When were Together (Electric Company Holiday Special)
Synopsis: Christmas Eve has arrived in Brooklyn and everyone is excited for the holiday season. Well, except Keith who does not have a tradition since his mother died. Follow the Electric Company on their journey to help their member with a tradition.
Third Person's P.O.V:
Twas the day before Christmas and Brooklyn was silent as the snow fell. Even the houses were quiet though mice lurked about. Everyone knew this day had arrived, the holiday season that is to be divine. With shopping complete and stockings hung with care, the hope of the Christmas season soon to be there. Since Keith came into town and took the oath of the Electric Company he never took part of the holidays in New York since it brings bad times for him and his dad, he always wondered why until today. Yet, one person excited for this was Lauren. She could not wait for the holidays to begin but bells would clang soon at the church to ring in the season she loves so much.
(Lauren's room)
Lauren's P.O.V.:
I kept myself snoring last night trying to get back to sleep for a little bit which I did as I dreamed of playing in the snow with Hector, Jess, and all of our pals but some parts of my destiny still came into play. Honestly, I don't know why it happens but it does. Yet through it all, I didn't want the dream to end, no way for sure. But when the clock hit seven and my alarm beeped which I still need to change it got me up like a spring. "I'm up," I exclaimed jumping out of bed thinking Hector or Jess woke me up but I didn't see them. Huh. Guess I was dreaming again. I yawned I couldn't figure out why Hector and Jess weren't up yet since it was white outside with the snow falling everywhere I can say that none the less. Hmm, guess the others wanted to sleep in, I thought getting out of bed. "I hope they didn't forget what today is. Wait, what's today," I asked walking over to my calendar and looked to see my writing marked Christmas Eve. "It's Christmas Eve," I yawned. After a few seconds, my eyes became wide and I realized today was Christmas Eve and soon music swirled around me. "It's Christmas Eve," I gasped suddenly awake right now. Yeah that got me up for sure. "Hector, Jess, Sean wake up," I said getting on my bed and gave a little knock on my ceiling to Sean since his apartment is right above ours. "What and why Lauren," they mumbled. "It's Christmas Eve wake up slow pokes," I told them as they jumped out of bed realizing today. I couldn't help it but I just wanted to sing and I did.
Lauren singing
I can't believe it! It's finally here, my favorite time of year has finally come. Everybody's awakening with sounds of cheer, time to ring in the season this year.
Jess singing next part: We have waited long, time to get dressed. Coming over to Lauren in her PJ's along with Hector
Hector: Hey! And even later to impress.
Jess: We'll be hosting and singing the whole day through as we ring in the season with you (twirling Lauren)
Lauren: It's this Christmas that I'm excited.
Jess: Everybody waited for this day
Lauren: And this Christmas I have waited so much to date and it's already worth the wait!* Lauren and Jess singing together as they step out in their pajamas.
All: I can feel the joy, feel it in the air. The Christmas spirit everywhere! And the party is starting, I can hardly wait to ring in the season, this great.
(Musical Interlude)
Lauren's P.O.V.:
"Lauren," Sean called to me wearing his winter jacket. "Hey morning Sean," Hector greeted. "Morning man. Hey morning Keith," Sean said with a smile. "Morning. Were not late are we," Leo asked coming over to where we were at the entrance to our apartment building. Lisa came over along with Shock and Mario and they were right near us. "Nope right on time with the others. The bells are going to be ringing soon. I'm so excited," I told them. "Hey Lauren," Hector told me. "What," I asked. "Showtime," he said to me with a smile and I gasped looking at the corner near our street.
(Back to song)
All: It is almost time to hear the bells, we'll hear them ring throughout the town.
Hector: It's finally here we have waited so fast.
Lauren: Okay my big bro that is now in the past.
All: Now it's time to sing and celebrate as we ring in the season, at last!
Lauren: Time to let the holidays begin people!
Hector: Whoo!
