The Christmas Cat
Chapter 6- Surprises along the Ocean
by Vickietori
A/N: ALOHA!!! I am feeling sooo great knowing that all of you reviewers like this story so far!! I haven't gotten one criticize yet! Well, except for Piper saying I didn't give her enough credit *sticks out tongue at piper* But don't worry... I gave you credit ^_^ Anyhoozerhankeydoodle, some things in here may seem a bit... predictable. But none the less, everything will get better if you think it's crappy now. I had to add romance in here sometime... DON'T HURT ME!!! *crouches for protection* I suck at Romance... I don't think I'll ever get it right... And I swear there'll be more action/adventure in this... sooner or later ^_^
Disclaimer: DIE DISCLAIMERS!!!!! *stomps on disclaimers* No warm feelings felt here... NONE!!! *grins evilly*
~*~
The next days felt like hell to Bernard. Nothing had gone wrong at the North Pole... No one had come and made everything a nightmare. Terri was leaving... It was worse then then world ending. And he had a secret kept from her too... A secret he feared he could never reveal to her. Now Bernard's once bright smiling face was now sad and melancholy. As gloomy as a graveyard.
Bernard sat staring at nothing in the middle of the Workshop, taking no notice of the elves passing all around him.
You ever gonna tell her?? suddenly asked Curtis sitting himself next to the head elf. Bernard snapped from his staring trance and looked at Curtis.
Tell her what?? he asked.
That you love her... said Curtis with a sound of surprise in his voice that Bernard didn't get his point. Bernard's eyes widened.
What makes you think I love her?? he asked as his eyes narrowed down on Curtis. Curtis shook his head and sighed.
It's so obvious! Ever since you made arrangements with Santa for her to go back, you've been a sad... unhappy... BLOB!! Bernard glared at Curtis.
he asked raising an eyebrow. If it's so obvious, he started getting to his feet, Then why doesn't the entire Workshop know?? He outstretched his arms and looked around at the shop. To his surprise, all of the elves heard him and stopped their work to respond to his question.
WE DO KNOW!! they all chanted at him at once. They all returned to their work as the last syllable came out of their mouths. Bernard stood like a statue with his arms still outstretched. The look on his face was pure embarrassment. He finally let his arms collapse at his side and looked at Curtis.
How did they find out?? he asked pointing behind him.
replied Curtis with a shrug. Though I don't keep up on it myself, they sure like to know what's going on... He then cut himself off noticing Bernard's foot tap impatiently. HEY!!! I didn't tell them a word if that's what your thinking! I'm sure she still doesn't know...
Well that's a relief, said Bernard sarcastically. I thought there was a RAT going around spreading gossip!
said Curtis raising his arms to protect his neck from Bernard's gripping hands. I told you! I don't keep up on gossip! But- everyone else dose!! OUCH!!! MY ARM!!! GET OFF OF MY ARM!!! Bernard and Curtis found themselves caught in a fight... but a foolish one at that.
What are you two doing?? asked Scott standing above the two fighters. The two elves immediately stopped fighting and jumped up. Didn't I tell you two last Christmas to STOP FIGHTING!!
He started it! immediately said Curtis pointing at Bernard. Bernard looked at the shorter elf and glared.
Bernard, I know you're going through hard times now, but you and Curtis have to clear up your fighting! Scott's voice boomed loudly on the two of them making them jump. Bernard returned to his angry position, but Curtis stuck out his tongue at Bernard. And for you, Curtis, added Scott moving his attention him. You know better then to give Bernard such a hard time when he's going through difficult times!
What difficult times?? asked Terri suddenly appearing from behind Scott. Did I miss something here?? she asked as she noticed everyone shutting up at once. What's going on?? Is something bad happening??
Your leaving, Bernard thought to himself, a rush of sadness made him look at the ground. He then felt Curtis's elbow dig into his side. he cried softly as he glared again at the elf who was nudging his head awkwardly Terri's way. Bernard asked him in a whisper.
Curtis coughed threading in the words: You love her. Bernard heard the words but ignored it.
Erm... nothing's wrong, Terri. He stepped toward Terri and carried her away with him. We need to talk... he said as he lead her out of the workshop.
she asked following her wrist as Bernard led her away. She looked behind her shoulder at Santa and Curtis. Curtis shrugged and Scott scratched his head looking very confused.
