Santa's Helper by Petra Michelle

 

FADE IN:

INT. LIVING ROOM. HOME - CHRISTMAS EVE 

Sitting on a recliner in a sparsely decorated living room, a MAN is on the telephone. 

MAN Okay, mom, see you and Josh tomorrow. Night.

After hanging up, he rests his head on the back of the recliner and shuts his eyes. A CRASH from the unlit fireplace causes him to jump.

A clump of red, covered in soot, lands onto the cold, stone hearth.

MAN Who's there?

Brushing herself off, a WOMAN dressed in a Santa suit turns to him.

WOMAN I'm so sorry. I'm new at this.

MAN Stay where you are or I'll call...

WOMAN Oh, please, sir, don't call Santa. 

Confused, the man stares at her.

WOMAN You see, I'm a Santa's helper in training. And I might lose my job if...

MAN You're what?

WOMAN Santa is so busy. He needs all the help he can get. (timidly) I have your present, Simon. (looking up the chimney) It seems it's still on your roof though.

MAN (combing his hand through his dark wavy hair) I've had too much wine. 

Suppressing her attraction to him, she extends her hand, business-like, but warmly. 

WOMAN It's Laurie.

MAN Simon. Would you care for a glass of wine?

The grandfather clock STRIKES midnight.

LAURIE That's sweet, Simon, but I can't. I'm late as it is. I have so many presents to deliver.

SIMON C'mon, Laurie, we both know there's no such thing as Santa.

LAURIE (aghast) No such thing as Santa?! I'm getting your present right now. Maybe then you'll believe me.

Simon shakes his head as the front door SLAMS. He hears mumbled CONVERSATION on the lawn.

EXT. HOUSE - CHRISTMAS DAY

LAURIE (to nearing NEIGBOR) I need to get to the roof but my reindeer are gone!

The neighbor eyes her queerly.

LAURIE Do you have a ladder?

NEIGHBOR (scratching his head) I'll be right back.

When he returns, the neighbor sets the ladder onto the side of the house. It steady, Laurie climbs to the roof. She searches her sack, finds Simon's present, then climbs down.

LAURIE (to neighbor) Thank you so very much for your help. Merry Christmas!

NEIGHBOR (still shaking his head) Merry Christmas, girlie.

Laurie rushes into Simon's house.

INT. LIVING ROOM - SAME

As she hands him his present,

LAURIE Merry Christmas, Simon. 

Self-consciously, he gropes for it. Laurie understands.

LAURIE (gently) I'll read the card. 

INSERT

Merry Christmas, Simon. Enclosed is a check for the eye surgery. I know it will be a success. Santa.

BACK TO SCENE

Simon buries his head in his hands; Laurie kneeling before him.

LAURIE If you'd like, I'll go with you.

Simon finds, then clasps Laurie's hand, a grateful tear trickling down his cheek.

FADE TO BLACK