The 12 Tales of Christmas season 2 - All American Christmas
Hello everyone, the 12 Tales of Christmas begins the final countdown. There are only two more stories before season 2 gets wrapped up. For this one we return to the slice-of-life genre. Jstoog from Minds lent a hand for this by choosing snowman and the number 11. Thank you so much for your help.
Now what did I come up with from this prompt? It's something very special you're going to love. In this story the father of an 11-year-old boy is about to make a very interesting wager with a local teacher. And this father and his son have been through some hard times. Get ready for All American Christmas.
Francis McCoy strolled toward Madison Park in Southeast Snow Peak Colorado. The Big Mountain Public Transportation company bus driver looked around. Alongside him was his 11-year-old son Sebastian. “Thanks for coming along to cheer me on Dad,” the boy said.
“Hey, I made a promise to your mother that I’d always be there for you. And it’s a promise I still mean to keep.” The driver said.
A sad smile crossed his face and the boy took notice. “I know Dad, I miss her too,” he added.
“But...but she’d want us both to go on.” Sebastian acknowledged.
“Your Mom was always a smart resilient woman.” The single dad said before a thought came to him.
“Sometimes I'm surprised and I dare say even scared with how world wise you are.”
“One of my classmates Jenny Taylor lost her dad, I guess we helped each other through it.” The boy admitted.
“That’s what friends do Sebastian,” The black-haired man said his voice tinged with approval.
He patted his backpack. “So, you’re actually going to do this huh?”
The boy nodded before he added, “Alex, James, Leroy and his dad are going to help.”
“Leroy, you mean Leroy Hicks, Mackey’s son?” Francis asked.
"The very one,” the boy confirmed.
“And considering Mackey is quite the history buff, now I see why you insisted that I bring all this along.”
And through the snow they reached the park. Good thing we’re in a suburban neighborhood so the traffic isn’t too bad. And everyone had good enough sense to stock up before the snow hit.
As they wandered into the park they saw lots of kids busy working away at their various snowman projects. It was no secret that due to its proximity to the mountains the city got its fair share of snow in the winter. And this year said snow had come early. Still this small city was full of hearty people who could take a snowfall like this.
Up ahead they saw several mobile tables had been set up. The local neighborhood watch program had set up this event. Several of the officials sat at the desk. At another desk were two large thermoses. As the two approached Francis could smell hot cocoa from one, and apple cider from the other.
Beside each thermos were plastic cups waiting for use. An older woman was overseeing the hot beverages. Francis walked up with his son. “Evening Molly,” he greeted.
The woman smiled and said, “Evening Francis, how’s the bus line been today?”
The bus driver chuckled and said, “Pretty quiet, a lot of people are staying off the road because of the snow. Smart move on their part.”
“Hey there Sebastian, Mackey or rather Mister Hicks has arrived. He and the others are over there.” Molly said pointing to a group of kids who were talking with the history buff.
Francis set down his pack and got out the revolutionary war garb. One of the kids pointed to the three. A black man with a big handlebar mustache dressed in bulky winter attire approached. The man had a black stocking cap along with his heavy red, white, and blue jacket. His pants were the bulky woolen kind, and his boots and gloves were black in color. The black man smiled and said, “Evening Francis.”
He then looked at the boy, “Good to see you, Sebastian.”
He looked over the garb brought and the history buff’s eyes widened. “Wow," he said. "This garb will be perfect! You’ve gone the extra mile kiddo.”
He then took the clothing and said, “Come on Sebastian let’s get to it.”
The boy looked at his father. “Go to it kiddo and have fun,” Francis encouraged.
“Before I go, we still on for fixing up my Harley next week?” Mackey asked the bus driver.
Francis’ eyes lit up in anticipation. “Dude, I wouldn’t miss that for the world.”
He nodded and the boy and man headed off to meet the others. Molly asked, “How are you holding up Francis?"
The McCoy man shrugged and said, “My son and I we’re managing. It’s still hard to believe it’s been three years since the accident that took Mira’s life.”
“There was nothing anyone could’ve done. No one expected that mechanical failure in their rescue helicopter.”
“Doesn’t make it hurt any less,” the bus driver muttered.
“Oh, Francis you should know Keri’s going to be here tonight.”
That caught the man’s attention. “My son’s former homeroom and math teacher?”
