III. God Rest Ye Merry Gentleman
Having newly thawed hands and hot cheeks, they were all surprised by the blistering cold that jumped on their faces. Spinner buries his hands inside his cloak, intent on their direction. Likewise, Craig, J.T., and Toby trudge through the slushy streets. Toby has no clue where J.T.'s tale will lead them next, yet he's noted that Craig's mood has been dampened considerably. Jack's singing, especially after hearing it for himself, could do that to anyone, but it has to be something else. Is the message finally sinking in...has Craig learned the error of his egotistical ways? Nah, as he spies Craig purposely bump Spinner into a puddle of mud so he could have the cleaner right of way.
"Watch it!" cries Spinner. "This is a Triple Five Soul, first-rate hoodie!"
"I won these slippers in a celebrity auction, sponsored by Paul McCartney," returns Craig. "Excuse me for protecting expensive footwear."
"Well, you won't need it where you'll end up," says Spinner, smiling.
Craig is ready to say something else too, his mouth closing instead. Where were they going? Toby elbows J.T. through the wool of his costume jacket.
"We're almost in the vicinity...and now," whispers J.T.
Spinner glances at Craig before tapping his drumsticks together. It grows chillier, much chiller, brisk winds blowing Craig's curls, J.T.'s top hat, and the sides of Toby's glasses. Only Spinner appears wind-resistant, tossing a cube of cheese into his mouth as their surroundings shift from a typical street to the center square of Degrassi. They're right at the Dot. Craig stares around him in awe.
"Not this place again!" mutters Toby. "Why are we going to the same places? What, Craig can't have a life-altering moment in Bermuda? Jamaica?"
"Oooh, I want to take ya...to Bermuda, Bahamas, come on, pretty mama," jokes J.T.
"You get my point," says Toby, rolling his eyes.
"Like I've said, before only Christmases, Toby," says J.T.
"Fine," sighs Toby.
"Do you know this place?" asks Spinner.
"Um, yeah," answers Craig. "I've only met Ashley, Manny, or Ellie here a billion times. Date central, I used to call it."
"Well, it's Party Central for me," informs Spinner. "Gotta go in, and get the next ghost. And if they don't talk...uh, don't take it personal. It's just the way they roll."
Spinner raises Craig's fist, bumping it with his. "Alright! And dude, wise up or your time's up. Ya heard?"
Beaming, Spinner ducks into the Dot, Craig blinking in confusion behind him. Based on the long wait, TobyÕ' not expecting this particular ghost to be in good spirits, and neither is Craig according to his grim frown. The bells on the Dot door chime. Danny and Derek's snowchick has disappeared completely. It is a source of cheer Toby would've liked to have seen. Another round of bells signals the door opening again.
In the doorframe stands a petite, stark figure in a flowing, black robe made of felt, the hood obscuring the ghost's face. It doesn't walk so much as clump, the hard soles of its shoes crushing the snow. The figure moves all the way to Craig, folds its arms.
"Are you the spirit whose coming was mentioned to me?" asks Craig.
The figure nods.
"You won't speak?" says Craig, hopefully.
He's met with a slow shake of the head.
"Oh, spirit, I'm scared of you the most," breathes Craig. "You know...you just...give off this vibe and..."
There are no more polite gestures, only the figure kicking him in the shin.
"Owww," moans Craig.
"Thank you," whispers J.T., eyes going upward. "Less yakking, more walking."
Toby's about to add his agreement when he hears a rapid shuffling of feet, two distinct bursts of laughter. He's tempted to shade himself from the two former sources of his daily bullying at Degrassi.
"Place was loaded!" cries Jay Hogart, baseball cap on backwards. "Tricked out electronics, tight clothes, insane wads of cash under the mattress..."
"He never gave anything away," says Alex. "I mean, I knew he wasn't poor when we were in school, but this...this is like winning the freakin' lotto."
"I always got that one annoying cherry," laments Jay, playfully. "But now...jackpot."
Jay has reason to boast, Toby taking in what each of them is holding. Alex held several garment bags, tailored suits peaking through the material; a satchel containing an iPhone, iBook, and two digital cameras; five pairs of designer sunglasses tucked into the pocket of the bag; and several rings on her fingers. Jay held even more because of his size: three gold watches on each arm; a sack containing dozens of CDs, a BlackBerry, and portable TV; a leather jacket hanging from his shoulder, with a glittering, stylish harmonica in its pocket. They look as if they were returning from a stint on those Real World/Road Rules challenges or...a robbery. Toby raises his eyes in alarm.
"I know Alex works at the mall...looks like they bought the mall," says Craig, shrugging at the spirit.
"Mmmm, the jacket's still warm too...the harmonica probably has his spit in it," brags Jay.
"Sell it on ebay. Stupid girls pay for stupid stuff like famous guy hair or sweat or whatever," suggests Alex. "I got stuff I always wanted."
"He didn't have any relatives to give this stuff to? I mean...even I gave my mom a new subscription to Soap Opera Digest and my dad stolen cable," says Jay.
"Nah," says Alex. "Something happened to his folks, and then...well, it doesn't matter because we are getting hooked up!"
"Woot!" cheers Jay.
