A GIFT
Well, son, tell me about your day. How did things go?
Dad, Harry, arrived home, scooped me up and plopped me down beside him on the settee, mussing up my sandy hair. Mum, Victoria, was bustling about in the kitchen, dinner smells wafting into our warm, snug flat. The sitting room glowed softlyour little Christmas tree, not much taller than me, glittered between the burbling telly and the bookcase. Only a day left till New Year’s Eve.
I’m fine! I declared. But it’s not so good for my mate Charlie.
Charlie? Who’s thatthe one from the next block? Dad asked, curious.
That’s right I nodded.
He didn’t get his present at the nursery Christmas party today Mum chimed in from the kitchen, haloed by the aromas of roast chicken. Poor boy… Right, wash up, gentlemen! Dinner is ready.
What do you mean he didnt get a present? Dad said, raising his eyebrows as he got up from the settee. Everyone got one, except Charlie? Somethings off.
Yeah, everyone else had something, but not Charlie I confirmed, sliding down after him. Father Christmas and Snow Maiden handed out the gifts, but nothing for him. He waited and waited.
What sort of Father Christmas and Snow Maiden would leave a child out? Dad bristled, tugging a chair to the table and sitting.
It’s not all down to them Mum shrugged. Maybe Charlie’s mum forgot to pay in for the present, or maybe she simply couldnt afford it. It happens sometimes. Tom, did you wash your hands?
He did, he did, we were both in the bathroom Dad replied, carving up the golden chicken, handing us pieces on plates. If that’s the case, all right, but how could the nursery manager Whats her name, Mrs. Archer?… How could Mrs. Archer let a lad be so humiliated, left out in front of everyone just like that?
It was Mrs. Archer herself dressed up as the Snow Maiden I piped up, matter-of-fact.
Makes it worse! Dad still didnt let it drop. Surely she could have found a spare present for Charlie? The parents could settle up later. Don’t see why anyone would be so callous.
Well, apparently not Mum sighed. If it were me, I’d have managed something for him, one way or another.
And what about Charlies parents? How could they let their boy be left out? Dad persisted. I’m baffled Son!
He turned to me, watching me relish a drumstick.
Did you share your own present with Charlie afterwards?
I looked at him reproachfully.
I wanted to, Dad. And so did Ben, Alice, Antony, some others too. But Charlie wouldnt accept anything from anybody.
Proud fellow, isnt he? Dad mused. Bet you he didnt even cry about it.
I dont know I didnt see I replied, honestly.
Strong lad Dad said admiringly. He really didnt deserve that.
I do feel for Charlie Mum said sympathetically. I can just imagine how he mustve felt.
Lets put things right! Dad suddenly said, his mind seemingly made uphis cheeks flushed, eyes twinkling with resolve.
How? Mum asked, wiping her lips with a napkin. I gazed at Dad expectantly.
Like this! Dad replied cryptically. Does anyone know which flat is Charlies? Tom, do you know?
No I shook my head. Never been over. We just play outside and at nursery.
I reckon I can find out Mum said, after a pause. My friend Lucy practically knows everybody here. Ill ring her now and see. But why?
Just ring her, please. Right now Dad urged.
All right Mum agreed. But you lot clear the table and do the washing up!
Theyre in number thirty-five, surname Smithson Mum announced, returning after a few minutes. His mums name is Margaret. No dad, apparently. Or there was, but he leftno ones too sure. Maybe Margaret sent him off, and maybe deservedly so. They live just the two of them, mum and son.
Whered you get all that? Dad chuckled.
Lucys not called the house detective for nothing Mum smirked. Shes on the residents committee, she hears everything.
Well, then, thats settled Dad said. Tom, you only had a small bit of your present, right?
Havent finished it I sighed. Mum says too many sweets are bad for me.
Shes right Dad said approvingly. So, the gift bag is intact?
Yep I said. Opened it carefully so it wouldnt tear.
Good Dad ruffled my hair again. Can you put whats left into another bag for now, and let me have the original one?
Why? I asked, wary. Still, I went to my room and brought back the shiny bag, now lighter after Mums rationing. I upended the contentssweets, biscuits wrapped in foilspilling out on the table.
