DISCLAIMER: The following is a work of fan fiction based on the CBS television series, The Magnificent Seven. It is in no way intended to infringe on the copyrights of CBS, MGM, The Trilogy Entertainment Group, The Mirisch Corp., or anyone else who may have legal rights to the characters and settings. I don't own the characters. Only using them for a short time and will return them in relatively the same shape as when borrowed.
RATING: G
AUTHOR'S NOTE: As always, any errors or inconsistencies are of my doing and do not in any way reflect on those assisting me.
NOTE: Heard Jolly Ole Saint Nicholaus on the radio the other day and this popped in my head. Hope you enjoy it.
Opening the door to the Clarion office, Chris Larabee step aside to let the town seamstress exit the building. Nodding at her, he tipped his hat. "Ma'am," he intoned. When the doorway was clear, he entered the newspaper office. "Morning Mary," he said, slipping his hat from his head and allowing it to dangle down his back.
"Chris." Mary Travis greeted the town's lead peacekeeper warmly as she moved away from the press and stopped by the front counter. "What brings you around here?"
"Got a message from the Judge. Asked me to tell you he and the Evie will be here on Monday for the holiday," Chris replied. The surprise and joy on Mary's face from his announcement brought a smile to his lips.
"That's wonderful!" Mary exclaimed, pleased that her former in-laws would be joining them for Christmas. "Billy," she called over her shoulder. "Come here for a minute. I want to tell you something." When she heard no sound that he was coming, she rolled her eyes at Chris. "He's writing to Santa," she murmured quietly to explain his lack of response. "Billy," she called again.
After a few moments, the young man appeared from behind the curtain that partitioned the newspaper office from their living quarters. A serious frown was on his face as he moved slowly across the room, his eyes never leaving the paper in his hand.
"Hi Billy," Chris greeted the youngster.
"Hi Chris," Billy answered, a grin breaking out on his face as he stopped beside the gunslinger and looked up at him. "I got my letter to Santa ready," he proudly announced holding up the paper in his hand.
"Well now, that's an important piece of paper," Chris teased, winking at Mary. "Mind if I take a look at it?"
"Well...," Billy contemplated the request. "Ma, you don't think Santa be mad if Chris reads it do you?"
"Oh, I think it would be okay," she answered solemnly, suppressing her amusement at his seriousness. "Maybe he could read it out loud so I can hear it to? What do you think?"
Shrugging his shoulders, the youngster held up the paper to his idol. "Chris, Ma wants you to read it outloud."
Taking the paper, Chris straightened to give the message the importance it was due. "Dear Santa," he began, struggling to make out the blocked letters and misspelled words. "Mama says I have been a good boy. Hope you think so too. If you do, here is what I want for Christmas. Please bring me a new shawl for Mama. She spilled ink on hers and says she can't wear it in public no more." Chris paused and looked at Mary for confirmation.
Chagrined, she nodded. "Spilled a bottle of ink on it," she said as she moved the shawl so he could see the blackened side of it.
Mentally, Chris made a note to get a shawl for Billy to give his mother as he continued reading. "I want a ball and a puppy and a slingshot. Ma says I'm too young to get a slingshot but Jeremy Taylor got one last year and he's three whole months younger than me." Chris shifted to hide his amusement at Mary's exasperated look at her son. "I thinks that's all Santa," Chris continued. "Hope you make it this year as Vin says it gonna snow before then. Your friend, Billy Travis. P.S. Don't bring Chris a shirt cause Mama had one made for him."
"Billy!" Mary exclaimed.
"Oops," Billy said, covering his mouth, and giggling. "That was suppose to be a secret."
"Oh, I won't tell," Chris solemnly vowed handing back the paper to the boy. "That's a good letter to Santa." Looking at Mary, Chris let a huge grin show on his face at her annoyance that Billy had spoiled the surprise. Continuing to look at her but talking to Billy, he continued. "What do you say you and I go over to the General Store and mail it off?"
Escorting the youngster out the door, he paused as he pulled his hat back up. "Hope it's green," he taunted softly before pulling the door shut behind him.
The end 12/02
Feedback to Author