Episode 1.20 [Christmas Eve]

Hallow Hills—Adel and Doug’s Bedroom

Adel put the phone down after confirming Kip’s New Years Eve Flight. She sighed, how did any of this happen? She thought back to months ago when she found the sleeping pills in his room. Yet that didn’t match up with the crime against Pam Mitchell.

SNAP! The pencil that had been in her hands snapped into two pieces she was not going to let the fact that her son was being accused of Rape and was leaving town, ruin this Christmas. Nothing was going to ruin it! She was going to take advantage of having both her sons around, for what might be their last Christmas all together for a very long time.

Maggie’s Apartment

Maggie hung the last ornament on the tree and then took a step-away from it to admire it. She smiled, proudly. It was her and Kevin’s first Christmas tree. Right now she was his wife, and she needed to give him that chance at a marriage that she had almost denied him by sleeping with Conner.

He haunted her mind every time she slept, every time Kevin kissed her. Yet she had made a mistake in sleeping with him. She was another mans wife, and that was it. If she had any say about her own damn life, then well she had realized she made a decision and that was that.

Besides, now was not the time to be worrying about Conner. She would tell herself over and over as she looked at the gift she had for Lysa sitting under the tree. She hadn’t the guts to take it over to the apartment yet. She’d been avoiding Conner ever since he walked out on her.

Pinõn Peaks Mall

Conner and Lysa stood in line to Santa Claus. Lysa clung tightly to her list. Lysa hadn’t allowed him to see the list, only Abby. And she wouldn’t even tell him what Lysa wanted except for a Barbie Dream House. He was really curious about what his daughter had asked for from Santa. This line however was not helping, gees this place was a madhouse this time of year and yet it seemed like almost every kid in town had waited to see Santa.

He still had presents to wrap, and to check on the store, and Bethany. He needed to get dinner ready, and take Lysa to the Church service this evening at the Methodist Church.

While Conner had been reviewing his list of last minute Christmas To-Do’s, Lysa was now on Santa’s lap getting her picture taking and giving him her letter. Santa reviewed it and nodded, with a smile he said, “I’ll see what I can do. It might take some time for the first two though.”

She smiled brightly, “That’s okay Santa! I know you’ll do what you can.”

He handed her a large candy cane, which Conner knew would mean a sugar rush as soon as she had her first lick. She then got off of Santa’s lap and was handed the Polaroid picture in a nicely folded red card.

Running over to her father she smiled, “Daddy! Did you see me talking to Santa?”

Conner smiled, “I sure did Lysa. What did you tell him you wanted for Christmas?”

Lysa smiled, “Well, actually I—I just asked for the Barbie Dream house.” she said, thinking if she told him the other wishes it might not happen at all.

Conner nodded, “Well then, Okay. How about we go and get some of your shopping done. Do you know what you want to get Abby for Christmas?”

Lysa nodded and smiled the biggest smile possible. “I know exactly what to get her.”

Adams Family Apartment

Abby and Dan were on the couch, Dan was playing Grand Theft Auto on the play station and Abby was watching intently. They were mesmerized by what was in front of them, however that was normal for members of their generation. Abby had done the same thing when she lived in the dorms her freshmen year of college at PHC. Both were so into the video game that neither of them noticed Sam come into the apartment, practically jumping out of his skin. He saw that they were enthralled in the game and went and stood in front of the television.

“Sam!” The two declared in unison, and Dan hit the button to pause the game.

“What is it Samuel?” Dan asked rather annoyed at having his game interrupted, “I was just about to steal that car!”

Sam rolled his eyes, “Listen, I need to talk to you two for a moment. I’ve been trying to do this for the past week, but I can’t hold off any longer.”

“Sammy, what’s going on?” Abby asked as she looked at her older brother slightly worried that he had lost his job or something.

“Well, I’m leaving Pinõn Hallow.” He told them as he sat down in the armchair by the TV.

His siblings looked at him, with their jaws dropped wide open. “What?” Dan finally said after several minutes of silence.

