who Santa is. That way, the elves and the North Pole are kept safe and a secret too. And I know the judge probably wouldn't believe us if we told him I was Santa, but in case he would, we have to tell him I'm not."
"It's bad if other people know you're Santa?"
"Not bad exactly. But, you know how wonderful and magical the North Pole is?"
"Yea..."
"Well, if too many people know that Santa really does exist and who he is, the North Pole could lose all that magic and then... well it could even disappear. This is very important to me, sport. I want to keep the elves and the North Pole safe. Can you do this for me?"
"So... people aren't supposed to know who Santa is, so that way he stays magical?" Charlie asks.
Neil leans forward. "Think of it this way, Charlie. The mystery behind who Santa is and where the North Pole is, helps it feel magical to children. We have to help your dad keep that mystery."
Charlie nods his head. "Okay. I think I get it."
"Alright," Scott says clapping his son on the shoulder. "I knew I could count on you, sport."
The next day they get up early and head to the courthouse for the hearing. Scott can't help but pace back and forth as Charlie speaks to the judge. Was he wrong? Should he have gone with what Laura and Neil originally suggested, and just tell his son that the judge thought he and Charlie were confused and it wasn't good for him to think his dad was Santa? Scott still thought that sounded like people would think it's wrong that Charlie believed in Santa Claus, and he didn't want Charlie to feel bad for believing in magic. Magic was wonderful. It was beautiful and strange, and yet sometimes felt so warm and familiar. And Charlie's face would always light up brighter than the North Star when he saw Scott's magic. He didn't ever want that to change.
So maybe Bernard was right and telling him about the Secret of Santa was the way to go. Charlie was smart. Scott knew he understood how important this was. He just had to trust that the judge would believe it when Charlie said he didn't think his dad was Santa anymore.
The door opens to the judge's chambers. The older man asks them all to join him and Charlie, so Scott files into the room behind Laura and Neil. Laura sits down where Charlie is, placing the boy on her lap. Scott and Neil take the empty seats beside her.
"Well, first off I want to say that I'm glad the whole confusion about Santa Claus has been addressed, and Mr. Calvin I also want you to know I was happy when Dr. Miller told me you had decided to speak to one of his colleagues about your own personal issues." Scott looks over at Neil, who is currently doing a very good job at avoiding Scott's gaze. He looks back at the judge, lifting his lips into a fake smile. "I still don't quite understand the whole 'misunderstanding' you all had in November, but after hearing both Mrs. and Dr. Miller's testimony, I will agree to reinstating your visitation rights, Mr. Calvin."
"Well thank you, Judge Whalen. Thank you so much." Scott says, letting out a sigh of relief.
"But, I think it's important that you do everything you can can to make sure something like that doesn't happen again. That is why I am ordering you all to attend family therapy over the course of the year. We can revisit this decision after some time has passed, but as of right now I think this would be the best thing for your family."
"Family therapy?" Scott groans.
"I think that's a wonderful idea!" Neil says, sharing a look with Laura, who is nodding her agreement as well.
"Good. I expect your first appointment with an approved family therapist to be scheduled for sometime in February. Thank you all for coming today."
They leave the courthouse not too long after, and Scott knows he's pouting before Laura even says anything to him about it. "Oh, Scott, stop. This will be a good thing. And we got you your visitation rights back!"
"I know," he sighs.
"Think of all the ways we'll learn to communicate better as a family," Neil says, patting him on the shoulder.
"Right, I'm sure I'll learn a lot, buddy."
Laura huffs and rolls her eyes at his sarcasm, but before she can respond Charlie starts pulling on Scott's arm, bouncing on the balls of his feet as he waits for his dad's attention. "Can you stay for dinner one more night, Dad? Please?"
He looks over at Laura and Neil, who are smiling down at Charlie. Laura glances his way. "It's alright with me."
"I'd love to, sport." Scott says, picking up his son. "What should we have?"
"McDonald's!"
Scott can't help but laugh, Laura and Neil joining him. "Alright. McDonald's it is."