The judges have made their decisions – and the following three stories in the December Fiction in Five Contest rose to the top! The theme was a fun one, all about the holiday. See what how our winners interpreted the prompts:
First Place Winner: Greener Grass by Carol Clark of Aldan, Pennslyvania. Carol writes short fiction and poetry in the Philadelphia suburbs. She is also an editor with EveryDayFiction.com, where she enjoys pouring over flash pieces and discovering fresh voices. Carol loves to immerse herself in all things literary, and participates in several local and online reading and writing groups. She also enjoys movies, cooking, and spending time with family and friends.
Greener Grass
Thankfully, Manfreid had learned to tune out the din of toy making and the stream of Christmas music being pumped into Santa’s workshop. He sat at a corner bench today, a lucky find on December 22, removed from the mainstream elf activity. There he had propped up December’s issue of Conde Naste Traveler in front of a dollhouse he was working on, and was lost in another world filled with sunshine, beaches, and taller people. He was captivated by pictures of far off places like Hawaii and Rome and this place called Galapagos Islands that was filled with strange and fascinating creatures.
Ever since Manfreid had turned sixteen this past year, his insides changed. Visions of lollipops and sugar plum fairies were supplanted by images of places where the sun set over a river and created the most brilliant shade of red; a real red that was ten times more beautiful than all the twinkling lights of the North Pole. And where he saw only sprigs of mistletoe here, in his mind he viewed vast forests and hillsides, with lush fields of a deep green unknown to him. He had enjoyed his elfin duties, but Manfreid’s whole perspective changed when he realized he wasn’t meant to be an elf. His heart’s desire was to become a world traveler, a connoisseur of beautiful places. With Christmas Eve only two days away, he had plans to finalize. It was time to leave the North Pole.
He was startled out of his musings when he heard her speak.
“Manfreid, what are you doing?” Holly, the prettiest elf he’d ever known, was hovering over him. He shoved the magazine into his lap. He picked up his hammer, and put on the most conscientious face he had.
“What does it look like I’m doing?” He frowned as he looked up at Holly, but it was hard to stay grumpy in the presence of such beauty. He would miss her, those deep brown eyes set like dabs of chocolate in smooth vanilla cream. But his life’s ambitions took precedence over silly notions of love.
Manfreid worked diligently at his elfin duties right up until Christmas Eve, not wanting to stir up suspicion. But that night at dinner he was unusually quiet, and his attentive mother took note.
“Manfreid dear, is there something on your mind?”
“No, Mom, I’m fine.” But she continued to watch him, and he saw her eyes well up with tears. Damn that Christmas sentimentality again. He scooped another portion of ham and potatoes onto his plate, knowing he’d need the strength to endure a ride around the planet. He didn’t know his destination, but was positive he’d recognize it when he arrived.
Manfreid excused himself and went to his room. He surveyed the tiny nook that had been home his whole life. For a moment he wanted to abandon his crazy plans. Something was already troubling his mother tonight, and he knew his disappearance would devastate her. Manfreid sat down on the bed as one anxious thought followed another. After all, they loved him, gave him everything he needed. Everything, that is, except the freedom to decide what he wanted to be and do. He’d never felt so confused in his life, and he sobbed silently on the bed.
Then it hit him. Manfreid had been making other children happy since he was little. He worked tirelessly to fill the requests on their long lists, and they always got what they wanted. Suddenly the pictures from his magazine filled his mind with adventure, creating a slideshow that transported him from exotic European cities to African safaris. Manfreid jumped up from his bed and packed his small sack.
The Bells of Christmas chimed eleven times as he tiptoed down the stairs. He hoped his parents would be deep in slumber now, exhausted after such a busy week. He stepped outside into the frigid air, and saw Santa’s dock illuminated. Manfreid ran quickly towards it, not looking back.
He fit in easily among the elves loading Santa’s sleigh, and spotted a large empty box in the corner. Dragging it over to the sleigh, he made small talk with the elves. When they set off to get more presents, he hopped into the box and pulled the lid over him. Trembling, Manfreid sat and waited.
