It's a good thing I'm not outside that window looking in because I would have melted everything right along with me! And then I would have fogged up the window after letting out the breath I'd been holding in one big whoosh

Marvelous story, Marlene! More is always a good thing!!

I do like Dewberry -- and you can't blame her for missing the waiter. I mean even if she if an elf, she's female and with Jack right there in front of her it would be pretty hard to look at anything else, don't you think?

Dewberry is so cute....i wonder can Levi see him or sense him...

Agree ... Jack distracted Dewberry too !!!

The pond was filled with skaters, young and old, and loud music was blasting through speakers surrounding it. From the strained facial expressions of the persons and the vibrations bouncing off her, Sue guessed the music was pretty loud. Jack led her to a trail, his arm secured around her waist, while she held Levi’s leash.

Dewberry followed, her hands tightly covering her sensitive ears. The sound was deafening. She couldn’t even hear herself think. ‘Why was silence so overly underrated?’ she mused.

Jack spotted a bench near a lamppost and sat facing the light.

“Here you can see me and I can hear you”, placing his arm over the bench, almost brushing her neck.

Dewberry winked. A cold breeze swirled around them, making them shiver.

“Cold?” pulling her to him after she nodded. He couldn’t pass the opportunity to hold her in his arms, could he? She gingerly accepted the invitation, very aware of his proximity, unsure what to do next.

‘That’s what I call potential’, Dewberry marvelled at, watching from a nearby tree.

Jack let her settle against his shoulder, gently rubbing her back. He resisted the temptation of kissing her hair, leaning his cheek against the silky threads instead. Slowly he felt her relax, and let his hand reach up and stroke a lock away from her face, his fingers tracing her hairline. “I love you”, he murmured, knowing his secret was safe.

‘Like she can hear you?’ frowned the elf. ‘What is wrong with that man?’

When he lifted her head towards his, her eyes were misty. He looked in the direction she was gazing at … the pond … and the dozens and dozens of happy skaters. “Did you ever get around buying those skates?” he asked her. “Because I would love to take you skating.”

“No”, shaking her head. “I meant to ice skate again, Jack, after you got me rollerblading, but somehow … I always found an excuse not to”, lowering her eyes. “I’m sorry. I just sent Judy’s mother her Christmas card, and the memories always flood back at this time of year. Do you think I make it worse or better for her?” wondering where the thought came from.

“Definitely better”, he replied, wiping the tears with his fingers. “Last thing her mother would want is for her daughter to be forgotten. It wasn’t your fault”, he felt compelled to add.

‘Not your fault’, repeated Dewberry quietly.

“I know, Jack”, sighing deeply. “It’s just …a part of me never stopped wondering why God chose her and not me”, closing her eyes, seeking refuge in his arms.

“Because I need you in my life”, his heart revealed out loud, starling him by the intensity of his feelings.

‘And she needs you, Jack’, grumbled the elf in frustration, ready to hit her head against the trunk. ‘Can’t you tell?’

How much longer could he dance around her before he lost her to someone or something?

How much longer, indeed!! You better get in gear, Jack, or methinks Dewberry may just throw a rival in your path!!

I'm loving it, Marlo!!

Joy

they are doing the salsa again i see- a passioante feisty dance....come one guys....pfftt...

Dewberry work your magic...

Ok, now would be the perfect opportunity for Dewberry to accidently trip Jack and Sue into the snow when they get up!! I mean there's no way Jack could resist giving Sue a kiss after landing on top of her in the beautiful white snow now is there? I know you will find a way one way or another Marlo!

Can't dance around her much longer if this is going to fit in the short story category

Love it. Okay Dewberry, Hit them with a snowball.....or knock your head against the tree hard enough that it knocks snow down on them...or short out those blasted speakers that are wrecking the romantic mood surrounding them (I know Sue can't hear the noise, but Jack might hear Dewberry whisper, if it weren't so loud!)

Just had to sound off. Back to the costume.

Jill

Poor Dewberry, she has her work cut out for her, but she seems like a very persistant elf, so I'm putting all my confidence in her!!!

kav

Aww Dewberry: I know she is able to work miracles

Indeed, lts a lot of hard work for our favorite elf...
she needs to do something...

me thinks the use of mirrors will prove itself...put a mirror in front
of Sue's face every time Jack decides to have a conversation with himself.

Jack is such a slowpoke! So cute, caring, compassionate and usually brilliant but he can be so frustrating...