"That jacket's the only warmth that guy ever had!" laughs Alex.
Jay joins in, ushering for her to start down the street. As they go, the harmonica slips from the jacket, hitting the sidewalk. If the noise wasn't covered by their chuckling, they would've noticed. Craig bends, retrieves the lost instrument.
"Familiar," whispers Craig. "Might be a purchase from the store."
The black shadow created by the hood meets his eyes.
"Who's this jerk they're talking about?" questions Craig.
There's no answer supplied by the spirit. It motions for them to go the opposite path of Alex and Jay, towards the back alley of Degrassi Grocery. Toby remembered this place well. Sean and Jimmy fought here, Jay and Rick according to Emma's stories...man, maybe he better not follow. He wasn't trying to get his glasses broken or anything. This dust better not result in him lying in the dust. The one plus is that Emma has to be there in order to be a fight, so yeah, maybe he's in the clear. He holds his breath as two boys jog to the center of the alley, stop.
"What'd you score?" asks Chester.
"Tough still," says Chris, revealing a mini-recorder. "This is gonna help me with my beatboxing skills fo' sho'."
"I know that's right," commends Chester. "I got this."
Chester holds a guitar pick. Craig walks to him, looks over his shoulder. There's a silver signature on it.
"Autograph," identifies Craig. "By Springsteen?! Man, I have one of those at the store. He swore I was the only one that had that! Bruce...Bruce duped me!"
"The whole place is bare," sighs Chester.
"Bro had it coming," condemns Chris. "That's what happens when you b-b-b-bad. Be a stingy creep, don't keep your word, that's why you a chump that just got served!Ó
"Word!" shouts Chester, high-fiving Chris.
"I'm beat," says Chris. "Let's bounce."
Craig watches them leave the alley, shivering a bit. There is no relief from the chill. Craig shakes the most.
"Harmonica in hand, Craig could only mull over his lost thoughts. Who was this man whom they all hated? Why did these items look so familiar? Did he truly deserve to have these things stolen? When was Chris' album coming out?" narrates J.T.
"Huh?" says Toby.
"Okay, that last question is mine," admits J.T. "Chris and I were sorta friends...back in the day. I like him."
"Better than...better than me?" stammers Toby.
"No," says J.T.
Toby grins. His countenance is not matched by Craig, who wearily stands next to the spirit, watching him intently.
"I know why you've shown me this," says Craig, refusing to look at the spirit. "It's because the fate of this man could be...could be mine. Is that right?"
The spirit doesn't move in the slightest.
"Speak!" yells Craig, his voice echoing in the alley.
The echo is the sole sound in the area.
"This is...this is not my store...what they were discussing?" encourages Craig. "I spent money on the best security, hired the most faithful workers...well, worker. This is not my store!"
A cold grasp takes his arm, the figure's pale, white fingers, nails with black polish, taking the harmonica. It reveals a price tag on the bottom. Eight hundred. Eight hundred for a harmonica, thinks Toby. Wow, he could buy a computer for that.
Rather than say if this is any clue, Craig shakes further, throws the harmonica to the ground. He paces back and forth, mist from his breath floating in the late afternoon. As he paces, he grabs his hair, pulls at his pajamas, glances at the sky.
"Show me something good, so that I know it still exists," whispers Craig, stopping in front of the spirit. "Show me some comfort."
The figure points past the alley, and they exit. The free air is welcome to Toby, since the alley felt so heavy, so stifling. A slow walk is welcome to all of them. Sure enough, J.T. is right, Christmas decorations on every house. Fake reindeer adorn the lawns, nativity scenes are situated before hedges, tinsel shimmers in the windows. But there are no people. No people?
They stall at a townhouse, a townhouse they visited not too long ago. The outside appears to be the same, though there is no smoke from the chimney and no one is going inside.
"Oh, thanks for bringing me here, spirit!" says Craig, a smile crossing his face. "This is Sean's place! There was so much laughter and joy last time!"
Craig steps forward, rests for a bit on the stoop. All of them hear faint weeping. Craig's smile fades. The spirit walks through the door. Craig glances back briefly, hesitantly does the same. J.T. and Toby also have no trouble repeating the awkward entrance.
So much has changed. Gone is the color, replaced by drab grey and brown furniture, the tables bare and worn. There are no more wonderful smells, only the faint scent of floor wax. A tiny plastic tree is in the corner with a few ornaments that look ready to fall apart. Toby shifts his head to the right, observes Emma crying as she dices an onion. Well, now the crying makes sense. She wears a dark green sweater and black pants.
"When's Sean getting here?" moans Manny, coming into the room.
Manny was in her typical dress, a form-fitting purple shirt with long sleeves and a miniskirt. She was obviously agitated, however.
"Soon. He walks a little faster these days," replies Emma.
"I hope he picked me up Alicia Keys' new album like he promised," sighs Manny, crashing on the grey couch.
"Wait...Manny's living here?" asks Toby.
"Yeah," says J.T. "Because of yet another fall out with her parents, Manny left home and is mooching off Sean and Emma. Of course, this means that her acting goals are on hold. She baby-sits Jack for cash or gets her sugar daddy Damien to buy her things. But she's not the only one that's had a hard year."
