The Biggest Fireplace In All Of Nevada; Alexandra's Second Christmas
Summary: It is Alexandra's second Christmas with her father, Adam Cartwright. Feeling excited and anxious about Christmas. Alexandra finds a way to help Santa deliver some special friends their Christmas wishes. The Ponderosa Elves need to get to work if they are to keep the magic of Christmas alive. It is almost 18 months since Alexandra left Elk with Adam and Hoss. Her mother Katherine is in an asylum for the criminally insane. This episode takes place after 'Red Chair Blue Chair," and in between some of the scenes in 'I Swallowed The Green Dress.'
Disclaimer: I do not Own Bonanza or any of its characters. I do own Alexandra, though at times I'm hesitant to admit it.
A.N. This story has not been Beta edited, as I was kind of very, very, busy and wanted to get it posted. However, I will pass this onto Lajocci to edit when she has time, as I know there are probably lots of mistakes and I won't be able to stand it, if I see them. Thanks Islaboe and all of you reviewers for the nudge… So here you go "A Merry Christmas from Alexandra."
Alexandra's Second Christmas.
Alexandra stood in the corner of the big room, right next to the biggest fireplace in all of Nevada. Her father had relegated her there after she had arrived home with a note from Miss Jones for fighting. She had an altercation at lunch with Josh. Josh's father had picked him up at school and taken him home after the two had apologized to each other. Alexandra hadn't the chance to explain to Adam as to why they had been fighting. Adam had been too busy, fixing the large buggy's sleigh, to get the full story, but he wasn't impressed that Alex had been fighting again. So, Alexandra stood there waiting for her father to return, albeit somewhat nervously…
" Dang it, I've been doin so well lately at school and home. Its comin' up ta Christmas an all, and Dad, ain't gonna be too please with me getting inta trouble. Especially fighting with Josh. We had a big fight when I first come here jist over a year ago. He thought he was it and a bit; being one of the oldest kids here at school, plus he's got a real nice pony, and rides real well; nearly as good as Uncle Little Joe. But, we was bound ta be at logger heads soon or later. Dad and Josh's Pa, set us straight, course Josh never ever really wanted ta fight me, cause I was a girl an all, but I been use ta acting like a boy, so I didn't even think about that. Well, he mighta not used his fists, but he can sure as all hell slap ya in tha face with words. Anyway, that was a long time ago and we done sorted it with the help from our folks. Dad and Josh's Pa made us work tagether for two whole weeks over last summer. By the end of it, me and Josh was real good friends and our Pa's was our enemies; well sorta. Anyway, we both done promised not ta fight no more, but…Well today was jist the last straw; Josh has been such a misery guts these past weeks.
We had the fight durin' lunch break and for once the weather was nice. It's been rainy lately, so ta have a day where the sun was out and we could play a bit was good for a change. It's just a week afore Christmas. My second Christmas with my Dad and on the Ponderosa. Last Christmas was real hard, cause I wasn't with my momma, but Dad, and Grandpa, and Uncle Little Joe and Uncle Smiley face Hop Sing, made it real special. I got a pony; Leo. He's one of mah best friends.
I have a lot of new friends here at this school too and Miss Jones; she's kinda of nice in a bossy way, but she's a good teacher. She said I have improved a real lot with my letters and reading, but I got some ways ta go with my arithmetic. Dad says; he'll help. But, my report card was good and Dad said he was proud of me, so I reckon, I'm in for a nice surprise this Christmas too, cause ifin Dad says I've been good, then Santa's gonna know that too, ceptin Santa can't give me exactly what I want; like momma coming home, or me bein' able ta go see her. They don't let kids in the special hospital where my momma is. I don't know why; it's not we got any worsa germs than anyone else, maybe its cause we're jist too short for visitin'. It's not like we're too loud, though we can be, cause everybody knows ya gotta be quiet around sick people. I don't even know why my momma is sick. Molly says she is and Molly done never lied ta me afore in my life.
Josh is my best friend, so ya can understand why I'm so disappointed in him for fighten with me taday. Even though, he didn't throw the first punch, well actually he didn't throw any punch just tried ta get me offa him by pushing me away. I got other friends and they were surprised too. Jess and Daniel; they's brother and sister, they's not twins but their momma had them in the same year, their momma reckons she didn't see her feet for near two whole years afore Jess was born. Willy Fitzgerald he's kinda alright; he can be a real bully sometimes with the little kids. Josh always sets him straight, that's why I couldn't understand Josh today; he is usually the peace maker amongst us, as dad would say. Juliet De Quille; she's new to the school. Her daddy owns the newspaper. She's real nice too, but she's a real proper girl and don't like ta get dirty playing games, but she always smiles and cheers me on ifin we're playing ball or something. Then there's Lydia Ann; well she ain't no real good friend ta me. She is real stuck up, always tryin ta impress Juliet. I feel like punchin' her in the nose sometimes. Now, ifin that was the reason I was standing in the corner this afternoon waiting for my dad, and expecting those of eyebrows of his to be pointing to the tip of his nose while he glared at me and says; Alexandra Willameena Cartwright, we talked about Fighting…etcetera, exaggerated, exaggerated, etcetera… Iffin, I was standing here for doing something ta Lydia Ann like pushing her in the huge mud pile jist near the outhouse, then meybee this would be worth it. Even worth the spanking Dad's prolly gonna give me for fightin' again. Well maybe not worth that, but I reckon I could have explained it was an accident or something. Dad don't like Lydia Ann too much either, cause she said some bad things about my momma that she knows nothing about. Dad thinks children should keep their opinionations to thereselves. He likes Josh though, so I reckon I'm in real trouble."
Before Alexandra could continue with her musings, Adam came quickly through the door, wiping his hands on an old rag. Hop Sing heard him come in and had rounded the archway into the dining room with a hot stemming cup of coffee on the ready. Alexandra turned around to see.
"Hey, turn back around, Alexandra, I'll be there in a minute," ordered Adam, twirling his finger around like there was an imaginary string attached; controlling a naughty little girl puppet, whose nose should have been pressed against one of the huge blue cornerstones belonging to the Ponderosa's fireplace.
Alexandra huffed and followed her father's twirling finger, till her nose touched the bluestone.
Adam smirked before taking the hot cup from Hop sing. "Thanks Hop Sing. Sleighs all fixed, we should be right come Sunday if those snows come. How was your day?"
"My day very busy; making lots of food for Christmas. Smoked ham all glazed and back in cool room. Have much more to prepare. Mistah Ben and Hoss bring home tree this afternoon. Mistah Joe in town with wagon getting supplies. Little missing taking up corner for much longer?" asked Hop Sing.
"No not for long… though I want an explanation from Alexandra as to why she was fighting today. I just don't know how long that will take; you know Alex."
"Hmmft, could be vely long. Hop Sing would like to hear too; need a good laugh… Hahahahah," he rattled on laughing at his own joke as he went back into the kitchen.
Adam moved and sat down in his blue chair beside Alexandra. He sipped at his hot coffee a couple of times, before he put it down on the coffee table in front of him. He tapped Alex on her rump. "Okay, turn around," he said. Alexandra turned and faced her father. He grabbed both her hands and pulled her around to stand in front of him between his knees. "Right then, let's have it. Why were you fighting with Josh?"