Do something Dewberry

gracie

Dewberry, do something Push Jack a bit

Okay, here's the deal Dewberry: your gonna have to shove them together!!! poking and giving hints is not helping....trick 'em if you have to, force 'em...break some rules....cause heads to roll....bring down the house if you have to, just as long as they wind up together...

Marlo this is absolutely beautiful. I am anticipating some wonderful fuzzies. Dewberry will succeed.

I love how you are adding Judy throughout this story. My husband and I sobbed last night watching the Pilot episode especially during the explanation of Judy. It really made us realize how much we take for granted and how it must have been for Sue....



Looking forward to more....

AlaskanFan

Oh marlene......I didn't know you already started a new story so soon....I just found this one and it's as always

Now can't Dewberry do something that locks the couple up somewhere.....no interuptions....etc etc...

I'm sure you can think of something *grin*

Jack walked her and Levi to the door, and took the key from her hand. He was facing her, almost touching her. He placed his hands each side of her head on the door, inadvertently knocking slightly.

“I really enjoyed the day with you, Sue”, not quite ready to see it end.

“Me too, Jack”, her hands moving to his chest. When he leaned forward, she didn’t push him back, her hands gliding up to his shoulders instead. She could feel his warm breath tickling her skin. Her eyes closed as his lips moved closer and closer …only to tumble backward when Lucy opened the door.

“Did you forget your …”, her tirade stopped when she caught Sue, Jack gripping the doorway to prevent himself from falling over the two ladies. “Sorry”, feeling very apologetic as she realised she might have interrupted something.

‘For a dog, you’re very perceptive’, said Dewberry as she watched Levi place his paws over his eyes. ‘I cannot believe it either’, shaking her head.

Jack helped Sue to her feet while Lucy made a hasty retreat in the kitchen.

“Are you all right?” concern obvious in his voice and his eyes.

“Yes”, smiling weakly. “That was quite an entrance. Thank you, Jack …Good night.”

“Good night. Sweet dreams.”

Dewberry stared in disbelief as Jack simply walked out of the apartment …without a good night kiss. Didn’t the guy know you couldn’t have sweet dreams without a good night kiss? That assignment was much harder than she ever expected. And where was that letter? It had been days already. She knew she shouldn’t compare it to Santa’s postal service, but the regular mail couldn’t be that slow …could it?

Dang it Lucy! Must you answer the door every time some one knocks on it?

NOOOOO!!!!!!!

I think Lucy will want to slap herself! lol

Helene

Lucy, just because you hear a knock doesn't mean you have to react!! Who do you think you are, Levi??

Jack, Lucy went to the kitchen - a goodnight kiss was definitely in order!!

Joy

pitiful....turtleman is training the USPS!!!

LOL poor Dewberry has her work cut out for her with these two

It's true!! you can't have sweet dreams without a kiss to dream about!!

Lucy, your timing stinks!

Jack.......... You are hopeless!

Dewberry, you're going to have to get tough!

Jill

Just found this wonderful story - Can't believe I missed it.

Things are warming up nicely for our fav couple. I think Jack needs a little to get him going though.

Trust Lucy - I bet she's kicking herself now.

Karen

Dewberry jumped up and down in delight when Jack knocked on Sue’s door bright and early on Sunday morning. The young elf followed them on their walk in the park. The shoeprint her little feet left in the fresh snow remained unnoticed by all except for Levi who came sniffing her, but quickly lost interest in something he couldn’t see.

And when Jack offered to accompany Sue to church, Dewberry felt like she was in heaven. She decided to go check on the whereabouts of the letter while they attended the service.

All her elfie hopes came crashing down on her return. What was Sue doing baking gingerbread cookies with Lucy? And where was Jack? Dewberry even peeked in the bathroom …discreetly mind you, with only one eye …not quite open …for the good it did her …he wasn’t there. Then she heard the dreaded word …WORK. 'Who works on Sunday? Apparently special agents do if a snitch calls them with a tip or two …and elves', she reminded herself, sighing.

At least she tracked down the letter, and winked a little magic on it. If she timed it right, it would be delivered this afternoon in approximately …

The doorbell rang and Lucy went to answer.

“Special delivery for Sue Thomas”, announced a cute young man.

Dewberry looked at the clock. He was eight minutes and twenty-three seconds early but who was counting anyway?

“I will sign for her. Thank you”, taking the letter in the kitchen. “Sue, that’s for you”, beamed Lucy. “Must be important to arrive on a Sunday. Who’s D. Clark?” handing her the thick letter.

“Dolores Clark. She was …is …Judy’s mother”, replied Sue, puzzled as what she could be sending.

