Twenty-Five

Steve

Christmas Eve was tomorrow, and I had a plan that I hoped worked as well as I imagined it would. Thinking back to how I felt when I first took the job as a mall elf, it didn’t seem real. Now I knew exactly what to expect and how to handle it. And I found I really didn’t mind working with the kids. They were so excited for Santa, and I might be an asshole, but I didn’t want to ruin that magic.

I’d tried a few times to stay at home but since Thanksgiving I’d spent every night with Garrett—and Teddy. Because he really was a cute little dog and not much trouble at all. I didn’t start until late today so after Garrett left for work, I went to my house to pick up what had been delivered this morning, and hoped it looked as good as it had online.

My phone rang when I was a block away from my house. “Good morning.”

“Good morning, sweetheart, how are you doing?” Mom asked.

“I’m doing good. Only one more day as an elf after today,” I said and still couldn’t believe I’d survived it.

“Will you miss it?” she asked, and when I thought about it I was surprised at my answer.

“Yeah, I think I will. I thought it would be horrible, but I think it helped me in a lot of ways.”

“What do you mean?”

“Well, I’ve learned a little patience goes a long way, and no crowd could ever be worse than a group of kids waiting for Santa,” I said making her laugh.

“You never were a fan of crowds. I’m glad it wasn’t all bad. When do you start your new job?”

“Right after Christmas,” I said. This was new for my mom to call just to talk, even though most conversations went mostly like this one. I felt closer to her, and I liked that. “It’s not the most money, but it should be a good job, and I have room to move up in the company.”

“Oh, that’s great, I’m really happy for you. Now, I wanted to ask if you still planned to come over Christmas Day.”

“I wouldn’t miss it. Garrett and I are going to a movie on Christmas Eve and stopping by his parents’ afterward. Would you mind if he stopped by on Christmas Day?” Before Thanksgiving I’d never brought anyone home to meet my parents. It wasn’t that I didn’t want them to know any of the guys I’d dated, it was just that they were only dates and nothing more. Garrett was more than that, and I wanted them to get to know him better.

“It’s more than okay, we’ll see you both on Christmas.” I could hear the smile in her voice, and it made me happy knowing I’d brought that smile to her face.

“I better get going. I just ran home before work to pick up some mail.”

“See you Christmas, Stevie,” she said and hung up.

I hurried to the garage and opened it, happy that I’d installed the opener that connected to the shipping company so they could just deliver it inside away from any thieves. There were a few boxes and one padded envelope. I opened them all and was more excited with each reveal. “This is going to be so perfect.” I took out all the pieces of the costume I’d purchased and folded it all up into one of the boxes along with the ornament that I’d ordered. Garrett would officially meet Tinsel on Christmas night.

I made it back to work in plenty of time and just like every other day, the lines were crazy. and I hoped my newfound patience held up. I’d just changed into my uniform when Terry walked over with his clipboard and narrowed his eyes at me. “Steve, can I have a word?”

“Sure, Terry, what can I do for you?” I asked and walked to where he stood.

“I wasn’t sure how you’d turn out, but you’ve been one of the best elves this year. We’d like to offer you a job next season if you’re available. I know it’s hard to commit so far out but we try to line everyone up,” he said and tapped his pen while he waited for my answer.

I thought about it and turning him down was the first thing on my mind, but then I realized I really didn’t hate doing this job, and it was only once a year. “Do I get a raise?” I asked.

The corner of his mouth tipped up on one side in the biggest display of emotion other than annoyance I’d seen on him since I started. “Yes, all returning elves will be paid more.”

“Then I’m in. Will you contact me next year?”

“You’ll get a phone call in September. You can let us know if things have changed.” He turned then and walked away.

“Thanks, Terry,” I yelled, and he waved over his shoulder.

“Coming back next year?” Santa—Dave—asked.

“Yep, I think so. It wasn’t as horrible as I thought it would be. How about you?”

“Of course. This is my twentieth year, and I wouldn’t miss another year for anything. It’s good to know you’ll be back,” he said and tapped his finger to his nose before walking toward his throne to the sound of bells tinkling.

I rested my hands on my hips and looked around at the scene of chaos that was the line to see Santa. Yeah, this job was hell, but it was also fun, and seeing how happy it made everyone somehow made me happy too. “Get it moving, Tinsel,” Terry said, as he walked past me again in the opposite direction.

I nodded and jogged off to the front of the line because they all knew I was the elf that was in control and when Tinsel was on the job there would be far less chaos. The vomiting I couldn’t control, but now I was prepared, just like all the elves, with vomit bags in the little packs we carried. “Hey, Mister Elf, is this the real Santa,” a kid asked when I got to my area.

I knelt in front of him to answer. “Yes, he is. Have you been good this year?” He looked away before nodding. “Don’t worry, Santa knows it’s not easy to be good all the time.” He smiled and turned to watch as Santa took a seat and welcomed the first of many kids. And so, my season as an elf drew to a close.