Alexandra took a huge breath. "Well dad, it started off bein' a really good day; We gots ta play outside, but afore that, Miss Jones had organized a special visit with Miss Evelyn from the orphanage. There are only ten kids there at the moment and Miss Evelyn been trying ta get the place done up real nice for Christmas. Hey Dad, how many Christmas stocking do ya reckon we'd be able ta hang across our fireplace? I reckon we could get maybe twenty."
"Alexandra don't change the subject."
"I ain't changing the subject, Dad it's part of my subject and my explanation. I guess I jist jumped in too early with that question…Still, I reckon we could get a lot of stockings hanging from the mantle; it sure is a big mantle, Dad, ain't it?"
"Yes, it's a big fireplace, Alexandra and we can get a lot of stockings hanging from it, now back to your story… I mean your explanation," he frowned, before picking up his coffee and taking another sip. He was almost finished his coffee when Hope Sing appeared; this time he had a big bowl of popcorn and sat down on the settee to their left and started eating it. Adam plunked down his cup, and stared at their cook. "Aren't you supposed to be stringing that for tree decorations?" he asked tersely, pointing to the bowl of popcorn.
"No, I have more in kitchen; too hot to string. This bowl hot too; vely good for eating while resting," explained the animated oriental.
"Oh, can I help string popcorn, Hop Sing?" Asked Alexandra. Then her stomach rumbled. "Maybe, I should have some of that popcorn, Hop Sing; I didn't get my afternoon snack after all."
"That's because you were naughty," interrupted Adam. "And, when you have explained to me why you were fighting with Josh, then you can have some popcorn before we decide on a puni…"
"Me and Josh had a fight because he said there ain't no Santa Clause," said Alexandra at a hundred miles an hour, and then ran off towards Hop Sing's bowl of hot buttery popcorn. She grabbed a handful, before Hop Sing slapped her hand away.
"No more, Little Missy; you spoil your supper. Besides, Hop Sing need to finish hearing story before go make gravy. Go back to honorable father," he urged.
"Spoil your supper, I'd like to spoil your supper," snapped Adam, glaring at the man.
Hop sing Just smiled glaring back at Adam, and then said something in Chinese nodding his head as he went.
"You do know, I know a lot of your Chinese swea… ah sayings," said Adam, as Alexandra suddenly came back into view to stand at her father's knees.
"Know much, about many things, Mistah Adam, but not little Miss story. Mistah Hoss and Mistah Ben here soon, need to get Christmas tree in corner ready to decorate," stated Hop Sing, and popped another large clump of popcorn into his mouth.
Adam pinched the bridge of his nose… Could his day get any longer? Well with what Alexandra was about to tell him, this day would be very long and so would the next seven. He took Alexandra's hands again. "Well that was mean of Josh, especially if he said it in front of the other children, but that was no reason to hit him, Alexandra. You should have just disagreed with his opinion."
"Oh, but dad that wasn't when I hit him," said Alexandra as she pulled her hands from her father's grasp. "Sorry dad I'm going ta need these iffin ya wanna here all my testimoanie."
"It will be a test to my will that will have me moaning," quipped Adam.
Hop Sing laughed, " Ha! Vely funny, Mistah Adam."
Adam moaned and sat back into the tall back and blue plush material of his favorite armchair. "Okay Alex, explain."
"Now?"
"Yes now," wearily responded Adam.
"Miss Evelyn and her children all came for a morning visit to our school. Each one of us kids helped each one of them kids make two Christmas stockings; one for them and one for us. Then we done helped write their letters ta Santa. My partner was a girl named Emma and we talked about a lot of things. She wants a pair of ice skates for Christmas. Josh had a little boy named, Harrison James, he's about four; Josh wouldn't tell us what he wanted for Christmas. He got real mad too when we asked. So, by lunch time he was already in a bad mood. Miss Evelyn took her kids back to the orphanage for Lunch and we got ta go outside. We all started talking about Christmas and that's when Josh got really, really mad. He said that there weren't no Santa, that my Pa was really Santa. Well, at first I got it mucked up in my brain," said Alex pointing to her head. "I thought he was sayin' that you were the real Santa. Wow my Dad is Santa! I yelled. It kinda made sense to me, Dad, cause you can do anything; your smart and ya can make lots of things; even how ta fix a big sleigh buggy just like Santa needs. Ceptin, then that didn't make no sense; you bein Santa an all, cause I woulda figured Uncle Hoss was more the real Santa, cause his big and jolly. But, then I remembered he couldn't be Santa, cause last year he helped out. Remember, Dad. Santa burnt his britches on the fire… we ain't gonna have big fire this year are we, Dad; Santa got his britches burned and I was real worried because I thought he was dead. But, Uncle Hoss explained to me that he sent Santa his suit; the one that he used as his helper for Sunday school. So this year, Santa has a brand new suit, and I reckon he wouldn't want this one ta get burnt too. Hop Sing done fixed the real Santa's suit so Uncle Hoss can where that one this year without getting a chill in his ars… ahh… bottom."
"Vely Funny, Mistah Hoss not Santa Clause, he Easter Bunny," declared Hop Sing.
"He is?" Exclaimed Alexandra.
"No, he's not. Hop Sing please; you're not helping!" groused out Adam.
Alexandra grasped the joke, though secretly she was a little disappointed that her Uncle was neither Santa Clause or the Easter Bunny. "Oh. I figured all that out; you or Uncle Hoss couldn't be the real Santa, cause we have the old suit. So, I said ta Josh; 'WHAT in the Sam Hill are ya talking about. My Dad ain't Santa. Josh got real mad and said he didn't mean that you were Santa. He meant that Santa was jist a story made up about Old Saint Nick, and besides how could a man come down all those chimneys an all. Then the other kids looked real worried, especially the little kids. Juliet punched Josh on the arm and give him the death stare an all."
"The death stare. What's the death stare?" Asked Adam.
"Oh it's like when ya press ya lips real tight tagether and squint ya eyes so tight ya can hardly see outta of them," explained Alex as she imitated the description.
Hop Sing laughed loud. "Hop Sing do death stare naturally," he chuckled.
Adam gave Hop Sing a fairly good representation of the death stare right back. "Alexandra, this night is getting shorter, you better have a good explanation for punching Josh, or you are going to find yourself over my knee for the promised spanking I said I would give you if you were found fighting again."
"Really? Well dad, Iffin you and Hop Sing would let me finished, I think you will find that I have a perfectly good reason as why Josh needed a sound snot on his nose. I didn't mean ta get him in the nose, it jist happened when I done tackled him to the ground ta make him take what he said back."
"What did he say?" Asked Adam.
