Santa Clause, Human Clause Chapter 8

"You all have been making great progress. I've decided that you deserve a little treat." Said Judy as she beamed at the students in her human transformation classes. "Santa has invited us down to the workshop for a party for Charlie before he goes back he goes back home to the Millers."

Scene 1:

Meanwhile in Santa's office, Scott and Charlie Calvin were looking over Charlie's party plans.

"I asked Bernard if he wanted to stop by for some hot cocoa after he left the infirmary. I didn't breathe a word about the surprise party we are throwing for Him, Judy and the rest. Don't worry Dad. It will be fine." said the younger Calvin.

"I don't know Charlie. I think you should have told him about the party so that he could prepare himself. I don't think he really enjoys parties. Why's that?" replied Scott.

"He doesn't like to dance."

"Why, I thought all elves love to dance?"

"Bernard was involved in a serious accident when he was a member of the E.L.F.S. squad about 900 years ago. The elf doctors at the time could not completely heal him. It left him with a limp." Scott frowned. " I've thought a lot about this. I think becoming human may be a good thing for Bernard. I've talked it over with Carol's cousin who is a orthopedic specialist. He's agreed to examine him to see if he can do anything to help correct the injuries. I just hope Bernard is willing to accept the help."

Charlie shook his head remembering the past. "I don't think he is going to like any help from an adult. I remember the first two years after you became Santa. He would accept any help that I gave him but would fight any changes that you had proposed to the factory."

Scott nodded. "I remember. I was almost tempted to fire him. Later I found out that the last few Santas before me had instituted changes that was disastrous to the pole. Bernard finally came around to the fact I was not going to do anything to jeopardize the plant. He even became happier."

The party was in full swing when Bernard arrived walking down the main staircase. He saw the party banner and just shook his head. 'You tricked me Charlie.'

He was in the process of reversing his direction when he saw Judy coming toward him. 'Oh no. I told Judy I would study that stupid book she gave me on the elfin/human transformation rules while I was in the hospital.' He tried to put enough speed to outdistance the girl.

"Bernard. Wait up. I want to talk to you." said Judy who was concerned about the other elf's progress.

He stopped short at the top step and shouted. "You can save your breath. I didn't read that blasted book. Stop bugging me about it."

Bernard heard gasps of shock from the assembled party goers. He knew that he had overstepped the bounds of elfin decency. He turned back around to apologize to her and stopped short at the sight of tears running down his friend's cheeks.

"Judy, I'm sorry. I didn't mean it."

"Save your breath. I don't know why I've tried to help you." She ran past him and into Mrs. Claus's room.

He was about to follow after her when he felt a hand grab his shoulder. He turned and found himself staring into the angry eyes of his boss. "Bernard. My office now."

Bernard followed the angry man into his office. He looked his boss in the eyes and attempted to speak.

"I don't want to hear you say one word right now. Not one word." Santa turned away from his elf. " Bernard, Right now I am livid. I can't believe you. Judy has shown you nothing but her kindness and compassion throughout this whole affair. This is how you repay that kindness. I don't think I know you anymore."

The elf saw that his boss was struggling to keep his emotions under control. Bernard bowed his head in shame and thought

'Great Bernard. Just great. You are really being a jerk lately. Lets see you've made one of best friend cry. You've caused Santa to lose his jolly disposition. What a great Christmas this is turning out to be."

Santa began to speak after what seemed like an eternity to the elf.

"I've made a decision. I need an expert in teenage physcology. Unfortunately, there is only one person I know out there who believes both in physcology and elves. Pack your bags, Bernard. Neil and Laura don't know it yet but they are about to get an unexpected houseguest."

Shock showed on Bernard's face and he went down on knees before the man. "No. Please sir. Don't send me away. I'm not ready. I don't know a thing about living in the mortal world."

"You would if you had been studying that book. I'm sorry Bernard. My decision is final. I am taking you to Neil and Laura's when I take Charlie home tonight."