‘Open it’, signed Lucy, as she watched Sue fidgeting with it.

“A Christmas card”, said Sue, placing it on the counter. “Another envelop …”

With no markings, noticed Lucy.

“And a letter”, that she unfolded. “Dolores found Judy’s time capsule while she was cleaning”, read Sue.

“Time capsule?” repeated Lucy.

“It was a school project we did. We placed in a shoebox the things that were precious to us, and we wrote our dreams and future aspiration”, she recalled fondly, wondering if her mother kept hers. “We were supposed to open it twenty years later. I remember the last question we had to answer …If you could be granted one wish … what would it be?” her heart aching at everything that was lost so soon after.

“And what was your special wish, Sue?” Lucy inquired softly.

Dewberry listened intently. That was a memory Sue was keeping tucked very deep inside and that the elf hadn’t probed yet.

“We were young and innocent at that time, Luce. We thought bad things could only happen to bad people”, she sighed sombrely.

“That doesn’t make your wish any less special”, Lucy pointed out wisely.

‘That’s true’, agreed Dewberry.

“Prince charming”, whispered Sue, blushing slightly.

“Sounds good to me, girl”, smiled Lucy. “Did you give a description of Prince charming by any chance?”

“Maybe”, hiding her face in her hands. “Brown eyes, brown hair”, she confided, knowing exactly the reaction it would provoke in Lucy …and when she peeked through her fingers Sue saw she was right.

“And are you going to let Prince charming slip through your fingers, girl?” asked Lucy, grinning widely.

“Luce …we’re just friends”, emphasized Sue.

“Oh Brother!” Lucy and Dewberry exclaimed in unison. Lucy’s eyes searched the apartment for the echo before shrugging it off.

“Anyway”, continued Sue. “Dolores said she found a letter addressed to me in the shoebox”, placing the unmarked envelop in her jeans pocket. “I think I will read it before going to bed tonight.”

‘Good idea’, signed Lucy, noticing Sue’s misty eyes. ‘Those cookies smell delicious’, changing the subject to a lighter one. “Do you think cookies qualify as supper?” wiggling her brows.

“I don’t see why not”, Sue replied mischievously. “We have the four food groups, don’t we? Eggs for meat, flour for bread …” She pulled two glasses from the cupboard and filled them with milk. “Milk, and …”

“Cherries for fruits”, placing maraschino cherries as buttons on the gingerbread men bellies, laughing quietly.

Dewberry hungrily eyed the cookies while licking her lips. She needed a diversion …or she could wait nightfall, she thought. There was no way the women would eat all of them …was there?

Silly elf! She doesn't know a lot about females and cookies. There might be half a crumb left over...if she's lucky!

Isn't it interesting that Sue's Prince Charming happens to look like Jack!!

The letter is from Judy, isn't it?? This will be hard for Sue to read!!

Dewberry - thinking cookies will be left over?? What is a left over cookie anyway???

Joy

Maybe Dewberry should just take a chance and whip one off the plate while they are still fresh

Jack drove by Sue’s apartment. It was late, and he was tired and frustrated. He wasted his Sunday pursuing worthless tips when he could have been pursuing her instead. He could see lights coming from only one window, Sue’s bedroom. The rest of the apartment looked dark. She was probably getting ready to go to bed, or she fell asleep with the lights on, guessed Jack. He drove by without stopping and went back to an empty home.

Sue was resting on her tummy under her blankets, with her pillow propped under her chest. She was holding the letter with both hands. Tears were silently falling on the paper yellowed by time. The droplets didn’t make any particular patterns, only blurring the words she read over and over again.

… my special wish is for my best friend, Sue … to have her dreams come true … because she has a big heart … because she is the only one who always listens when I talk … because the other kids don’t think she can, but I know better … because she is my very best friend … to have her dreams come true … because she makes me feel special … because I don’t ever want to lose her … my special wish is for Sue …

Levi was comfortably sleeping beside the dresser unconsciously swatting at his head. When a drop fell directly on his muzzle, he opened his eyes. How come it was raining inside, he wondered, stretching his legs before moving to the foot of the bed. He watched in fascination as a small puddle began to form on the floor, salty droplets suddenly appearing in mid-air before gravity pulled them down.

Judy had been her best friend …her only friend for so long. When Judy died in a bus trip that Sue should have made instead, she lost a part of herself. And despite her mother’s words that God must have had something special in store for her to spare her, Sue felt guilty …and angry with God for taking Judy …and leaving her all alone.

