A/N: This chapteris somewhat dark for a Christmas Story.I worked my ass off for this chapter so don't complain. R&R!
A Christmas Miracle In Point Place
Point Place, Wisconsin
December 23,1996
7:56 P.M.
The Kelso House
Twas two days before Christmas in a tiny Wisconsin town called Point Place. Booze and smoke filled the street. There was never a happier time in the world. Now we should turn our heads to the house of one Stephanie Kelso. "Oh my god!" she exclaimed. "It's time fro Christmas specials Tyler!"
"Christmas specials?" he replied not caring. "Who watches Christmas specials at age 14? I mean you'd have to be-"
"The smartest person in the world!" Kelso exclaimed. He jumped onto the couch next to his daughter with gingerbread men. "Who wants cookies? I made them myself."
"Yeah right." said Tyler. "You bought them at Price Mart didn't you?"
''Man Tyler." groaned Kelso. "Nothing ever gets by you."
"True man. True." he replied. A commercial for an upcoming gig in Kenosha flashed onto the screen. "WHOA! I gotta go tell the gang!" Tyler ran out the door and proceeded to run to the Forman house.
"Hey listen Jen." Ryan said. "Why did you really do that stuff back in Alica's dorm?" He was talking about when Jennifer was playing hard to get back in November.
"Well-uh." Jennifer stammered. "I just wanted you to notice me, and I chose it in a sex appeal." Both laughed. "So your not mad anymore?"
"Jennifer, I was never mad at you that whole time." Ryan said looking deep into her eyes. "I have never been mad at you in my entire life."
"So... How long have you loved me?" Jennifer asked.
The question had come from nowhere. It was like Ryan was riding a bike and he just hit a brick wall. A solid brick wall. "Uh..." he stammered. "Well-I-uh. I've loved you ever since I was seven."
"Really?" Jennifer laughed. "Well I loved you ever since we were five."
Ryan started to turn red. "So you've liked me longer then I've like you?" he asked. Jennifer nodded. "But why were you constantly picking on and making fun of me?"
"Thats normal." Jennifer said. "Its how a lot of couples get off to a start."
"Yeah." said Ryan somewhat skeptical. "Sure it is." Tyler came running by and almost slipped on ice. Instead he knocked Ryan and Jennifer over. Once again Jennifer was on top of Ryan. "Just like back in San Diego." He got up and helped Jennifer up. "So Tyler. What was so important that you couldn't have called the house?"
"Dude they're coming to Kenosha!" Tyler exclaimed.
"Who's coming to Kenosha?" Jennifer asked.
"The Smashing Pumpkins!" Tyler yelled. "The Smashing Pumpkins are coming to Kenosha! We've got to get tickets!"
"Wait. Whoa. When are the Pumpkins coming?" Ryan asked. "Tomorrow night man." Tyler said "We've gotta go tell the gang!"
"Wait Tyler. How are we gonna get tickets to the concert if it's tomorrow night?" Ryan asked. At once Tyler's face became blank. He hadn't thought about the tickets yet. "Uh... I have no idea."
"Wait!" Jennifer exclaimed. "I've got a plan!" She looked at the two. "You know what it's time for guys." They reached into their coat pockets and pulled out rings. "Wonder Trio powers activate!" they all yelled. "Form of Jennifer holding Smashing Pumpkins tickets!" Jennifer said. Sadly there were no tickets in Jennifer's hands.
"Dudes." Ryan said. "We got these from a cereal box. Who can trust cereals anymore? Let alone cereal boxes."
"Yeah you're right." Tyler said.
"Damn cereal boxes." Jennifer muttered.
"You know what this calls for?" Ryan said. The other two nodded. "Quick. We gotta get back to my place." The trio started to run back to Ryan's house. "Jennifer look out!" It was too late Jennifer started to slip on the ice. Ryan made one last desperate attempt to save her. He had caught her.
"Thanks Ryan." Jennifer said. She started kiss him. He returned the favor.
"No prob Jen." he replied. They started again towards the Forman house. Soon they arrived in the driveway. "Come on!"
