December 6th

Parker - or putting it another way … the tale of the dreaded Christmas Sweater

Penny had dragged Parker around London, looking for the perfect gift for her father. She was hungry, despite the several cups of hot chocolate and shortbread biscuits. Her feet were beginning to hurt … and she needed to pee. Badly.

She was nine years old, and on the cusp of learning that Santa Claus didn't exist. She'd heard plenty of gossip around the boarding school, but she'd ignored them. Instead, she kept a hold of that Christmas dream for as long as she dared.

Here she was, however, in the care of dear Parker. The school had decided to close over the festive season and all children were sent home. Much to the disdain of Lord Hugh Creighton Ward. The last thing he wanted, was a child running around under his feet. He had work to do.

Anyways, getting off the story. Here we are, in Oxford Street, wandering aimlessly around, looking for that 'perfect' present. And that's when she spotted it. A bright green sweater with a Santa Claus knitted crudely on the front. The wool was glittery and it sparkled brightly.

Parker tried to gently dissuade her, but she was having none of it, and promptly purchased said sweater. With the help of Parker, she wrapped it up and placed it under the tree, with the expectations that Christmas morning, they'd spend some time together.

That wasn't to be, as her father was called away. He'd had his bags already packed and waiting. He'd been expecting this for a while and it couldn't be put off. Not even for a silly nonsense like Christmas.

So, here she was, sitting in the middle of the room, surrounded by presents, replaying the holocall message.

"Sorry sweetie darling, had to go, couldn't put it off. See you in the New Year. Merry Christmas."

That's when Parker piped up.

"Let's pretend that I'm your father shall we?"

Resigned, she nodded her head and handed over the crudely wrapped gift. He crooned and 'oohhed' at it, enthusing that it was 'the best thing I've h'ever 'ad.' And promptly wore it. It was a perfect fit, and he looked so silly that she laughed at him.

That was when she realised that her father would never have worn that sweater. He'd probably have thrown it out or something.

From then onwards, she always made sure that Parker got his 'dreaded Christmas sweater'.

He'd complain. Oh yes, he'd object quite profusely. But in the end, he was happiest when he saw M'lady smiling. Even if her father couldn't be there for her, Parker always would. And that's what made Christmases even more special.