Blue Christmas

CHAPTER ONE- My Snowflake

                 Snow fell outside of Scott's window, adding to the ever growing lump on the windowsill. He watched flakes as they twirled, dancing with their partners as they descended. Two dancers in particular whirled around each other in their mortal waltz, encircling one another, until finally they grasped each other. Their fragile crystals enveloped the other, and they continued their plummet downward until they landed upon the piled snow. It was then that they disappeared, unseen in the blinding white, forever intertwined after their lifelong dance. The beauty of this, the romance of this, caused a deep sense of yearning in Scott's heart. Fear began to enter his mind, that he would not find the right partner before his dance was over, and he was lost in the snow. 

             Before the frost painted borders on the window panes, and the hollering of the workshop was only a whisper, Scott had been happy. This was during the summer season, his second favorite season, and his easiest. Though the sun didn't bring enough warmth in the North Pole, he found no issue going on vacation in the short time he had to do so. It would give him time that he would spend with his son, Charlie. It would give him time to spend with his wife, Carol. It would give him time to unwind after the harrowing Christmas season passed. 

             What he found on this vacation, however, was anything but relaxing. Scott left home with his wife, and returned by himself.

             Carol was unusually quiet on the sleigh ride to Charlie's house, which was something that Scott noticed immediately. Countless tries to find what discontented her so were unsuccessful. Scott's attitude about the entire trip then started to shift.

            Seeing his son once more allowed his spirits to rise, however. It was always a surprise to Charlie how his father would arrive. It was a gamble whether he would be seen with his signature white beard and rotund frame, or his thin clean shaven face. It could also be anywhere in between, depending on how long after the holidays it was.

            This time, Scott still held on to some weight, but mostly maintained the same appearance he had during Charlie's childhood. Instead of his bright red suit, he instead dressed casually in a t-shirt and jeans. It was sometimes hard for Charlie to process the change his father went through from his jolly gift-giving persona, to his regular, Scott Calvin self. He definitely thought that Santa should at least be able to afford better shoes, than the ones Scott wore with tears along the sides.

            Scott was welcomed with warm embraces, even from his ex-wife Laura and her husband Neil. The only person who wasn't smiling was Carol, who still sulked and stayed silent throughout the stay.

             After many dinners and celebrations, Scott knew it was time to go back home. His home and work, intertwined and one. Though Christmas lay many months ahead, preparations must begin early to meet the deadlines set by Bernard. So, everyone said their goodbyes, and Scott loaded up his sleigh once more. Only this time, Carol was hesitant to board.

             "Aren't you coming?" Scott asked, implying some sarcasm in his tone. Of course she would be coming, where else would she go?

             "No, Scott. I'm not going back with you. Not this time. Not anymore" Carol spoke coldly. Scott could only stand there, her words barely making sense in his mind, twisting into knots and falling into pieces.

             "What- What do you mean?" His face dropped, leaving any jolliness to fade away.

             "I can't do it anymore" Carol began, wrapping her arms around herself and turning away from Scott.

             "Your work. You're always working. I can't do it like you do, Scott, and it's not fair to either of us if I stay."

             "Carol, I deliver toys to kids all around the world in one night, there's going to be a lot of work to do. But even then, I make time for you. I brought us down here on vacation."