Chapter 3: Be OK
Near the Christmas tree, Caroline was with Kenny who had a clipboard in his hand.
Caroline: Okay, let's go over bedding arrangements one more time. The huge canary'll sleep in the attic with the cookie eater.
Kenny: Check.
Caroline: The blue monster said he'll sleep in the bathtub.
Kenny: Check.
Caroline: And, uh, Ernie and Bert'll bunk out with Ferret … Parrot … uh.
Garrett: That's Garrett.
Kenny: What about Oscar?
Oscar: Oh, I'll be nice and miserable in my trash can here.
Estuardo: Hey, maybe I can bunk out here with you.
Oscar: I've never had a human in my trash can before. This might be nice.
Shing-Ying was carrying a plate of christmas cookies she just baked.
Shing: Hey, everyone, look what I bought … Christmas Cookies!
Just then, Cookie Monster came by and gobbled them all up in his normal fashion.
Shing: Who was that strange looking creature?
Francesco: That my kinda fella!
Meanwhile, from a stage that was made with a curtain, Ernie stood in front of it dressed in a nightcap and pajamas.
Ernie: Hey, you blokes! It's time to rehearse our Sesame Street pageant.
Everyone applauded for Ernie's approval.
Ernie: It's called "Twas the Night Before Christmas". (looks behind him) C'mon out, Bert.
Bert: (behind the curtain) Not interested.
Ernie: C'mon, Bert.
Bert: Oh Ernie, please don't make me.
Ernie: But, everyone's waitin' for ya.
Bert gave in and came out from behind the curtain. Everyone laughed at the white nightgown and kerchief he was dressed in. Ernie snickered to himself while Bert felt embarrassed.
Bert: Ernie, why must you always humiliate me?
Ernie: Aw, c'mon, Bert. Somebody's gotta play "mama", and you lost the toss.
Bert: Oh well, let's just get it over with.
Ernie: (clears throat, and reads the paper in his hand) "Twas the Night Before Christmas, by Clement Moore". (to Rachel) Hit it, Rachel.
With that said, Rachel started playing a few notes as Ernie started the story.
Ernie: "Twas the night before Christmas, and all through the house, not a creature was stirrin'. Not even a mouse." Cue the mouse!
Grover then came out from the curtain with Mickey Mouse ears on his head and a bowl in his left hand.
Grover: Here I am! The cute little mouse is here!
Bert: (confused) Eh, what's the bowl for?
Grover: Oh, uh, so you can see that I'm not stirring. (holds out his right hand) Note how the hand never touches the spoon.
The other guests laughed at the joke as Grover bowed.
Grover: Thank you very much! You're a wonderful audience. (leaves)
Caroline: (giggles) Aren't they adorable?
Kenny nodded as Oscar spoke.
Oscar: (slightly disgusted) Hey, don't encourage 'em.
Back on stage, Ernie continued.
Ernie: "Mama in her kerchief" - that's you, Bert.
Bert: I know, I know.
Ernie: "And I in my cap had just settled our brains for a long winter's nap. (loader and more enthusiastically) When out on the lawn there came such a clatter, I sprang from my bed to see what was the matter!" Open the curtains!
The curtains opened to reveal a sleigh made to represent Santa's sled. Elmo, Herry, Telly, Rosita, Zoe, Frazzle, Lulu, Humphrey, Ingrid, Natasha - all had antlers on their heads to act as the eight tiny reindeer, and were having fun by the looks of it.
Bert: What?! (stammers) Monsters as the reindeer? This is crazy! And where's Santa Claus?
Ernie: Don't worry, Bert, we're gettin' to 'im. "With a little ol' driver so lively and quick, I knew in a moment it must be St. Nick!"
Out came someone in the Santa Claus costume. It was the Two Headed Monster.
Two Headed Monster: Hello! (laughs)
Claudio watched in disgust.
Claudio: (to himself) Is nothing sacred? (turns away)
Bert: Now wait just a minute! Who said that the Two Headed Monster could be Santa Claus?
Ernie: Well, he told me he never been in a play before.
Bert: (exsasperated) Oh just go to the big finish, will ya please?
Ernie: "But I heard him explain as he drove outta sight".
Two Headed Monster: Merry Christmas to all, and to all a good night!
Everyone: Merry Christmas to all, and to all a good night!