End song
Lauren's P.O.V:
"Okay people who wants some hot chocolate," I asked turning around expecting to see people in line but not really. "Where did everyone go," I asked Hector. "Beats me Lauren," Hector shrugged. Will, my classmate and was Mr. Tummus in the school's Narnia production was right near the stoop of the apartments as we stood there. "Will, you coming for hot chocolate," I asked coming down the steps with Sean. "Sorry Lauren, Kristina and I have to head back home to help mom and dad out with holiday traditions," he told us. "What? But you guys always stay over for coco," I pointed out. "Yeah and you play a few video games with Hector," Sean added. "Uh Sean, I think you do not Will," I admitted to him. "Oh. Okay then continue," he smiled. "True Lauren but we have to go. We don't want to disappoint them. See you soon okay," he told me and soon left. I groaned a little bit and saw Shannon. "Shannon, want hot coco," I asked her. "Sorry Lauren, I have to get home and finish making cookies with grandma as my holiday tradition sorry," she said leaving. "Okay," I half smiled seeing them take off. Leo and Keith were still standing by the stoop. "This never happens to you guys does it," Kieth asked. "No, not really. Everybody usually stops by. Its one of the many Ruiz holiday traditions," I explained. "Beats me Lauren. I'm in the same boat as you are," Sean shrugged. "Should we call the gang," Hector asked. "I think that's the plan now," I admitted with a shrug. "HEY YOU GUYS," Hector yelled into the cold air then afterwards started to shiver a little bit. "Uh, can we get inside first and change I'm freezing," he asked us. "Oh right," we nodded and soon headed back inside to change into something warmer for today. Afterwards, we went right over to the diner.
(At the diner)
Shock's P.O.V.:
I was in the diner with Lisa, Keith, Leo and Mario helping get the Christmas treats and stuff all set for the Electric Company Christmas party later on tonight which I have to admit will be awesome this year. Okay, I might be bias but honestly we have a great time every year and cultimates with all of us going to the tree lighting in the park which is going to be super fun. "Cookies are almost done guys," Leo called in the kitchen. "Alright. Frosting is still in good supply dad and more importantly," Keith smiled. "Got the gingerbread houses ready to be built tonight. I still can't believe you warned me to get them when they first arrived," Mario said to me getting them on the counter. "Well Lauren did say you got to strike while the iron's hot," I shrugged. "Yeah and where's Lauren anyway," Max asked. Oh, you didn't know? Max's here! You met him last chapter before the holidays so, were all excited he's in town. "Lauren said she, Hector and Jess are coming. I guess they thought some were staying for hot chocolate after the bell ringing but guess not," I admitted. "Hmm, that does sounds odd if you ask me," Mario shrugged as the door opened letting in the cold air. We all huddled together and shivered for a bit to see Lauren, Hector, Jess and Sean come in the diner. "It's so weird Hector, I thought people would," I heard Lauren talking to her brother. "I know Lauren, I have to agree with you. No body never misses the famous Ruiz hot chocolate," Hector added. "Or better yet, Hector Ruiz's famous double dip French toast," Jess said with a shrug. "Patent pending," Lauren piped. "True, I do good with French toast," he admitted. "I take it no one stopped by the apartment for hot coco," I asked the three of them. "Yeah. Well technically our landlord came by," Sean shrugged. "Yeesh," I winced. "I know right," Lauren added. "Yeah it does sound bizarre now that you think of it," Keith told us as he sat down next to Sean and I. "One minute it happens, next it doesn't," Sean agreed.
Lauren's P.O.V.:
"Yes but that doesn't stop anyone from doing holiday traditions you know like making Christmas cookies," Lisa suggested. "Or putting up a Christmas tree," Mario chimed in. "Watching the Christmas Spectacular," Hector added. "Better yet getting free cookies," Sean said diving into them. "Hey, hey some of them are for the customer's thank you," Shock said taking them back. "Mean," Sean told him. "Yeah but all things aside guys, this holiday season is exciting. Everyone we know is going to be here later on tonight for the Christmas party and I can't wait," Hector smiled. "Indeed my brother," Mario agreed.
Sean and I looked over at Keith who gave us a soft smile throughout the conversation. "Hey we didn't mean to leave you out buddy," Sean told him. "No it's alright. I was just thinking," he told us. "Thinking of what," I asked. "Oh! I bet its a holiday tradition he has, tell us Keith," Mario pleaded. "Yeah please," the others asked. "I don't know guys if I want to," he said seeing Leo standing over by the door listening in. "Well do you have any holiday traditions with your family Keith," I asked. Keith looked at us confused. Piano music swirled through the diner. "Do you," Sean wondered. "Well the truth is," Keith told us before standing up and singing.
