So, the count down to Christmas went on.
Every day, progress reports on the repairs to Shmi's workshop were encouraging. Even Jessica Stephanie Preston worked hard to help out. She had to, because she knew she was on the naughty list, and she would remain there and not get anything from Santa without doing her best to fix things.
Ocean Elf came and went, because she needed to spend time with her family on Earth as well, especially with her father in hospital.
But one day, she returned in a more cheerful mood than anyone had seen from her in a while. Her Father was able to go home during the day for a while. Chances were good he would be home for good by Christmas.
Misery Chastain stayed at the compound as a guest, and she continued to help out with various things, from caring for Felicity's needs, to shopping, to helping in the kitchen.
But the pervasive tensions were between Jess and Elissa. Jess always seemed to be taunting Elissa though not directly, while Elissa showed open hostility toward her cousin.
One evening when Sheev's violin was newly repaired, he and Felicity with her flute, Misery with her singing, and Ocean on the piano started working on a Christmas music program they intended to put on.
They tried out various songs and decided to have one featuring Felicity, another featuring Sheev, and so on. And the last number would feature each performer thgouthout the song.
It was as they worked on 'Oh Little Town Of Bethlehem' which was Misery's number, shouting was heard in the hall outside.
Misery stopped singing and froze.
Ocean continued to play for a bar or two more, then also stopped.
"Get off my case about that already! Isn't it enough that I'm already helping to fix the damage?
"I'm not on your case yet, you just wait!"
Misery hurried to the door and opened it to see Jess and Elissa quarreling in the hall.
"All right you two, stop it!" she shouted at them. "We're trying to reherse. If you two elves want to fight and get on the naughty list, go somewhere else or shut up!"
"Sorry, Misery," Elissa said, and took off.
Jess tried to look innocent. "Sorry for my cousin's rude behavior." she said with a voice dripping with phoney sweetness.
Misery didn't buy it. "One more perfidious word out of you, little elf, and I will report you." She shut ythe door on Jess, and rehersal carried on.
As rehersels went on, the program started to include more people who wanted to be part of it.
One day, it was announced that everything in Shmi's workshop had been repaired or re-made. Shmi checked it all out and was delighted. The elves hadn't forgotten or missed a single thing. In addition, they carved figures of themselves to include. Then, they had made a good sturdy yet pretty wooden box with padding inside to store all the figures. The Star Wars figures had the largest compartment by far, and the smaller compartment was where their own likenesses, Cosima's, Ocean's, Phantom's and Misery's would go.
Then, school let out for the holidays.
Ocean reported that her father was now home from the hospital for good. She came and went more frequently, to spend more time with her family.
She returned on Christmas Eve night just after dinner and watching TV with her folks.
Then, the Christmas program took place.
Everyone gathered in the music room.
Felicity's flute playing was accompanied by Ocean on the piano. Then they did a number that included Sheev on the violin. Then Sheeve did a violin solo, accompanied by Ocean.
Misery sang a carol, also accompanied by Ocean's piano.
Then Nadine played harmonica, with Ringo on his guitar. Then Micah sang, accompanied by Ringo's guitar.
Then Ocean played 'Jesus Bambino' with everyone else chining in to do their part of a phrase or verse they had worked out.
The show was a hit, and so were the refreshments afterword.
But eventually it grew late, and time to think about calling it a day.
Two people were extremely excited that night, and had been getting more so as the days to Christmas counted down. Now, Felicity couldn't settle down. She kept playing her flute, even when the show was over, chit-chatting with anyone who was available, and just being giddy.
Phantom was in a similar state, though more subdued, the gleam in his eyes betrayed his excitement. He kept Felicity company, reading stories to her, trading jokes, and just being silly along with her.
Ocean didn't help matters by singing "Jingle Bells, Batman smells, Robin laid an egg."
Felicity and Phantom laughed.
Ocean continued.
Batmobille lost its wheel and the Joker got away, hey!"
"Darn." Phantom said.
"That's not the best part, I made up the second part of this. said Ocean, and continued. Jingle Bells, Joker smells, a thousand miles away. Plug your nose, until he goes, and then you'll be okay!"
Felicity doubled over laughing. Phantom joined in.
"All right, you guys," Ben said, joining them in the visiting area, "it's time to break this up, settle down, and for some of us to think about going to bed, Felicity."
"But Ben!" she objected.