"This is one year later?" balks Toby.
"You're catching on," says J.T., appreciatively.
"Guess what Damien got me on Black Friday?" says Manny.
"He gave you your present that early?" questions Emma, her eyes bugging out.
"No, he's been buying me daily presents since Black Friday," explains Manny. "He got me pearl earrings first and the gifts have been improving and improving."
"How about getting a job so you can pay for stuff yourself?" says Emma.
Manny's mouth drops. "I have an audition in March! Honestly, Em..."
"Well, come watch this pie at least," pleads Emma. "I have to check on Jack."
Manny moans as she stands, passes Emma on the way to the kitchen. Emma goes to straighten a side table in the living room, Toby gasping as he notices that there's a bald patch behind a few strays of hair on the right side of her head. Was that the style...or did Emma like her stepfather's 'do? He figured Spike would help her in some way since she's a hairdresser.
Toby's eyes leave Emma as Sean makes his way into the room, with Ashley coming in next. Ashley didn't look too different, but Sean was as thin as a rail. Toby can see his ribs as Sean hangs his coat and Ashley's. Of course, Craig being Craig, smiles widely at the appearance of his former girlfriend. Ashley lifts her black skirts as she sits on the couch.
"Jack will be with you in a minute," reassures Emma, then going down the hall.
After Emma leaves, Sean sits next to Ashley.
"We've picked out a great therapist for him," says Ashley, softly. "Best in Toronto. He'd get personal attention, he'd meet other children like him..."
Ashley pauses as Jack enters the room, earmuffs covering his small pink ears. Emma ruffles his blonde hair.
"Hi Jack," greets Ashley.
Jack removes his earmuffs, wrinkles his nose.
"You remember your teacher Ashley...right, Jack?" says Emma.
"Think you gotta keep me iced, you don't. Think I'm gonna spend your cash, I won't. Even if you were broke, my love don't cost a thing," sings Jack.
The voice is as bad as they remember, Craig gagging. Toby shakes his head. The spirit has the same reaction which makes Toby smirk.
"Speaking of cash...we can't really pay for his next session," confesses Sean, turning red.
"Oh," breathes Ashley. "We'll...we'll work something..."
"I can't deal with this anymore!" interrupts Emma. "People are staying inside their homes to get away from him. I hate it...I...I..."
Emma bursts into tears, Sean going to hold her. Jack removes his earmuffs, starts jumping on the couch. You'd never know he was the town pariah, thinks Toby.
"Every day it's bad pop song after bad pop song!" wails Emma. "This is worse than when he ate dog food...or that hot dog at the fair!"
Sean pats her back as she sobs.
"I really think music therapy is the answer, guys," says Ashley. "Hey, I struggled when I first started learning."
Craig stares at her admiringly. Ashley was always modest about her music. Besides, she can't be nearly as bad as Jack. He'd hide in his home, too, if Jack were on the loose.
"The boy's tart tongue and tone deaf ways carried so loudly in the streets of Degrassi, they hid in their residences to escape his cacophonous carols. Away in a Manger sent them away. His rendition of Frosty the Snowman made their blood run icy cold. His First Noel made seven five-year olds cry," shares J.T.
"Wow," says Toby.
"Jack, we're going to help you," says Ashley, putting a hand on his shoulder.
"You don't teach no more?" replies Jack.
"Ashley could only remain silent," says J.T. "Because of her fervent protection of Jack, Neil's mother met with the other parents and the head of the community center, and agreed to remove Ashley from her position. Ashley chose that time to lecture them on the need for new instruments and other changes that would benefit the center's music program. Her vocal plea fell on deaf ears...pun! Anyway, she was banned from the center for her views."
"Man, that sucks," breathes Toby.
There was a knock at the door, which interested Jack more than why Ashley wasn't talking. Emma opens the door, stares helplessly at a policeman and a policewoman.
"Got a call about a domestic disturbance," says the policeman, showing his badge.
"We're just talking," says Emma.
"Nah, I heard that kid singing again," complains the policewoman. "Anyway, your neighbors called. This is the seventeenth time this month."
"Officer, it won't happen again," says Sean, guiding Emma to the side.
"That's what you always say...and lo and behold, we're here telling you to keep his trap shut!" says the policewoman.
"I don't like your tone!" argues Emma, getting in her face.
"Nobody likes your kid's tone!" she returns.
"He's my brother, and it's called freedom of speech, or did they teach you that in the police academy?" shouts Emma.
"As loud as her brother," says the policeman to his partner. "Do you talk to him like that? Huh?"
Emma rolls her eyes.
"It's not like the kid is killing anybody," whispers Craig to the spirit. "He's...what, five?"
"And a half," corrects J.T. despite Craig's inability to hear him. "Aw, remember when he was born? When Emma found her dad Shane McKay?"
"Who is Shane McKay?" questions Toby.
"Exactly," says J.T., winking to no one in particular. "FDP!"
Toby ignores J.T.'s little aside, refocuses on the police interrogating Emma further on the treatment of her brother.
"Jack," says the policewoman. "How are you? Are you well?"
"Are you sick of guys who come on strong?" sings Jack. "Who just want to see you wearing a tight thong?"