Keith singing
Long before I moved, I could hear the bells.
It would ring throughout my own home town. I remember the joy that I felt back then.
When we ringed in the season, when we ringed in the season.
End song.
Keith's P.O.V.:
"But that was just last year wasn't it," Sean asked. "No for a long time after the Christmas when I was six, my mom died and since then dad and I never felt the Christmas spirit since my mom wasn't with us," I explained getting up from the chair. "Keith wait. Where are you," Lauren asked making her way to the door. "I'm sorry guys, truly I am. It's my fault I don't have a tradition like you guys. I'll see you in a bit," I apologized before walking out of the diner into the snow. I needed a break for sure.
Lauren's P.O.V.:
"No wait Keith," we all said out loud before left and caused the door of the diner to open for a second with snow floating around. "Burr," I shivered for a few seconds after the wind died down along with the snow. "Man, poor Keith. I guess I never knew Christmas would be hard for him," Hector realized. "Yeah I guess it brings up different emotions for people even if their loved ones are gone," I told them. "Indeed Lauren but how we can show Keith that the holidays are not meant to be sad but joyous," Jess asked. "Jess you just gave me an idea," I said my face lighting up. "Oh Lauren light bulb," Sean announced. "I did," she asked me. "She did," the others asked. "Yes. Why don't we go find the best tradition Keith has ever seen and bring it to him to show the holidays are meant to be fun," I suggested. "Lauren that's great," Hector said agreeing. "Great idea Lauren," the others smiled. "So what are we waiting for let's go," I told them as we placed our jackets and winter items back on into the cold snow of Brooklyn thinking of holiday traditions. "You think this will work Lauren," Sean asked. "I think so, besides I don't know what else to think if this doesn't work," I explained honestly. "Can't blame you on that Lauren," Sean replied. "Come on guys, it's going to work. Besides just hear those sleigh bells jingling ring ting tingling too," Hector started to sing.
Lauren and Sean shrug joining in.
Come on its lovely weather for a sleigh ride together with you.
H: We'll find a holiday tradition for Keith with snow falling through. (You who)
Come on its lovely weather for a sleigh ride together with you.
Mario: Hurry up, hurry up, hurry up let's go. Lets look at the show, We better find a tradition that glows.
Shock: Hurry up, hurry up, hurry up its grand just singing a band.
LS: You mean gliding along to the song of this wintry fairy land?
J: Our cheeks still rosy but comfy and cozy are we
Lisa: We go great together like birds and a feather will be.
Mario: Can we take a road less traveled with a chorus or two?
L: Hey come on its lovely weather for a sleigh ride together with you.
S: May we remind you guys, we need to find something, other than being goofy if you know what I mean.
L: Sean is right we got to find a tradition for Keith and soon otherwise what else is there to do? do, do
H: I am sure we'll find a tradition guaranteed, no matter what it will be complete.
Mario: Hector's right I agree with that, besides together we make it fast, who would have thought that this will go on fast.
Everyone: We hear the bells jingling ring ting tingling too. It's telling us to find a tradition for you and even Keith. We'll tell you its easy with the snow falling through but hey its lovely, lovely weather for a tradition together with you.
End song
Lauren's P.O.V.:
We looked around at every single corner of the neighborhood and ask friends what they thought. Shannon suggested cookies, Josh said making a snowman with his family. Everyone had different ideas. I wrote them down in a notebook so we can narrow it down. "I have to admit guys, great list of things we found so far," I told them. "Yeah but none of them stand out to us the most for Keith to like. I mean its like a needle in a haystack," Hector admitted. "Yeah but where else can we go that might have a tradition for Keith," Mario thought. "Wait, what about the church? I bet they have something," Shock asked. "Good idea Shock. Let's check the church and see if we can find anything. By the way, where do you think Keith is guys," I told them as we walked over to the church of Our Lady of Fatima.