With the letter clutched against her heart, Sue eventually fell asleep on a soaked pillow with her light on.

I knew it was going to be very difficult for Sue to read Judy's letter. It's too bad Jack didn't stop by - he could have comforted her!! He, alone, except for possibly Lucy, knows how much Judy meant to Sue!!

Joy

What a beautiful wish!

Still loving this Marlo....

Now we just need Prince Charming to show up....I can hardly wait for the sparks to finally fly

AlaskanFan

Okay, Marlene, you really made me cry ...that was not nice...Poor Sue....Jack go back and hold her!

Yes, can Prince Charming show up before I leave tomorrow????


Jill

So tearful letter, much be so hard for Sue read it

I'm myself

This is really good keep it up i can't wait to see what happens next hopefully Jack wil be ther for her

I think I heard once if you make an elf cry, you will receive a gift from the heart.

I think I know what Sue's gonna get for xmas!

That's a beautiful thought !!!

+++++



Jack’s gaze kept going back to the empty desk and the box wrapped in red sparkling paper with a silver bow on top of it. The tag on the gift only said to Sue Thomas from Santa. He tried to concentrate on the report he was writing but his mind was drawn to Santa. Who was Santa? A friend of Sue? What kind of friend …a secret admirer?

“Sue is late”, stating the obvious, unable to keep the edge off his voice.

“She overslept, Jack”, replied Lucy, not for the first time. “She was in the shower when I …”

“Good morning everyone”, Sue intoned merrily as she came in with Levi.

“Here you are, Ms Thomas. Good old Sparky almost sent a search party after you”, grinned Bobby.

“Don’t exaggerate, Bobby”, giving his Aussie friend a dark look.

“For a change”, replied Myles. “Bobby wasn’t exaggerating.”

“Really?” smiling at Jack. “What is that?” she asked, surprised and enchanted.

“The reason why we were all anxiously awaiting your arrival”, said Tara. “It was on your desk when I came in here first.”

“Santa?” she read out loud, incredulous.

“Is he someone you know?” asked Jack, sounding worried.

“Yes”, her eyes twinkling mischievously. “Known him for years …jolly old man, round belly, white beard, red suit…” She stopped when Jack rolled his eyes at her, the others laughing joyously.

“I believe, Sparky …last name is Claus”, teased Bobby.

“Now that you mention it, I think I remember the guy”, Myles jumping in. “Doesn’t he live at the North Pole?”

“Very funny”, lifting his arms in the air, surrendering.

“You’re cute when you’re jealous, Jack”, whispered Lucy.

“I’m not …jealous”, he argued back, glad Sue was too busy unwrapping her present to pay attention to the banter.

‘Denial’, sighed Dewberry, shaking her head.

Sue’s gasp silenced everyone. From the box she pulled out a pair of new skates. She searched the faces in front of her, but they were as stunned as she was …particularly Jack.

“Only one person in the entire world knew I wanted silver skates with red laces”, murmured Sue, unable and unwilling to stop her tears.

Dewberry was smiling tenderly at the scene. ‘It took lots of digging to find that small secret you shared with Judy’, mighty pleased with herself.

‘Would you take me skating?’ Sue signed to Jack, not trusting her voice, determined to pursue her dream.

In the blink of an eye, he was standing in front of her. “With pleasure”, gently wiping the tears, correctly guessing who that young person might have been. “Today is a gorgeous day …and I know the perfect place”, he whispered before offering his arm.

Oblivious to their comrades they left the office together, her hand tucked neatly under his arm, carrying her skates in her free hand as he held Levi’s leash.

“Did we just witness a miracle?” uttered Myles in disbelief.

“The magic of Christmas”, Tara sighed dreamily.

I've said it before, but I'm going to say it again - I just love Dewberry!!!

Marlo, your story is magical!!!

Joy

I love that line!!!!

And the skates And Jack taking her skating And the magic of Christmas!!!

Perfect!!!!!


Jill

Marlo....please make one more post tonight!! I can't check my e-mail again until next Tuesday and I have a feeling that some sparks are gonna fly at the skating rink....pretty please....one more post?

After stopping by his place to get his skates, Jack drove to the pond in the park. Mid-morning was filled with elderly couples skating leisurely.

“Jack, I’m so rusty”, standing on shaky legs.

“That’s why I’m here”, taking her hand while smiling lovingly at her.

He pulled her along. Even after she regained her ability he kept her hand securely into his. The pond opened into a frozen stream winding through the park. Except for a faithful dog and a young elf, they were alone among the trees, their laughter filling the chilly air. Dewberry blinked, and a small groove appeared in the ice. Sue lost her footing and tumbled into Jack’s arms.