Molly nodded and said, “She’s actually been thinking of leaving the neighborhood.”
The driver's face darkened. “I heard about what happened and didn’t want to say anything. But I could tell there was something about her ex-boyfriend that seemed immature.”
“The neighborhood wouldn’t be the same without Keri. She’s always been so wonderful to the children.” The older woman noted.
The man got the subtle hint from Molly. It wasn’t a big secret that Francis had been harboring feelings for the woman for the last couple of years. The older woman said, “It’s been long enough Francis, I know Mira would want you to move on.”
The bus driver thought for a moment, and an idea came to him. “You got a point Molly, and I have an idea about how to handle things with Keri."
She smirked and said, “I'll leave that to you.”
“The neighborhood matchmaker playing subtle again?” Francis quipped.
The older woman flashed an innocent smile. “I haven’t got the slightest clue what you’re talking about.”
“Yeah right,” Francis said flashing a look that said he could see the B.S. in her words from a mile away.
It was then that he saw a black-haired woman her short hair beneath a blue and green stocking cap. Like everyone else she wore bulky winter clothing. Only her heavy coat was pink with white gloves heavy blue jeans and snow boots. “Go on,” Molly whispered.
Francis took a breath. What the hell, he thought, all she can say is no.
The bus driver started towards Keri. The woman waved to some of the kids who greeted the 32-year-old. Damn, Francis thought.
That winter outfit doesn’t do all that much to hide a great figure. He observed.
He then forced his mind out of the gutter as he continued to approach her. The black-haired woman saw the maple-brown haired man approach. “Oh, hi Francis,” she greeted sounding warm.
But the McCoy male could sense the sad tinge to her words. “Evening Keri,” he said in genuine warmth.
“Where Sebastian?" She asked.
The 36-year-old bus driver pointed to where Mackey and the kids were working on their snowman. “So, they’re entering the snowman competition the neighborhood watch announced huh?” Keri observed.
Francis chuckled and said, “It’s something of a fixture in this neck of the woods whenever we get snow around here.”
A sad look crossed her face. “Yeah, That’ll be something I’ll miss about this place.” she observed a bitter tone to her voice.
“What’s on your mind Keri?” he asked.
“Well, the truth is I’ve been thinking about transferring to another school in the Snow Peak city area.” She admitted.
“What brought on this decision?” The bus driver asked.
“Well, it’s not so much a decision as I’m contemplating it." she explained.
The black-haired woman took a breath before she explained her thoughts. "Don't get me wrong the pay is great and I adore the kids."
Her face soured as she continued. "But after what happened with him, I'm not as happy around here as I was because of the memories."
“So, you’re thinking about leaving because of what your ex did huh?” he asked.
She nodded her confirmation then asked, "I take it word has gotten around?"
"Yup," he said in confirmation.
The bus driver thought for a long moment before he asked, “Um...Keri can I be candid with you?”
“Go right ahead,’ she answered assuming she was about to get some kind of lecture.
“Um...Keri to be frank...your boyfriend was an immature ass,” he said in a low tone so none of the kids overheard him.
“I know,” she growled.
“I saw his mobile with those other women he was seeing. God I can't believe I got taken in by that jerk.”
“I know it’s hard but well...we all make mistakes. And in all honesty, I don’t want you to leave.”
That took the woman by surprise. “You don’t?” she asked.
“Don’t let the actions of some immature cheater spoil the neighborhood for you. I still owe you for being there for me and Sebastian after what happened with...Mira.”
“You still miss her, don’t you?” she observed.
“Yeah, it’s true she died while on the job for the Forest Service. But losing her was still rough.”
And then he flashed a wry smile. “Listen Keri, I have a little proposition for you. Nothing improper I assure you.”
The black-haired woman’s face furrowed. “Okay…” she said sounding baffled.
“If my son and his team can win the snowman making contest, in turn you have to agree to go out with me.”
The teacher's cheeks flushed pink. “Mister Francis McCoy, are you trying to ask me out?” She asked in a surprised tone.
“I’ve tried to ask you out on the bus, but you get off so quick that I can’t keep up with you. You’re always in such a rush to get stuff done.”
The woman rubbed the back of her head and flushed in embarrassment. “Yeah, my father says much the same thing.”
She raised an eyebrow and asked, "What if he loses?"