(Back at the diner)
Keith's P.O.V.:
After I took my walk to calm down after earlier I went back to the diner. "Guys, you back? I want to apologize again about earlier. I uh didn't mean to be a Debby downer," I said walking into the diner not seeing Hector, Lauren, Jess, Sean, Lisa, Shock and Mario. Huh? Where are they? They're probably waiting to scare me or something, I thought. I decided to check in the back to see if they were there but I couldn't quite tell as I saw someone belting tunes at the top of his lungs. "Hector," I asked startling the person. "Oh hey Keith didn't see you there son," dad smiled seeing me. "Hey dad, why were you belting out Christmas tunes? You know that brings a hard time for our family," I asked confused. "I know but it's a holiday tradition for me and I do it to keep mom alive," he answered. "How? I thought when she died, the whole Christmas spirit left our family," I wondered. "Keith, it didn't leave us. It's still here. I know it's hard for our family at the loss of Christine but she would want you to keep it alive in your heart, that's how she's with us," dad explained. "You mean it," I asked. "I do and you coming into our lives is the best tradition ever," he answered hugging me. "Aw thanks dad," I smiled. "Your welcome champ. Now, what were you doing in the kitchen," he asked. "Oh. I was looking for Lauren and the others. Have you seen them by any chance," I asked. "They were here a few minutes ago before singing Sleigh Ride," he told me. "Do you know where they went," I questioned. 'No but they were mentioning something about traditions. Maybe you can catch up with them," he told me. "Oh thanks dad and thanks again for telling me the truth," I told him stepping out into the cold winter air again hoping to find my friends.
(At the church)
Lauren's P.O.V.:
We arrived at the doors leading into the church of Our Lady of Fatima panting for breath from running that was for sure. "Think this will work," Hector asked. "Worth a shot. Okay everybody remember shh," Sean hushed everyone as we opened the doors of the church. "The first Noel, the angel did say," choir voices filled the sanctuary as we walked in before blessing ourselves with holy water. I guess they were preparing for Mass later on today. We walked through the nave with all of the Christmas decorations done nicely in the Church. We soon bowed before the altar and walked over besides the chair of the priest to the nativity scene already placed out in glory. The manger spot still open for I knew Jesus would be in there soon. "Okay so does Keith have a tradition of setting up a nativity scene," Jess asked. "I don't think so sis. I remember him telling us he's Baptist and doesn't follow some of the principles of the Catholic Church," I told her. "Your right Lauren but why can this be hard for him if it brings up bad memories," Hector asked. "Good question. I know the only clue was the fact his mom died," I agreed while we scratched our heads. "Lauren, Sean didn't expect to see you guys," a voice sounded. We turned to see Father Isaac coming near us helping get set for Mass. "Oh. Hi Father Isaac," I greeted. "Hi Lauren, hey guys," he told the others. "Hi Father," they waved to him with smiles. "What are you guys doing here early? Christmas Mass doesn't start until 4," he said to Sean and I. "Were trying to find a holiday tradition for Keith you know our friend you met last week, Keith Watson" I explained. "Oh, now I know who your talking about. Threw me a curveball for a second. But why are you guys looking for one? Doesn't he already have one," Father Isaac asked confused. "No. To be quite honest Father, Christmas brings up bad memories for him and his dad," Hector told Father.
"How come," he asked. "His mom died in a car accident when he was six and was around the same time as the holidays," Jess answered. "I know he told me about it when he came to see me with Lauren and Sean last week. I know he said he's Baptist but plans to convert and get his dad in RCIA classes," Father told us. "Ah," the others nodded. "Yeah but were stuck. Got any advice Father," I asked for all of us. "I have seen lately with you guys that when you spend time with Keith and your friends the holidays become magical. You don't even need to look for a tradition like a present, just know when you are with Keith the holiday season is always bright," he advised us.
"Yeah being with friends and family is the best tradition out there," I told the others. "I guess we found a tradition for Keith," Hector admitted. "We sure did. Thanks Father Isaac," I thanked him. "My pleasure Lauren. See you and Sean at Mass," he told us before leaving. "Well, let's go find Keith and tell him the news," Hector said to us. "Yeah let's go," we smiled and soon walked out of the church before running into the snow. It was still snowing as we walked out. I just loved it when it snowed. "Anyone see Keith," I asked through the wind though I was bundled up and all. "Not sure Lauren. It's all white to me," Hector joked. I stared at him and so did Sean. "What," Hector asked. "Hey guys," Keith smiled walking over. "Hey we were just about to find you," I remarked. "You did," he asked us. "Yeah," they answered. "I was actually looking for you guys back at the diner and you weren't there. Where were you guys," he told us.
