Yesterday, Tomorrow, and Today

4 .

"There's a place called home. . . I can almost see. With a red front door and a roaring fire, and a Christmas tree. It's a place called home, full of love and family. And I'm there at the door, watching you come home to me." - Belle Cratchit ( A Place Called Home )

.. *...* ..

"You shall have a raise in your salary, Bob! Imagine that, my dear fellow! And I shall endeavor to do whatever I can to help your family from this day forward!"

It was Christmas Day and all was right with the world.

Belle hovered behind the chair of Tiny Tim, beaming as Scrooge offered Bob's family a prize turkey. The bird weighed more than Tim, and would feed them for many days to come. A blessing in itself for the Cratchits.

The wonder that bloomed over Tim's face, as he gazed at the massive fowl was absolute. Then the child surprised everyone in the room, rising from his chair and hobbling over to the old man who stood by.

Scrooge's face melted into the softest smile Belle had ever seen, as Tiny Tim hugged him. "Thank you, Mister Scrooge! Thank you!"

Ebenezer returned the embrace willingly. "You are welcome, my boy. I hope that you and I shall become good friends in the days to come."

"Yes," Tiny Tim agreed, glancing back at his chair and his deceased grandmother. "I think we shall, sir." Tim met Belle's eyes and they shared a secretive, knowing smile. On Christmas day the veil of souls was thin. Timmy saw her and knew her. And as he accepted Scrooge without a fuss, he made her proud beyond measure.

After a moment the rest of the Cratchit clan recovered themselves, thanking and flooding Scrooge with invitations to join them for dinner. All past ire forgotten, in the joy of the day.

"I can stay for a time," Scrooge said, smiling. "But I must also visit my nephew before the day is done."

Bob Cratchit ran a hand over his face in disbelief, before laughing merrily. "Well, you are welcome to stay with us as long or as little as you please, Mister Scrooge! We welcome you! Please, won't you sit?"

Belle watched them all gather round the table for Christmas dinner. Scrooge sat beside Tiny Tim, and within mere minutes of the meal, the two were already fast friends, whispering and sharing smiles.

Belle observed the frivolity with an indescribable joy, knowing that her existence was complete.

The ghost walked around the table, placing a kiss to the forehead of all that sat there. With each family member she kissed, Belle offered a blessing of happiness and hope.

When she came to Tiny Tim, she pecked both of his cheeks. He giggled as she pulled away, waving to her. She waved back. No one else at the table noticed her, and she took the time to say goodbye to the man that had once been her world.

"Goodbye, Ebenezer. . . Take care of them and yourself." Belle bent down and placed a tender kiss to Scrooge's lips. She saw something light behind his eyes, as he looked directly at her. For a moment the two stared at one another, before a single tear slipped from Ebenezer's eye. Belle brushed it away, offering him the brightest smile as she retreated and began to fade.

Belle held his gaze til the last. And she saw his lips form into her name. Belle….

"I love you, Ebenezer. . . Make the best of your future, dear one."

Then, the spiral of light encompassed Belle.

The last thing she witnessed before finding her eternity, was the sight of Tiny Tim taking Scrooge's hand and squeezing it. The old man and little boy wished her well, with nothing more than their eyes, misty with tears and love.

Ebenezer Scrooge had been her past, present, and future. Just as she had been his. But his future had been changed. The ghostly chains were slowly unraveling about him, and his soul was no longer covered in shadows.

Now Belle Cratchit had no more regrets. Nothing left to haunt her. So she drifted past the light to finally rest in peace.

"God bless us, everyone."

~ FIN ~