Ernie: Close the curtains!
As the audience applauded, Bert tried to get behind the curtains now that it was over. Unfortunately, the good time came to an abrupt stop for a minute as Gordon came in through the front door.
Gordon: Sorry to break up your fun in here, but has anyone else seen the weather? (closes the door) There's a real storm brewing out there.
Susan, Miles, Garrett, Kenny, and Caroline looked out the window to see what Gordon meant. He was right about the storm.
Caroline: Good grief, I haven't seen the sky like this since the ice storm of 98.
Susan: Well, it's a good thing everyone's safe and warm inside the house.
Garrett: (sad) Um, actually Mrs. Robinson, there's only one friend that's not safe and warm.
The others became concerned as Garrett walked away to answer his cellphone.
Gordon: Sorry to hear that. It's cold enough out there to freeze your Winnebago.
Garrett answered his cellphone.
Garrett: Hello?
It was Aline. She was calling from her cellphone inside a telephone booth on the sidewalk. The snow was blowing equally as hard as it was back at the house.
Aline: Hey, baby. I finished my shopping.
As Aline spoke, tires screeching and crashing noises could be heard, making her cringe a bit.
Aline: Unfortunately my ride got stuck in a snow bank, so I'll have to catch a taxi the rest of the way.
Garrett: Hold on a minute, Aline. There's a terrible storm outside and as a former ZOOMer, I think it's far too dangerous to travel. Why don'cha wait til the storm ends before ya join us?
Aline: What, and miss my Christmas eve with you? Look Garrett, I appreciate you trying to look out for me, but I can take care of myself. See ya soon. Bye.
Aline hung up her cellphone and stepped out of the phone booth. She had trouble with the wind blowing in her face.
Aline: Taxi!
The hat she was wearing blew away, as did the phone booth. The wind was that strong, and Aline could feel it pushing against her as she tried to walk, but she slipped and fell backwards.
Back at the house, Garrett was starting to worry now.
Garrett: I sure hope she'll be all right.
Kenny walked up to him.
Kenny: Hey dude. You look worried, upset.
Garrett: (sarcastically) No. Really?
Kenny: Well I know exactly what you need; comedy!
Garrett: Wha?
Kenny grabbed Garrett by the arm and started pulling him back into the living room.
Kenny: C'mon, Miles and I have been working on a new routine.
Garrett: Oh really?
Kenny: Yeah. C'mon, you'll like it.
Miles: Hey everyone! Would you like to see our new act?"
Keiko: Oh yeah, we would love to see your new act.
Lynese: You got it. We hate to miss your act.
Keiko: In other words, we love to hate your act!
Lynese and Keiko laughed like mad, much to Kenny's dismay.
Kenny: Keiko? Lynese? Where did you two come from?!"
Lynese: Miles is ice cold and Kenny is not so hot! Ha ha ha ha ha!
Kenny: Aw Shucks!
Lynese: You know what they say, there's no business like snow business.
Kenny: Miles, try to ignore them, okay? Do the straight line thing.
Miles: Sure, no problem. Say, Kenny?
Kenny: Yeah?
Miles: Ever heard about the church that burned down?
Lynese and Keiko: Holy smoke!
Kenny (to Miles): No! That was our best joke!
Miles: Oh, that's it, Kenny!
Keiko (to Miles): Well, you know what they also say, right?
Susan: Gosh, that storm's really getting worse.
Miles: I know, Mom. I'm worried too.
Susan: Gordon, it's getting colder in here.
Gordon: I agree. I'll go and get some more firewood.
Garrett: Yeah. I hope Aline's okay.
Count Von Count: That is one, one worried ZOOMer.
Matt: Oh, he's not the only one. I'm worried too!
Count Von Count: That's two, two worried ZOOMers. Ah Ah Ah!
The Count's usual thunder stroke. As Gordon left, Big Bird walked over to where Eric was.
Big Bird: Hi Eric.
Eric: Hi Big Bird. What brought you here?
Big Bird: Well, I...(brought out a slice of chocolate covered birdseed) I have a present for you.
Eric: (mesmerized) Ooh, what's that?
Big Bird: Oh, it's a piece of chocolate covered birdseed.
Eric: Well, that's very nice of you.
Big Bird: Well, because I know that you're from Boston, and it must be hard for you because you're away from your family and loved ones during the Holidays.