Keith's P.O.V.:
"Well the thing is we were looking to find," Lauren started to say. "We wanted to find a holiday tradition for you because we felt bad in telling you ours," Hector told me. "What? You guys feeling bad," I said surprised. "We didn't know it would bring back bad memories for you and your dad, so," Jess started to say. "We teamed up and wanted to find the best tradition for you like snowman or cookies," Hector said ratting off a list. "You guys did that for me," I asked them. They nodded yeah. "You guys didn't have to do that, honestly. I spoke with dad and found the real tradition," I told them. "You did," they asked. "Yeah, honestly when my mom died, I thought the Christmas spirit left me; but being with you guys now, the spirit of Christmas never left me. I just needed to get that spark," I explained.
Lauren's P.O.V.:
"Aww," we smiled. "Yeah so, anyway that's why I wanted to find you guys to not only thank you but for being my Christmas star," he told us. "Aww Keith, get over here you," Hector said as we got in for a group hug. "By the way sorry about being a softie earlier," he told us. "You are not a softie and no need to apologize," Mario grinned. "Yeah but the thing is ever since you and your dad came here, it felt amazing," Lisa told him. "It has," Keith asked. "Sure is," a voice sounded. "Will," I said turning around seeing him and his family. "I thought you couldn't make it," I asked. "We couldn't miss the tree lighting and besides we felt bad in missing yours so we all came together," he told me with a smile. Almost everyone from town came too over to the park where the tree was. "Keith you brought all of us together and you helped us no matter what," Shannon told him. "Yeah and together the season's bright Keith, you brought traditions and today you are one," I told him as a piano swirled through the snow falling skies. "I did," he asked. "Sure are," Hector told him with a smile.
S: Sure it's nice, we open our gifts and tie them with perfect bows.
L: But the greatest present of all was given to us just this year.
S: It's something we would never change, it's the family, friends we made.
L: Cause when were together, I have everything on my list.
S: (Placing arm on Lauren's shoulder) And when were together, we have all we wished.
L: All around this Christmas Tree, dreams are coming true.
S: Yet when were together, our favorite thing is you.
(Lauren: Hey come on guys we got to tree to light) (Sean: Come on)
(Hector: All right)
SL: We would travel miles and miles and follow every star. We got almost any place, if it's any place we are.
S: Cause when were together (When were together) we'll forever be at home. And when were together (when were together) we'll be safe and warm.
SL: Doesn't matter where we are, if friends are with me, yet when were together it's our favorite place to be.
(Lauren: Hey guys look) Tree lights up and everyone gasps.
Cause when were together, it's our holiday every night. And when were together then the season's bright!
S: We don't need the bells to ring (we don't need the bells). We know when it's here (we know when its here)
Cause when were together, we can stay forever and when were together. Keith: It's our favorite time of year!
Lauren's P.O.V.:
We stared at the Christmas Tree all light up perfectly with the mix of snow falling in smiles and warm hugs all around. "You know Lauren I have to admit, I think we found a new tradition," Hector told me with a smile. "We sure did Hector, merry Christmas," I said kissing his cheek. "Merry Christmas Lauren," he said hugging me as Keith came over for one hug as well. "Best Christmas ever," Sean asked. "Sure is," Keith smiled knowing he had found a tradition that he would treasure forever. "Hey Lauren, what are you standing around for? Care to sing the song chorus again," Will asked us. I looked at Sean with a smile and soon shrugged. "Shall we," I asked my friends and family. "We shall. Cause when were together," they replied as we started to sing again celebrating the fact that Christmas is here and having fun with friends was the best tradition ever.
Ladies and Gentlemen, holiday special is complete! It took me a while but I did it! Please stay tuned for some holiday filler chapters coming up before next season kicks off soon. In the meantime, please keep a friend of mine in your prayers, she is near the end of her cancer battle. Love you guys! By the way credit to Olaf's Frozen Adventure and Disney for plot ideas