Bernard pulled Terri into of the next room. He wasn't feeling himself today... He was feeling anything but himself. He finally let her wrist drop.
Bernard, please tell me what's wrong... I- I really hate not knowing these things. She cooed her wrist in her other hand and re-adjusted her bracelets, beads facing up. Bernard walked to the other side of the room his hands in his pockets.
After a moment, he finally admitted it.
I don't want you to go, he said looking at Terri trying to catch her glance. Instead, she was still fiddling with her bracelets, until she realized what Bernard just said.
She looked up from her wrist, her other hand still gripping one of her beaded bracelets.
I- I don't... You see, Terri... Bernard began fumbling with his words, trying to use all of his feelings the right way. He began walking around some more looking at the ground before he stepped on it. I just... I don't want you to go. His eyes then met Terri's. He now could see a worried glance in her eyes.
Why?? Am I not allowed to go... Did I do something wrong??
assured Bernard sitting himself down on a chair. You- your allowed to go... Terri smiled before Bernard continued. I- don't want you to... He looked at the wall at the other side of the room, trying to avoid her eyes.
Why not?? she asked, shifting herself trying to get back into Bernard's view.
Because I love you! finally said Bernard. He couldn't hold it back anymore. He turned around in his chair and looked at her squarely. Terri looked as shocked as ever. She put her hands over her mouth as her it dropped open. She closed her moth and put her hands down. For some reason she looked as though as she was going to cry.
Bernard asked raising himself out of his seat a little bit. Terri's watering eyes then met Bernard's. She turned her eyes away quickly and looked at the ground. Her lip now trembled.
Are you sure?? she finally was able to ask, her voice much stronger then Bernard expected.
He nodded. Terri looked back up again at him, her eyes gaining back their normal cheeriness. She then smiled. Bernard got up from his seat and now stood in front of her, grasping her hands in his. Terri could feel herself turning pink in the cheeks as they finally met in a kiss.
~*~
Everything seemed all better. Bernard now didn't have a secret welling inside of him. He was back to normal... and even better. Terri also had her spirits high. She would pack her things in her backpack and sing to herself so loud that her voice could be heard through the thick walls. Scott knew what happened between Bernard and Terri. Only he knew, and he didn't plan to say anything to anyone about the matter.
All I know is that Bernard is back to normal and so is that ditzy girl he's always with, whispered a male elf in-between beats of his hammer as he worked on a rocking horse. The female elf in which he was passing the information eye's widened and she smiled.
It's good to know Bernard is back to normal again... He was way to gloomy... The both of them nodded together and went back to their work.
Hey you guys! said Bernard passing by. He patted both of them on the head at the same time. They both smiled at him brightly, making the sparkles on their cheeks shimmer.
Hi Bernard, they chanted back at him together. Bernard walked away checking over the working elves as he usually would. As soon as the two elves were sure he was far enough away, they looked at each other and smiled again.
Though they thought he didn't see, Bernard saw the two elves exchange smiles. He himself smiled. He was glad everyone felt as though everything was going good. But still, though it didn't show as much, he was depressed. Lurking in his mind were the words telling him: She is leaving. It was tearing his mind to pieces, but he still kept a smile on his face. He had to... For the elves' sake.
~*~
The day of Terri's departure had finally arrived. Bernard was to go with Terri until she had arrived at her home. Like Scott, Bernard wore the same watch telling him how much magic he had left. He had enough to transport two people to one place and bring himself back, and a little more magic to spare (just in case).
In a line in front on the two main double doors of the Workshop stood Curtis, Judy, Carol, and Scott, each waiting to say their goodbyes.
See ya, Terri, said Curtis taking off his hat to her. Terri smiled and patted him on the head. Though he tried to hide it, Bernard noticed Curtis's face turn crimson red.
Next was Judy...
Take some cocoa for the road. Judy handed over a tin of her sensational cocoa to Terri as Terri came for her goodbyes.
I really am going to miss the best cocoa in the world! Terri sighed as she took the warm tin in her hands. Thank you, Judy, she said. Judy smiled brightly.
Then Carol...
