THE PRESENT
So then, son, tell me, how was your day? What did you get up to? Victor, just home from work, scooped up five-year-old Andrew and plopped him down on the sofa beside him, giving his soft brown hair a quick tousle. While mum, Pauline, was busy in the kitchen preparing dinner, Victor made time to chat with his cherished and for now, only son. The flat felt cosy and warm, and in pride of place in the living room, between the quietly mumbling telly and the bookcase, there was a short but beautifully decorated Christmas tree, twinkling with colourful lights. Only one more day to go until New Year.
Andrew made his announcement loud and clear: Im good! But my friend Charlie isnt.
Whats wrong with him, your mate? Victor asked, a touch concerned. Charlie, that boy from the next block?
Andrew nodded. He didnt get a present at the nursery Christmas party.
Pauline popped her head out from the kitchen, the delicious smell of roast chicken following her. Poor lad Well, come on boys, wash your hands and get to the table, dinners ready.
But how come he didnt get one? Victor asked, genuinely surprised as he got up from the sofa. They gave presents to everyone else except Charlie?
Exactly, Andrew replied, sliding off the sofa after his dad. Father Christmas and his helper handed out presents to everyone except Charlie. He kept waiting, but they never called him up.
What kind of Father Christmas and helper go and leave a child out like that? Victor grumbled, dragging a chair up with a firm tug before sitting down at the table.
Pauline gave a little shrug. Its probably that Charlies mum forgot to pay her share for the present, or maybe she couldnt afford it. Things like that happen, I suppose. Andrew, did you wash your hands?
He did, we were in the bathroom together, Victor answered, dividing up the golden roast chicken and serving it. Fine, say his mum couldnt pay. But how could Mrs. Wright thats her, right? The nursery manager? let this happen and humiliate the poor boy in front of everyone?
Mrs. Wright was actually the helper at the party, Andrew chimed in. Father Christmas was the caretaker!
That makes it worse! Victor was properly cross now. Couldnt they have just rustled up an extra present for the poor lad, and sorted it out with the mum later? How hard is that?
Guess they didnt, Pauline sighed. If it were me, Id have found a way to make sure he got a gift too.
And what about Charlies own parents, then? How could they let him go without a present? Victor still couldnt let it go. Then he turned to Andrew, gnawing on his chicken drumstick. Did you share your present with him, at least?
Andrew shot his dad a reproachful look. I wanted to, Dad. And so did Sarah, Tom, Alex, and a few others. But Charlie wouldnt take anything from anyone.
Proud, eh? Victor marvelled. Dont tell me he didnt cry about it.
I didnt see Wasnt looking, Andrew admitted, honest as ever.
Good lad, Victor said. He really didnt deserve that.
Poor Charlie, Pauline said softly. Can you imagine how left out he must have felt?
I say we put things right! Victor declared, suddenly all fired up, his cheeks flushing and his eyes lighting up with a spark.
How? Pauline asked, dabbing her lips with a napkin, while Andrew eyed his dad with curiosity.
Simple! said Victor, with a mysterious grin. Do either of you know which flat Charlie lives in? Andrew?
Andrew shook his head. No. Ive never been over, we only hang out in the playground and at nursery.
I could probably find out, Pauline said after a pause. My friend Alice knows basically everyone in the building. Ill ring her. But why are we doing this?
Just ring, love. Right now, go on, Victor urged her.
Alright, but you two clear up the table and do the washing up, Pauline bargained.
A few minutes later, Pauline returned with the information. Number thirty-five theyre the Smiths. His mums Valerie. No dad, apparently. Well, he was there, but left. Guess there mightve been a reason for it. Anyway, its just them two.
Blimey, how do you know all that? Victor chuckled.
Because its Alice she knows absolutely everything! Pauline grinned. Seriously, shes in the residents’ committee, so all the gossip comes her way.
Right, that makes sense, Victor replied. Andrew, have you eaten all your sweets from your party gift?
Not all, Andrew sighed. Mum says too many is bad for me.
Shes got a point, Victor nodded. So is your gift bag still in one piece?
Yeah, I opened it gently, Andrew replied.
Good lad, said Victor, ruffling his hair again. Think you could pop your sweets into another bag and give me your gift one?
