The Christmas Clause : Bernard and OC

I love you, too

Once Scott and Charlie were gone Noel decided to help Bernard clear away the wedding decorations. Now she was back to her normal self with her not so normal life, she was very happy.

While helping Bernard pull down one of the garlands, Carol walks over, setting down a bin for the broken pieces. 'Why can't they use magic to take it down. They used it to put it up.' Noel chuckles while untying a piece of ribbon. 'I was just thinking that.' Carol smiles up at them, making Noel jump slightly.

'Oh, sorry Noel. I didn't mean to startle you.' Carol apologies, making the head elf chuckle slightly.

'It's alright. Have you had a tour yet?' She asks, finally pulling the red ribbon free. 'Catch.' She throws the free piece to Bernard who catches it in his arms. 'Um, yes. The little one showed me around. He said he was the number two?'

'Oh. Curtis?' Noel asks, climbing down from the wooden ladder. 'Yes.' Carol smiles. 'Gosh there's so many of you. I don't know if I can remember everyone.'

'Oh you'll get used to it. I mean, you're a principal. If anyone can do it, it's you.' Noel admires as she walks over to her. 'Thanks.' She smiles back.

'So, have you been here the same time as Scott?' Carol asks as the pair watch Bernard climb down the ladder with the jumbled garland in one arm. 'Yeah. Been here since the day he became Santa.'

'That's so cool.' Noel notices the sudden mood change in Carol's face, her smile lowering slightly. 'Something up?' Noel asks, kindly.

'No. It's just... well.' Carol thinks for a second before sitting down on a nearby bench. Noel follows and sits beside her. 'I don't know if I can live up to the name. I mean, thirty minutes ago I was a principal. Now I'm Mrs Claus.' Carol burts her emotions out, shaking slightly. Noticing, Noel takes her hand in hers, smiling softly.

'You'll get used to it.' She comforts her. 'I mean, at first I struggled up here. But then I realised I had someone who loves me here. Someone who will always be there when I'm down. When I'm home sick. Things like that. Do you think I connected to this place the first time?' Carol shakes her head, slowly. 'No. No I didn't. I only took this place to heart because of the people. Because of my true love, Bernard.'

Hearing his name, Bernard turns his head whilst packing away the ribbons before walking over. He takes Noel's now free hands into his, stroking them gently.
'It seems you two are perfect for each other.' Carol smiles, wiping away a single teardrop.

'Like you and Scott.' Bernard tells her, pulling her up from the bench. 'Other than that. Noel here needs a little female company. Someone to boss her around.'
Noel nudges her boyfriend in the gut slightly, making the trio laugh.

'I'll sure try.' Carol smiles before walking back over to the bit full of ripped ribbon and paper. 'She's going to fit in nicely.' Noel smiles, watching her new aunt. 'Yeah she is.' Bernard nudges her back before walking over to Carol.

'Mrs Claus-'

'Carol, please.' Carol corrects the head elf, making him raise an eyebrow. Not many people correct Bernard without consequences, with the exception of Noel of course. But this is Mrs Claus, he has to listen to her.

'Carol, how about you and Abby here go to your room and freshen up for the big man's arrival.' He continues, pulling a wandering Abby over to them. 'He will be back shortly.' The head elf adds looking up at the grand clock hanging on the wall of the workshop.

'Ok.' Carol smiles before following Abby down the stairs to Scott's room.

Once they were out of sight Noel tugs at Bernard's satchel, making him turn to her. 'Hey, Scott's not gonna be back for a good few hours.'