Pam was too tired to argue or appreciate John’s weak stab at humor. She followed him until they stopped at a door off the main foyer in the Penthouse suites. She felt like a midget standing beside its enormity. When it opened, he looked up and smiled nervously. “Another mistletoe. You know the tradition started here, right?”
Pam could not dismiss his attempt at playfulness. “Without a doubt.” Her brows arched. “Well, what are you waiting for then, John-Doe Claus?”
“Please, always call me John-Doe. I love it, and now it’s part of our history.”
“I’m tired of talking, John-Doe.” Pam walked into his arms and allowed him to sweep her into a land of milk and honey, cookies and sweet treats, love and promise.
Once inside her suite, when the effect had worn off, and common sense returned to plague her, Pam grew riddled with misgivings. What was she doing? Doctor Pamela Legend could never settle in this make-believe world when she’d studied so hard to become the best in her field of medicine. She had a future in Cedar Springs, and in her heart of hearts she knew she could not let it go. Not for this imaginary world, even if being here felt so wonderfully authentic. Her mind buzzed with confusion.
At eleven-fifteen a female elf came with a bundle of clothes. “Mrs. Claus thought you might like to change.”
“Thank you. Tell her that I appreciate her kindness.”
“Oh, yes, Miss. She is the best boss in the entire world. Will you be taking lessons from her?”
“Lessons?”
“You know, to be the next great lady in Santa Ville. It’s a big responsibility, but she is confident you will outshine her a hundred times over.”
The truth sank in. “Me, Mrs. Claus?” When she noticed the elf’s confusion, Pam added. “I could never measure up.”
“She said the same thing when Santa first brought her home, but look at her now. The greatest Match Maker and Santa helper this village has ever known.”
I voiced my thought. “And you, little one, have seen all the generations of the Claus family?”
“Oh, my, yes. But I tend to agree with the reining one. You will make a grand replacement. The best yet.”
Pam bit her lip to stop the trembling. “Thank you for the clothes.” The girl took the hint and scurried from the room.
Pam went into the large bathroom and marveled at the many contraptions that made cleaning up feel like a spa treatment. Four showerheads jetted from different directions, pulsating, adding soapsuds, and rinsing at different intervals. The presence of a chair in the shower unit seemed to invite her to sit. When she leaned her head back into the rear tray, a finger-like gadget began to massage her scalp, then shampoo, condition and rinse her long hair. When the cycle automatically shut down, Pam felt revitalized. Quite the bathing experience!
She’d not packed a suitcase, so without make-up, it would be the all-natural look she’d bring to the table today. Although Pam noticed that her cheeks appeared to glow with a new pink that brightened her ivory skin color. The dress fit perfectly as if made to order. It was a simple style, as simple as it got around here. Speckles of gold sprinkled over the bodice, and the light satiny skirt flowed to her knees. The shiny red shoes matched and the leather felt like top designer quality, a comfort level she’d never afforded on her feet.
Pam searched for a brand name thinking of purchasing a work shoe to help her endure the long hours spent on hard, hospital floors. As soon as the thought registered her heart sank. The hospital. She was going back. In vain she hoped John would return with her, but he’d promised his mother he was home to stay.
The fairy tale was coming to an end, and Pam could do nothing to stop it. Promptly at twelve, when she gazed upon a hopeful John standing at her door, unwanted tears welled up, and her heart lay open to his search. He never asked the question that his eyes sought. He smiled weakly and squeezed her hand. They made their way quietly to the dining room.
The place was astir with new hope and a back-to-work spirit, busy servers and workers chatting merrily. Everyone stopped and stared as they walked to the head table. Mr. and Mrs. Claus soon joined them. The reigning couple had been through a lot, and they were getting on in age – although Pam was afraid to ask how long one served in this capacity before retirement. John had big shoes to fill for the rest of his life. Really? She gave herself a reality check. Surely she’d awaken, and this entire North Pole adventure would be written off as a motley twist of drama, evil versus good, a magical and miraculous journey.
Activity hummed again, and carts of steaming food wheeled out from behind swinging doors. The Claus family were the first served then with efficiently and speed the other six long rectangular tables received bowls of food to pass down the line of hungry recipients. Pam noticed the Claus family did not touch their plates, so she also sat and waited. When the last trolley disappeared into the kitchen, Santa stood, and the room became silent. In a booming voice, he read a portion from the Book and said the Morning Prayer. He bowed his head, and his attitude was one of thanksgiving for the lost sheep that had been found and the miracle of Christmas with its continuance of child-like faith.
Pam accepted the bowl of scrambled egg that John offered. “Interesting observation,” she voiced. “The Claus family bow to the Miracle Maker. Christ is still the
