>>From: llhalbl@indirect.com (Laura ) >> >>Miracle on Fifth Street >> >>Scene 1 >> >>Tis not the season in Springfield. Christmas is about a month away but, the devastation Brent Lawrence has left in his wake still permeates the community. Brent is dead, but his victims remain in the minds of the residents. Nadine, Susan, and Patrick are still vivid in the memories of the people who's lives they touched. Buzz tries to cope at the Diner by overworking. Frank is busy with his cadet training, Eleni's catering business is busier than ever with the onset of the holiday season, Stavros has gone to Crete for the holidays, and Buzz can no longer count on Nadine. Nadine who had always been there for him is dead, thanks to Brent. Buzz, who had never been there when she had needed him, had failed her again. And because he hadn't been there for her, because he hadn't taken her seriously, she is now dead. However, no matter how hard he works, he can't erase the guilt. Nor can he run the diner alone. A portly gentleman pauses outside the diner and notices the "Help Wanted" sign. With a pensive look and then a shrug he makes his way to the busy counter. Buzz is trying cook and wait tables at the same time. >> >>"Excuse me, sir," the old gentleman begins. >> >>"You're gonna have to wait your turn, pops. I've got three tables ahead of you." Buzz rushes off with three orders for table two. >> >>The old man waits patiently, quietly absorbing the lunch time chaos. Buzz rushes back to the grill, knocking over a stack of dirty dishes as he goes by, breaking them all. Three people wait in line at the register, grumbling for service. The old man begins again, "Excuse me sir....." >> >>After a few choice words at the broken china, "Look, pops, can't you see, I'm busy. I've got tables waiting, burgers burning, and customers steaming. I can't...." >> >>"I noticed your 'Help Wanted' sign in the window and was wondering if the position is still available." >> >>Buzz stares in disbelief for a few moments. The man doesn't look like a diner cook. But beggars can't be choosers. "Do you know how to make a good hamburger?" >> >>"It is not my chosen profession, but I have, as the occasion has required, flipped a burger or two." The old man stated with a cheeky grin. >> >>Buzz hands him an apron before he has finished, tells him he is hired, and gives him three orders to fill. They work steadily for an hour without a break. As the last of the customers are served, Buzz takes refuge in the back kitchen, physically and mentally exhausted. Time passes, Buzz doesn't know how long, when he hears the kitchen door swing closed behind him. >> >>"Sorry, I forgot all about you. Things have been crazy around here." Buzz pauses. " You did a great job. The job's yours if you want it." >> >>"Are there any accommodations with the position? You see, I am a temporary resident of this community and I will require some lodgings while I am here." His cheerful grin and mischievous eyes contradict his formal speech and accent. For the first time, Buzz wonders about this new face. He did a good job at the grill; maybe he's a retired cook for some Spaulding types. >> >>"How long are you planning to stay. My uncle will be back in a month. You could use his room upstairs if you aren't planning to stay longer." >> >>"That should be most suitable, sir. I thank you for your kindness. I must retrieve my belongings. Would you object if I dashed out for an hour?" >> >>Buzz can't help but smile at the bearded old gentleman. "Go ahead. Things should be slow for a while. By the way. Name's Buzz, Buzz Cooper." >> >>"So nice to make your acquaintance, Buzz." as he heartily shakes Buzz's hand. "My name is Kris. Kris Kringle. It shan't take me long." And without another word the old gentleman walks cheerily out of the diner leaving Buzz to stare in bewilderment after him. >> >>Scene 2 >> >>The old man is meticulous in his nightly ritual. It is one of the rare circumstances that lifts Buzz out of his numbed condition. Kris would wash his face and hands, brush his teeth, neatly comb his white hair, groom his beard, and toddle off to Stavros' bedroom. He hadn't altered his routine all week. This evening, the old character notices Buzz's stare. He throws him the usual cheerful grin and begins to turn into the bedroom when Buzz stops him. "Kris Kringle is an odd name." >> >>"My parents had a great sense of humor and, given the way I look now, a great deal of foresight as well." >> >>"Where are you from, Kris?" >> >>"I have traveled many places in my life. But I will always consider the north my home." >> >>"I was rolling