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. See you tomorrow. Night, Mom.

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. I have your present, Simon. (looking up the chimney) It seems it's still on your roof though.

MAN (ruffling his black wavy hair) I've had too much wine. 

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

WOMAN It's Lori.

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

The grandfather clock STRIKES midnight.

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

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

LORI (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

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

The neighbor eyes her queerly.

LORI 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, Lori climbs to the roof. She searches her sack, finds Simon's present, then climbs down.

LORI Thank you so very much for your help. Merry Christmas!

NEIGHBOR Merry Christmas, girlie.

LORI rushes into Simon's house.

INT. LIVING ROOM - SAME

As she hands him his present,

LORI Merry Christmas, Simon. 

Self-consciously, he gropes for it. Understanding,

LORI 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; Lori kneels before him.

LORI If you'd like, I'll go with you.

Simon finds, then clasps Lori's hand; a grateful tear on his cheek.

FADE TO BLACK