Take care dear. Carol placed a red scarf around Terri's neck, making her blue jacket clash brightly. Terri took a tasseled end of the scarf in her hand and on the scarf was worded in script:
Seeing isn't believing, believing is seeing. Terri read the passage aloud and then smiled. Thank you. Judy smiled.
The passage... she said to herself. Terri hugged Carol tenderly.
Visit us again, Carol whispered to Terri as their hug broke.
I will, Terri replied. She walked down the line. The big guy was next and for some odd reason, Terri was afraid to face him.
Never forget us here, Terri. Scott made her promise.
I would never forget such a wonderful place... not in a million years! Scott laughed at the girl's enthusiasm, which made Terri's smile grow.
I have no present for you but...
I don't need a present, interrupted Terri. You all let me stay here in this wonderful place... I didn't even have reservations! Everyone laughed at her joke. In my life, I have waken up every Christmas morning finding presents under my tree mostly all from one person. You. That kept me believing. Seeing or not. The things you do for all of us young people is enough. You've already given me many gifts... I don't need another one. Scott smiled and finally gave her a hug. Terri hugged back.
said Bernard interrupting the hug. Terri looked over her shoulder at Bernard.
she said to everyone as she walked backwards next to Bernard.
Bye! See ya later! Everyone said goodbye at least a thousand times. Terri hated to leave everyone... but she stayed positive. She promised herself she would return... eventually. Bernard grasped Terri's hand in his, and pressed a button on the watch. Sparks flew up all around them and as soon as Terri blinked, everyone was gone and she and Bernard were standing in her apartment.
~*~
Bernard looked at the watch. he read aloud. He tried to put magic out of his mind. So... this is where you live?? Bernard walked around the room, his hands in his pockets as though he didn't want to touch any of the delicate trinkets set up along shelves set up on the walls. It was a simple apartment... Nothing too special. But it was cozy and nice. The walls were painted a sky blue and along the bottom where the walls met the floor were waves painted all around making a nice border. There was a kitchen, two bedrooms, and a living room (and of coarse bathrooms).
Wow! This looks like a California beach house more then a Massachusetts apartment... Bernard could help but to lean down and touch the deep blue waves on the walls.
You'd be surprised... Terri said nervously. Sometimes I think I'm in California when I look around my room...
Do you have a view?? Bernard asked taking notice to some drapes covering a huge glass window. He outstretched a hand to pull back the drapes, but Terri stopped him.
She grasped his arm and made him drop it. It's not really a great view... nothing but the next apartment over! She laughed hesitantly and grinned trying to convince Bernard. He frowned at her.
Well... can I look any ways?? Terri's mouth opened to protest, but she bit her lip and looked at the ground.
Why not?? She sat on a white couch on the other side of the room and looked away. Bernard thought her behavior was strange, but once he opened the drapes, it made sense.
We're not in Boston are we?? he asked her as he looked at the Pacific Ocean crashing down on the shores of California. Terri shook her head, but kept her eyes away from the view.
she finally said quietly. She turned herself around and looked at Bernard. Welcome to San Diego... She grinned trying to make Bernard smile himself, but it failed. Bernard's mouth was dropped open as he looked at her. Only one word could come to Terri's mind as she saw his expression.
she screamed inside her mind. She wanted to hit herself with a frying pan... and a large one at that. Kill me, God... Just kill me.
~*~
Thanks for not getting mad. Terri took another bite of her salad laid out in front of her. She felt really guilty about lying to Bernard (though it wasn't that big of an issue) so she felt the least she could do was buy him dinner.
Mad isn't the word I would use... Bernard said as he dabbed Caesar dressing off the side of his mouth. I was just...
Terri asked trying to find the right word. Bernard nodded. Sorry about that... When I first got to the North Pole, I didn't want to be to sure of myself and where I was... It was just a safety issue... Ya know, just in case you all were really rapers or something... She took another bite of her salad.
Rapers?? Us?? That word doesn't even exist for us in the North Pole... Terri quickly swallowed her mouthful of lettuce.
Oh I figured that... I just didn't want to take the chance... Bernard nodded.
But you trust us now... Don't you?? He caught Terri in the middle of a sip of Diet Coke. She practically choked on herself as uncontrollable laughter took over her. When she finally was able to swallow her drink, she began to laugh out loud making everyone in the quiet restaurant look at her. Bernard grinned at everyone.