Levi came to jump to the rescue but an invisible hand was holding his collar, and when he barked in protest …no sound escaped.

‘Sorry boy but no disruption this time’, pulling Levi back with all her elfie strength.

“I like that new habit of yours”, Jack teased her, pushing unruly blond hair away from her beautiful face.

“Which habit?” frowning.

“Falling for me”, he whispered devilishly, his arms wrapping nicely around her, while her hands intertwined behind his neck. “Sue …” Her eyes were shining and her rosy cheeks were glowing. She was everything he ever wished for. He lifted his eyes to heaven in a quiet prayer, and gaped. Her gaze followed his.

“Mistletoe?” she exclaimed in wonder. It was hanging directly above their heads on the branch of an evergreen.

“No arguing with tradition, Ms Thomas”, lowering his head towards hers …as she met him halfway. Their lips teased each other, before she let him deepen the kiss, eagerly following his lead, letting the sensations he awoke fill her mind, her body and her heart.

She felt his laughter when he tried to pull apart but she complained. He cupped her head, stroking her face adoringly. “I love you, Sue. I love you with all my heart.” She could read it on his lips, see the depth of his love in his sparkling brown eyes, and feel the beating of his heart echoing his words.

“I love you, too, Ja …” He sought her lips again, his name lost in her soft moaning, his heart and soul migrating next to hers where they joined intimately.

‘Here you go, boy’, releasing Levi. She had to stop them before they melted the ice and fell into the stream. She watched with glee as Levi jumped on his two favourite humans, sending them plummeting in the snow, their protests mixed with the barking of the playful dog.

+++++

Dec 24th, North Pole

“Dewberry!” called Santa with his merry voice.

“Yes, Santa”, as she came running.

“I am just reviewing your assignment, Dewberry”, Santa informed the elf, who was holding her breath. “You did well …extremely well, Dewberry”, praised Santa.

“I couldn’t give Sue Thomas what she really wished for, Santa”, whispered the elf, tears forming in her eyes.

“No, Dewberry, you couldn’t, nor were you expected to”, Santa replied softly. “But you gave her closure and peace …which was an even harder task to achieve”, smiling proudly at his young elf. “Sue is truly happy …I gathered?”

“Thank you, Santa …Yes, she is …so very truly happy, Santa”, Dewberry’s spirit soaring as she created a bubble into thin air. An image formed inside. Jack and Sue were on a sleigh bell ride in the woods. White fluffy snowflakes were falling from the sky, and Jack brushed them away from her hair, kissing her after each attempt as she snuggled lovingly against his chest. “They are perfect for each other, Santa …don’t you think?” He nodded approvingly. “See the bulge in agent Hudson’s pocket?” Santa leaned closer. “It’s a tiny little box …with a beautiful ring”, Dewberry whispered. “I was there when he bought it”, she confessed. “He will be asking her to marry him tonight.”

“And you think she will agree?” chuckled Santa.

“Oh, yes …or I will throw snowballs at her until I knock enough sense into her”, Dewberry threatened mischievously.

“It explains why agent Hudson’s wish list is suddenly empty”, exclaimed Santa, between burst of laughter.

“Empty?” a horrified look on her childish face.

“Yes, Dewberry …it seems you also fulfilled agent Hudson’s special wish”, winked Santa.

“Really?” her face lighting up. “What was his wish, Santa?”

“True love, Dewberry.”

The elf sighed blissfully as she watched the happy couple share a lingering kiss.

“Thank you for the assignment, Santa”, making the bubble disappear. “And Merry Christmas.”

“Merry Christmas, Dewberry”, wished Santa. “And to all of you!”

FIN

Marlo, that was just magnificent...magical....wonderful. The last part really brought tears to my eyes. It was even more touching to see the happiness throught Dewberry's eyes.

Thank you.

You've got that right, Dewberry!!!!!

Marlene, I love this story. You did a fantastic job with it...filling it with all kinds of heartwarming emotions and love.....very true to the Christmas spirit!!!!

Thanks!

Now you can blow a raspberry at your daughter for saying that you couldn't do a "short" story!!!

Jill

ha, short and excellent, how brilliant are you?

Marlo...(sigh) brilliant!!!
That little piece of writing was wonderful, I'm glad Jack got to have his wish as well!!!

That was truly magical.

Karen

The magic of Christmas did his work




Great work, Marlo!

Thanks Marlo......that was just lovely!!!