Christmas Eve in the Woods

Eb walked smartly in his overcoat and red sash. He travelled along the camp’s path in the lightly falling snow. Other campers were with him as they were all heading to the planned festivities for Christmas Eve.

His hat was tightly attached and he smiled as he strode towards the glen with his peers at Fezziwig’s Komputar Kamp. Komputar Kamp was, naturally, all male as women were unsuited for the rigors of Enterprise Quality. Fezziwig’s Finishing Camp for Young Ladies was also invited so that the party had some social value.

Fred was waiting at the glen for his uncle. His red and green waistcoat was adorned with twinkling stars that matched the highlights in his bright eyes. He waved at Eb as soon as he met his elder’s eyes. Eb joined him and tried to talk over the loud music pumping from the speakers and the sharp whistles of exhaust, “Happy Christmas Eve, kind Fred!”

Fred only waved over the sounds of MechaMariah and high pressure water vapor. Somehow, everyone felt that “All I Want For Christmas is Food” was always a great message.

The breeze blew hard for a moment but Fred’s hat was unmoved. The two spirits appeared slowly from the snow covered pines that surrounded the glen.

The spirit child with bichrome eyes took it in, “Oh. It’s so lovely. Look at it all.” Fezziwig held Christmas in very high regard and he would try to impress his charges each year with food, music, and beautiful decorations. The number of decorated trees and festive steam automations amazed the young men. Many of the campers, however, were hopeful that ladies from the Finishing Camp would be arriving soon.

“She’ll be here in a moment. So, pretty!” the child said as she pulled on the arm of the old man in the nightcap. The old man nodded and stared at his feet. He said nothing.

A lovely young woman entered the glen. She appeared to be a bit cold and somewhat unsure of herself. A butlerian took her gloved hand gently and asked for her calling card. It read the card momentarily and looked back at the awaiting male multitude. The music was reduced to allow for human thought to be transmitted airborne via compressed air patterns without getting creamed by a MechaMariah vocal flourish.

“Good sirs! I am very pleased to announce the arrivals of our betters from nearby. Please be the very young softwar gentlemen that Fezziwig himself expects on this fine, fine eve. This lovely young woman is named Belle and it is obvious why. Please do not attack her like a rabid pack of animals. There will be dance cards and order here. Thank you, kind Belle, and join Fezziwig’s grand Christmas Eve Ball,” said the butlerian smoothly.

Eb was simply unmoored by the sight of Belle. He usually wasn’t so easily smitten, but she affected him in a way he couldn’t place. If he was French and a bit drafty, he might say it was deja vu at first sight.

Fred watched his drifting uncle with some amusement. He pulled on his uncle’s arm. Eb bent over to hear his shorter companion but did not stop staring at his current fixation.

Fred sensibly offered, “You should go talk to her.”

Eb laughed but did not move before Mr. Fezziwig himself started to speak, “Good future screws, cylinders, bolts and all other good fasteners in my care! I give you my favorite night: Christmas Eve! Please eat and make merry. Please do mingle and match. Don’t stay attached to the wall even if you are a fastener! That said, decorum and order make Merry men and not a pack of wolves on the hunt! Ladies, please show these fine men how to behave in public. Hahah! Please enjoy!”

Fred looked behind Eb at the punch bowl fountains that were now spraying some red and green viscous liquids in a festive display of refreshments in motion. The nephew then offered, “Please, uncle. You’ll grow roots if you just stand there. Go over to the punch bowl and get me something to drink. I think something good will happen along the way.”

Eb agreed and turned to go to the punch bowl. Belle was already there. Eb stopped and waited.

The old man in the white pines whispered, “Just stop here, I beg you.”

The transparent child held the elder’s hand softly and looked on.

Eb tightened his hat two clicks and walked on.

Eb approached and Belle turned and saw him. She smiled and it reached her eyes. Eb stopped again.

The young woman said, “How do you do? My name is Belle and well, Happy Christmas Eve!” Belle walked over to Eb and kissed him lightly on the cheek. The mistletoe was overhead and Eb’s red and green face matched the berries above.

The child smiled and said, “Well, that settles that yet again.”

The old man looked down and the two spirits walked back into the forest.