Stubborn Love

Don't Use The Word Plastic

~ALLIE POV~

I walked over to where Bernard and Curtis were and stopped short when I saw a toy version of Dad.

"What..."

"Don't ask questions," Bernard said.

"Where's my Dad?"

"What did I just say?" He asked rhetorically. "Don't ask questions."

I didn't say anything, but followed Bernard as he walked to the center of the workshop.

"Everybody! Can I have your attention for a few minutes?" he called.

No one listened, and he let out a sharp whistle, making everyone stop. "Thank you! I just have a-a quick announcement then you can all get back to work. S-Santa has asked me to inform all of you about a certain...change of appearance he's taken. I myself think he looks absolutely terrific! Better and fresher than he has in years. Right, Allison?"

I glared at Bernard, but nodded. "Yeah, he's got more of a-a...supler venee to his skin, and added...luster to his hair." I added.

"You could almost say there's a..." Bernard trailed off, looking for the right word. "Toy like quality to him. Most importantly, he is very happy with his new look. So I caution you all not to point, or star, or use the word plastic. Yes, okay, back to work."

Bernard let out a breath of relief and I turned towards him. "What the holly jolly is going on? Where is my dad?"

"I'll tell you later." He waved off.

"No, no, no," I said, following after him. "You need to tell me before something terrible happens!"

❄️❄️ ❄️

So a few days later, I was right. The workshop was out of control. The fake Santa insisted on making coal for the kids. I rolled my eyes as I watched Bernard and fake Santa argue.

"This guy isn't Santa!" Bernard yelled at last. "He's a toy! He's got a rubber face, and a plastic tushy! Trust me! Please don't let him ruin Christmas!"

Toy soldiers came up and grabbed Bernard and dragged him away. I jumped up in shock, watching as they dragged him away. I stormed up the steps walking up to get the fake Santa, "What are you doing! You can't do that!"

I glanced down at Curtis, because I knew that I was now the head elf.

"Of course I can!" he said. "I'm Santa Claus!"

"No, you're not!" I yelled. "You guys, Bernard was telling the truth!"

I felt myself being lifted and I kicked in their grip. I wasn't released until we reached a house, and I was thrown in. I gasped, straightening my dress out.

"Oh great!"

I turned around and saw Bernard sitting on the couch. "Oh great."

It was just my luck that I was to be in house arrest with Bernard of all people.