CH2
"Mother. I have finished my homework. Would you like to check it?" The little boy, Jesus, asked.
"Sounds good. Go brush your teeth and I'll read you a story after." Mary smiled affectionately at her son.
"Yes mam. Come along Tanya." Jesus grabbed his little sister's hand.
The small girl followed her brother adoringly wherever he went. Jesus was always good natured about it and made sure to include her in any games him and his friends played.
"Madam Christ." A voice that was masculine and effeminate, young but mature, outside her door interrupted Mary's thoughts.
"Proceed." She commanded.
"The grounds are secure. Personnel, weapons and equipment are fully capable."
"Well done. Anything else?"
"No Madam."
"Dismissed." Mary said but she already knew the mysterious being had left.
When she had first been moved to the Nazareth house ten years ago with the baby Jesus, she had been tempted to go against orders and open the door to see the messenger but a unexplainable fear kept her from it, even now.
-
During lunch the next morning in class, while Jesus was sharing his five loaves and two fish with kids who forgot their lunches at home, the teacher made an announcement.
"Attention all! We have a new friend who will be with us starting today."
The children all turned and looked at the front of the classroom where the teacher was standing with a slightly chubby kid.
"You name give please." The teacher said to the boy in a foreign language.
The boy smiled and laughed loudly.
"Hello everyone! My name is Christopher Santa Kringle! Nice to meet you all! Ho Ho Ho!"
Half of the class was stunned, the other half burst out laughing and it took the teacher a few minutes to regain order.
"Yes. Sit down there." The annoyed teacher pointed to a seat by the window.
-
Despite the warm introduction, most of the children ignored the blue eyed, blonde haired boy the rest of the day.
Santa grabbed his school bag and started to leave school.
"So much for first impressions." He mumbled to himself.
"No! I must be more positive! Tomorrow, tomorrow I will make a friend, yes!" He pumped his fist in the air.
Santa almost fell forward as he was pushed.
"Hey tubby! What are you doing?" Some kids had gathered behind him.
"Who cares? Go back to where you came from, you fat fuck!" another kid kneed him in the stomach.
"Ow…" Santa fell to his knees.
"We don't like weirdoes here." One of the kids pushed him down with his foot.
After a few seconds, the punches and kicks outnumbered the insults. Santa covered his head and tried to protect his body.
"Stop that right now." The soft voice carried a strength that froze the bullies.
They turned to look at the little boy Jesus who glared at them.
"Get away from him."
"What? Look at this little…" One of the boys stepped forward but was stopped by another boy who shook his head.
"Let's go. He's not worth it." The boys walked away without touching the whimpering boy again.
"Are you alright?" Jesus put his hand on Santa's shoulder. Santa cringed but relaxed enough to let Jesus help him up.
"I'll walk you home." Jesus said as he had Santa lean on him.
"No need. My ride is here." Santa responded through his busted lip.
"Master Kringle! What in the world?" A large man ran up to the two.
To Jesus' amazement, the man lifted Santa with one arm.
He pushed Jesus back with the other arm and started to walk away.
"Hey! My name is Jesus! I'll see you in school tomorrow!"
Santa smiled, though it hurt.
"OK! My name is…"
"… Christopher Santa Kringle! Ho Ho Ho!" Jesus finished for the boy as he waved.