Eric: Well, that's true.
Big Bird: My Granny Bird always told me that at Christmas, there are places, people and things that become very, very special. (singing) Chestnuts roasting on an open fire
Jack Frost nipping at your nose
Eric: (singing) Yuletide carols bein' sung by a choir
And folks dressed up like Eskimos
Big Bird: (singing) Everybody knows
a turkey and some mistletoe
Eric: (singing) Help to make the season bright
Tiny tots with their eyes all aglow
Will find it hard to sleep tonight
They know that Santa's on his way
He's loaded lots of toys and goodies on his sleigh
And every mother's child has to stay up and spy
To see if reindeer really know how to fly
Big Bird: (singing) And so I'm offering this simple phrase
Eric: (singing) To kids from one to ninety-two
Big Bird: (singing) Though it's been said many times many ways
Merry Christmas
Eric: (singing) Merry Christmas
Big Bird: (joins in) Merry Christmas toooooo youuuuuu
Eric started to cry.
Big Bird: No there, Eric. Tell me, exactly what are you going to make for Christmas dinner?
Eric: Shredded wheat and cranberry sauce.
Big Bird: Shredded wheat and cranberry sauce? My absolute favorite!
Eric: Yeah!
Meanwhile, Ray walked up next to Garrett.
Ray: Boy. There's gonna be a lotta snow to shovel tomorrow.
Garrett: Yeah. It's getting worse and worse out there.
Ray: I'm just glad we're in here, all warm and toasty.
Garrett: (nods) I just wish Aline was.
Unfortunately, Aline was trying to get her ride out of the snow bank by pushing it. If she couldn't get a cab, this was the only other way there was without having to take a long walk.
Aline: (to the driver) Okay, when I yell three, hit the gas! One, two, three!
She pushed as hard as she could as the back tires started rolling. Unfortunately all it did was run into the ground, spewing mud everywhere, including on Aline. Aline wiped the dirt off her face and just sat on the ground, and started to cry.
Back at the house, Gordon came in through the kitchen door with a few more pieces of firewood. He quickly closed the door behind him as the snow blew in. As he dropped the wood on the floor, he saw Kenny still looking at the window.
Gordon: You're very worried for your friend, aren't you, Kenny? I'll tell ya what; I'll go look for Aline.
Kenny: (surprised) Really? Bu-but you never even met Aline.
Gordon: Well, we never met any of you until a few hours ago. And now we're friends.
Kenny: Oh? Why?
Gordon: Well, y'see, Susan, Miles, and I were gonna spend Christmas alone, but this is better.
Susan: You mean it, Gordon?
Miles: Really?
Gordon: Every word of it. (to Kenny) I'm sure you'll be in good hands with Aline.
Kenny: (shakes Gordon's hand) Thanks again, Gordon.
Susan: You're welcome, Kenny. C'mon, Gordon.
Gordon opened the door.
Miles: You'll be sorry, Mom and Pop - It's cold enough out here to freeze your Winnebago!
Gordon, Susan, and Miles left, closing the door behind them.
Kenny: What a nice guy.
Caroline's voice: Kenny!
Surprised, Kenny turned to Caroline.
Kenny: Caroline? Where are ya?
Caroline: I'm down here, in the basement!
Kenny popped his head to the basement door.
Kenny: What're ya doin' down there?
Caroline: I made a discovery of some kind.
Now intrigued, Kenny came downstairs.
Kenny: Yeah? What'd ya find?
Caroline: Remember the story I heard about Fraggle Holes?
Kenny: (slowly, as he made it to the floor level) Uh, yeah.
Caroline: And how, if I ever found one, that we could go into Fraggle Rock and maybe meet some Fraggles?
Kenny: (nodded, unsure) Eeeyeah.
Caroline walked over to a Fraggle Hole in the wall.
Caroline: Is that one?
Kenny looked in awe at the possible doorway, walking over to it.
Kenny: Huh. Whaddaya know? It certainly looks like one. Ya never know where you're gonna find these things.
Caroline: It would be interesting to see what the land on the other side of this portal is like. (hopefully) Can I go in, Kenny? Please?
Kenny: (peaking in) Well, maybe just a little ways. (walks in) Let's see if we can meet anyone.