"To the roof!" Ryan yelled. Ryan and Tyler grabbed a ladder and planted it in the snow covered yard. They climbed up it and pulled out a couple of flares. "Ready?" Both nodded. Ryan lit the flare and it burst into the sky revealing a giant 'G' in the sky. In a few minutes all the gang except Stephanie were sitting in the basement.
"Why did you pull out the signal man?" Justin asked.
"Urgent matters." Jennifer said. "Why isn't Steph here?"
"Christmas specials." Tyler replied.
"Doesn't she know she's-" Jennifer started.
"Too old for Christmas specials?" Tyler finished. "Yeah, but Kelso ain't helping at all. He's encouraging it."
"Hey guys!" MJ yelled running down the stairs. She was wearing a Santa hat and had a bag full of mistletoe in her hands. "Mistletoe,and Christmas specials are on!" She was smiling.
"Uh MJ." Ryan said. "We're a bit too old for Christmas specials."
Tears formed in her eyes and she dropped the bag of mistletoe. "W-wh-what do you mean?" she sobbed.
"Just never mind MJ." Christan said. "Don't you know we're supposed to be holding a meeting down here? You were supposed to be down here!"
''Christan. Just don't." Ryan said. "So anyways. The reason why you were all called here is for an urgent matter." Ryan's eyes darted back and forth. "We all like the Smashing Pumpkins." Everyone nodded. "But the fact is that according to Tyler here they're coming to Kenosha tomorrow and we need tickets. Now how are we gonna get tickets to a concert for tomorrow night?"
Jennifer flinched slightly. "I might know someone who can get us tickets." she said. "My mom."
"Jackie?" they all exclaimed.
"Yeah her." Jennifer replied.
"How?" Ryan asked. "Does she know the Pumpkins?"
"She knows D'Arcy." Jennifer said. "She came in for streaks a year back when they were here."
"Why didn't you tell us Jen?" Justin asked.
"Hey!" she yelled. "One, only Ryan can call me Jen, and two Jackie didn't know who she was until I mentioned her name at dinner a couple of nights ago."
"Ok," Ryan said. "so you didn't tell us this why? But never mind about the whole telling us part. Where is Jackie?"
"Upstairs." MJ answered.
"Ok." Ryan said. "We need a full proof plan."
"How about we keep pestering her until she gives in." Christan suggested. "It worked on The Simpsons."
"Ok." Ryan said. "That's our plan." They all ran up the stairs. "Now does everyone remember how it goes?" They all nodded.
They found Jackie talking to Donna. "And I said I don't care if you're Elton John. You're not going to come anywhere near me." Jackie said. The gang walked up to the two. "Hey Jen. What do you want?"
"Can you get us tickets to the Smashing Pumpkins concert?" they all asked.
"No." Jackie replied
"Damn it." Christan said.
"No wait." Ryan said. "She can't say no forever."
"Can you get us tickets to the Smashing Pumpkins concert?"
"No."
"Can you get us tickets to the Smashing Pumpkins concert?"
"No."
"Can you get us tickets to the Smashing Pumpkins concert?"
"No."
"Can you get us tickets to the Smashing Pumpkins concert?"
"No."
This continued on for another hour.
"Can you get us tickets to the Smashing Pumpkins concert?"
"GET OUT OF MY BATHROOM! THIS IS MY HOUSE!"
"I live here." Jennifer added.
"Can you get us tickets to the Smashing Pumpkins concert?"
"No!"
"Can you get us tickets to the Smashing Pumpkins concert?"
"No!"
"Can you get us tickets to the Smashing Pumpkins concert?"
"NO!" Jackie was about to crack.
"Can you get us tickets to the Smashing Pumpkins concert?"
"WILL YOU SHUT UP IF I SAY YES!"
"Yes." they all said.
"So, can you get us tickets to the Smashing Pumpkins concert?"
"YES!"
"Thanks.'' they all said. "Night Ms. Burkhart!" The gang left the house and went their separate ways. Ryan walked back to the house and sat down in the basement. Soon MJ came in and sat down next to him. "Hey MJ." he said. "Whats a good present for Jen?"
"Uh..." MJ said. "How about a shirt or something?"
"Good." Ryan said. "I'll go get that." Ryan ran out the door to the backyard and ran back inside within a couple of seconds.
"Forgot your money?" MJ asked.