“I got a scholarship to a really great university.” He said as he leaned back in his chair, “Its in Hawaii. I’m leaving on New Years Eve, to go to Ginger Falls, Hawaii and attend the university there.”

The siblings just sat their staring at him, not sure what to say.

The silence was broken when the alarm on Abby’s watch went off, alerting her that she had to go watch Lysa. “I gotta go.” She said as she stood up and grabbed her keys from the makeshift coffee table. “Um, Sam, have you told Mom and Dad yet?”

“Yeah, I was just over there to tell them. They’re happy about it.” He said before going off towards the kitchen.

Abby sighed, “Sam, I just want to know your not going to Hawaii to avoid a certain brunette that recently broke up with Kip Davis.”

Sam stopped, “They broke up?” he asked as he turned to look at his sister.

“Yeah, um Pam remembered the night.” she paused trying to compose herself, “She believes it was Kip.”

Dan dropped the video game controller, “Davis?”

Abby nodded, “Hey Twins, I gotta go baby sit Lysa. Conner has a million things to do before tonight. I’ll be back later.” She held her keys tighter and opened the door then looked back, “Don’t do anything you could get arrested for, okay?”

“Of course not Sis.” They said in unison.

Pam’s Apartment

She replayed the message several times that she had received from Alex Montgomery. “Pam, this is Alex Montgomery. I just reviewed your resume and interview with the rest of the hiring committee and I would like to offer you a job at the Resort as a social coordinator. You’ll have to start two days after New Years Eve, and we’ll have a bungalow all set up for you here on the grounds of the resort. We’ll also have a ticket waiting for you at the airport on New Years Eve. Have a Wonderful day Pam.”

It was getting worn, as she had listened to it about twenty times already. She would be leaving Pinõn Hallow, she wouldn’t have to deal with the idea of running into Kip wherever she went.

She looked over at the small artificial tree she had gotten at the drug store and at the tiny package wrapped underneath it, which simply said, “Sam”. She then looked over at the kitchen counter and at the bottle of sleeping pills and muscle relaxer. “No more of these.” she said to herself as she took the bottles to the sink and poured the pills into the garbage disposal before turning on the water and then the disposal.

After she figured they were all destroyed she turned everything off and went and got dressed for church.

Conner’s Apartment

Abby walked in and looked at Conner, “I’m sorry, Sam decided that right as I was leaving was the perfect time to tell us he’s moving to Hawaii. Just hurry along and get all your errands done, and I’ll keep Lysa entertained for the next few hours.”

“Sam’s is moving to Hawaii?” Conner asked as he was grabbing his winter coat and gloves.

“Yeah, college in Ginger Falls or something like that.” Abby said as she tossed her keys on the kitchen counter. “So any place I need to keep Lysa from going in?”

As his gloves were covering his hands, “My room, everything’s in the closet, still not wrapped. Right now I have to go and get a few more things, and go check on Bethany in the hospital.” he said as he started searching for his keys.

Abby saw them next hers on the counter and picked his up, “Catch McKay.”

He looked up just in time to catch the flying keys. “Thanks. Oh yeah, she’s got a present for you, that she’s desperate for you to open.”

Abby smiled, “okay boss.” She said as he finally left. She shook her head and before she could call for Lysa, someone knocked on the door.

When Abby opened it she saw a very nervous Maggie. “Hey, you. Long time no see. I guess the new hubby’s keeping you locked up.”

Maggie smiled, “Hey Abby. I just wanted to drop this off for Lysa, and this off for Conner. Um could you like hide this one under the tree so its like one of the last things he finds?”

“Sure, no problem at all.” she said as she took the packages.

At that moment Lysa came running from out of her room with a package for Abby, she put it under the tree and then ran towards Maggie. “Maggie!” she cried and threw her arms around the woman. “Daddy said we’re not going to see you very much anymore, why?”

Maggie got down lower on the ground to look at Lysa, “Well sweetie. I got married so I need to spend time with my husband.”