Caroline smiled and followed Kenny as they made their way through the doorway. The aforementioned opening actually led to a cave.
Caroline: Ooh, beautiful!
Kenny: Amazing. And to think that you never saw that portal before.
Unbeknownst to the two, a few eyes in the background were watching them, worried that they might be intruders in their territory.
Kenny: Maybe next time, we can bring some of the others here.
Caroline: Yeah. Kenny, do ya think this is really Fraggle Rock?
Kenny: I dunno, Caroline. But if I were a Fraggle, I think this is the kinda place I'd live.
Suddenly Kenny stopped in his tracks, causing Caroline to stop too. The eyes that were watching them quickly hid from their sights as Kenny turned around.
Caroline: What's wrong?
Kenny: Thought I heard something. (looks around some more, shrugs) Eh, guess not.
The two continued their search and looked behind a giant rock carefully, not knowing what potential dangers could be on the other side. Soon they were eye to eye with Gobo Fraggle.
Gobo: (gasp)
Kenny and Caroline: Yaaah! (backed away)
Red Fraggle ended up right behind them, making them jump again.
Kenny: Whoa!
Three more Fraggles - Mokey Fraggle, Boober Fraggle, and Wembley Fraggle came out of hiding.
A laugh to break the tension came from Kenny as he greeted the Fraggles.
Kenny: Well, um, uh, er, hi there.
Boober: Hello.
Kenny: You must be Fraggles.
Mokey: We sure are.
Wembley: Yes. But you're not.
Kenny: Oh, yes. We should introduce ourselves. My name's Kenny. I'm a human from another world. And this is Caroline.
Caroline: Hi.
Gobo: (looks at Kenny) We should introduce ourselves too.
Red: You're right, Gobo. Afterall, it's always polite to welcome newcomers, no matter what kind they are. I'm Red Fraggle. You already met Gobo.
Kenny looked at Gobo Fraggle, who had a chipper look on his face as he hopped up and down.
Kenny: (nods) Yeah.
Boober shook Kenny's hand.
Boober: Hi there yourself, Kenny. A pleasure making your acquaintance. I'm Boober Fraggle.
Boober stopped shaking Kenny's hand, causing Kenny's hand to go up and down by itself. He finally managed to stop it, giving a bit of a chuckle.
Mokey: And I'm Mokey Fraggle. Perhaps you've heard of me?
Caroline: Um, if I said yes, then I'd be lying.
Wembley came over to Caroline, and was instantly in awe.
Wembley: Hi, I'm Wembley Fraggle.
Caroline: (nervously) Hi, Wembley.
Wembley: But, why'd you two come here?
Kenny: Well, actually, we just came here to wish you all a Merry Christmas!
Fraggles: (understanding) Oh! Thank you.
Gobo: One question - What's Christmas?
Caroline: (surprised) Don'cha have Christmas?
The Fraggles all shook their heads.
Red: No. (concerned) Should we?
Caroline: Oh, that's when you get together with the people you love, and ya wish each other peace on Earth.
Fraggles: Oh!
Red: Well, we have a time like that.
Mokey: Yes, we do. As a matter of fact we're celebrating it right now. We give each other little presents. I'm giving Boober this nice shiny pebble.
Boober: And I gave Wembley that gem last year.
Wembley: And I gave it to Gobo the year before that.
Gobo: And I gave it to you, Red, the year before that.
Red: That gemstone's been a gift 37 times.
In true cartoon style, Caroline's jaws dropped to the ground.
Kenny: 37 times?
Mokey: Yep!
Then the Fraggles started singing.
Fraggles: (singing) La, la, la, la, la
La, la, la, la, la, la
La, la, la, la, la
La, la - pass it on
When it's nice and bright
and it brings delight
let your heart choose right
Gotta - pass it on
When it feels real good
like a feeling should
when it's understood
Gotta - pass it on
Red: (singing) When you're givin' love away
love will come again to stay
What you give is what you gain
when you - pass it on
Mokey: (singing) When I give a gift to you
I know you're gonna give it too
That's why giving's what we do
As we - pass it on
More Fraggles from Fraggle Rock came out to turn the singing into a chorus.