"What!" exclaims the policewoman.
"I don't even know what a thong is...but a got an A-plus on the Teen Chump quiz," continues Jack. "So sit back, relax, I won't hit on you...just let yourself drown in my big baby blues."
"What a horrible song!" cries the policewoman.
"I sang the clean part," insists Jack, climbing off the couch.
"This household is obviously the wrong type of environment for him to be in," says the policewoman. "Not only is he out of tune, he's out of line. That's it! We're removing him!"
"No!" cries Emma. "Jack...Jack. Please tell them you..you want to stay."
"Take me away...take me far away from here, I will run with you," sings Jack.
"You see?" says the policewoman.
"It's a song he heard on the radio!" insists Emma. "Please, don't take him! My parents will be so livid! Snake's already mad Sean and I are living together! I've been pulling my hair out because of all this stress!"
"Oh, that explains it!" says J.T.
Toby furrows his brow in frustration. Emma and Sean would always be a sore spot for him. He also notes that the figure is huffing quietly at that last remark, for whatever reason.
"Pack his things...we're taking him to the children's hospital for now," says the policeman.
"On Christmas?" exclaims Sean. "We'll come with you."
"He hasn't had any food!" says Emma.
"Jack?" says the policewoman.
"No, Sean," says Emma. "He...he only eats dinner. A bowl of soup."
Emma drops her head in embarassment.
"I'm...I'm out of work," he finishes for her. "The bills are adding up. If it means one meal a day, and a glass of water, so be it. Jack has to eat, Manny has to eat, and Emma, she's eating if I have to say anything about it."
"Save the sob story and get your Romeo a Lunchable," says the policeman, picking up Jack. "I canÕt feel sorry for people who let children listen to filth."
Sniffling, Emma retreats to Jack's bedroom and Sean grabs his coat. Ashley rises, puts her hands on her hips.
"Uh-oh," anticipates Toby.
"I've taught both of your children to play the piano," reminds Ashley, staring the officers down. "With Jack, it'll take a little longer and a person with more expertise, but..."
"No buts...this is for the good of the community, ma'am," says the policeman.
Emma holds a Jimmy Neutron suitcase by the handle. She kisses Jack on the cheek, sobs more when Sean helps her into her coat. Emma hands the policewoman his suitcase.
"The hardest part of breaking up is getting back your stuff," sings Jack.
They all groan in agony as Jack's voice fills the stairwell, the room, several sets of ears. Toby swears his lenses almost cracked.
"I love you, Jack," whispers Emma.
"I love...ice cream," says Jack.
"They'll have all the ice cream you can eat," says the policewoman, then in a harsher tone towards Emma. "At the children's hospital."
"You smoke, don't you?" blasts Emma.
"Emma!" warns Sean.
"Only a lack of nicotine would make you all...," begins Emma, Sean covering her mouth.
"Don't bother coming!" barks the policewoman.
Toby's certain the spirit is giggling under its hood. Craig tugs on its arm, though, not at all amused.
"Spirit, you have to do something," begs Craig. "I mean, you can do magic...or stop this...Jack can't leave. He needs...he needs his family."
Craig lets the arm go, stares at the floor.
"Those last four words struck home," narrates J.T. "Craig had lost family, disrespected his surrogate father, been cruel to his friends, his girlfriends. He knew his selfish tendencies would eventually catch up to him. But Jack...oh, poor sweet Jack, whose only crime lay in his love of music in all its many forms, was being taken from the family and home he loved so well, ice cream the only promise at the darker end."
"Rocky Road!" cries Jack.
"Say so long, Jack," instructs the policewoman.
"So long, Jack!" repeats Jack. "Where are we going?"
The officers start down the stairwell, the spirit obviously not doing anything. Toby wishes it would, yet he's quite aware this is a lesson, not for him, but for Craig. Emma collapses to the floor, the tears coming faster than she can wipe them away. Sean takes her into his arms.
"Pie's done!" calls Manny.
J.T. glances at Toby guiltily as his stomach rumbles.
"I'm not sure how to turn the oven off," says Manny.
Emma rises quickly in anger, Ashley dodging to the side as Emma heads to Manny.
"You're not sure how to do anything!" denounces Emma. "How to find the unemployment office, how to search the want ads, how to contribute!"
"Okay, Em, you're just jealous," says Manny, pretending to yawn.
"Don't attack her, Emma," says Sean.
"It was her ipod!" cries Emma. "And now it's..."
They all stare at the couch, an ipod wedged in between its cushions. Emma bellows as she digs it out, clutches it to her chest. Apparently not fazed, Manny hugs her best friend from the side, Sean doing the same.
"Not Jack,Ó"whispers Craig, tearing up. "No..."
"You did all you could," comforts Ashley, going to hug Emma.
The figure leads Craig to the door, the four travellers exiting the forlorn townhouse. Night had come, the wind having remained strong. Craig turned his back to the gusts, aimlessly stumbling under the stars. The figure doesn't seem to stop him, choosing to let Craig wander. They pass the last two houses of the street, see an open area. It's not an open area, realizes Toby. It's a cemetary, positioned flowers popping up through the snow. Frost covers the names. A twig snaps off a tree. Craig stands at the edge momentarily, proceeds to go inside.