"The little kids were getting real worried, cause Josh said that Santa or no man could fit down a chimney, especially some of the chimneys around here, cause most people don't have real fire places. Willy Fitzgerald only has a pot belly at their place, and the orphan kids don't have a big fireplace yet, Reverend Dave is trying ta get a working bee organized, but it ain't gonna be built by Christmas. Josh reckons that we was being cruel for telling kids that Santa could do miracles and that only God can do miracles, and that don't happen a real lot either. He said that Santa can't bring ya what ya want, even iffin ya deserve it. Juliet was as mad as me and told Josh off, then some of the little kids starting cryin'. So, then I said that I got an idea, and I told the kids that iffin they's was real worried about not having a big enough fire place for Santa, they's could hang their stocking above my fireplace. Juliet said that was a great idea, and she said she has a big fireplace too, but it's not as big as ours; ours is the biggest fireplace in all of Nevada. But, Juliet said we could hang some at her house. Ceptin', then we all thought it would be better iffin the stockings was jist at one house; that way Santa would only hafta make one stop. Josh said we were crazy and Santa wasn't going ta come to the Ponderosa jist because everybody's stocking was there and that me and Juliet was jist making it worse by getting kids hopes up. Josh ain't gonna hang up his stocking. He said jist because we are Cartwrights, don't mean wishes are necessarily gonna come true for us, or anyone else who's gonna be our friend. Sides, looked what happened to momma; Josh said that I was gonna need a miracle iffin she was ta get outta Jail. That's when I jumped on Josh and told him ta take it back. But, he said he wouldn't and he pushed me offa a him and I fell back and kicked him the nose… accidently. That's when Miss Jones come. Me and Josh had ta apologize to each other and shake hands and we did, but he still don't reckon Santa is real. He done whispered that too me, cause I reckon he did feel a little guilty for making the first graders cry and saying that about my momma. She ain't in jail; is she dad? She's in a hospital. I don't reckon Santa can get her outta there for my Christmas present, but that don't mean God can't, and even then; God might give someone some special gifts to become a really good doctor and help my momma; God works in mysterious ways. Anyway, Miss Jones wrote ya a note, and well, here I am Dad." Alex said throwing her arms in the air.
Hop Sing smiled at the child's explanation, then frowned at a thought that crossed his mind. He was about to ask a question when he heard the wagon come into the yard. "Ah that must be little Joe. Hop Sing need to help unpack supplies. Be back soon, Hop Sing want to hear rest of story," he laughed.
Adam shook his head. "There is no rest of story!" he shouted after the man. Adam then sat there for a couple of seconds, trying to process all the information and broach the delicate subject of Alexandra's mother's condition and not dampen the magic of Christmas. He then took a deep breath, before pulling Alexandra onto his lap. "I think it's sad that Josh is such a pessimist…"
"What's a pessimist? Is it like being a pest, cause ya got a lot of fog in ya head so ya don't use the common sense God done give ya?"
"A pessimist is a person who thinks the worst of a situation, or doesn't hold a lot of hope when the chips are down. It's like seeing a class of water half way filled. Some people see it half empty and some see it half full. Alexandra, and I don't think Josh was trying to be mean to you about your mother. Perhaps he has a good reason to doubt."
"But, that's no reason for me to doubt, Dad or spoil Christmas for all the other kids; especially the little kids and Emma and the rest of the kids at Miss Evelyn's. Sometimes, I think Josh is jist too big for his britches," explained Alex.
"Alexandra, your arguments are fair; your disappointment in Josh's words is very understandable, but you cannot keep reacting with your fists every time somebody says something you don't like. "
"Even when it's a big fat lie, or something bad about my momma?"
"Yes, that too; I know it's hard, but you really have to try; for me, for your momma and most of all for yourself."
"I was jist trying ta do something nice for other kids at Christmas; kids that don't have a big enough fireplace for Santa ta climb down."
"Santa will find a way, Alexandra," said Adam.
"But, how come some kids don't get nothing…"
"If some kids don't get nothing then they get something," smirked Adam.
"Huh?"
"You used a double negative, two negatives make a positive. Don't get nothing means they get something," explained Adam secretly chuffed that for once the shoe was on the other foot and he had bamboozled Alexandra.
Alexandra scratched her head, trying to make sense, she then shook her head, as if trying to clear the confusion that was taking place. "I reckon some kids don't deserve as much as other kids, dad, like Willy. He said he only got a whistle and an orange last year, and we all know that he was probably lucky ta get that, as he can be real stinker sometimes, but then there are some kids that a real good and they don't get anything, Dad."
"Well that's because… well… some families don't have very much and they need to make sure they have the necessities. Santa can sometimes only just bring a little …"
Adam was suddenly interrupted by a number of voices. Dispersed amongst them was a tirade of Chinese coming from the kitchen and Joe's wild giggling from the front yard. Adam frowned, slipped Alexandra off his lap, and made his way to the big front door and opened it. A barrage of children pushed past him, while another group came from the kitchen, all giggling and laughing, each holding up a handmade Christmas stocking. Alexandra's eyes went wide with delight as she ushered her friends toward the large bluestone fireplace. Adam head swung to and fro and he watched the group chatter; wondering what the hell was going on.
"Hey you were right Alex, this has gotta be the biggest fireplace in all of Nevada. We'll be able to hang all ten stockings here," exclaimed Daniel animatedly.
"Here; I grabbed some shoe nails from my pa's shed and a hammer," said Jess, holding up the implements with pride.
"Good," said Alex, "We should hang a string and hang all the stockings from a line."
"Na, I reckon we gonna haft nails each one up individually," said Pete.
"Yeah, otherwise it's gonna get too heavy," added Tom, the mini engineer of the group, as he studied the breadth of the fireplace.
"Okay that makes sense," said Jess, as she made her way to the hearth; hammer, nails and stocking in hand.
Adam, still standing at the door, pinched the bridge of his nose, once he realized that Alexandra's' story was not just an idea; a suggestion she had made to her friends; an inventive story, but a plan now put into action. Before he could move off, Joe entered the doorway, giggling and followed by Hop Sing.
"Too many children; Little Joe think funny. I give him think funny!" said Hop Sing waving a wooden spoon about his head.
"Joe, what's going on? How did all these kids get here?" Asked Adam.
"Well Adam, here," he said handing him the afternoon edition of the Territorial Enterprise. He then took off with Hop Sing hot on his tail.
Adam flipped over the folded paper, there on page three was a classified.
Dear Santa, this is jist ta let ya know that the following kids have their Christmas stocking hanging at the Ponderosa…"
"What the…" whispered Adam taking a look at the children now lining up at the fireplace, arguing about the order the stockings should hang. Jess and Daniel were having an argument over who should be doing the hammering and Tom was measuring the mantel piece with a piece of string before declaring where the first horse shoe nail should be placed. Jess wrenched the hammer out of Daniel's hands and took aim way above her head at the horse shoe held tightly in her fist. Adam pounced before her back swing nearly took out Daniel's eyes and the forward blow could smash her tiny fist to smithereens, and retrieved the hammer midair. "Right!" He bellowed, "No hammering!"
The children all froze, with a chorus of "Awwww's!" Unfortunately, or fortunately, depending how one looked at it; no explanations were made as Hoss barreled through the door with a seven foot Christmas tree. Ben dragged in on behind with the base, as they made their way to the corner, blindly seeking out the traditional spot that would stand the famous Ponderosa pines that their land so gloriously long and religiously seemed to produce for the purpose every year.
The children's moment of disquiet dissipated and they moved quickly out of the way and then watched in awe as the big tree was placed and rose to almost the ceiling. Hop Sing came running in from the kitchen with the small wash tub filled with stones and sand; pushing it under the thick trunk as Ben and Hoss hoisted it six inches into the air, bending its very top forward under the rise of the stairs under boards. It wasn't until it was all in place, that Ben and Hoss' straighten it up and noticed the house full of young and angelic faces, beaming with excitement, staring at them.
"What's going on here?" frowned Ben, then swiftly smiled kindly at all the children.
"They's come to hang their stockings at our fire place, Grandpa because we have the biggest fireplace in … "
"All of Nevada!" chorused the children.
"What, but… "
"Santa's gonna bring all the presents here, Grandpa, so the kids that usually don't get nothing, or want something that don't usually fit coming down a small chimney, can have a special Christmas this year," extrapolated Alexandra.