stone too." Buzz feels like talking tonight. "Always thought that's what I wanted. Signed up for 'Nam. Pretended I was an MIA so I could see the world. Never wanted to come back here. You know, this was my dad's diner. Pops." Buzz paused. "Yeah, I left my wife with two small kids. I couldn't bear to come back to this grease joint. When I did come back, she forgave me. She always forgave me; always took me back." Tears welled up in his eyes. Then, controlling himself, "Sorry. You see, she died not too long ago." >> >>Kris rests a comforting hand on his shoulder. "The death of loved ones during the holidays is always a great tragedy. I am sure your family will miss her dearly." >> >>"Yeah. We miss her. The thing is, she didn't have to die; she was murdered. I miss her like hell. I didn't know how much Deeny meant to me until she wasn't here anymore." >> >>"Deeny, what a happy name." Kris muses. >> >>"She was happy; full of life. And that bastard murdered her. If he wasn't dead already, I'd kill him myself." >> >>"What's really bothering you?" >> >>Buzz looks surprised. "I guess I feel it's my fault. She used to claim to be psychic. She kept on saying someone was gonna die. I didn't listen to her. I wasn't there for her." He pauses as emotion overcomes him. "I never was there for her when she needed me. But she was always there for me. I can't forget that." >> >>"It appears you will not forgive yourself for it either." Kris says understandingly. "If she was psychic, Buzz, she knew how you felt. She knows now. I am sure she does not blame you. Why do you blame yourself?" >> >>"I just wish I could have told her, just once, how much she meant to me. But I never did. I never got to say good-bye. We knew each other for over 20 years you know. We grew up together." >> >>Kris murmurs softly, "She knows. She knows." >> >>Scene 3 >> >>The Fifth Street Christmas Show and Dance was planned by Buzz and Alex before the deaths of their friends. It was a follow-on fund raiser to the Fifth Street Ball. Buzz and Alex have decided to go ahead with their plans. Several of Springfield's finest are donating their time, talent, and effort to its success, although their hearts aren't in it. They had scheduled a meeting at the diner that night. Around the counter are Alex, Nick, Alan-Michael, Lucy, Buzz, Bridget, Blake, Holly, David, Nola, and Gilly. The acts for the show have been decided upon and they are finalizing the program. The Christmas Show was to be held at the local high school. The talent line up included Rick and Ed Bauer doing Abbott and Costello's "Who's On First?"; Blake and Ross doing a magic act; Roger, Marcus, and Gilly doing "A Christmas Song;" and the gang from the Boarding House doing an animated rendition of "The Twelve Days of Christmas." Now all they needed was someone to sing "White Christmas" for the finale and a Santa Claus for the kids. Kris is cutting up vegetables for the next day in the kitchen. The voices from the diner whisper through the door. >> >>"He'd be perfect for the part." Blake says. "Ask him Buzz. The children will love him. It's for a great cause." >> >>"You ask him." Buzz replies. "You're the one with all the PR skills. A gorgeous redhead is much harder to turn down than a short order cook. Go on. Ask him." >> >>She obviously accepted the challenge, because Kris hears the door open behind him. She is indeed a beautiful redheaded; beautiful but not quite happy. This town really needs him this Christmas. >> >>"Hi....Kris, isn't it?" When he nods, she continues, "My name's Blake. I suppose you know we've been working on this Christmas Show. It's for a very good cause; the Fifth street kids. And we have almost everything taken care of except...." >> >>Before she can continue, Kris interrupts. "I do accept your offer and you are a beautiful redhead." >> >>Blake laughs. "You're smarter than you let on. And you've got good taste too. We'll get you the costume...." >> >>"Oh no need. I have my own. When you look like me, it is much easier to buy a suit rather than rent one every year." >> >> "Thanks. This year hasn't been a good one for Springfield. I hope next year promises to be brighter." >> >>Cryptically, Kris adds, "It will be. For you." >> >>Slightly puzzled, she thanks him and returns to the diner to tell the gang the mission is accomplished. The planning meeting is finished for the night and the volunteers trickle out until one lone dark head remains bowed over a cup of coffee. Buzz has gone to dump the day's trash in the alley. Kris wanders in and offers the man a refill. >> >>Nick doesn't hear him the first time. All he sees is