Suspicious, Andrew asked Why? but still went off to fetch the brightly coloured bag, now much lighter. He tipped its contents onto the table chocolate, biscuits in shiny wrappers, and more.
Pauline finally chimed in: So, my lovely boys, youre thinking of cheering Charlie up with a present? When? And who will deliver it?
Best do it tonight, I reckon! Victor said. What do you say, Andrew?
Definitely! Lets do it! Andrew said excitedly. Ill put some of my sweets in his bag!
If youre happy to share, thats brilliant, Victor smiled.
Are we going together? Andrew asked, picking out some treats to put back in the bag.
You did try offering him sweets today and he refused, remember? Dad reminded. Hes proud. Lets try something different.
Victor disappeared into the bedroom and, after a moment, reappeared as Father Christmas himself! Hed got on white boots, a red coat with snowy trim and fancy stitching, his hat, a bushy white beard, a staff in one hand and a red bag stitched with gold stars though it was empty for now.
Andrew stared, wide-eyed. Then said, Hang on Dad, are you the Father Christmas who comes every year?
Victor smiled. Thats me. Sorry I didnt tell you sooner, but youd have worked it out eventually. Work asked me to play Father Christmas a few years back, everyone loved it, and now I do it every year and for you and mum too. Did you like last years?
Loads! Andrew beamed. Its brilliant knowing weve got our own Father Christmas!
He raced over and hugged Victors leg.
Pauline added even more sweets, tying off the bulging bag with a bright ribbon, and Victor popped it all into his big sack. Smoothing his beard, he asked, Shall I go visit Charlie with a present?
Both mum and Andrew said Yes! at once.
Andrew piped up, Can I come with you, Dad?
As my helper? Victor laughed.
As a bunny! Andrew sang, and dashed off to fetch his fancy dress costume a white playsuit with big ears and a pompom tail, complete with a little cardboard mask.
Victor agreed, Alright, you can come, but dont forget your coat its cold out for a bunny!
Father and son set off, with Pauline barely holding back giggles at the sight of tall Father Christmas and his little helper with flapping ears dragging the gift bag behind him.
About ten minutes later, Victor came back alone, looking slightly embarrassed.
Wheres Andrew? Pauline asked, concerned.
Hes fine, he stayed at Charlies to play. Ill fetch him in half an hour, Victor reassured, dabbing his sweaty face with his beard before flopping onto the sofa in his costume. Well, you wont believe this
He explained that when he and Andrew arrived at Charlies, they turned out to be the sixth lot of visitors that evening, all bringing Christmas gifts for Charlie! Seems like they werent even the last. Mrs. Wright beat them to it, not dressed up this time, but shed come to apologise profusely to Charlie and his mum for everything that happened.
Turns out, Pauline, someone recorded the whole party and posted it on the towns website a few thousand people watched, and the comments were boiling!
Really? Pauline raised her eyebrows. Ill have to see it.
But the main thing, Victor continued, was that Charlies mum got the money together, just a bit late The managers at nursery didnt bother checking, just crossed Charlies name off the list.
Pauline shook her head. Well, fairs fair, his mum was partly to blame but shes raising him alone, moneys tight. The nursery could have helped.
Right, so because of it, the poor boy missed out, Victor said, still annoyed. If I was Mrs. Wrights boss, Id sack her
Maybe shell get the message, Victor said, or maybe shell learn something. People working with kids shouldnt act like that full stop.
Victor rubbed his chin, then looked at Pauline. Oh, and guess who showed up? Charlies dad! He came with gifts and was in bits, nearly in tears
Youre joking! Pauline smiled, relieved.
Just then, the front door bell rang. Pauline answered it, and Andrew was back.
Whyd you come home on your own? Victor asked, surprised. I was coming to get you.
Im not a baby, Dad! Andrew huffed. It got boring.
Whys that? Dad wondered.
Charlie’s mum and dad were arguing, then crying. Me and Charlie went into the kitchen and saw them hugging, then when Charlie joined in, they all hugged and just cried together. Bit mental really! They didnt even notice when I left
Victor and Pauline exchanged glances, then burst out laughing in relief.
Alright, lovelies, lets have some tea, Pauline said. Later we’ll see the New Year in, if we’re still awake. I hope its happy for everyone!
Hope so! Andrew agreed, generously.
