Bernard x Oc

Stopping Frost

Scott entered the workshop to see parents and children talking over each other, being rude and disrespectful. "Get a ticket. We were here first. I hate it. I'm not getting on. I'm not made of money, all right? Let's go."

"Try our gingerbread houses. They're Santalicious. Don't forget to buy a ticket for Santa's show." An elf announced through the speakers.

"Do I look like a cash machine to you? I want a dancing Santa! Keep moving. Come on. Forget it. That's it. I saw it first. No, you didn't. I'm buying it. Give it to me! No way! Mom! Dad, I don't like this. That's just too bad. Hey, stand somewhere else. You stay right here with me and hold my hand!" More children shouted at their parents. Scott felt sick to his stomach, watching them pet the reindeer as they squealed and tried to back away from the children's hands.

"I wanna see reindeer. Stop pushing! Why are we here? Because you wanted to... Kids, how much your parents love you depends on how much they spend on your present."

Scott's attention was drawn to his left, recognizing a young girl's voice, "Hurry up, Dad, let's go! Come on; I want a ride!"

"Lucy! Neil!" Scott calls out with a smile, spotting the two walk up to him, "Scott Calvin. Odd place to run into you." Neil remarked, holding Lucy's hand. Scott kneeled in front of Lucy and held out his arms, hoping she would hug back, "Luce?"

"What's up, Mr. Calvin? Can we please go?" Lucy acknowledged before turning back to her father, making Scott's smile drop. Neil took a step forward to the ride. Scott grabbed his arm, "Wait, wait, wait. What happened between you and Laura?"

"I know you think therapy is like witchcraft, but you might consider it." Neil scoffed. "Please, please, just tell me," Scott begged.

"You don't really know because you were never around. It shouldn't be any news to you, Scott. You were never a father to Charlie. You put all the pressure on me, and guess what? He didn't want me to be his father... which messed things up pretty good between Laura and me. Want me to go on, Scott?"

His eyes widened in surprise as Lucy tugged on Neil's arm, "Come on, Dad, the line's getting longer." The two continued on their way, with Scott watching desperately. "Excuse me, sir." Then, someone taps on Scott's shoulder, making him turn around, "Curtis." Scott grinned, happy to see a recognizable face.

"Yes, sir. Can I offer you two tickets for a turn to build a toy with Santa's elves? I'll throw in this commemorative pen, voice-enhanced. Cash or credit card? 'Cash or credit card?'" He spoke into the enhanced pen, and it repeated his voice. Scott couldn't believe it, "That's silly." He frowns at Curtis.

"Not sure; I'll throw in a pass for the nice list. Walk with me, won't you?" Curtis led Scott to the Naughty-and-nice-centre to show him the nice list. "Curtis, it's me. Oh, for the love of candy canes, what have you done here?" Scott gasped.

"Well, sir, this is a nice list kiosk. The line ends by the petting zoo." Curtis answered, pointing to the stables. Scott adverted his eyes to the stables and Curtis, "Parents pay to have their kids put on the nice list? Not right. I better change things back the way they were. Who's your boss? Where's Frost?" Scott turned to Curtis, who had a confused look in his eyes. "Curtis, where's Frost?" Scott yelled.

"Security!" Curtis yells over Scott's shoulder, where two guards begin making their way over. "Bring Frost out here right now!" Scott demanded. "I'll take care of him." Then, a chilling voice spoke behind Scott. Curtis quickly scampered away.

"Look, there's Santa." A child mentions.

Scott turns around to see Frost as Santa grin at him, "Nice to see you, mon Frere. I've been waiting. Has it been 12 years already?" Frost snickered. Scott shook his head with a disappointing smile, observing Frost, "Frost. What have you done?"