Adam watched his father's face cloud then lighten when he realised the true situation… A houseful of expectant and excited ten year olds expecting the magic of Christmas to do its best. Adam tried not to laugh… though it wasn't a laughing matter, but he reveled in the idea that perhaps his father wasn't going to sort this one out so easily; be damned if he couldn't. Some years ago he might have expected the man to bellow about; what nonsense and such, and quickly reign in the command of his household, but the old man had mellowed somewhat since Alexandra's arrival, and playing the indulging Grandfather had been nice for him; something that he wasn't so keen on changing at the moment. Though Adam could see he was internally grappling with the idea.
Hoss On the other hand, loved the idea, and was happy to quietly retrieve the hammer from Adam's Hand as he stood pondering, and started nailing the horse shoes along the mantle, discussing with Jesse just how many they would need. Hop Sing in his wisdom then returned to the big table with a tray full of cookies and hot chocolate for the children; who in turn quickly rushed towards the goodies, leaving Adam, Ben and Hoss in the big room.
"Adam, you could have discussed this with me before going ahead with this. I'm not sure it's a very good idea. Besides…"
"Pa, I didn't know. This was not my idea. It was Alexandra's, and I only just found out about it minutes before the children arrived."
"How did they get here?"
"It seems Joe bought them in when he met Dan DeQuille in town with this," said Adam, handing his father the paper explaining the change of venue for some of the towns children Christmas stockings this year.
"JOESPH!" Bellowed Ben. "Get in HERE!"
Joe very sheepishly arrived in the great room with a handful of his own cookies and his mouth munching on another.
"Speak Joseph. How did all these children get here, better still why are they all here?"
Joe swallowed the still very dry cookie almost whole before trying to speak. Finally choking out a squeak, "Wait Pa… I … can't talk with my… mouth… Fulll… ban… Manners… you know… Santa don't like bad manners…"
Hoss stopped hammering enough to help his younger brother out. He moved over and rabid punched his brother between his scrawny shoulders, helping him to swallow the last mouthful of cookie.
Ben sneered at his youngest, waiting to hear his explanation, but Joe seeing those demanding eyes, panicked and tried to get another cookie into his mouth; just a little delay he had in mind. Once again, it was Hoss who came to the rescue; not Joe's though- Bens, when he snatched the cookie before Joe could get it into his mouth, and then the rest that his baby brother still held in his hand, should the temptation arise agin. Of course after all the lugging of the tall tree and the hammering of the horse shoe nails, Hoss was also mighty famished.
Joe brushed the last of the crumbs from his clothes before meeting his father's glare. "Pa, these youngsters are here because Dan de Quille asked me to bring them out. Said something about getting this town into the Christmas spirit. He's doin a big story on this…" said Joe pointing to the array of stockings now adorning their fireplace. Says it's really good of the Cartwrights ta help out like this…"
"Were helping ole Saint Nick grandpa," added Alex, "cause he don't have ta make as many stops."
"That may be so, Alexandra, and I think helping out friends at Christmas is mighty honourable, but hanging everybody's stocking here just so Santa can bring a bigger or better present isn't really what the Christmas message is about. Greed is not part of the Christmas spirit, Alexandra. Now Children…" started Ben.
All eyes were suddenly on Ben, fearful that their Christmas wishes were going to be spoiled.
"But, Grandpa, the stockings aren't our stockings, they's the stockings for all the kids at the orphanage. They are the stockings we made for them. All of us Kids, are pinning our stocking in our own homes, but these stockings are the ones we made for Miss Evelyn's children. We all done adopted an orphan for Santa this year."
"Yeah, Pa, Dan and Pastor Dave have got something special figured out, on this."
"Well are they going to let me know what's going on!" Bellowed Ben.
"I reckon so, Pa. Dan' said he come out to take the kids back. So I reckon he let you know then," cringed Joe.
The children standing at the table also cringed. They immediately stopped eating and drinking and made their way over to stand next to The Biggest Fireplace In All Of Nevada and Alexandra. They looked to Alexandra, who in turn looked back, then cast her eyes down, fearing the disappointment about to befall her friends. "I'm sorry grandpa, I guess I got all excited too fast. I figured; you being the kindest of all men I know, didn't think on it as being a burden an all."
Adam, Hoss Joe and Hop Sing gave Ben a very hangdog glance. Ben felt like a heal, firstly for jumping to conclusion, and then for letting his bamboozlement come across as anger.
Before he had a chance to retract anything and clarify the situation, though he still wasn't really clear on anything, Jess stepped forward. "Yes we're real sorry Mr. Cartwright, we can take the stockings home, We can squeeze one more in at my place. Come on kids make sure ya get the right stocking," added Jess while moving towards the fire place to retrieve her stocking.
"But what about Santa? The kids have sent their letters, and Juliet put that advert in her Pa's paper to tell Santa where to bring their presents. What if it happens they miss out?" asked Tom.
"Ya Josh was right, Alexandra, we done gone and got their hopes up and now… added Pete.
"Ya can't give up hope Pete, no matter what," said Alexandra. We got a couple days ta get word ta Santa. My Molly always says it ain't over till the fat lady sings.
"Now just wait a minute," all ten pair of young water eyes looked at Ben Cartwright. "that… the fact that you children are doing this for others makes a real big difference, here… The stockings can stay."
A chorus, of "Horayyys" was heard and not just from the children; Hoss, Joe and Hop Sing added their voices. Sounds that flew on the wind; drawn from the draft of the big fireplace, and probably all the way to Virginia City. Well Adam hoped so, as he pinched the bridge of his nose - most likely thinking the same thing as is father, who had now placed his hands over his ears trying to work out; how in tarnation were they going to deliver Christmas to these orphans' and the children, who were now adding the finishing touch to a long line of Christmas stockings now hanging from his mantel piece.
~oOo~
With a combined total of fourteen stockings hanging over the big fireplace, the Ponderosa men became very busy, trying to full fill the Christmas wishes of nine children from the Virginia City orphanage. It had now become labor intensive with the earlier dilemma of what the children had actually wanted solved. Detective Joe Cartwright with the help of the new postmaster and been able to retrieve the letters Alexandra and her group of friends had sent to Santa. The new postmaster was not so compliant in the beginning; the 20 year Matthew Bentley took his duties and responsibilities very seriously, and all correspondence once delivered to the postmaster was in his care and could not, as far as he could see, be given to anyone else but the recipient. Joe with the help of Pastor Dave convinced the young man that the needs of the children and his part; as one of Santa's helpers in this situation, was very much needed. Of course, Joe's way with words and the sense of adventure and his planned covert operation had Matt eagerly handover the letters to Pastor Dave and a special postal box Marked for Santa and the north Pole. Dan DeQuille then had a Christmas tree erected in the town square. Once decorated by several citizens and children, notes were tied to the tree. Joe and Matt were very clever about the notes, leaving a name and a clue to what a particular child wanted. Joe had insisted that the notes be writin as clue in case the children discovered that their Santa letters had been intercepted and that adults were actually making their presents. Keeping the magic of Christmas alive was the one objective, the Cartwright's, Pastor Dave, Dan DeQuille, Matt and now several of the towns citizens agreed was the imperative. So, with the help of many, Alexandra's Cartwright's plan for Christmas was well under way.