"What lead him here, he couldn't say. Why he felt so alive in this instant, he couldn't tell. Do all musicians walk through the darkness, have to endure troubled lives? How long is a musician's life anyway? They dictated it for you...the people, the fans. What if they didn't love you? They didn't want to hear you...hated your personality? What if it all went away?" says J.T.
Toby is about to remark at his surprise of that deep statement from his prankster friend, when the moon finds Craig, Craig crying in its light.
"What if I died?" breathes Craig.
The figure stands by his side. It points to a pool of water amidst the snow, the moon illuminating it as well. To Toby, it resembles a small TV, showing a fuzzy image. One of the peach blobs looks a lot like Paige. Heh, it's her shopping network show from earlier, when they were at Craig's for the first time.
"For sale or better buy!" says Paige, cheerfully. "A handy-dandy, gold-plated harmonica. Get 'em now cause they're selling like hotcakes, hon."
"The harmonica was mine," whispers Craig. "It was from my store...my store's gone."
"From our special stock, so special I can't say where we got 'em," says Paige. "But I think we know where, right, folks?"
A studio audience, dressed in various types of winter gear chuckle at that.
"Gee, Paige, I wonder if that's all you have from this special stock?" says Spinner in fake surprise.
"As it just so happens, no!" remarks Paige. "We've got autographed guitars, fancy smancy keyboards, and Furbies!"
"Angie's old Furbies?" whispers Craig, eyes widening.
Spinner proudly holds up a Furby, and it chirps.
"Mine's name is Freckles," says Spinner, giving the thumbs up.
"And it's all for...fifty dollars or less!" shouts Paige.
The audience rises to their feet, hugging each other. Toby saw a similar reaction on a talk show, where Oprah was giving away free things. He really hopes she didn't steal them.
Craig falls to the knees in the snow.
"Ruined...I'm ruined," he says.
The figure places a cold hand on his shoulder.
"Spirit, who is...who is the man that brings such hate in so many people's hearts?" asks Craig. "Who is the man that brought about my destruction? My home, my business! Who is to blame for this?"
The figure helps Craig to his feet, presenting him with a small piece of paper. It's an obituary. Toby and J.T. go closer so they can read.
"Mob Murders Man in Music Store. Early January. Sean Cameron tried to save...store destroyed with man beaten to date by burgulars. Security system failed...I dare not read the name," stammers Craig, paper shaking in his hands.
Craig forces his eyes to rise, instinctively shifting to the marker nearest them. The figure points at the marker.
"No...no," whispers Craig.
Dropping to his knees for a second name, Craig grabs at the figure's cloak. His tears shine in the dimming moonlight.
"DonÕt let it be...," says Craig. "Oh, spirit, I promise. I promise not to break any more hearts by being a super, rock stud, a heartthrob without a heart. I promise to help the tone-deaf teens and kids of Toronto. Oh, I will honor the lessons you've so graciously given me. I will honor Christmas and keep it alive in my heart all year long."
The words receive no reply, Craig crawling to the marker, the snow's wetness soaking through his designer pajamas. His hands still shake as he wipes the frost, so slowly from the marker to view the occupant of the grave.
"Craig Manning," sobs the bearer of that name.
"Oh, good...I thought it was Rick," sighs Toby.
"I wouldn't do that to you, Tobes," says J.T.
"Thanks, man," says Toby. "I can't take any more nightmares."
"Craig was living a nightmare," says J.T., cleverly jumping back into the story. "He was seeing the results of his greed and heartlessness firsthand. He shrunk in the darkness, his organs pumping soundly, his skin prickling. Why didn't he heed the words of the people who cared for him? This couldn't be his fate, could it?"
"I will change...I will!" cries Craig.
"Will you?" says a gentle voice from under the hood.
Craig stares at the spirit, manages to get up.
"Who are you?" he asks.
"The writer of your obituary," replies the spirit.
He quickly checks for the author's name of the article and the obituary, gasps.
"Ellie, you wrote my obituary?" exclaims Craig.
She lowers her hood, red, bountiful hair falling down. She tucks some hair behind her ears, shrugs.
"Well, no one else wanted to," informs Ellie. "My editor wanted to make your death a national holiday."
"Whoa," breathes Craig.
He reads the obituary, scrunches up his face. Ellie had managed to fit in some not so glamorous stuff, including his stint in rehab and his lack of a high school diploma.
"Bitter much?" he says.
"Hmm, I wonder why?" returns Ellie, folding her arms.
"Oh...um...right," murmurs Craig.
"Yeah!" cries Ellie. "Oh...um...right."
"The coke thing," whispers Craig to himself, then louder. "Well...if it helps, I'm clean now!"
"Craig, it's whatev, okay?" says Ellie. "All I care about...we care about is that you stop acting like a male Hatzilakos and do some good in this world. Or at least where you live."
"We can't all be Marco," says Craig, defensively.
"No one's asking you to be," affirms Ellie. "You...just have to use your heart. I know it's there somewhere."
Craig kneels to the ground, tears no longer lining his eyes. His whole face has gone pale and to Toby, Craig has never looked so small. In the distance, they hear an owl hooting the rhythm of a clock, a sound made for every hour that's passed on their long and strange journey.