"No buts." he said. "If you don't, you'll be too tired for Christmas."
"But I can't go to sleep now."
"Felicity Marie," Ben said, looking at her, "you will go to sleep, now."
"I will go to sleep now," she repeated, and got up to do just that.
Phantom looked curiously at Ben.
Ocean also looked at ben, but she stuck her tongue out at him.
"Oh, are you deciding to be a naughty elf at this late stage?" Ben said with a grin.
Ocean chuckled mischievously. "I saw what you did there. I'm just surprised it worked."
"Oh," Ben challenged goodnaturedly, "Are you saying I've lost my touch?"
"No, but Felicity can be pretty headstrong, I'm surprised something like this could work on her."
"Oh, I see. Well then, Ocean Elf," Ben said with a wry smile, "You will also go to bed now."
Ocean looked him with a grin and repeated, "I will go to bed now," in a quiet voice, and stood up.
Ben looked surprised.
A moment passed.
Then Ocean grinned broadly, and she added, "if you give me a million bucks."
It was Ben's turn to burst out laughing. "Ocean, you brat!"
She laughed.
"What's this all about?" Phantom asked, bemused and confused.
"I'll explain later." said Ben.
So eventually everyone retired for the night.
Christmas morning dawned with snow falling on Tatooine. Everyone awoke to the sight of glisteny whiteness covering the landscape like frosting on a cake. Snowflakes fell gently through the air.
Breakfast was light, and Ben and Luke said this Christmas would be unusual in that everyone was going on a little trip.
"But where's Ocey?" asked Felicity.
"She's left for her home on Earth, dear, to spend Christmas with her family.
"But she didn't say goodbye or anything."
"She didn't want to disturb your sleep, Felicity," said Ben. "Don't worry, she'll be back after she spends time with her family."
"But she'll miss our trip."
"She won't mind. She knew about it before, and said she wishes us all a merry Christmas." Ben assured Felicity. "But Misery doesn't have anyone to spend Christmas with, so she's coming with us, and spending Christmas here. Ocean would want that, too."
So everyone set out in various vehicles, and eventually arrived at a homestad.
They entered the house and took their places in the front room.
"Welcome," Owen said proudly, "to our newly restored homestad! Thanks to all of you who helped rebuild it, Luke, Robin Wick," and he mentioned a few others.
There was a round of applause.
"We will be remaining at the compound until spring, when we will move in here to make a go of it."
There was another round of applause.
"Felicity," Owen announced once everyone had settled down, "this will be your home away from the compound. When you are out of school, you are more than welcome to stay here. This is your Christmas present from us, your adoptive parents!"
More applause, and tears of joy were shed by several present.
Felicity shrieked with surprise and joy. "Thank you!" she finally said.
Owen and Beru got up from their seats and approached her. Owen took hold of one of her hands and lifted, indicating he wished her to get to her feet.
When she did, Felicity felt herself being embraced by both Owen and Beru.
Shmi, sitting and observing with loving eyes, said into the microphone of her device as it videoed, "Don't worry, Lissy, I'll make sure Ocey won't miss out on this.
They stayed a while longer and checked out the homestead. Luke said it looked just as he remembered it as a child.
But finally it was time to go back to the compound. There would be gifts to open there, and a Christmas dinner.
Everyone rested in the afternoon as the turkey baked. Then they had a delicious dinner, the first real Christmas dinner Felicity'd had since her parents had been killed. It was also Phantom's first in the company of people who actually wanted him around. So these two felt they'd never tasted anything so delicious as this Christmas dinner, and wondered if they ever would again.
Then, much to Felicity's impatience, the gift opening seemed to be stalled by cleanup, then by having a late dessert and a round of hot Christmas punch.
During this, who should pound on the door and sing "Let, me in, it's freezing cold out, fa-la-la-la-lah, la-lah, lah, lah!" but -
"Merry Christmas, Ocean Commotion!" Ben laughed as he let the elf in.
"Merry Christmas everybody!" the laughing Ocean exulted as she closed the door behind her and removed her coat and shoes.
Ocey!" Felicity exclaimed.
The elf came in with a large pack, but set it down when she approached Felicity to hug the stuffing out of her.
Take a seat, Elf," Ben invited, "and what have you got in that pack?"
It's Christmas gifts for you all!" She replied with a broad smile. She took it over to a coffeetable, and emptied its contents on it.