Fraggles: (singing) Pass it on (pass it on)
Pass it on (pass it on)
Wish upon (wish upon)
All the good things that you do
Pass it on (pass it on)
Pass it on (pass it on)
When it's gone (When it's on)
It will bring good luck to you
Kenny/Caroline: (join in) When you're givin' love away
Love will come again to stay
What you give is what you gain
When you - pass it on
When I give a gift to you
I know you're gonna give it, too
That's why givin's what we do
As we - pass it on
Pass it on!
The Fraggles laughed when the singing finished and cheered as well.
Mokey: And that's the way Fraggle presents work.
Caroline: (chuckles) Sounds like fun. I love it!
Kenny: Well, listen, Fraggles. This has been lotta fun, but we gotta get goin'.
The Fraggles all felt disappointed they had to leave so soon
Wembley: Oh what a shame.
Red: (disappointed) I'll say. I was gonna throw a welcome party for you guys.
Kenny: Uh, maybe some other time.
Gobo: No, wait, wait, wait, wait, wait, wait! Caroline, before ya go, I'd like you to have this gemstone.
The Fraggles gasped and wowed. Caroline took the gemstone and was amazed.
Caroline: Wow!
Kenny: Well, Merry Christmas, Fraggles! (turns to leave)
Caroline followed after Kenny as the Fraggles said their goodbyes.
Fraggles: Merry Christmas, Kenny! Merry Christmas, Caroline! Goodbye!
Soon, Kenny and Caroline returned to their world and reminisced about their visit.
Caroline: Gosh, that was fun.
Kenny: (nods) Yeah, it's nice to be with friends at Christmas.
Before they got upstairs, they heard Rachel's voice.
Rachel: Hey, Caroline! We hear shouting outside. It could be Aline.
Kenny: (excited) Well, what're we waitin' for? Let's go!
Caroline followed Kenny up the stairs, hoping to see their friend at last.
In the living room, Garrett kept wiping the mist off the window.
Garrett: I can't see a thing!
Kyle: Neither can I.
Some of the other guests all looked out the window to see if they could see her.
Taylor: Well, at least the storm has eased up a bit.
Francesco: Yeah. That's the first good thing for a while.
Kenny: Caroline, why don'cha make some hot soup?
Caroline: Of course!
Garrett: And Caroline, would ya put some extra blankets on her bed?
Pablo: Wait, people. There she is!
Garrett: Where?
Outside in the snow, a dogsled came out from the trees, Gordon was on the back of the sled dressed like a ranger from Yukon. On the sled itself was Aline and her luggage. She had a change of winter clothes, now wearing earmuffs, a scarf and a warm red coat to match her pink dress. She smiled as they made their way. Everyone came to the front door and Alisa chuckled.
Alisa: Now, I've seen everything.
This made everyone laugh as they all stepped outside on the front porch and gave a clap to Gordon Robinson for a job well done. The sled stopped and Aline waved to everyone.
Aline: Merry Christmas, everyone! Sorry I'm late.
Susan: You look great, Gordon.
Miles: Where'd you get those clothes, Dad?
Gordon: Well, I don't quite know how to explain this. I was searching through the snow, and suddenly, there was Aline with this outfit for me.
Garrett: (smiling) You don't have to explain, Gordon. (comes over to Aline) If there's one thing Aline knows, it's how to make an entrance.
Aline felt so happy that she started singing.
Aline: (singing) Oh, there's no place like home for the holidays
Cause no matter how far away you roam
Woodland animals: (singing) Away you roam
Garrett helped Aline off the sled as it went for shelter so Gordon could change out of his costume. Garrett and Aline held hands as she continued singing.
Aline: (singing) When you pine for the sunshine of a friendly face
For the holidays you can't beat home sweet home
Kenny and Caroline: (singing) I met a man who lives in Tennessee
and he was heading to Pennsylvania
and some homemade pumpkin pie
From Pennsylvania folks a traveling down
To Dixie's sunny shore
From Atlantic to Pacific
Gee, the traffic is terrific
Garrett: (singing) Oh there's no place like home for the holidays
Cause no matter how far away you roam
Shing-Ying and Francesco: (singing) Away you roam
Everyone: (singing) If you want to be happy in a million ways
Garrett: (singing) For the holidays you can't beat
Everyone: (singing) Home, sweet hoooooooooooome
Before Garrett and Aline could make it back inside, Aline yelped as she slipped and fell. Fortunately for her, Garrett managed to catch her.
Everyone: Careful of the icy patch!