“You mean you and Daddy won’t be getting married?” Lysa asked sadly.

Maggie shook her head, “Sorry kiddo. Have a Merry Christmas, and listen to your Daddy, okay?” Maggie asked. “Okay.” Lysa said softly as she looked towards the ground. “Bye Maggie.”

“Bye, Lysa.” Maggie said as she stood up, “By Abby, I’ll see you in a few days. Kevin and I are leaving for Durango in about a half an hour.”

Maggie then left and Abby closed the door. She began to arrange the presents under the tree and saw the one Lysa brought out for her. “Lysa, what is this?” she asked as she gently shook it.

Lysa’s eyes widened, “That’s for you Abby! Open it!”

Abby sat down on the floor and watched her young friend beaming with joy as she unwrapped the gift. After removing the Christmas paper she saw that young Lysa had given her a Ken doll, “Lysa, what is this for?”

Lysa smiled proudly, “its to remind you to find a boyfriend, so you can get married and be a great Mommy, just like your a great baby sitter.”

Abby thought she was about to cry, “Oh Lysa, that is the sweetest thing ever. Thank you.” she said before hugging her young friend. “So how about we get those cookies for Santa made?”

“Yeah!” Lysa said before jumping up and dashing off to the kitchen to put her apron on.

Highway—going West

Kevin was driving west, the country music station playing. Maggie sat besides him, crocheting a scarf. “So your Dad isn’t going to kill me is he?” Kevin asked as he kept his eyes on the road, thankful they had just left Pagosa Springs, so they only had another hour to drive before reaching Durango.

“No, he’ll be more stressed about the grades he had to put into the school’s system today for the past semester. It’ll be fine, we’ll get there then go downtown for Dinner, maybe go to Scoot-N-Blues, or The Golden Dragon.” She said still concentrating on the yarn in her hands.

“Well that’s a relief I guess.” he said before looking over at her, “I’m sorry he got upset that we got married.”

Maggie laughed, “Kevin, no man will ever met his standards, I’m his daughter. He’s been protective of me, well forever. Even more so when I still lived at home the year I went to Fort Lewis. He would always get so upset when I’d be at Denny’s until 3 am with my friends from the theatre department.”

“Well, I just hope we can co-exist this Christmas.”

“Don’t worry Kevin it’ll be fine. If it wasn’t we wouldn’t be just an hour away from Durango.”

Pinõn Hallow Hospital

Chad’s head rested on Bethany’s stomach, as he softly spoke to her. “Come on sweetie. It’s Christmas Eve wake up. Wake up for Lysa, and the baby. Come back to us. Come back to me so we can be a family.” he said trying to get her to wake up, which just hadn’t happened yet.

Dr. Silversky came in with a sonogram machine, “Afternoon Chad. We need to check on the baby since she hasn’t woken up yet.” she told him. He stood up and watched as she expertly set up the machine, as she put the gel on Bethany’s stomach, Chad noticed what looked like her eyes opening. But he rationalized it couldn’t be, she hadn’t woken up yet and in a few moments he might found out his child was a miscarriage.

As the sensor moved over her belly, the image of a healthy baby showed on the monitor. “The child appears to be healthy Chad. We just need the mother to wake up. Any chance of doing that soon Bethany?” She asked just as Bethany’s eyes began to open.

Bethany?” Chad asked excitedly, just as Conner walked into the room.

“Where am I?” She asked in a soft, dry, horse voice.

Dr. Silversky moved immediately to check Bethany, “Hi Bethany. I’m Dr. Trista Silversky. You’re in Pinõn Hallow Hospital. You’ve been sleeping for a while. But Conner and Chad are here.” From what Trista could see, everything appeared to be normal.

“What’s on my stomach?” She asked as her eyes searched for Chad.

Trista took a deep breath, “Bethany, you’re pregnant. We were checking on the health of the baby. You’ve been in a coma for a little more then a month.”

Fear flashed in her eyes, “What day is it?”