Then he heard a small familiar voice outside the box. A hand rapped gently on the lid. Manfreid held his breath. “Manfreid, dear, it’s Mother. Don’t be afraid, I’m here for you. Please open up and talk to me.”
Manfreid’s heart sank as he watched the travel images fade from his mind, opening the box to the fluorescent haze he thought he’d left behind.
But his mother looked different. She wasn’t angry, and there were just a few tears left on her cheek.
“Manfreid, I know you have to go. But there’s something I want you to have.” She reached into her pocket and pulled out a shiny star.
“My mother gave this to me when I was a child. I’ve been holding onto it ever since, it’s the one bright star that’s gotten me through all these years at the Pole. My son, I’ve always wanted to see the world too. But it just wasn’t meant to be.” She placed the star gently into Manfreid’s hand. “It’s your turn now, your chance to live the life you want.”
The Bells of Christmas chimed twelve times. Manfreid hugged his mother, and whispered into her ear. “I love you too.” As he climbed back into the box, the first snowflakes of Christmas Day began to fall gently through the air. His mother touched the box, then walked away. As she neared her home, she heard the booming voice call out into the night to his reindeer. She turned to see a flash of light, and they were gone. She spoke into the night. “Sweet dreams, my love.”
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Second Place Winner: Finer Things, by Lori Quiller, of Prattville, Alabama, a graduate of The University of Alabama with a degree in journalism and criminal justice. Since graduating, she has worked in the fields of marketing and public relations in both the private and government sectors since 1991. This year, Ms. Quiller received her second consecutive APEX Award for Publication Excellence, an international competition for writing and graphic design. She carries with her a quote by Ralph Waldo Emerson for motivation and inspiration: “Nothing great was ever achieved without enthusiasm.” Ms. Quiller and her “Diva Doggie” Mazie reside in Prattville, Alabama.
Finer Things
December in the South isn’t usually so cold, but the bitter wind had been knocking against the door of my bookstore, Holly’s Finer Things, all day.
Business had been off this year, but customers rebounded after Thanksgiving. I gave my staff the afternoon off for Christmas Eve, but I stayed late for last-minute shoppers looking for the perfect gift for their loved ones.
I wrapped presents most of the afternoon. My fingers were sticky from the tape, and I had more paper cuts than I could count.
I didn’t care. It was Christmas Eve. Children were coming in with their parents, munching on gingerbread cookies, sipping milk, and playing with toys in the Kiddie Nook my elves decked out with twinkling lights and a tree.
Couples came to the cash register and got a little extra holiday spirit compliments of my little elves. Before anyone left, I smiled and pointed toward the ceiling to the spray of mistletoe. A kiss, a giggle, and a bit of holiday cheer warmed the air of my store…and I was beginning to get into the spirit myself.
These last few years had been difficult. Three years ago, I lost my grandmother. A few months later, the man I thought I was going to marry told me I wasn’t good enough. By the end of that year, just days before Christmas, I lost my job due to the economy.
Walking to my car from an interview, I passed this space for rent. I peeked inside the window and saw the shelves, the nook in the back corner, the cabinets, and the tables in the middle. A month later I was the proud owner of Holly’s Finer Things, my bookstore.
I’d walk past the books, rearranging and cleaning the displays, and marvel at the fact that I was the owner of my own store. Something was still missing. There was still a hole in my heart.
The customers thinned out around 8 p.m., and I had one batch of cookies left in the oven. When the last customer smooched under the mistletoe, I ran to the kitchen and grabbed the pan out of the oven.
I still had a couple hours of work left, and there was no reason for my cookies to go to waste.
As I made my way back to the lobby to turn on the CLOSED sign, the bell jangled over the door. A burst of snow and cold air rushed inside as the door opened. I sucked in my breath as I saw who walked through my door.
John.