"That and I need a ride." he replied. He ran up the stairs to his room. "Got some money."
"Why didn't you just take some from Eric's Candy Land stash?" MJ asked.
"It's empty." Ryan replied.
"Ah." MJ said. "Makes sense. I took some out for a pair of hot-pants."
"What the fuck?" Ryan said.
"Just messing with you." MJ laughed. "Bought some skin tight jeans."
"Ok." Ryan said. "I'll just be going now." He ran up the stairs and ran back down.
"Don't know what size Jennifer is do you." MJ said.
"Right." Ryan said. "Good thing one of her shirts was left here. Just gotta find it."
He started to look through the laundry when Donna came down. "Ryan?" she started. "What are you doing?"
"I, uh, was looking for Jennifer's shirt." he stammered. "She left it here a couple of days ago."
"Ah." Donna said. "You're trying to find out what size her shirt is so you can buy her a t-shirt for Christmas."
"Yeah." Ryan said. "That pretty much hits the nail on the head. Speaking of Christmas. I was wondering if me and the gang could hold our own little party down here."
"And drink beers?" she said. "I think not."
"Drink beers?" Ryan said. "We wouldn't even think about it! Isn't that right MJ?"
MJ snapped back into reality. "Yeah." she said. "We'd never drink any beers."
''If you say so." Donna said.
"Hey Mom." Ryan said. "Could you drop me off at some place where'd I be able to find a Smashing Pumpkins shirt?"
"Sure." Donna said.
"Thanks." Ryan said. "But we must go now." Donna and Ryan went to the Vista Cruiser and headed of for a store. After 30 minutes of looking Ryan found a place and the perfect t-shirt. He ran back to the car and hopped in. "Got it."
The Vista Cruiser lurched off into the night back to the Forman house when something jumped in the middle of the road. "What the hell was that?" A man approached the car that was now on the side of the road. "Is that David Millbanks?" she thought.
"Shit." Ryan said. "It's David Millbanks. You better be careful. I think thats the guy who's out to get you." He was referring to the attempted murder of Jackie and Donna back in November. He pulled out a gun and shot.
"Ryan." Donna said calmly. "RUN!"
"Way ahead of you." Ryan said. He had started to run. David Millbanks ran after the two. Ryan found a rock and he chucked it. "Nice." The rock and hit Millbanks in the groin. There was a groan of pain but it soon stopped and he was running after them again.
They had been running for 15 minutes when they arrived home. "Eric." Donna said. "We've got to get out of here."
"Why?" Eric asked. He looked worried. "What happened? Where's the Vista Cruiser?"
"No time to explain." Donna said. "Ryan and I were driving home and David Millbanks pulled out a gun and shot at us. We luckily got home safely. He'll be going after Jackie soon. We've got to warn her."
"I'll go." Ryan said. "Millbanks doesn't scare me. All I need is a bag of rocks and some good aim."
"No Ryan." Eric said. "It's too dangerous. You could get killed. I'll go and stand up-"
"Dad, your a human twig. I really don't think you can beat him up. You wouldn't stand a chance." Ryan said.
"He's got a point Eric." Donna said.
"Plus I know shortcuts to their house that only the gang knows about." Ryan said. "Plus Jennifer and Jackie trust me. I have a key and they know I wouldn't lie about a serious thing about this." His face was dark and he was not happy at all. "You should scatter out and hide."
"I'll go to Justin's." MJ said.
"I'll head out of town." Donna said.
"How?" Ryan asked. "The Vista Cruiser is almost two miles away."
"Take the other car." Eric said.
"That's getting repaired and is in the garage." Ryan said.
"Listen." Ryan said. "Get MJ to the Hyde's and then have Hyde drive you somewhere safe. Somewhere where you won't be found." He pulled a coat on and stuffed the t-shirt in one of his pockets. "Just get going. I'll warn Jackie and Jennifer."
"Ok." Donna said. "Just be careful.
"Also lock the doors and turn off all the lights." Ryan said. "Millbanks will think that you are hiding somewhere in the house. He's to stupid to figure it out." And with that Ryan pulled a sheet of paper out. "Just write a note and sign it. We all know that Jackie is stubborn; get out of the house right after I leave." Ryan looked back one more time. "I'll contact the rest of your friends and tell them not to call. Jackie will know where to go. Trust me."