Scene 2:

Bernard had just finished packing when his door bell chimed. 'That must be Charlie coming to get me for the ride home.' He opened the door astounded to find Judy on the other side.

"I told Santa that I would escort you to the sleigh." she said. Behind her was one of the large sleds that they used to haul packages around.

He placed his bags on the sled and began to pull it toward the sleigh room. After walking a few feet down the hallway together, he paused. "Look Judy. You don't have to have to walk with me. Its not like I don't know the way there."

"I promised Santa." She said without meeting his eyes.

He bowed his head. "Look Judy. Please believe me. I am sorry about the way that I've been acting. You're one of my close friends. I don't want to lose our friendship. Please forgive me."

She looked at him and tried to smile.

"I've forgiven you. It just hurt that you kept pushing me away. I forgot to read my own book. You see right now I have the emotions of a 12 year old human girl." said the elf girl.

'Yeah a 12 year old girl with a crush on a guy who will only sees you as his little sister.' She thought to herself.

"Um. So we're good then?" Bernard asked hopefully.

"Yeah. We're good." She replied.

Soon they found themselves at the sleigh. Santa loaded Bernard's bags upon the sleigh before he hitched up Chet and Vixen. Bernard crawled up into his place in the back of the sleigh alongside Charlie. Scott and Carol took their seats in the front. The sleigh took off and was soon flying over the Chicago skyline.

Scene 3:

Neil, Laura, and Lucy Miller were settled down to watch the classic Christmas cartoons on tv.

"I can't believe how much I am enjoying these. I used to think they were all corny. I used to hate all this mush and sentiment" said Laura.

"I know what you mean. I used to hate them too. Until Scott reacquainted me to the joys of Christmas." Mused Neil.

Just then a doorbell chimed and Lucy jumped quickly up.

"I'll get it Mom and Dad. Its probably Charlie. He always forgets his keys when he visits with Uncle Scott."

She opened the door and shouted with joy when she saw them. "Uncle Scott." She flung her arms and hugged him. "Did you bring me anything. Did you bring me anything."

Scott shook his head and laughed his Santa laugh. "Lucy, this is not Christmas day yet. I am just bringing Charlie back home. I also have something to discuss with your Mom and Dad."

Lucy let go of Scott and looked over at Bernard. She pointed at him. "Who's that Uncle Scott?"

"That's Bernard, Lucy and its not polite to point at people."

She pouted. "Uncle Scott. He's not a person he's an large elf. You can't fool me with the round ears bit. I know an elf when I see one."

"Yes, your right. He is an elf. Its not polite to point at an elf either."

"Oh Okay. I'll get Mom and Dad."

"Bernard move all the bags up to Charlie's room."

Later Neil, Laura, Scott and Carol met in the kitchen. Scott explained the problem that he was having to the

Psychiatrist.

"Wait a minute Scott. You can't unload your elf on us. We have to go to Neil's sister tomorrow. No out of the question." Ranted Laura.

"Consider it an early Christmas gift to Neil. As Santa , I know that Neil loves his sister. He does not however like that son of hers. He is only going on the trip because he thinks that you wanted to go."

"Neil, is this true. Why didn't you tell me. I don't want to go to the desert for Christmas. Why don't we stay home."

"Yes its true. I want to stay home also. The last time Pat and the kids were down to see me. The brat let all of air out of my tires on the truck. But how am I going to explain to Pat that we can't make it."

Laura looked over at Scott. "Simple. I will just tell Pat that my no good ex husband showed up and asked us to babysit a 16 year old elf. I mean boy. No problems, there. My only question to him is how long will Bernard be staying in my guest room."

Scott shrugged his shoulders. "The minimum would be 1 year."

"Okay. What's the maximum." asked Neil.

"Give or take lets say 10 years." said Scott trying to joke.

"Ten years." screamed the Miller couple.