"Remember, Craig," says Ellie. "Remember."
Her voice gets softer and softer, and Toby can feel his whole body lifting, the cemetary shrinking in size. The sky goes from midnight blue to white, the markers start to disappear, and J.T. takes Toby's arm. Craig dizzily goes to a spot next to him, though apparently they're still invisible as he gives them no recognition.
Everything becomes pitch-black as if the three of them are in a tunnel. Ellie, in her black robe, is no longer present. Something is sucking them in, to another atmosphere. Craig, J.T., and Toby stumble backwards, landing on a clean, carpeted floor. Craig touches the carpet.
"I'm...I'm not dead!" cries Craig, joyfully. "I'm home!"
"Indeed, he was," narrates J.T. "The curtains and bed were the same. The TV was the same. Only the enthusiastic man was different. He knew he had a second chance."
"The spirits did it all in one night...I'm here!"exclaims Craig, doing the Cabbage Patch. "The spirits can party! Party!"
"Okay, some musicians can't dance," observes J.T.
"I didn't disappear like Terri McGreggor," sighs Craig, dropping to the carpet. "Thank you Manny, Spin, and Ellie! Thank you for making me less emo!"
"How long will that last?" mumbles Toby.
"I have to do good...now's the time," affirms Craig. "I can't keep waiting...waiting on the world to change."
Craig whistles under his breath, throws open his window. Sunlight streams into his beautiful room and Craig closes his eyes in elation. The rays rest on his chest. J.T. and Toby go to each of Craig's side. The view is nice. Snow wasn't making driving difficult, the roads and driveways clear; children slid on sleds in their backyards; Derek and Danny were pelting each other with yellow snowballs. Toby didn't want to know why they were yellow.
"You there...boys!" yells Craig.
"What, fool?" shouts Danny.
"What day is today?" says Craig.
"Christmas, man. Who that?" answers Danny.
"A man who wishes to be more humble," returns Craig.
"That voice sounds vaguely...ah, it's Manning!" exclaims Derek. "Run!"
Before they're able to take off, Craig grabs a wad of cash from under his mattress, throws them at the boys' feet.
"You off your meds?" yells Danny.
"Nah, man," insists Craig. "I'm going to toss you some addresses. I need these people to meet me at the community center at noon. The money's for your hard work."
Danny and Derek glance at one another, then nod enthusiastically at Craig. Craig scurries to write down the names and addresses. He assesses the list for a few, then makes a paper airplane, throwing it to Derek. They run to perform their job.
"Oh, won't Jack be surprised," says Craig, clapping his hands. "But first...first, I must get a UHaul."
"Is he moving?" asks Toby.
"Let's see," says J.T.
Craig grabs a red sweater, a pair of black jeans, and white socks and retreats to his bathroom. Yeah, not following him in there, thinks Toby.
"Uh, we'll wait outside," suggests J.T., clearly on the same wavelength.
II.
It's a full hour before Craig reappears, whistling as he locks his front door. Toby and J.T., sitting on the hood of a car next door, lazily get up and walk alongside him. Craig whistles, and Toby detects that his pockets are fuller. Crossing a few streets, Toby's sure they're going somewhere with a purpose. Laughing children eating candy canes they took from their trees run past them on their way.
"Watch the ice!" cautions Craig, grinning at them.
"Ah!" cries the tallest boy. "He wants something!"
"Don't steal my candy," moans the youngest girl.
They race to get as far away as possible. Craig purses his lips together in confusion, moves on. Their walk comes to a standstill when they see two familiar faces.
"Marco! Darcy!" greets Craig.
Both appear shaken as Craig approaches. Marco grips his cross necklace, while Darcy turns around and prays.
"Dear God," says Darcy softly. "Please don't let us get hurt on Christmas. I'm pretty sure you blessed me with new ski boots from my parents. I'd like to live to use them."
Craig turns Darcy around and gives Marco a reassuring pat.
"You guys asked me to contribute to the music fund?" reminds Craig. "Put me down for a thousand, and there will be follow-up payments, I guarantee you."
"Craig...Craig, really?" gasps Marco.
Darcy smiles. "The kids really need it."
"I'm sure," says Craig. "Merry Christmas to you, both."
"Merry Christmas!" cry Marco and Darcy. "And a happy New Year!"
"It's a new year, indeed," says Craig, smiling from ear to ear.
Craig removes a cellphone from the inside of his coat, starts to dial. He releases a sigh of relief when the other person picks up.
"Is this Tokyo Palace?" says Craig. "Good. I thought you guys were open today. I need a large quantity of your best food to feed dozens. Cost is no object. Chicken fried rice, General Tso chicken, bok choy, all the big dishes. Have it delivered to Degrassi Community Center."
After giving more specific directions, Craig closes the phone, practically skipping to the center less than half a mile away. Toby is about to say how spritely he appears, but can't bring himself to use such a weird word.
They enter the center, rubbing their hands together to get some heat.
"How fortunate!" remarks Craig, spotting a person he viewed during that fateful night.