Francis shrugged and said, “Then you’re free to go and do what you want and I’ll never ask again.”
The young woman looked around. “I don’t know, with all the people competing in the snowman making contest the chances aren’t that good.”
Francis snickered before he responded. “Considering Sebastian’s team has a history buff and retired marine I like their chances.”
The woman shrugged and said, “If you say so.”
The bus driver waved her towards the stand. “Come on Molly’s got hot cocoa and hot apple cider if you’re interested.”
The teacher's eyes widened in delight. "Hot Apple Cider? Oh my God I remember when mom would make it once a year when I was a little girl. I always loved her cider."
“Well then follow me lady, Molly’s Apple cinnamon cider is killer good.” He chimed.
“All right," she said and followed the man over to where Molly was waiting.
The two talked of many things as the night wore on. “So, you grew up in Minnesota huh?” he asked.
“Yeah, my mom and Dad are both Minnesotans. They’re retired and living in a town some distance from St. Paul. And what about you?"
“Born, raised, and worked all my life in Ice Peak Colorado so I’m used to the cold. There’s a ski lodge up in the Mountains some distance from here The Ti-Peaks Lodge. They’ve got some killer skiing and snowboarding.”
The two then noticed Sebastian and his team were finishing the snowman. “Is Sebastian’s team making that snowman look like George Washington?” Keri asked.
The McCoy male smiled and nodded his confirmation. “We have a lot of military families around here. So, we have a big appreciation for this country and its history.”
The two looked around and noticed the large crowd that had gathered. “Looks like this event attracted quite a few people.” she observed.
“Well since there’s not that much to do one does what one must,” he quipped.
Out of the crowd an older man who’d been sitting at the table stepped forward. He walked into the middle of the crowd a speakerphone in hand. He turned it on and called out, “Attention please, attention.”
The Grey-haired man in winter attire waited for everyone to settle down. “For those who don’t know me I’m Peter Gregory head of the neighborhood watch program around here. I’m surprised to see so many here tonight but you’re coming is very much appreciated.
"The others and I have made a decision in the snowman making contest.”
A tense hush fell over the audience. Sebastian and his team tensed, that is all except Mackey who flashed a knowing smile.
He knows something we don’t, Francis thought knowing his longtime friend too well.
“First off, I wanted to say that this was a difficult choice as every snowman was very well made. But we’ve come to a decision in the contest.”
There was a long pause. Francis heard Keri whisper, “Geez does Pete have to prolong things?”
At this the McCoy man couldn’t help but snicker. Peter you can be such a ham, he thought.
“Well, the winner will receive a custom-made trophy and a keg of Molly Stewart’s apple cider.”
Francis looked at Molly who mouthed, “I had a lot of help.”
He turned back as Peter spoke up. “The winner of this contest is…Team McCoy with their George Washington snowman!”
The crowd let out a loud cheer. Keri for her part looked surprised. But Francis didn’t miss the knowing snicker that Mackey did a terrible job concealing. He knew this would happen, he knew. Francis noted.
Good buddy you don’t know how happy you've made me today.
Francis then clapped his hands and cheered, “Great job Sebastian!"
The kids of Sebastian’s team cheered. Keri turned to the bus driver and said in a chiding tone, “You knew this would happen, you knew!”
The McCoy male shrugged and said, “I had a pretty good feeling. There’s a reason some say Mackey missed his calling as a history teacher. And the kids they follow his instructions to the letter.
"He has a natural authority about him all the children respect."
He then flashed a devious smile and said, “Well Keri looks like I won the bet.”
She rolled her eyes but her mouth curved in a slight smile. “Yeah-yeah," she said in a bemused tone.
“So when do you want to go out?” she asked.
“I’m thinking let’s have that date when the snow clears up.” Francis answered.
Keri looked over things and nodded her agreement. “That would be best. You're a good bus driver Francis but even in this weather it would be hard to navigate anywhere.”
The maple brown-haired man nodded his agreement. “Smart thinking on your part.”
And there you have it folks. There’s the 11th story in the 12 Tales of Christmas. One more to go and it’ll be all done. Thanks again to Jstoog for his participation. If anyone on Minds wants to take part there will be room next year when I do this again.
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The 12 Tales of Christmas season 1
Next: Under the Mistletoe