Susan's lifeless body in his arms. His vision returns to the present and he notices a sympathetic old gentleman trying to ply him with another cup. "Thanks. Kris isn't it?" >> >>"Yes, sir." >> >>"Call me Nick." >> >>"I have always been partial to the name of Nick." Kris grins. "I'm sure a young man like yourself must have a beautiful woman waiting for you somewhere." >> >>Nick turns hollow eyes towards Kris. "No. I'm alone again." He pauses. The silence stretches. Then..."She was so young. I didn't know her long, but I loved her. It was all so fast. There was so much I wanted to get to know about her. Now, I never will. She was incredible. So strong, so generous. I wanted to know everything about her." He stops and blinks back the tears. "Life is so damn short." >> >>"Yes, life is short and precious. Each moment must be cherished like a rare gift. We forget how dear and beautiful it is; your girl seemed to appreciate that. She would want you to remember it too." >> >>"You're right, Kris. She always showed me how beautiful each day was. She wouldn't want me to waste the time I've been given. Thanks, Kris....Thanks for reminding me." Nick wanders out of the diner and into the silent lonely night. >> >>Scene 4 >> >>It is mid-morning. The diner is empty except for two impatient occupants, Dinah and Alan. As usual, Dinah is waiting for her capricious husband. Alan is waiting to talk to Buzz. Groveling is not Alan's strong suit. Since returning to Springfield, Alan has been treated like a leper by the residents. Many, including the Cooper clan and his son hold him partially to blame for the bloodbath Brent had loosed on the community. He knows he is bearding a lion in his den, but he is determined to heal his relationship with his youngest son. >> >>Kris kindly offers Dinah a refill. "Might as well. My husband appears to have forgotten our date," she mutters with growing anger. "I might as well be dead." >> >>"Now, now. A beautiful girl like you should not sit around feeling sorry for herself. You must have friends and family who care about you?" >> >>"Yeah. I have friends. But as for family, my loving mother and father have disowned me. They care more about their hatred for my husband than their love for me." >> >>"I cannot believe that. I am sure your mother and father must be proud of such a beautiful and spirited girl." >> >>Dinah melts under the compliment. "Your a nice old man. But this is Springfield not Mayberry. Mommie dearest didn't keep me for more than five minutes before she unloaded me on the nearest available couple. She didn't even ever try to find out what happened to me. She certainly never thought about me." >> >>"My! You sure are blind!" Kris says sadly. >> >>"What do you mean, blind?" her hackles rising. >> >>"Real tragedy has touched so many this year; so many have been hurt. You have so much; so much to give; yet you always want more. Will your parents ever be good enough for you? Will they need to die before you appreciate their love?" Kris says angrily. >> >>Embarrassed and defensive, Dinah retorts, "Look old man, I just came in for a cup of coffee not advice. How do you know about my parents anyway?" she pauses introspectively, "I just want one sign, one sign that she loved me. Is that too much to ask?" Dinah picks up her bag to leave. >> >>"No. I think she's shown you already. But you want to know that she loved you back then. She did." Kris reassures her. >> >>Puzzled at the certainty in Kris's voice, her anger subsides. "Look, thanks for the coffee. Your sweet. I'm sorry for yelling at you like that. If you see another white-haired gentleman come in, please tell my husband I've got better things to do than wait for him." >> >>As soon a Dinah leaves, Alan abruptly asks Kris when Buzz is expected. >> >>"He should return soon. He went with Lucy and Alan-Michael to help set up for the Christmas Show. Ah, tis the season for love." Kris gushes. >> >>But Alan wasn't listening. Angrily he interrupts, "He's with my son! If he comes between me and my son, he'll wish he had stayed on the road." >> >>"Why are you so bitter? Alan-Michael and the Coopers need some happiness right now. Don't you want your son to be happy?" >> >>Slightly ashamed, Alan says, "Of course I want him to be happy. I just wish his happiness didn't mean he'd cut me out of his life." >> >>"I may have a solution for you," Kris ventures. >> >>"Well, what is it?" Alan drums his fingers impatiently. >> >>"They were looking for someone to close the Christmas Show with 'White Christmas.' You have a rather good voice, I believe. It would give you an opportunity to work