Trust you?? God Bernard, I kissed you didn't I?? Everyone who looked at them all nodded.
Young couples... Bernard could hear them all murmuring to each other as they returned to their meals. Terri was still laughing, but soon her giggles died down.
Oh thanks for letting me borrow the clothes... Bernard was now wearing a long sleeved blue hoodie with kaki capris. In place of his pointy Arbic-like shoes, he wore sandals, quite a change of pace for an elf. And for practically the first time in his life, he didn't wear a hat.
Who would know my brother and you were the same size?? He's away in Africa now I think... You don't have to worry about returning them right away... He won't be back until January I think...
Your brother's in Africa?? Bernard asked taken by surprise.
Yeah huh! He studies stuff around the world... Wow! I just realized I have no idea what exactly he studies! That was random... Bernard was starting to get confused. Me and my brother share my apartment. He usually brings home a lot of money... and thank god I was a math whiz! I have to sort out the money, make sure the bills are paid... I'm like a housewife!
All thruought dinner, Terri's life story was unraveling. Bernard laughed thruought most of them.
~*~
When dinner was over and the bill was paid, Bernard offered a walk on the beach. The sun setting on the horizon made the water shine red.
I've never seen the ocean before... Bernard admitted as he took off his sandals and dug his toes into the warm sand.
Really?? I've seen the ocean and only the ocean... I mean... I never ever get tired of it. Actually, before I came to the North Pole, I never saw snow before...
cried Bernard as he started to laugh. Thank god I got out of there... I thought I was going to scream! I never really ever like cold weather like that. That's why I like it here... It's nice and warm...
You're going back though...
Of coarse! Bernard suddenly realized what he said. Terri looked at the sand covering her feet, the smile fading off of her face. But she decided to in her mind that she wasn't going to let anything bring her down... Not tonite.
Ya know... I always wish I could see through the ocean. I wish I could see what all of the fish and other creatures did every day... She trailed off, smiling. She stared out onto the ocean, and Bernard watched the sun's bright color fade on her face as the sun set. He turned also to look at the ocean, and blew into the wind. Then, a wish came true. Like lights found in a swimming pool, in front of them, a apart of the ocean lit up. From where they were sitting, the little sea creatures could be seen swimming around.
Oh my god... Bernard looked at Terri whose eyes were wider then ever. She put her hand over her mouth as it dropped with fascination. She got up from her where she sat, keeping her eyes fixed on the glowing area of the ocean. She walked to where the ocean's foam reached it's limit. After a minute or so, the glowing faded and the ocean returned to normal.
How did you do... How could you... You can do those things??
Bernard shrugged. All elves have magic... It's something we've known since birth... Terri nodded her head.
Kind of like me... she thought to herself. Only I don't have magic... I just have... abilities.
Bernard then remembered the watch. He looked down on it and the little arrow now pointed to 4. He sighed. That took more magic then I thought...
How much magic do you have left?? Terri asked noticing Bernard looking at his watch.
he replied.
Is that enough for you to get back all right?? she asked him in a sort of worried tone.
I think so... Terri smiled assured that Bernard still had enough magic left. I hope so... Bernard quietly said to himself as Terri turned away to walk further along the beach.
~*~
Santa! I just got a status report about Bernard... Judy walked into Santa's office and caught him in the middle of taking a sip of cocoa. He put down the cup and whiped his upper lip clean.
How's Bernard doing??
Umm... erm... Judy tried to lay the news down gently. Scott raised an eyebrow.
Judy looked up at the big guy and sighed.
He's down to four... He might not have enough magic to return...
If he uses any more magic then he won't be able to return... If the watch dial goes down to three then he can't return. He still has enough magic... don't worry. Judy let out a sigh of relief. For a while she was convinced that Bernard couldn't return. She smiled and bowed and left the room.
No more magic, Bernard, Scott whispered to himself. No more.
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If this chapter didn't seem exciting to you... I understand... Just don't flame me!!! *pleads* I'm a sensitive girl... don't drag me down please?? If you liked this YOU HAVE NO IDEA HOW HAPPY I AM!!!! Thanx to my loyal reviewers *bows*