And, a buxom blonde. She casually brushed snowflakes off her jacket, but left her hat and gloves on for the moment.
I stumbled over the extension cord for the lights, lost my balance and landed on the counter, scattering cookies with two landing on the floor at John’s feet.
I couldn’t speak. I picked up the cookies and put them back on the plate. I couldn’t even look up at him, or her for that matter. He went from frumpy me to glamazon her?
“We’re so happy that you’re still open!” she said. My fiancé forgot to buy something to bring to this hot Christmas party tonight. He thought you might have something…interesting…for a round of Dirty Santa?”
As she spoke, she slipped off her black leather gloves one finger at a time until she got to THAT finger. As most engaged women do, THAT hand led the way, waiving in the air, making everyone aware of its adornment.
“I’m sure we can find something for you. I have a great selection of gifts over here,” I started walking toward the back corner, stopped and turned around to face them. “Cookie? Just took them out of the oven.”
John reached over for the plate, but his glamazon fiancé slapped his hand.
“I don’t think so. There’ll be great hors d’oeuvres at the party. Can’t you wait?”
I took the plate and walked the happy couple to the “Finer Things” corner. Fine pens and stationery. Beautiful cards and envelopes. Kitchy little gifts. Surely they could find something for their precious party.
They were glued at the hip. They weren’t a pair. They were one person! But, he seemed stiff like he didn’t want to be where he was. I knew the feeling. I didn’t want him to be where he was, either.
I went back to the cash register and began the tedious process of closing out for the evening. A minute later the happy couple came back to the counter carrying the cheapest item in the store – a fuzzy-topped gremlin pen. A child’s pen. He hadn’t changed a bit.
“Interesting choice for Dirty Santa. It’s on the house.” Because I just want you to leave…now.
“No, he’ll pay,” she said pointing to John. She happened to notice the mistletoe over their heads and squealed like a little piglet. I thought my eardrums were going to bleed. “Look!” She grabbed his pale face by the cheeks and planted one square on the mouth.
“That’s a first,” I mumbled. John hated public displays of affection…or maybe just affection from me.
“Pardon?” she asked.
“The cash register,” I said. “I must have cut the power when I tripped. So, it really is on the house.”
Glamazon Woman straightened like a board and suddenly put on a flirty smile.
“Hello! Sorry we’re keeping you open so late,” she said, focusing her words behind me. “We’re about to go to a party.”
“No problem,” I felt the strong embrace of my life’s shining star wrap around me and kiss me on the cheek. Mark pointed up and smiled. “Mistletoe. Love that stuff.”
I sank into his arms and smiled at John. All the hurt and pain he caused me so long ago had healed. I’d found a man who was my match in every way. And, it seemed that John had found his match as well.
“Merry Christmas, you two. Enjoy the party.”
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Third Place Winner: The Special Gift, by Rodger Orr, of Newark, Ohio. Rodger has been involved with Information Technology for over 30 years. He loves reading and in the ninth grade had over 1000 books in his collection. He has been married to a wonderful woman (2nd grade school teacher Becky) for 34 years. Becky has always encouraged him, telling he should write and he finally listened. Rodger and Becky have two grown children, Greg and April. Greg has two children, Savannah and Logan. All his children, their spouses, and grandchildren have appeared in his stories.
The Special Gift
All the elves were hard at work in Santa’s workshop…all but one…that is. “Logan!” yelled Madison, “Get busy. All you do is day dream and we’ve got work to do.” Logan snapped out of his daze and got his mind back to focusing on the task before him. He was responsible for making sure the twinkling lights on the little village houses worked correctly.
“Madison must think I’m an idiot. Doesn’t she know I designed the circuit and wire harness for these lights. I know they will work” thought Logan as he turned back to the testing station. What Logan was really thinking about he couldn’t let anyone know. One was the girl over in the Holly section of the manufacturing area named Savannah. Logan knew her because she was a good friend of his sister Sarah.