with your son......" >> >>"How do you know if I can sing?" Alan interrupts again. >> >>"Oh, I have a wonderful ear for these sorts of things." Kris responds cheerily. >> >>"Yes, well, you're right. This might be just the opportunity I need. It can't hurt; right now he won't even be in the same room with me." Alan pauses uncomfortably. "Uh, thanks, Kris isn't it?" >> >>"Yes. Any time sir. Have a good day." With that Kris returns to his work and Alan meditatively leaves the diner. >> >> >>Scene 5 >> >>It is Christmas Eve and the night of the Fifth Street Christmas Show. The high school gym is full of children and adults alike. Blake and Ross are in the middle of their magician act. Blake has been preoccupied all day. The gleam in her eye has Ross wondering what she is up to. Blake is trouble with a capital T when she gets that look. With exaggerated flair Ross attempts to pull the proverbial rabbit out of the hat. But the rabbit isn't there. Thinking quickly Ross makes a joke and goes on to the next trick. Their act over they both leave the stage. >> >>"Ok, what happened to the rabbit Blake? You're up to no good today." >> >>"It died." Blake answers. >> >>"What do you mean it died....." Blake's big grin has Ross's mind rushing in another direction. "You mean...." >> >>"Yes, I took a certain test today and you could say I have a bun in the oven, I'm on the roost , or my favorite....I'm with child." she ends softly, dreamily. "Merry Christmas." >> >>Ross is speechless. He stares at her for several seconds, then takes her face in his hands and kisses her gently. "Merry Christmas," and he takes her in his arms. Over his shoulder she sees Kris dressed in his Santa Claus garb, give her a wink. >> >>Alan finishes his rendition of "White Christmas." The audience gives him a standing ovation. In the wings, his son stares at him in awe. He takes a bow and walks toward Alan-Michael. Silently, they stare at one another. >> >>"That was incredible, Father." Alan-Michael states simply. "I didn't know you could sing like that." >> >>"We haven't had much opportunity to really get to know one another, son. I hope you'll give me another chance. Christmas is the season for giving and forgiving, I hope." >> >>Alan-Michael looks warily at his father, then concedes. "Merry Christmas, Dad. Lucy and I'll stop over tomorrow. Ok?" >> >>"Fine son. Alex is really putting on a show and Nick said he'd be there too." >> >>"Well, Merry Christmas." Alan-Michael wanders off to find Lucy. >> >>Alan turns around to find Kris there. "Very beautiful, sir. I know a good voice when I hear it." >> >>"Listen, Kris. Thanks for the advice." >> >>"Just don't ruin it this time." Kris says cryptically as he walks on stage to play his part. >> >>Dinah got roped in to being one of Santa's elves. The kids at the Christmas Show eagerly await the dispensing of gifts; this is not her forte. With little enthusiasm she carries out her task. She pauses as she notices a gift with her name on it, "To My Darling Dinah." Thinking it's from Roger she sneaks behind the tree to open it. As the wrappings fall away, she realizes it is a small baby quilt with an accompanying envelope that has been yellowed with age. She opens the letter. >> >>My Beautiful Child, >> >>Not a day has gone by that I don't think about you and wonder about your new life. They say adoption is the best thing for someone in my situation. It may be the best for you, but I miss you so much. I wonder what it would be like to hold you, to bathe you, to rock you, to watch you sleep. I wonder if you've started teething yet, or if you've taken your first steps. I imagine what a beautiful baby you are: black silky hair and baby soft skin. I love you my baby, you will always be in my heart. I made you this blanket for your first Christmas. I will keep it with me always to remind me of my first and most beloved child. May you always be loved and cared for as I love and care for you. >> >>Your Loving Mother >> >>Dinah stares blindly at the baby's quilt in her hands. She buries her face in its soft folds and cries. She wipes her eyes and rises from behind the tree clutching the blanket. She sees Vanessa looking at her and slowly caresses the blanket against her face and smiles. Kris calls her attention back to the job at hand. She looks at him and he gives her his cheery wink. >> >>Scene 6 >> >>The night is cold and the snowfall heavy. Nick left the Christmas Show, unable to join in the festivity of the season. He finds his wanderings taking him to Susan's grave. Tears come unbidding to his eyes. The dampness freezes on his cheeks but he can't stop