Chad swallowed hard, “Its Christmas Eve Bethy.”

“It’s Christmas? Wait, my daughter Lysa. Conner, is she alright?” panic was filling her body.

“She’s fine Bethany.” Conner said as he moved closer. “She’s with Abby right now. I just told her that you needed to take a really long nap, like a bear does in the winter. She’ll be thrilled to know you’re awake.”

Bethany nodded and then the other piece of information struck her, “Wait, Doctor you said something about being pregnant. Is that true?”

Trista nodded, “Yeah, You’re about three months along. As long as you don’t relapse you and the baby should be fine.”

“So I take it you know that Chad and I were seeing each other?” Bethany asked Conner.

“Yeah, and Bethany I think you should continue to see Chad. He’s been by your side every single moment that the Doctor would allow.”

“He only left to eat and get changed.” Trista told her, “I’m going to go check on some of her test results. I’ll leave you all alone right now.”

The United Methodist Church of Pinõn Hallow

The Davis family sans Chad sat in the third row, as Conner and his daughter were in the fifth row on the other side of the church. The Adams kids were in the front row and Pam was in the back of the church, allowing herself a moment to burn a memory of this place in her mind. Kip left his family and went towards the back and looked at Pam. Her hair was falling softly over her shoulders and stood out brightly against her evergreen colored sweater. “Pam, can we talk?” Kip asked as his eyes drilled into her.

Pam jumped when she heard his voice, “About what Kip?” She asked bitterly in a low, harsh voice.

“About why we’re not getting married.” he said almost spitting the words out.

She shook her head and grabbed his arm and pulled him towards the entrance, “Kip, I’d been taking sleeping pills since that night. Not allowing myself to dream or even remember what happened to me. The night you slept over, I didn’t take them. I didn’t sleep that night Kip. But you did and in your sleep you said, ‘Pam forgive me. Forgive me for raping you.’ after you said that I tried to remember what I could and right before I got hit in the head you said, ‘You’ll never remember’ I couldn’t believe it was you, until I remembered that earlier before we got to the park we stopped and got coffee, and that I stood up before I got hit in the head. You slipped me something, didn’t you?”

Kip stared at her; clearly he was unsure of what it was he wanted to say or should. “I loved you Pam, I could’ve given you a wonderful life. This is how you repay me?”

“Leave her alone Davis.” said Dan as he stood behind Kip.

“Great the delivery twin, which one are you?” Kip said turning around.

“Dan, the one who isn’t going to let you treat Pam like crap. Now go back to your mother and father.” Dan told him before taking a step forward and scaring the hell out of Kip, causing him to return to his parents.

“Thanks Dan,” Pam said before looking up towards the alter, “Is Sam here? I kinda wanted to say goodbye before I leave.”

Dan laughed, “The service hasn’t started yet Pam.”

Not Church Dan, I’m leaving Pinõn Hallow. I got a job in Ginger Falls, Hawaii.” She said with a half smile.

“Don’t worry about it Pam. I think though Sam isn’t ready to talk to you yet, but I’ll let him know you want to.” Dan said before giving his friend a hug and then going back into the sanctuary. A smile very wide on his face, Pam and Sam were both going to Hawaii and he wasn’t going to let them know that. Fate would do the job from there.

Kip sat back down with his parents, “She still says I did it,” he said sadly.

Adel put her arm around him, “It’s alright Kip. You’ll be leaving for Heaven Beach on New Years Eve. Phyllis is so excited to have you visit. Perhaps you’ll hit it off with her daughter Victoria, or one of the lovely young ladies they have there.”

Kip smiled, “Thanks Mom.”

“Daddy, Santa sure does work fast.” Lysa told Conner as she flipped through the song book.

“Why do you say that?” he asked her.

“Cause Mommy’s awake and that’s one of the things I asked him for.”

Conner nodded, “I think the angels were working on that one to.”

“Daddy, can I stay up to see Santa when he comes tonight?” she asked.

