A Christmas Love

Chapter One

"Let's go, let's go!" Bernard yelled as elves moved quickly around him as he walked past them. "How's this Bernard?" An elf called to him. "Great, Nick!" Bernard called back with a forced smile. His smile faded the second he stepped into the hallway leading to Santa's office. "Bernard?" A small voice called. Bernard whirled around his hair hitting him in the eyes. "Yes?" He said with another smile. "Can you try this new cookie? She wants you to try it before she gives it to Santa?" The small elf asked. Bernard tilted his head. "Who?" The little girl pointed a room down the hall. "Her. Head of Cookies." Bernard shrugged. "Okay." He bit into the cookie and his taste buds exploded with joy. "Pretty good. Tell her to add some frosting." The little elf beamed and handed a basket. "For you." "To give to Santa?" "No, for YOU. Head thinks you're not eating enough." Bernard stood in frozen in place while the little girl skipped away before slowly turning at walking down the hallway.

"Hey Santa?" Bernard called as he entered the room. "What's up Bernard?" Santa asked, looking up from a sheet of paper and taking a sip of cocoa. "Have you read through the Naughty-Nice List?" "Working on that now." Santa replied with a grin. "Santa?" "Hmm?" "Who's in charge of the food department?" Santa looked up. "I don't know, I thought you knew." "I don't." "Why? Do you like her? Speaking of which, I could go for a super cookie."