The other item Logan was thinking about was a request Santa had made some weeks ago. “Logan, I want you to think about a special gift that we could give Mrs. Claus for this time of the year. I want something that hasn’t been given by the elves before, something unique.” Logan was stunned that Santa even knew he existed, let alone to give him such a monumental task. “I’ve been watching you and you are really special. I think you are up to the task and I’m placing my trust in you to do your best.”
Logan ended his shift and walked over to the cafeteria. He always met Sarah and Savannah for supper. When he arrived in the great hall Sarah was the only one there. Logan’s heart stopped. “Where’s Savannah? Did something happen? Did you talk to her? Is she still your friend?”
Sarah laughed, “Slow down brother, with those kinds of questions I think you have more feelings for Savannah than just friendship!”
“Well, maybe I do. But I want to know what happen to her?”
“Don’t worry, she was moved into the Presents section. They were a little behind because the wrapping paper machine jammed. I’ll bet you could fix it and it wouldn’t jam at all.”
“Maybe I could, but Chris works over there and he doesn’t like anyone to invade his area.”
Logan and Sarah finished their supper and Sarah went to her quarters. Logan wandered down the hall to the arctic observation room. He loved to watch the snowflakes fall onto the glass and let his mind think about problems. The problem tonight was Savannah and what he was going to do.
“What if she found someone else? Would she be able to eat with Sarah and him? Should he tell her how he felt? Would she be happy with him? Sometimes he did get lost in his thoughts and sometimes people laughed at him. Would she be able to take that?” All these thoughts swirled through Logan’s head like the snow over the windows. Eventually he grew tired of trying to figure things out and fell asleep.
Logan awoke to a face right in front on him and something pressing on his lips! Savannah was kissing him!! “Hey, did I say you could do that?” sputtered Logan as his face turned a bright red.
“Yes you did. I knew you came here to look at the snow and think about problems. So I put mistletoe up on the ceiling early this morning.”
“Ahhhh, you got me this time Savannah. I was so worried about you that I didn’t even think about mistletoe.”
“Does this mean that you think about me as more than a friend of your sister?”
“Of course and just to prove it I’ll kiss you, with or without mistletoe!” With that, Logan kissed Savannah and they went laughing down the hallway.
Over the next few days the news of Logan and Savannah spread like wildfire throughout the community. At work, Madison rode him constantly. “So the daydreamer is in love? I’ll bet she doesn’t really know what you’re like. If she did, she wouldn’t be in love with you. Maybe I’ll tell her. What do you think of that?”
Logan was frustrated and told Savannah what was happening. “Why is she like this with me? I always get my work done and I’ve never had a rejection on my work station.”
“Look silly, she likes you and now she’s mad because you and I are together. Don’t guys understand these things?”
“Savannah, some things even I can’t figure out. All I know is that I love you and that’s that.”
At last the day came when Santa called all the elves together in the great hall for the giving of the special gift to Mrs. Claus. Logan and Savannah went together and stood off to the side of Santa.
“Logan, why do you have a small and large gift?”
“Shhhhh, it’s something special Savannah. Don’t girls understand these things?”
Santa talked to the community about the significance of the day and then explained that he had chosen Logan to design the special gift. This caused Madison and some of the others in the group to let out a gasp and look down at the floor while Sarah and Savannah beamed with pride.
Logan came forward and presented Mrs. Claus with the larger of the two gifts. The great hall was quiet as she unwrapped the special gift. When the last paper was removed the gift burst forth into a brilliant light that filled the hall. The elves broke into thunderous applause and cheers. Mrs. Claus read the inscription “This One Bright Star is a symbol of love and stands for the reason we have this season. It will shine forever!”
The elves cheered wildly and called for Logan and Savannah. Logan and Savannah came forward and on one knee he handed Savannah the second gift. It was a smaller replica of the one Mrs. Claus had but the inscription read “My love for Savannah will last forever and shine bright through all the years.”
Center for Writing Excellence 