Mum, having watched our bustle quietly, finally spoke up:
I suppose, my dear menfolk, youre planning to cheer Charlie up with a present? When, and whos going to deliver it?
Best do it this very evening! Dad replied. What do you think, Tom?
Of course! Lets go now! I shone at the idea. Shall I put some of my sweets in for Charlie?
If you want to share, thats lovely Dad smiled.
Are we going together, then? I asked, stuffing some into the bag.
You already offered him some today, and look what happened Dad frowned. Hes proud, that one. Lets do this differently…
Dad disappeared for a few minutes and then reappeared as Father Christmas! Proper boots, red coat trimmed with white fur, decorated with swirling patterns, silly hat, big snowy beard, staff in hand, and a sparkly red sack empty, mind.
I stared at him in wonder before I twigged:
Dad, were you Father Christmas last year? And the year before?
Guilty as charged Dad grinned. Sorry you only just found out. Thought youd guess eventually. At work they asked me to be Father Christmas for the Christmas do once. It worked well, so now I do it every year three years running and counting! Last years Father Christmas did you like him?
Loads! I praised. Its brilliant we have our own Father Christmas at home!
I hugged him around his knees.
Mum added a few of her own sweets, tied a bright ribbon on the stuffed bag, and Dad tucked it into the gift sack.
Adjusting his beard, he said:
So, do you mind if I pop round to see the disappointed Charlie?
Nooo! Mum and I chimed together.
Dad, can I come too? I begged.
As the Snow Maiden? Dad grinned.
As a bunny! I shouted, dashing to my room. I came back in my bunny costume from nursery that morning gleaming white dungarees, long floppy ears, pom-pom tail. I wore a cardboard mask with holes for eyes and drawn-on whiskers.
All right then, lets go Dad relented. But at least keep your coat on; even a winter bunny needs to wrap up warm!
Off we went, me lugging the present sack behind Dad in full Father Christmas gear. Mum was barely holding in laughter as she saw me bouncing along, ears flapping, beside tall Father Christmas and the clattering staff.
About ten minutes later, only Dad came back inside, looking sheepish.
Wheres Tom? Mum fretted.
Dont worry, hes fine Dad reassured her. Hes playing with Charlie, Ill fetch him in half an hour.
Dad collapsed on the settee, beard askew, face pink and sweaty.
You wouldnt believe it he told Mum we were the sixth lot to bring gifts for poor Charlie tonight! And probably not the last. The nursery manager, Mrs. Archer, had just left as we arrived, apologising profusely for the gift mix-up.
Dad explained everything: turns out someone filmed the nursery party and put it online on our towns message board. Thousands had watched within hours, with all sorts of comments!
Did they? Mum replied, surprised. I must see.
But thats not all Dad went on. Charlies mum only managed to pay her money a bit late…
Its partly her own fault, really Mum interjected, reasonably. But shes on her own, sometimes theres just not enough cash. They at least couldve sorted something out for her boy.
But the managers didnt bother Dad was annoyed. Just struck Charlie off the list for presents, no questions asked. And so an innocent child suffered.
Oh, if only I was Mrs. Archers boss! Mum said with feeling. Its heartless to treat children like that she should be sacked…
Maybe she will be Dad agreed. Or perhaps shell learn and do better next time… Anyone working with kids shouldnt be capable of such things.
Dad paused, rubbing his chin, then looked at Mum.
And guess what else: even Charlies dad came back, bearing gifts and looking thoroughly ashamed nearly in tears.
Really? Mum was overjoyed.
The doorbell rang. Mum answered it Id come home.
Why did you walk home alone, Tom? Dad blurted. I was coming to get you!
Im not a baby I protested. And it got boring.
Why was it boring? Dad asked.
Charlies mum and dad argued, then cried. Charlie and I went to the kitchen, and found them hugging. When Charlie joined in, all three started crying and hugging together. Weird! Nobody noticed when I left…
Mum and Dad exchanged glances and burst out laughing, relieved.
Come on, lets have some tea Mum suggested. And afterwards, whos awake can stay up for New Year. Lets hope its a happy one for everyone!
Hear, hear! I agreed, magnanimously.