the flow. Sobs are wrenched from deep within bringing him to his knees. He rests his tired, heartbroken body against her head stone. Eventually he realizes he is not alone. He turns around and shock overwhelms him. Susan stands before him. Unable to accept the vision in front of him, he faints in the snow. Someone is reviving him. As he opens his eyes, he sees Susan again. Overcome by emotion, he takes her in his arms and feverishly rains kisses on her face. Susan stiffens in his arms and pushes him away. >> >>"Susan....." Nick begins. >> >>"I'm not Susan," the stranger answers, "I'm Sylvia, her sister." >> >>"Oh, I'm sorry, I...." he stops as despair enters his heart once more. >> >>"We're....we were twins. I was in China on a story when I finally got the news. I came as soon as I could. I'm glad she had friends with her." Sylvia finishes lamely. >> >>"I should have remembered. I'm a twin too. Susan and I used to talk about it a lot. She talked about you a lot." >> >>"I can't believe it. She had so much time left; I thought we had so much time left." Tears well in her eyes. >> >>"Yeah, time. I had so little time with her. I wanted to know everything about her; I wanted to take my time; to learn everything; to cherish everything. Now, I have nothing." Wordlessly he stares at the snow-covered flowers on the grave. >> >>Sylvia takes his arm and gently leads him from the cemetery. "Well, let's see. Susan and I were born on a cold night much like this one. She lost her two front teeth to an overzealous teammate in a soccer game when she was five years old. To say she was a tomboy would be an understatement....." As they leave the cemetery a shadowy figure in a red and white suit places flowers on the grave. >> >>Scene 7 >> >>The show is over and Buzz walks out the back door into the white night to take a breather. With all the excitement, he had almost forgotten about Nadine; almost. How he wishes she were here; her instead of him. >> >>"Buzz, don't think things like that." Nadine's admonishing voice comes to him from the darkness. Shocked Buzz blinks his eyes. He's seeing things. But out of the night, Nadine dressed in a Grecian white gown and white spangled earrings appears. >> >>"Nadine???" >> >>"Yes, Buzz. Now Buzz, I want you to stop feeling sorry for yourself and me. It was my time. Besides I'm having a lot of fun up here. But your guilt trip is really putting a damper on it." >> >>"Nadine; Nadine is that really you?" >> >>"Who else do you think would wear earrings like this. Yes, Buzz. It's me, Deeny." >> >>"But your dead. How can you be here?" Buzz says stupidly. >> >>"Buzz, I always told you I was psychic but you never believed me. Well, maybe you do now. Look, Buzz I'm happy. I miss being able to be with my family, but it's wonderful here. Their even gonna let me be your guardian angel." >> >>Buzz still trying to take this strange situation in, "You mean I'll get to talk to you like this all the time?" >> >>"No Buzz. Only when you really need me and you really needed me tonight didn't you?" >> >>"You needed me a lot and I was never there for you." >> >>"Buzz, stop beating yourself black and blue about it. I told you it was my time. You've got a lot of living left. So start living. I've gotta go. We get to match-make up here; you know, put in requests for who we'd like to see together. I'm kinda considered the expert, you know, with my Love Bug experience. Tell everyone I love them." >> >>"Deeny, you really forgive me?" >> >>"Buzz, there's nothing to forgive." Slowly, Nadine's figure begins to fade into the mist. "Remember you've got a lot to live for; four beautiful kids. Go make them happy." >> >>Shock registers on Buzz's face at her last words. "Nadine, what do you mean, four kids? Nadine?" But no one answers. >> >>"Buzz, I must be leaving. I have another job to do." Buzz jumps at Kris's voice. >> >>"What? Oh, Kris. I'm seeing things tonight. Do you have to leave tonight?" >> >>"Yes, my job is done here." >> >>"What do you mean?" >> >>"I'll just say good-bye now. I wish you all the best." Noise from inside spills outside as Lucy, Alan-Michael, Eleni, and Frank join Buzz. >> >>"Wait....." But his family begins to hustle him inside to join in the festivities. Over his shoulder, he sees the red and white figure fade into the darkness. "Four kids?" >> >>Lucy asks, "What four kids, Dad?" >> >>"Nothing," Buzz says slightly bemused. Then recovering himself. "Let's go celebrate. How 'bout some ouzo and eggnog?" >> >>"Yuck.!" is the only comment from the crowd as they make their way inside. >> >>Merry Christmas to all and to all a good night! >> >