"Wait what about-" Eric started to yell, but Ryan was already gone into the night with a bag of rocks, a Smashing Pumpkins t-shirt, and an innocent life depending on him.
Ryan started to dart around in the dark. He didn't bring a flashlight so he couldn't give his position out. Finally after half an hour of walking he arrived at the Burkhart's. He slid to the door and banged on it so loud it woke most of the neighbors up. A sleepy Jennifer answered the door in her silk nightgown, the same one that she was wearing back in San Diego Ryan thought. "Jennifer get Jackie out here right now. It can't wait. She could be attacked any second!" he exclaimed
"What are you talking about." Jennifer asked rubbing the sleep from her eyes and kissing Ryan.
"Just can I come in and talk to Jackie?" Ryan asked. "It's urgent."
"One sec." Jennifer yawned. She set off into the darkened house. Why the Burkhart's had moved Ryan had no idea. Why move from across the driveway to almost two or three miles away.
Jackie came to the door just as sleepy as Jennifer. "What is it now Ryan?" Jackie whined. "I need my beauty sleep."
"Come off it." Ryan said. "Do you mind if I come in?"
"Come in." Jackie said. She wasn't ready for company at this time. "What is it about now? Did Eric get Donna pregnant?"
"No Jackie." Ryan said. "This is much worse." Ryan face was worried and freaked out. Jackie couldn't tell but Jennifer could. Jackie had sat down across the table and Jennifer was sitting right next to him. "Listen. Do you remember when somebody broke into the houses back in Madison?" Jackie nodded. "Well we found the guy. David Millbanks."
Jackie suddenly looked interested. "How do you know it was him?" she was alarmed.
"When Donna and I had finished with the Christmas shopping almost an hour ago we were driving back home." Ryan started. "About two miles away somebody darted in front of the Vista Cruiser and caused us to crash near the side of the rode. The person pulled out a gun and shot a bullet at us. I recognized it was David Millbanks. We both started to run. I distracted him long enough so we could get back to the house before he could catch us. MJ is headed off to Hyde's house and then he's giving Eric and Donna a ride out of town. I came to warn you and so Jennifer and I can get somewhere safe and so could you." Jackie wasn't believing a single word of the story. "You need to get somewhere safe Jackie, and now!"
Jackie laughed. "You expect me to believe that story?" she laughed. "You don't even have-"
"Proof?" Ryan finished. "Yes I do. Note from both Donna and Eric." He handed Jackie the note and she began to read it over.
She finished and looked back up. "Well now." she said. "I still don't believe you. I'll just call your parents."
"Won't work." Ryan said. "Both of them have already left. By the way. I was instructed to call the friends of theirs." He walked over to the phone and started to dial numbers. Every time they said I won't. A crash came from downstairs. Jackie was about to scream. Ryan put his hand over her mouth just in time. "Don't scream Jackie. Don't scream." Ryan started down the stairs and found Millbanks down there. He threw a stone at him and punched him in the nose. Quickly he clonked him on the head with the largest rock he could find. He quickly ran upstairs. "He'll be out for ten minutes max. Just enough for us to get out. Listen Jackie. Jennifer and I will get over to Kelso's house and stay there for the night, or until Millbanks is caught. Since Kelso's a cop he'll get right on the case with me helping. I'm good at tracking things down." It was true he was quite good at those kind of things.
"Fine," Jackie said. "but where are Donna and Eric?"
"Where would you go if you were them?" Ryan asked.
"Bob's house." Jackie answered quickly.
"Very good." Ryan said. "His house is in Lancaster so it'll be a fairly long drive. I advise you take some coffee." He handed her a thermos that was in his pocket. "Hot and fresh. Use it wisely. It may be the only thing that will keep you alive. Now go quickly!" Jackie ran off and grabbed her keys and left.
"Now how are we getting to Kelso's Ryan ?" Jennifer asked.
"It's right down the street." Ryan said. "Be sure to grab the tickets. Wait. Where are the tickets?"
"In my room." Jennifer said. "Let's go get them." They headed to Jennifer's room and slipped out the window. "Let's go." They took off. "Crap. I forgot shoes and I don't have a shirt."