Neil's mom tugs at the boy's ear, lecturing him on leaving his bookbag at the center, a scheme to get out of his pre-school homework.
"Excuse me, miss," says Craig as she lets his ear go. "Are you on the board of the community center?"
"Yes. What business of it is yours?" she says.
"I'd like to buy this community center," informs Craig. "Spruce the programs up. Redo any rooms that require repair. Help make committee decisions."
"You're Craig Manning!" she recognizes. "Why would you waste your time on our community center? Aren't you touring...recording...partying?"
"That's not as important as doing something for my community," insists Craig. "So?"
"Well, I can't turn away money," says Neil's mom, beaming. "Fine? And what can we do for you in return?"
"Hire Ashley Kerwin again," says Craig. "Look, this place totally benefits from her passion and commitment. She's a better musician than I am. Deal?"
Neil's mom cocks her head to the side, considering the bargain. Thankfully, she smiles.
"Tell her to come on Monday, and enjoy the holiday weekend," she says.
Craig hugs her, causing her to yelp in surprise.
"Stop hugging my mom, pervert!" shouts Neil, kicking Craig's ankle.
Moaning from the pain, Craig manages to keep his happy expression, waves good-bye to them as he clumsily goes to a corner. Toby can tell he's about to dial someone else.
"Hello?" says Craig. "Coach Armstrong? I hope I didn't wake up. Yeah, I used to watch the Kid Elrick Christmas special, too. Listen, I remember you said you had a UHaul in your garage since your son is leaving for college tomorrow? Could I possibly use it for the day? There won't be a scratch on it...I promise...wow, thanks!"
He folds his phone, exits the community center. Toby checks his watch. Ten o' clock. Well, Craig didn't have a lot of time if he really was meeting these folks at noon.
III.
Rather than follow Craig, for the first time, J.T. and Toby stay behind. In the passing minutes, they were playing their usual game.
"I'd date Hazel, propose to Manny, and marry Emma," says Toby, counting them off on his fingers. "You?"
"I'd date Ashley, propose to Paige, and marry Liberty," replies J.T.
"My sister?" exclaims Toby, pushing J.T. lightly.
"Hey, she's hot," defends J.T. "At least, we chose different girls. Ugh, when is Craig going to get here. I can't narrate without him."
"So you don't know what's happening?" asks Toby.
"No, I do," says J.T. "I just can't without him. Hmmm, I think I hear footsteps."
Toby raises his eyebrows when he sees the owner of the feet, or rather the owners. Clad in scarves, coats, and earmuffs, Sean, Emma, and Jack come inside the lobby, looking around in confusion. They're followed by a smiling Manny in pink winter clothes, and a skeptical Ellie in black.
"Why are you guys here?" asks Emma.
"Beats me," replies Manny. "Danny and Derek told us it was crucial that we be here. I hope it doesn't last too long. They're airing the only Christmas movie I like...Cheerleaders Save Christmas."
"How could a cheerleader save Christmas?" says Ellie. "What, do they beat up the Grinch with their pom-poms?"
"Yeah," says Manny, quietly.
Their conversation ends as more people funnel into the lobby-- Jimmy, Hazel, Spinner, Paige, Liberty, a few kids in Jack's class including Neil and his mother, a couple center staff members, and as if she was debating to come in before actually doing so, Ashley. Ashley protectively wraps her blue coat tighter around her frame.
"We're all here," says J.T., pumping his arm in the air. "Let's get this party started.Ó
"A party?" says Toby.
J.T. provides him with no reply, opening the doors to the auditorium of the center, taking his top hat and bowing. No one dares to question why the doors magically open, but they funnel in, making comments of awe.
Toby's tempted to do the same as he views a long table, bigger than the floor space of his room, with plates and utensils nicely arranged. Every type of Asian dish is presented on a gold tablecloth, and they wordlessly take their seats after reading the namecards set before each chair.
"In five...four...three...two...one," counts off J.T.
After the countdown, the red curtain of the stage parts, revealing Craig among many of the instruments obtained from his store. There were clarinets, their bells gleaming; drums with the most beautiful sheen; two keyboards with unplayed keys; three guitars with fresh strings. Toby's kind of hoping it's an auction because he'd love to hear Craig do that really fast voice. He chuckles to himself.
"It's all yours!" exclaims Craig. "Percussion, winds, and anything else that you require to make this music program the very best!"
Everyone gasps, looking at each other as if they're in a delusion. Only Ashley beams, doesn't seem the least bit startled. A calm, serene smile inhabits her face and that of Jack's. Rather than wait for them to say anything, Craig grabs a drum and a small item from the bounty, goes straight to the table.
"A new drum for Neil!" announces Craig, setting it by the boy's feet.
"Killer! Thanks, dude!" says Neil, his mom hugging him.
"And for Jack...," begins Craig.
Jack has a spoon in his mouth, takes it out when his name is said. Craig crouches by him.
"Don't ever stop singing," says Craig. "Now, this...this is a metronome. It tells you if your pitch is off. I'm going to be there until the little hand is in the middle, saying your pitch is perfect."
The boy gently takes the metronome, tries to stuff it in his mouth.
"No, Jack!" cries Emma. "Take that out of your mouth."