“No, you know he won’t come if you’re awake. When we’re done with Church, we’ll go home and watch Rudolph and then you’re going to go to bed.”

“Okay if you say so.”

Hallow Hills

The entire Davis family was gathered in the living room of the main house. Chad had left the hospital and showered and dressed once he knew Bethany was all right. The four stockings were hung by the fireplace and already filled with small trinkets. The tree was brightly lighted and a large pile of cookies were being consumed by the boys.

“Well boys, which movie should we watch?” Adel asked as she took out three DVD’s, “A Christmas Carol, A Christmas Story, or Its A Wonderful Life?”

Doug and his sons all nodded, “A Christmas Story.” The three said in unison.

Adel sighed, not even sure why she asked. It was always the same thing each year.

As she set it up someone knocked on the door and Doug went to answer it. “Carla! I told you not to do this!” was heard as Chad’s therapist marched into the living room.

“Adel, I want to talk to you right now, Big Sister.” Carla said.

The boys stopped chewing looked at their mother, “Aren’t you Dr. Harrison?” Adel asked.

Carla shook her head, “Harrison is my married name.”

“Carla, do not do this. Not on Christmas! My family has been through enough and I won’t let you muck it up anymore.” Doug said boldly. “You always were impulsive, especially at the holidays.”

“Will someone please clue me into what the hell is going on?” Adel asked.

Its me Adel, its Charlene. You’re sister, and the boys biological mother.” Carla told her, it was at that moment that a glass ornament fell off the tree and shattered.

The snow is falling, the city is white
Your eyes are shining like diamonds tonight
And we’re all alone, there’s no one home
You’re finally in my arms again
The night is silent and Christmas is here
I couldn’t ask for more than having you near
’Cause I love you, girl, I always will
And now I know the moment is right
The moment is right

Kevin, Maggie, and Cassie sit around a coffee table on the floor of the Williams family living room wrapping presents for Larry. Cassie looks up at her older sister, “Maggie, I’m glad you’re home for Christmas.” Maggie smiled, “Me to little sister.”

I’ve been waiting to give this gift tonight
I’m down on my knees, there’s no better time
It’s something to last for as long as you live
Tonight I’m gonna give you (oh, girl) all my heart can give

Conner pulled the blankets up and tucked Lysa into bed and then kissed her forehead, “night princess. I’ll see you bright and early in the morning.” He then got up and turned off her light, leaving her to visions of sugarplum fairies. He went into his room and started to wrap all of the presents he hadn’t gotten to you, including one for Maggie.

I thought I’d give you something shiny and new
I tried to find something worthy of you
But I realized when I looked inside
There’s some things that money can’t buy (oh, no)
I feel the magic whenever you’re near
I feel it even more this time of the year
’Cause I love you, girl, I always will
And now I know the moment is right
The moment is right

Dan and Abby found themselves sitting across from each other on the makeshift coffee table they had created out of scrap wood and cinder blocks.

“Wait, Pam is moving to Ginger Falls to?” she asked her brother.

Dan smiled and nodded, “Yup, I mean we could tell Sam. But wouldn’t it be better to let Fate guide them to each other?”

Abby smiled, “Wow, you’re a romantic deep down inside! I thought Sam was the only one who got that.”

“Hey now! I just haven’t found the right girl yet.”

I’ve been waiting to give this gift tonight
I’m down on my knees, there’s no better time
It’s something to last for as long as you live
Tonight I’m gonna give you (oh, girl) all my heart can give

Pam turned off the lights on her tree and double checked the lock on the front door. She sighed and then curled up in her bed and drifted off to sleep.

I thought I’d give you something shiny and new
I tried to find something worthy of you
But I realized when I looked inside
There’s some things that money can’t buy (oh, no)
I feel the magic whenever you’re near
I feel it even more this time of the year
’Cause I love you, girl, I always will
And now I know the moment is right
The moment is right

You know I’ll always be true to you
And you know I’m the one you can turn to
Any time, any place, or anywhere
You know that I’ll always be there