Adam had already started on a small toboggan for one of the children; repairing, painting and decorating an old one of Joe's. He had also delivered on the large book of Hans Christian Anderson's fairy tales. Sam Potter had got that note off the tree, but the book was out of stock at this time and getting one in time for Christmas was going to be impossible. Fortunately, Adam had one, and even though he had read from it to Alexandra, both Sam and he were hoping that Alexandra wouldn't discover it missing before a new one arrived. Matt had personally delivered that note to Sam after reading Jennifer's heartfelt letter to Santa. Her and her younger sister had been orphaned after a fire. They had been young and her baby sister had been adopted first off. Jennifer was happy for her, but really wanted this book. It was one of the few memories she had of her family and her mother; reading the book to her at bedtime. It was a memory she feared she would all too soon forget. Matt, Sam and Adam wanted to make sure she didn't.
Hoss was working on the most difficult task; puppy for one of the children. Traditionally the orphanage didn't allow pets, however the orphanage milk cow; donated by Hoss last Christmas, the chickens and one big fat cat; an aging mouser, had become like pets to the children. Hoss was taken a back with the child's letter. Patrick was new to the orphanage and had written to Santa for a real pet for the children and in particular Miss Evelyn. Since being there, he had seen the young woman's face, mixed with both sadness and joy when one of the children left or was adopted. A puppy would mean that she never had to say goodbye to something she loved. Patrick also suggested to Santa that the pup once full grown and trained would be a great watch dog, keeping varmints from the chooks, and thieves from the door. Hoss went onto to speak to Miss Evelyn, knowing that in reality the decision should be hers. Miss Evelyn agreed that Hoss could find a puppy for the child in question. She was certain that young Patrick; who had grown up with an array of animals before coming to the orphanage was responsible enough and mature enough to look after the animal. Not only that; he had a particular way with animals, and Evelyn was convinced that the ten-year-old would be able to train the animal. The children always shared, so the dog would not only be a welcomed pet for all but also a good watch dog. Hoss was delighted and in awe at the young women's perception, and particularly moved by Patrick's generous and selfless wish for his teacher. Hoss was having trouble finding a little of a suitable breed that was ready to be weaned in time. But, he was well into his task, and was confident that he could come up with the gift by Christmas morning.
The other seven gifts were being either made or found by the town folk; who had taken one of Joe's and Matts clue notes from the tree. Emma's; Alexandra's friend was in luck when Mrs. Wilburn's niece and new boarder, Marty Strawn, had arrived in Virginia City; all the way from Australia. Her brothers, knowing that she would be spending a colder Christmas than she was used to, had presented the gift of a very fine pair of ice skates along with an over decorative outfit and coat they had seen in some catalogue. Unfortunately, the boots were too small, and the outfit far too outlandish, in her opinion, for a country town. Plus, Marty had no idea how to skate and had since arriving little time to learn. So it was with much delight, when she had dared to take a note from the tree, that she just happened to get Emma; and easily surmised what the child's request was. Emma 12. Feet of clay she has not, but of ice small and fluid; to dance glide and fly. Lucky to be sure, thought Marty, but then Christmas could be like that; magic things could juts fall into place.
The other gifts were being sourced, made or redesigned by others in the community; some in pairs when one of Joe's or Matt's notes and clue was indecipherable. Pastor Dave was particularly impressed, with the kindness and generosity of others, especially considering that most were struggling families themselves. He laughed with joy, spying the secret going-ons of those trying to hide, dolls' houses and prams, a rocking horse, a wagons, and Hiram wood working on the fine details of a very impressive looking train set.
Dan DeQuille was also impressed with the fun most people were having figuring out the clues and then feverishly attending to their task. He'd run the story in his paper about Santa delivering special presents to the Ponderosa's fireplace; 'The Biggest Fireplace In All Of Nevada.' Not only were the Cartwright's providing the fireplace, but Pastor Dave would celebrate the Christmas story on Christmas eve in the town Square in front of the big tree, weather permitting. Christmas services were scheduled for the next morning at the church. After that, everyone was invited to the Cartwrights for a party, brunch, and present giving. Most families then would return to their own houses that afternoon.
Hop Sing was beside himself with preparations, but he too had help; his many cousins. At least one of them would arrive each day with a basket full of delights.
Alexandra watched with charm as everybody seemed to be much happier with her idea. It appeared that everybody wanted to contribute in some way too. So, while The Biggest Fireplace In All Of Nevada held all the stockings, her heart was filled with just as much pride and joy for her new family and new friends working to make Christmas special for everyone. Her grandfather had offered to have a Christmas party here after services on Christmas Day. Which meant all the children could receive their presents.
Alexandra couldn't have wished for a better Christmas present. While, she knew that her mother would remain in hospital and she couldn't visit. Her father had made the trip the month before taking Katherine a letter and Drawing done by Alexandra. Adam had also taken a family photograph of all them including Hop Sing with Alexandra smack in the middle surrounded by all that loved her. Adam returned with a letter for Alexandra from her mother, transcribed by Adam and a small gift. She wasn't to open it until Christmas. Alexandra was looking forward to that. Any other presents that might appear for her were going to be added bonus to the gifts that she already believed she had received.
However, there was still only one problem; Josh. He still hadn't been out to hang Harrison James stocking. Alexandra didn't know what had been in the little boys' letter to Santa, and perhaps the request was just too impossible for Santa to give, but still the little boy deserved something. Alexandra had made up her mind to again speak to Josh. She saddled up Leo, packed some cookies for Josh's mother and headed over to the tack room where her father was working and rapped on the door.
"Hey dad, I'm jist going over ta Josh's place ta have a necessary talk with him," she yelled through the closed door.
Adam panicked for a moment, before quickly covering the toboggan he was working on. He was adding the last touches of red and cold paint to the rejuvenated sleigh. "Hold On," Alexandra, he yelled back.
"Damn," he whispered when he realised he had smudged the paint with the drop sheet.
"Did you jist cuss, dad?" Asked Alexandra.
Adam removed the cover and quickly surveyed the damage. It was nothing that couldn't be fixed if he worked quickly. He grabbed the turps and started diluting the smudged area. "Pardon" he called while trying to concentrate.
"Why ya got the door locked, dad?"
"I'm working with some smelly stuff, Alexandra and I don't want you in here. Now what were you saying?"
"I thought I heard you cussing, dad? The smelly stuff make you cuss, dad? That can't be good for you either, dad."
"I'm fine Alexandra and I wasn't cussing."
"You said damn, dad, ya always tellin me that damn a cuss word."
Adam coughed, caught out by his own rules. "Your right, but I wasn't cussing at someone. When you cuss at someone your cursing them which is not very nice. Cussing is like cursing so to speak…"
"Oh what was ya cursing then, dad?" interrupted Alexandra. "Ya tools? I seen Uncle Little Joe cussing at a hammer once; he done hit his thumb and he cussed at the hammer; don't know why he was the one holding the hammer. It's not like the hammer was gonna be affected by his cursing it, cause it ain't a living thing, and iffin it was, well I reckon it wouldn't like being cussed at, when really it weren't all its fault. Grandpa says a poor workman blames his tools, so iffin somebody done cussed me for something that weren't my fault, I reckon I'd hold up a mirror, so the curse was deflected right back atta them'. I seen Ivan the Magnificent do that in a trick one time; he done this magic trick about Medusa, iffin ya look inta her eyes ya get turned ta stone, but Ivan used a mirror, so when she looked into it she done turned herself ta stone. It wasn't really the real Medusa; it was Delilah Ivan's lovely assistant and Ivan told me it was all done with smoke and mirrors; it was kinda a scary trick dad, but the audience loved it. Lucky Uncle Little Joe didn't look inta a mirror when he was cursing that ole hammer, cause the curse would have bounced right back at him, which mighta happened cause, I ain't seen Uncle Little Joe hit himself on the thumb with his hammer again, but I done seen him squash his fingers in the cinch of ma saddle. So I reckon its him that's been cursed. He done cussed that time too, dad. So, dad. I'm jist going over ta Josh house at see him about Harrison's stocking."
