Christmas Elf

Part 8

I could feel my head adjust to the warmth of the air exposed to it suddenly. I could see my father run down with a shotgun in hand, and my brother-in laws face. They had married my sister off, to the pastor's son, for money.

"What are you, a demon?" my father demanded, aiming at my chest with a barrel.

"No sir, he is a human. I believe that is all me. I am an Elf and when i saved him and Holy from death, well, this was the price." Nick came up behind me, his reasonable and kind spirit fueling his steps. I could feel him behind me, his chest hugged my spin.

"You are not the monster here. This wretched beast is." my father moved the barrel up my chest, to my throat.

"Father, he doesn't lie. I promise." I pleaded knowing what his goal was, my throat was in front of Nick's heart.

"Shut up brat." he loaded the gun.

"I would put that barrel down Clyde." The voice behind me grew dark, menacing and hateful. I could hear the venom kiss the air, absorbing all of the hate and merging with it. "Your son here is no brat, no monster, or disgrace. He is an amazing father, one you could never wish to be. He raised that girl with passion on a dark fruit vine. Your lot gave him nothing but misery. He is a beacon of light, happiness, and hope. I sure as hell love him, maybe you should too."

I, along with the rest of my family, stared at the tall man. I watched in awe as he defended me, his eyes looked joyful and ready. His tone was full of adornment, I was more shocked it was aimed at me.

"Claus, you don't have to defend me, it's fine." I placed my hand on his chest and calmed him down.

"I wanted to, now let's deliver these and celebrate your birthday in a more cheerful environment." he took out a toy from the sacks and kneeled in front of my sister. "For your baby, may he be cheerful and forever bright." he handed her a small stuffed toy before standing back up and throwing both sacks over his shoulder.

"Holy, you want to stay here till we come back? Nice and cozy, hm?" I asked, rubbing my daughter's head as she joined me in the kitchen. Her eyes showed fear, unsolicited fear, it infuriated me.

"Please be fast, you have to be home by midnight, deal?" she boasted.

"Hear that Santa, our girl wants us home by midnight, think we can do that?"I joined Nick at the doorsteps, sharing one last glance to my young daughter.

"Midnight? Sounds reasonable." he grabbed my hand and led me outside of the house.

The snow had grown harsh, as we worked the inches grew, covering cellars and lower leveled houses front doors. As we made our way house to house we left the toys in crates outfront the house's windows. We continued this way, knocking as we left. We could hear the children scream and laugh as they got their new toys. Confidently we gave every child in the village a toy, our sacks empty, crumpled into jagged lumps in my arms.

"Happy birthday Christmas."