The Spirit of Giving
Smoke poured into the apartment, making the entire Frensky family cough fiercely and run to the windows. It was below zero outside and their neighbors were all enjoying their Christmas dinners with their windows closed and their food cooked to perfection. But with one timer mishap, the entire Frensky dinner was ruined.
They were only holding the dinner for some new relatives, such as Catherine's Catholic fiancé Bill and Bubby's new atheist friend. The dinner was just a dinner to them and nothing more, but it had to be perfect. Black smoke billowing from the oven while the smoke alarm blares throughout the floor is not perfect.
When the fiasco was cleared, they still needed something to eat. With twenty people crammed in the tiny apartment, the Frensky's had to do something fast.
"I think McDonald's is still open," Bill suggested, causing everyone to protest, many of them in fierce, angry voices. "Fine, fine. Anyone got any better ideas?" he asked, sinking in his chair as Catherine gave him a death stare from beside her mother.
"Chinese?" Francine asked. "I've always wondered what that little Chinese place serves on Christmas. I hear it's different."
"I've heard that too, but that doesn't mean I want it for my meal," her mother scoffed, eying her husband and hoping he would have a better idea than the others.
"Well, there is a family restaurant open downtown. It might be a little full, but I could call ahead and make a reservation," Oliver offered.
"You do that," Laverne nodded darkly, heading into her master bedroom with Catherine to readjust her makeup.
After ten minutes of awkward silence, Oliver emerged with good news: The restaurant would be happy to take in their family for a meal as long as they would give something in return. Everyone agreed, and once Laverne and Catherine were ready, the group piled into about four different cars and headed downtown.
When they arrived, the only people even on the sidewalk were some of Elwood City's homeless population wandering to the soup kitchen two doors down. Bill gave them a disgusted look as they walked into the restaurant, but everyone else looked on with blank expressions.
Once inside, the group was greeted with a giant feast that took up five large tables. They were the only ones in the restaurant, and after getting settled, the group's jovial conversation took over the room. Laughter echoed out onto the street, and before the Frensky's realized, a group of the homeless from next door arrived to sing Christmas songs.
"Oh for the love of-," Bill muttered, but Catherine gave him a swift kick with the side of her foot. "What was that about?"
"You show them some respect," she hissed. "Look, the restaurant was expecting them," she pointed, watching as waiters emerged with platters covered with small wrapped boxes.
"Let's help them pass these out to everyone," Oliver suggested. He accepted a tray from one of the waiters, and the rest of the family followed. Once they heard one of the songs and gave the current homeless people a gift, they followed them back to the soup kitchen, where smiles and cries of delight filled the room.
When there were no more gifts to give, the Frensky's returned to the restaurant and found a table covered with desserts. The other platters was collected in takeout boxes and distributed to the next group of homeless carolers who came by, but soon just the family remained.
"This meal was just too delicious," Oliver smiled, flagging down a waiter. "I'd like the check, please."
"That won't be necessary," the manager said, getting everyone's attention with his deep, booming-yet pleasant-voice. "I asked you on the phone, Mr. Frensky to do something for me, and you have fulfilled that. Your dinner is on us. Merry Christmas."
"Wow," Oliver gasped, as did the others at the table. Though most were Jewish, they all felt the magic of Christmas flow into their hearts, making them happy despite the frigid winter air flowing into the city as night fell.
Even Bill was affected, and his mood changed from cranky and Scrooge-like to pleasant and cheerful.
A great lesson was learned that day, and despite the smoky smell that remained in the Frensky apartment for the next few weeks, all remained happy for weeks to come.
Theme 015: Havoc and Dismay
To complete the themes yourself, I have the list posted on my profile. The list is for any type of fan fiction (one-shot, drabble, etc.) and any fandom. Challenge yourself in other ways to make it more fun, and enjoy!