'' No prob." Ryan said. "I'll carry you." He picked her up.
"Ryan this is so sexy." Jennifer flirted.
"This isn't the time for games." Ryan said. He just started to run carrying Jennifer in his arms. After two or three minutes they were knocking at Kelso's door. Expecting them Kelso flung the door open and grabbed them and yanked the two in. He quickly slammed the door and locked it.
"You guys alright?" he asked.
"Fine Kelso." Jennifer said. "Fine."
"You two can share the guest room." Kelso said. "Now get to bed. Tomorrow is going to be hard."
"Kelso." Ryan said. "I'm helping with the capturing of him. Every single time he's attacked I've been there. I've seen it. He tried to kill me. He wants me dead with them. It's all I can do to help."
"If it will make you feel better you can." Kelso said. "But I'm hoping it doesn't wreck the concert tomorrow night."
"It won't." Ryan said. "He'll be caught by 2:00 P.M. tomorrow. I promise."
The phone rang. Kelso picked it up. "Hello?" he said.
"Bring Jackie Burkhart, Donna and Ryan Forman to Lambeau Field by noon tomorrow, or else." The other person hung up.
"We've got a demand on our hands." Kelso said. "Not only does he want Donna and Jackie, he wants Ryan too, and at Lambeau Field! Now get to bed." As instructed they went to bed. Soon it was 5 A.M. and was ready to take Millbanks down with Kelso. They set off early Ryan would have to answer questions down at the police station. At 8:00 A.M. The questions were done and the two hour ride to Green Bay was started. They passed two more hours answering more questions to the Green Bay police.
"You ready for this?" Kelso asked.
"You freaking know know it." Ryan said. They entered the stadium and looked around. Finally they found Millbanks.
"I told you to bring Pinciotti and Burkhart." he hissed.
"Too bad." Ryan said. "I'll just have to do." He threw a rock at Millbanks groin and he collapsed to the ground.
"Nice aim!" Kelso exclaimed.
"I've had practice." Ryan said.
"Hey do yo want to put the cuffs on him?" Kelso asked.
"That's not the best idea." a cop said.
"Yes. I will put the cuffs on the bastard." Ryan said. Millbanks started to move but Ryan gave him a kick in the gut and put the cuffs on him. "Take him in boys." The other cops grabbed him and he was thrown into the back of a cop car. "Still time to spare."
The two drove back to Point Place. Jennifer still wearing her nightgown flung her arms around Ryan.
"You're ok!" she exclaimed. "I thought you'd be hurt."
"Not a chance." Kelso said. "All he had to do his hit the guy in the groin." He laughed. "Hey Ryan. You ever think of becoming a cop?"
"It's an option man." Ryan said. "It's an option." He nodded to Jennifer and brought her into a Christmas decorated room. "Got a present for you Jen." He pulled out the t-shirt from his coat pocket. "Merry Christmas." He handed her the t-shirt.
"Oh Ryan." Jennifer said. She was starting to tear up. "I love it." She kissed him. "You'll just have to wait to unwrap your's."
"No problem." Ryan said. "I can wait."
Soon they were headed off to the Smashing Pumpkins concert after picking Christan, Justin, and MJ up. Stephanie had stayed home not wanting to miss the Christmas specials and Kelso had to work so Hyde drove them to Kenosha. The concert needless to say rocked. Even Hyde loved the Pumpkins. Thankfully Jennifer had been wearing her t-shirt Ryan got her, jeans, and some tennis shoes instead of the nightgown. When they got back to Kelso's Jackie, Donna, and Eric were there waiting for them. Christmas Eve came and went. The party for the gang never happened since the departing so quickly and the huge party tomorrow morning with each other.
At noon the party had started and the mistletoe used. Finally late that night Jennifer had found the right time and place to give Ryan his present. "Merry Christmas." Jennifer said. She kissed him.
"Thanks. Merry Christmas." Ryan said and returned the favor. He unwrapped the present to find Thirty Three, Zero, Siamese Dream, Pisces Iscariot, and Mellon Collie, and the infinite sadness under the wrapping and in a box set. "This is excelent. Thanks a lot. My Mellon Collie was scratched like hell."