Once Alexandra had started rambling, Adam figured he would get back to the task at hand, positive he would have the spill cleaned up well before his daughter had finished. He had gotten bits and pieces of her narrative, something about Joe and a hammer and going over to Josh's house. Alexandra knew she was not to go riding before an adult had checked her saddle and girths, or ride father than the front pastures without one of them. Presuming that Joe was supervising, he was relieved that he could continue with the task at hand without Alexandra around. Tomorrow was Christmas Eve and others would be bringing in the gifts that they had sourced for the extra stockings they had hanging across the wide mantel of the big rooms fireplace.
"Okay Alexandra, be good and use your manners."
"I will dad, I'm takin Josh's mum some of Hop Sing's cookies."
"Nice Idea… Oh and take your coat!"
"Got it on already, Dad. See ya," happily chimed Alexandra, before mounting Leo and heading across the east pasture to Josh's small homestead by herself.
~oOo~
Meanwhile Josh had been in town collecting supplies with his father. He wondered out into the street towards the big tree and noticed the note hanging from it. Dan DeQuille watched from his office window, as the young man hesitantly picked the last note from the tree and then moved to a nearby boardwalk, sink down on the edge and opened the note. The boy's facial expression of dismay had Dan wondering about the boys' dilemma. He had some inclination, his daughter Juliet had relayed the argument the children had had with their friend the week before. He knew Josh well, the boy's family were hard working and Josh a very polite and honorable lad. Perhaps the truth about Santa was just too disheartening for him. Dan dreaded the day Juliet stopped believing and how he could keep the magic alive for his only child. Dan wandered out and sat down beside Josh.
"You know, Josh. The magic of Christmas isn't just believing in Santa. Miracles do happen. I've worked in the newspaper industry for years, and amazing things can happen to good people and even bad people. Sad things can happen too. But, what I find amazing is that at Christmas time, all sorts of things that many might say are co-incidents, occur; some of them I would class as magical or even miracles. But, when the time comes and you know the very real truth of Santa, you shouldn't stop believing in the very truth of Christmas and its miracles. It's your job now, as a near grown man, to be one of the helpers; the miracle helpers, keeping the spirit of Christmas alive; the wonder of children; the appreciation for that we can do as kind human beings. Look at what's been happening here all week; that's Christmas," said Dan, as he put his arm around the melancholy looking boy. "It won't really matter what people get in their stocking, because every gift was given with love and grace. You know that too don't you."
"Yeah, but I can't be no helper here, Mr. DeQuille and I shure as hell… I mean; I jist don't know what ta do about this," he said handing the note to Dan.
Dan opened the note with the cryptic clue concocted by Joe and Matt and read it silently to himself, "Oh, I see, said Dan. This is a hard task."
"Impossible, Mr. DeQuille. Impossible."
"Improbable Josh, not necessarily impossible, there many deviations to miracles. Though, I think we need some extra help with this one. Why don't you and me go over and see Pastor Dave. He might have an idea," offered Dan.
Both stood and walked over to the church. They found Pastor Dave up a ladder, surrounded by a group of ladies, getting their place of worship ready for Christmas morning. "Howdy there, Dan, Josh," said Dave as the two walked up the isle where Dave was hanging some decorations.
"Morning Pastor. If you have a moment, Josh here has a miracle he needs help with."
"A miracle, hey. Well Josh, let's see what we can help with. The lord often defers to us humanly servants to lend a hand where we can."
"Don't reckon there's much we can do about this one, Pastor," said Josh.
"Yep it's a tricky one," added Dan DeQuille.
Dave stepped down from the ladder and joined his friends at the back of the church on a pew. Close by was the Santa postal box that Matt Bentley and Joe Cartwright had set up to hold the children's Santa letters. During the week some coins and prayers had been added; had been offered up by other members of his congregation for those in need. Pastor Dave was proud of his community spirit and planned to make the donations to the orphanage after Christmas. He would also store the box for prosperity, referring to it when he spoke of community spirit and what the pooling of resources could achieve; akin to biblical parables like the story of the fishes and the loaves.
Josh handed over the note to the Pastor and then went on to explain his dilemma. "All the kids have hung up their orphan's stockings at the Ponderosa, all except me. Not cause I don't reckon my little buddy don't deserve presents or anything, its jist that what he wants; I can't get him, neither can Santa even ifin he was real. Maybe God could… well God could, I believe that, but he don't always does miracles jist cause we want them bad enough."
"He does, just not the ones we're expecting or feel we should have," interrupted Dave. "But, the human existence is a miracle in itself. The fact that you're here despite all the hardships your folks have been through, is a miracle."
"I guess I know that, Pastor, but Harrison there's only four years old, he don't know the difference between magic and miracles. He's gonna be so disappointed when he don't get what he wants. You better read it."
"I know what Harrison wants, Josh. I read his letter last week. Miss Evelyn and I also had the opportunity to have a little talk with him. Your right he is too young to completely understand. The little fellow wondered if he hung a real stocking; would that make his chances better of getting what he truly wanted. He showed me an old stripped tattered thing," chuckled Dave, "but, he also believes that one day he will just get want he needs. And That's fine, he has the right to hope and pray for it. However, right now, I think he will be happy to get something from Santa. Right now, he just needs to feel that he is loved and not alone. He's taken quite a shine to you. You may not be able to give him what he really wants, nobody maybe be able to do that, but you can be a sort of a big brother to him."
"No Pastor. I was a big brother once before and I wasn't any good at it."
"That's not what I heard. Just the opposite in fact."
"Well I can't be another big brother that's all; it will make my Ma too sad. I can never be a big brother again. The doctors told her so and that makes her sad."
"Well perhaps you can be a big buddy to him. You called him your little buddy," suggested Dan. "He is already that to you and you that to him. Perhaps as a Christmas helper this year, you can make something for the little guy that tells him that, Josh."
"Hmm, maybe. I feel kinda awful, that I haven't hung his stocking at the Ponderosa. I jist didn't know what ta do. I can get my Pa ta drop by on the way home. At least Alexandra won't be so mad at me anymore."
"Good Idea. You have a day to think of something for his stocking; if you need some help just yell out."
"Oh, I've got an idea, but I should ask my Ma. Thing is; its gonna make her sad, we don't talk about B… Benny much.
"Your Ma's a good woman, Josh. I'm sure she would love to talk about Benny some. We all get sad when we remember loved ones we have lost, but talking about it helps… It can make us remember very happy times too."
"Maybe, Pastor Dave. Anyway I best be going. Thank you for your help. You too Mr. DeQuille. I sure do feel better talking about it with some grown-ups. I kinda was outta line the other day with the little kids, and then I didn't want ta talk about it with my folks. Pa wasn't too happy that I was arguing with Alexandra again. I didn't tell him exactly why I was mad. Lucky I didn't bop her none, otherwise Pa said I'd be sporting a real sore backside for Christmas. Instead I got extra chores."
"Glad we could help some, son. Maybe when you speak to your Ma you should speak to your Pa too. He needs to know what a fine lad he's raising."