He does, assesses it and grins. "Thank you, Craig."
"Awww," says anyone.
"All that matters is that you sing from your heart," says Craig, saying that oh so familiar Jack maxim.
"Am I going to be a musician like you?" asks Jack.
Craig says nothing, instead taking Jack's tiny hand, leading him to the stage. Emma grabs Sean's arm.
"Manning's Music is closing in the new year," announces Craig.
Sean's face falls, and Toby can detect a visible lump in his throat.
"Instead, we're opening the new and improved Jeremiah Motors, with Sean Cameron as the owner. It will be a customs car shop, and I strongly urge you all to do business with him, because he's unflinchingly loyal and kind," finishes Craig.
The crowd applauds, Sean's cheeks going red as Emma hugs him. Even Ellie claps loudly.
"Craig, what gotten into you?" asks Jimmy, the only one bold to say such a thing.
"Realizing that I really didn't like the person I've become," says Craig. "If I have to lose things to gain what I want most, then so be it. I'd rather have your friendships than anything else. Especially yours, Jimmy."
"Bro, you have it," says Jimmy, the other members of the Squatch nodding in agreement.
"Christmas is a time for music, so I want all of us to sit back and relax as Jack honors us with a song," says Craig.
The applause halts, everyone looking at Craig in disbelief. Neil makes a barfing sound, and receives a light tap on the head from his mother.
"I can't be like you," whispers Jack. "They won't like it."
"We could've been anything that we wanted to be," sings Craig to Jack. "And it's not too late to change. We'd be delighted to give it some thought..."
Craig pauses as Jack's countenance contains the largest grin Toby's ever seen. Toby can feel his heart soften, and apparently he's not the only one as the group exchanges pleased expressions.
"We could've been anything that we wanted to be," sings Ashley, standing. "Yeah, that decision was ours. It's been decided, we're weaker divided..."
She walks slowly to the stage, smiling shyly at Craig and going behind the keyboard to play the melody.
"Let friendship double up our powers," finishes Ashley.
"You give a little love and it all comes back to you," sings Craig to Ashley, than staring at Jack. "You know you're gonna be remembered for the things you say and do."
"La la la la la la la," sings Jack, bouncing up and down with glee.
The crowd laughs, clapping to the beat of the song, keyboard supporting their voices.
"You give a little love and it all comes back to you," sings Craig as he and Jack leave the stage and rejoin the group, now standing.
"La la la la la la la," provides Jack, the out of tune voice more tolerable to Toby, to them all.
"You're going to be remembered for the things you say and do," encourages Emma.
"La la la la la la," sings everyone. "You give a little love and it all comes back to you..."
The song continues as Sean walks to Craig, embraces him, thanks him for the opportunity.
"To Jack, Craig was like a second father, instructing him in what music should wind up on those kitschy VH1 specials and what music should be played on the radio," narrates J.T. over the music. "Craig honored all his commitments from this day forward. Let it truly be said that Craig always knew how to keep the spirit of Christmas in his heart not just today, but everyday."
"Great story, man," says Toby, high-fiving J.T.
The high-five illicits a shiver from the both of them. J.T. laughs heartily.
"No longer invisible," explains J.T.
"Yes, people know I'm here!" says Toby.
"My work is done," breathes J.T. "Oh, well. Time to sing, then eat. Now, where is Liberty?"
"You give a little love and it all comes back to you," sings J.T. and Toby, sitting at the table.
Craig is at the head of the fast, pulling out a chair for Jack, who sits at his right. Sean was at his left, instead chooses to let Ashley sit there instead as she leaves the keyboard. Craig squeezes AshleyÕ' hand after she folds her napkin, sets it on her lap.
"I wish I had someone this Christmas," whispers Toby to J.T.
"Hi," says a voice to his left. "Have you ever been to the center before?"
Toby's eyes bug out as he takes in the sight of a pretty, black-haired girl with an olive complexion.
"I'm Nora... I go to Lakehurst," she says.
"Toby," he says. "Uh, from Degrassi?"
"Degrassi? Cool," says Nora. "There's always something exciting happening at that school. I'm so jealous."
"Yeah," says Toby, shyly, then whispering to J.T. "Thanks."
"No prob," says J.T., his arm around Liberty. "And for the big line at the end of the play, as Jack would say..."
"God Bless Emma, then everyone else," say Jack and Craig, raising a glass in the air.
"God Bless Emma, then everyone else," repeats the crowd.
"I hope I don't get detention for plagiarism," whispers J.T. to Toby. "This tale is kinda well-known. Oh, well. It'll be one of those issues that we all have to go through."
Toby sighs. "Ain't that the truth. Well, whatever it takes."
Author's Note: Sorry for the long wait. A Christmas fic being finished in April? :P But it's done finally.
Music Credits:
Waiting on the World to Change is the property of John Mayer.
Awesome Lover and The Hardest Part of Breaking Up (Is Getting Back Your Stuff) is the property of 2Gether/MTV.
Love Don't Cost A Thing is the property of Jennifer Lopez.
You Give A Little Love is the property of the play/ movie Bugsy Malone.
None of these songs are mine, and you may recognize the last song from the Coca-Cola commercials. ;) Thanks!