December 20th

Not exactly a Christmassy start now, is it? But war never was a pretty sight.

A Tale of Two Santas

The Global Conflict had been harrowing, affecting everyone, including the aristocracy. They chose to dig their heels in, trying to ignore the fact that their precious world was falling apart around their bejewelled ears. That was how the GDF was created afterwards. They had the right idea of bringing back national service, making sure that this time, everyone was prepared.

As the war progressed, the economy collapsed in every country involved, meaning that there would be severe cutbacks etc.

It was horrible.

Faithful staff had to go at the Creighton Ward manor, whilst Lord Hugh went off to battle, leaving his precious daughter behind with a governess and a handful of staff to keep her company.

He wasn't stationed long, he took quite a bit of shrapnel, which tore a gaping hole in his leg. It could have been worse, but for the quick action of an Aloysius Parker, who threw himself at the man, pinning him down on the muddy field. Avoiding a missile that, had he still been standing, would have literally blown off the top of his head. It whistled past them and buried itself into a bunker further along, killing the men inside.

War is never pretty. But the thing that kept Lord Hugh going, were the letters from his dearest Penelope. Her childish scrawl gave him a smile. And as Christmas was coming up soon, her letters took on a more serious note.

In one, she told her daddy that she'd sent a letter to Santa, asking him to forget all the presents that she wanted. All she wanted was her Daddy to come home.

He always replied back, I'll put in a good word, but Santa's a little busy. So he might not get the message.

As luck would have it, he and Parker received compassionate leave, due to Lord Hugh's injuries, and the fact that Parker was getting too old for active duty.

Exhausted, filthy and holding one another up, they arrived home … for Penny to charge towards them and give her daddy a hug.

It was Christmas Eve.

She looked at Parker …

… and said …

"Thank you Santa."

And gave him a hug too, despite the fact that Parker was only wearing his muddy clothing. Not a red suit trimmed with white anywhere to be seen.

Fast forward a couple of years.

The Global Conflict had ended and everyone was slowly rebuilding their lives. The Creighton Wards never re-employed the staff that they had to let go for several reasons.

1. The economy was rough
2. The staff were elderly and had decided to retire
3. They found that they could run the estate with a skeleton staff, if they closed off some of the wings

Christmas once again and Penny was out with her governess and her father, when she came across a Santa's grotto. A line of children, all in a line, waiting for the man in the red suit.

Who happened to be Parker.

He'd had it really rough, ever since his leave of duty. Resorting to petty theft to make ends meet. He was lucky that the store had employed him with his criminal record. Plus, he was using this as a cover to scan the place so he and a few guys could raid it later.

The little girl who climbed upon his lap, looked familiar as most kids do after a while. She studied his face completely.

"You brought my daddy home," she declared loudly.

It was enough for her father to turn and look. He hated these shopping trips, but he'd agreed because Penelope had insisted threw a fit. And here he was, looking right into the eyes of the man who'd saved his life…

… or was it the other way around?

He couldn't remember.

But he never forgot a face, even though it was covered with a long white fake beard. The cheekbones looked drawn in, and the suit hung on Parker like a sack tied in the middle.

It was there and then that Lord Hugh decided to return the favour. He employed Parker on the spot, giving the man a deserved title of bodyguard to his beloved daughter.

Fast forward to the present day.

Parker groaned at the whole idea of doing this. But … the children from the local village persisted quite avidly.

You see, their local Santa Claus had fallen on some ice and broken his hip. So he couldn't take on the role of the man in red. Penny heard of this plight at the toy drive and volunteered Parker to replace the poor man.

Temporarily.

That was three years ago.

And he STILL dons the suit, albeit reluctantly.

But Penny does remind him that he did bring her daddy home, all those years ago.