Josh smiled, "Thanks Pastors Dave. Ma first then Pa. Though, if my Ma ends up crying he's gonna wanna know why."
"Maybe that's the best time to talk about everything. It may be good for all of you," said Pastor Dave as he walked both Dan and Josh towards the door.
~oOo~
Alexandra arrived at the Reed farmhouse just after lunch, safe and sound. Mrs. Reed had greeted her with a friendly wave from the porch and invited her in for a cool drink. To her disappointment Josh wasn't there.
"Josh and his Pa have gone into town for supplies," explained Mrs. Reed while pouring two generous glasses of lemonade.
"That's a real shame Mrs. Reed, cause I got something real important ta talk ta him about. Guess the good side of it is there's more cookies for us," she laughed. "Hop Sing done made these for y'all but seeing as they's aren't here, I guess we get more."
"Well perhaps, I will put some away for when they come home. Hop Sing's Christmas cookies are the best."
"Oh don't worry about that none, Mrs. Reed, there will be lots more Christmas day at the Ponderosa picnic. Y'all coming ta that ain't ya?"
"Oh, no I didn't know about that?"
"Well, everyone's invited Mrs. Reed. Pastor Dave and my grandpa got it all organized, Hop Sing's been cooking up a storm, and all the folks are coming after Christmas services, so the orphans can get their presents Santa's gonna leave them at my place."
"Why is Santa leaving all the presents at the Ponderosa," asked Mrs. Reed.
"I guess Josh didn't tell ya. We done had an argument about it. I thought he still mighta explained it all, especially how Mrs. Jones done writ a note about us fighting and all."
"Josh didn't really tell us what the fight was about, Alexandra. But, he did explain that the altercation between you was more of a misunderstanding. And he swore to his Pa, that he didn't hit you. I hope that was the truth."
"Oh it was Ma'am. It was me who accidently kicked Josh when I pushed him to the ground. Your boy's a real good friend, Mrs. Reed and real honest. I don't reckon he would mean ta hurt anyone on purpose. That's why I can't understand why he don't want ta hang up Harrison's stocking at my place. He said he don't believe in Christmas and that Harrison was only gonna be disappointed because he won't get what he wants."
"Josh said he doesn't believe in Christmas?" asked a worried Carolyn Reed.
"Well he said he don't believe in Santa, and only God could do miracles. Just the same, Harrison should have a stocking hanging up. All us Kids know that Santa can't always bring ya everything that ya want, but iffin ya be good he will try, or give ya something that can sometimes mean pretty much the same thing. Last year he done brung me Leo and other stuff. I wanted him ta make my momma better. I wanted most of all ta see my momma. The bestest present would been; my momma getting to come and visit me. But, that didn't happen. Santa couldn't do that, cause he ain't no doctor. But, my grandpa he bought me a beautiful China doll. I reckon he first figured that I need some girly things, and I reckon he didn't know how much that doll looked like my momma. And even though Santa didn't leave it in ma stocking, it was still a very magical surprise. I reckon Santa or maybe an angel or even God iffin he had the time, made my grandpa stop and buy that doll when he done seen in a shop window in San Francesco. Plus, I felt real special and happy that I have such a new family that loves me jist as much as Momma and Molly and Ivan and all mah friends that I was missing something awful. So Josh, should still hang Harrison's stocking for him, because, well ya jist never know. My momma's been getting better too, so mah daddy says," finished Alexandra before taking a huge gulp of lemonade.
"Well I think you are right, Alexandra. But, who is Harrison; I don't understand why Josh should be having to hang up his stocking."
"Oh, Josh really didn't explain noting did he?"
"If he hadn't explained nothing; he would have explained something, Alexandra. Your using a double negative."
"Gee Mrs. Reed you sound jist like my dad. Anyway... All us kids helped Mrs. Evelyn's make their Santa stockings and write their letters to Santa. We had ta make ourselves a Christmas stocking too, but most of us already done had one, so we all made another one for our orphan buddies. And because the orphanage ain't got a real fireplace, we decided ta hang them from my mantle place."
"That's a lot of stockings Alexandra, perhaps Josh is going to hang up Harrison's stocking here."
"It sure is a lot of stockings, Mrs. Reed, but then the Ponderosa fireplace is The Biggest Fireplace In All Of Nevada, so there plenty of room. Plus, we done sent a letter to Santa telling where he could find our buddies stockings. Harrison was on the list. Mr. DeQuille let us put an attraction in the newspaper too, jist in case the letter didn't get there in time. Then, Uncle Joe and the new postmaster, made a new post box for Santa at the church, so that the letters could get their special delivery with a little help from the lord. Pastor Dan and Mr. De Quille also organized a big Christmas tree in town. Uncle Joe and the new postmaster done hung notes of Christmas joy on them, so people could read them and add some of their own. Dad, told me it was a good idea, cause people have been leaving all sorts of real nice notes for each other. We all having Carols at the tree tomorrow night after supper and afore it gets too dark so the folks can't get home. Dad says it might snow too, so we gotta make sure everyone gets home safely. Dad's picking up Miss Evelyn and all the kids in the big sleigh after services on Christmas day. Grandpa Ben often has guest on Christmas day, so it no put out. One year he had a special performer; a country and Western singer come out and sing Christmas carols to all the kids that was at the orphanage then, when Miss Evelyn was new and all. I asked dad, what the singers name was cause I knowed a few from the Star and Garter that always came thorough. Uncle Joe said his name was Dwayne Pipe, I reckon he was josin' me though, who have a name like Dwayne Pipe. Uncle Hoss said his name was Wayne Newton. But, Dad said; no, it was Andy Walker. I didn't recognize any of those names though. So you see Josh needs ta hang Harrisons stocking up afore tomorrow night."
"Well perhaps we could look for Harrisons stocking in Josh's' room. You finish your lemonade and I'll go look for it," offered Mrs. Reed.
Carolyn, walked to Josh's' room; just off to the side of their small parlor. There she found a neat and tidy made bed and organized belongings. She looked around the room and checked Josh's top drawers but couldn't find the stocking. She sat on the bed and started to cry. Her poor boy. They had known he had stopped believing in Santa, but hadn't realised he stopped believing that all good things could happen at this time of year. Carolyn was convinced he had to do with Benny. It had been four years since her baby boy had died. He'd been lucky to survive as long as he did. Carolyn had lost three babies between Josh and Benny, but Benjamin had been born early and was prone to colds and infections easily. Pneumonia took him to be with the angels one cold February. The family hadn't talked about it very much, except to say that it was nobody's fault; that Benny had been a gift, even though it had been for such a short time. They all still grieved in their own ways, and sharing that grief was doubly as torturous, so they didn't talk about Benny much at all. Carolyn was now thinking perhaps that was wrong; Perhaps they needed to talk about him a lot more; share their memories of him as well of their methods of keeping those memories and future hope alive. She wiped away her tears, resolving to do just that. As she stood up her foot tapped an item siting under Josh's bed. Carolyn Bent down and pulled out two very neatly wrapped packages, one each for her and his father. She smiled, at least Josh was thinking a little about Christmas after all. She went over to Josh's set of drawers and pulled out one of his long winter socks. They had been a gift to him last year. Josh had hardly worn them, he still wore short pants, a subject he had taken task with his mother over, so he refused to wear the bright red and purple stripped pair. Carolyn then noticed several screwed up pieces of paper in the waste paper basket nearby. She pulled them out a looked at several lists that had been made some crossed out. It was a very illuminating list. Perhaps, thought Carolyn, it was time for her boy to advance to long pants after all.
Before making her way back to the kitchen and an expectant Alexandra who was now probably full to the brim of lemonade and cookies, she also stopped by her room. She opened the lid of her hope chest and pulled out an item. She didn't know how she would get it to the Ponderosa without Alexandra or Josh knowing, but she'd think of a way.
After returning to kitchen, she found that Alexandra had indeed eaten the last cookie. "Well you'll weigh more than double of what you did coming over here, Alexandra," laughed Mrs. Reed pointing to the empty plate of cookies.
"Oh my gosh, Mrs. Reed, I didn't realize I was eatin' them all. I was kinda pre-porcupined with my prickly situation with Josh. Do ya really think I'll be too heavy for Leo, I gotta get back afore dark, otherwise my Daddy will worry and have my hide ta boot."
"No I think your Horse is big enough and strong enough to carry ten of you. Here I couldn't find the stocking Josh made for Harrison, but I think this may do," she said offering Alex the long brightly coloured stocking.
"Why that's perfect Mrs. Reed, I sure as on Gods Good Green earth couldn't see Josh wearing those let alone missing them. Well, like I said; I'd best be going afore Dad comes looking fer me."
"Your Father knows you're here, doesn't he?"
"Yes ma'am. He always says he's going ta have my hide when he's been worried about me. I wish I could think of a way for him ta stop worrying about me. I don't think he's figured everything out about me yet. I'm very resourceful ya know."
"Oh I can see that, but you can't blame parents for worrying Alexandra; it's our job."
"Yes, it is our job, and you, little lady could alleviate my worries by being less resourceful and sticking to the rules I have set down," came the rich deep and very direct voice of her father.
Alexandra near jumped out of her seat; as did Carolyn. "Gee, dad ya near scared the life outta Mrs. Reed like that. Don't ya know its good manners ta knock," she pointed at the smug face standing behind the porch screen door.
"I did knock, Alexandra, but you were busy talking, and I guess didn't hear, me. Sorry, Carolyn I didn't mean to startle you," said Adam taking off his hat.
"Oh no, that's alright, Adam. I'm sorry if I kept Alexandra too long, we got to talking."
"It hasn't been too long Carolyn, but Alexandra knows she's to ask permission before leaving the Ponderosa."
"I did dad, I done told ya while you was busy in ya tack shed."
"You also are well aware of the rule, Alexandra; that you are not to saddle Leo without his gear being checked and you are not to ride unaccompanied past the front paddocks. You led me to believe that Joe was accompanying you."
"Gee dad, I did forget about that rule a might, cause I was pre-porcupined with this problem I got. But, as true as Santa's got me on his good list and not his naughty list, which I'm hoping will be too late ta be put on anyways, I never done said Uncle Joe was coming with me. Your head musta got mixed up with that smelly stuff you was working on. Momma used ta get a bit mixed up after she was painting backdrops with the real strong smelly paint. Was you working on real smelly paint dad? Hey, meybee some of that done seeped through the door and that's why I got all mixed up when telling you about Uncle Little Joe calling the hammer a damn bastar… naughty word… and I forgot ta ask you iffin I could go alone, so you done thought I was saying Uncle Little Joe was coming with me," deduced Alexandra.
Adam opened the door and moved into the kitchen. Alexandra was now standing and took a step back when she noticed Adams stern glare. She clutched tightly to the stripped stocking and looked her father in the eye.
"Say Thank you to Mrs. Reed and go get up on Leo, Alex. I checked his cinch, but wait for me, Understand?" Said Adam firmly.
"So I done tightened the cinch real good then, dad? You're a good teacher, Dad. I did jist what ya done showed me."
"Alexandra, we'll talk more about this at home, now do as I ask."
Alexandra turned around to Carolyn, who very clearly was trying to hide a smirk. "Well, Thank you very much Mrs. Reed for the lemonade. And I'll make sure Hop Sing has more of those cookies jist for you," said Alex, before inching her way past her father. He appeared to have his arms firmly tucked under his armpits, but Alex wasn't a fooled or in this case resourceful enough as her dad. Quick as a flash, Adam landed a sticking swat to her denim clad backside almost giving her enough air to sail out the door and land on Leo's back.
"Oweeee!" Squealed Alex, as she ran for her trusty steed.
Carolyn, gave up the control and chuckled. "I'm sorry, Adam I didn't know Alex wasn't allowed to ride over on her own. I'll make sure she doesn't hoodwink me again."
"Good luck with that Carolyn," laughed Adam letting down his guard now that Alex was out of sight.
"She is very resourceful isn't she," stated Carolyn.
"Yes."
Both adults laughed.
"She has me on her toes. In fairness, it's as much my fault as hers. I should know by now that I need to concentrate when Alex is telling me something, especially when there a scheme or request lurking around in her creative little mind, " admitted Adam.
"Hmm, I can imagine. I surmising that The Biggest Fireplace In All On Nevada and the Santa scheme was her idea."
"Oh yep; Though as its turned out everybody's chipped in. That's why I misunderstood what Alex was up to. Her Uncles and I have been run ragged trying to get these Christmas lists done in time."
"I'm sorry I didn't know about it. Alex explained about the need for Harrison's stocking. I'd wish we'd known about it earlier. Josh's father and I would have helped. Though, actually Adam, I'm glad you're here…
~oOo~
Adam waved Goodbye to Carolyn on the porch before placing a brown paper parcel in his saddle bag. "Okay, Alexandra Willameena and Santa's number one helper, let's get going home. Easy does it on Leo," he said as he mounted Sport.
Alexandra wasn't sure whether her father was still mad at her or not. There was always trouble when he used her full name like that, but then he'd given her a good title too. That was a nice thing. "I'm real sorry dad, I didn't mean ta worry ya. I'll try and remember all the rules, honest," she said hedging her bets with honesty.
"Apology accepted Alexandra, but we are still going to talk about it when we get home."
"Oh… ah a necessary talk, dad?"
"No, but I think we need to go over the rules again."
"They's a lot of rules dad, but I do remember most of them. Meybee, we jist need ta go over the ones I forgot."
"Well, which ones would they be, Alexandra?"
"I don't know dad, I forgot, silly. Oh… meybee, the one about checking the outhouse seat for spiders and nasty critters, cause sometimes I forget ta do that, cause well sometimes, I'm in too much of a hurry, and I don't want ta wet my bloomers, cause Hop Sing has enough laundry ta do with all the smelly grubby boys on the Ponderosa; those his words, not mine, dad. He works so hard, dad, ya 's why sometimes I also forget the rule about eating everything that's on my plate, like the carrots and all- though I'm growin' acusdardmary to them now. But, I don't want ta upset Hop Sing by not eating them, or grandpa by wasting them when there are good people in the world, even in our town, who don't have as much as we do. So me and the other kids we don't throw away what we don't eat; we save them up for Myron Kincaid's pigs, so that theys get fat, and can be sold by people trying ta make an honest livin to people who could do with a good healthy meal. Sometimes Willy Fitzgerald takes them ifin they's aren't too old; he likes carrots. Oh and then there the rules about…
Adam was sorry he asked.
~oOo~
TBC Chapter 2 Christmas
Sorry, I had to leave it there. It was getting rather long. Its Christmas Eve here, so hopefully I can get this posted tonight and chapter 2 finished by boxing day. Have a very merry Christmas everyone.
~oOo~