It was a plether of treats and candy, more than enough to go around.
This was the start of everyone getting down to the business of opening gifts.
It was almost as exciting for Shmi as for Felicity when the girl received the big box of hand-carved figurines.
There were more gifts to go around for everyone, and many squeals of delight and gratitude.
No one was expecting what happened next.
There was a sound of sleigh bells, then "Ho, ho, ho!" Down and out of the chimney came none other than Santa Claus!
Santa!" Misery exulted, and ran for him.
Misery Chastain! I'm so glad to see your spirits restored!" He chuckled and looked at the others. "She always gives me the biggest welcome."
Suckup." Jess said in annoyance.
Jessica Stephanie Preston," Santa said, "Just because you already got your gift for this year, doesn't mean it is too early to get on the naughty list for the next."
"Santa!" Ocean and Luke nearly bowled each other over to get to him.
"Careful, you two," Santa chuckled.
"Come see Felicity." Ocean said.
"I'll do more than that," said Santa. "First, I have gifts for you all," and he pulled down out of the chimney a huge bag that expanded when it was in the open.
He emptied it out on the floor, then went around, handing out presents to everyone.
Finally, he got to Felicity and Phantom. There was nothing in his pack for them.
This earned several looks of anxious and confusion.
"Felicity and Phantom, this is your first Christmas. First in years for you, Felicity, and first ever for you, Phantom, because cruel people denied you so much for so long." he said sadly. "My gifts for you are too large to fit down the chimney, so I'll have to bring them through the front door."
Everyone expressed relief and wonder.
So, Santa went out the front door and came back in, carrying first one huge box, then left to get the second.
Once they were inside, he shut the door, and invited them both to approach, and he would help them to get the boxes open.
There was an unparalleled rustling of paper, and sounds of boxes being opened.
Phantom were discovering that inside those huge boxes were many smaller boxes, of varying shapes and sizes, all wrapped in different kinds of giftwrap.
Phantom noted that each parcel had numbers that looked like dates of Christmases from different years. But Santa told him there were years missing from his since there had been years when he was on the naughty list. So his collection was roughly the same size and amount as Felicity's. Phantom was more than happy with this.
When Felicity got her big box emptied, Ocean elf came over and crawled right into it, making several people laugh.
Each gift Felicity and Phantom opened had been those they were supposed to have received and never got. Cruel people had sent them back. Santa told Felicity and Phantom he had been saving them for the time when he could meet and give them their gifts in person.
It didn't matter that Felicity was too old for and wouldn't fit into that nurse's uniform she'd wanted when she was seven, it was still a warm feeling to know she hadn't been forgotten by Santa after all.
Phantom was not too old for that electronic train set, and he played with it late into the night, once everything else had been opened and explored.
Felicity went to bed with that talking and laughing doll she had yearned for one other Christmas.
Elissa sat alone on the new room she'd been given since Ocean's return. She felt uncertain about her future, but not hopeless about it. She looked over to the dresser and saw her reflection gazing regretfully back at her from the mirror.
She startled when someone knocked on her door. "Come in."
The door opened, and in stepped none other than Santa.
Elissa opened her mouth, taking in a small gasp. She darted nervous glances at him and around the room.
"Carlotta Elissa Ellen Baker," he said.
She cringed. "Carlotta?" It had been a long time since anyone had used her first name, and she'd almost forgotten about it. Not even Ben Kenobi had known it. "I really mucked up for you to call me that. I'm sorry, I really am." she said quietly.
"Obi-Wan Kenobi is also sorry for losing his temper enough to slap you that day. But all of this is nothing either of you can't fix. You are off to a good start. I am here to help you."
He told you about that?" she asked, lowering her head.
"Yes. He was afraid he might have got himself on the naughty list for that, and was surprised that I had a gift for him instead."
"He didn't do anything wrong."
Not intentionally. But he was among those who disbelieved when you said you had not broken everything. Which brings me to this." Santa pulled out of his pants pocket an envelope and asked Elissa to open it.
When she did, she found a lot of money inside, and a slip of paper.
"The money is for you to buy a new set of dishes for the compound. The information on which sets match closest to the broken set is also there." He sat beside her on the bed and put a hand on her shoulder. "Elissa," he looked compassionately into her troubled face. "It happens. People get caught up, let things go to their heads, get into situations that go out of control. People disbelieve the truth until they get proof of it. You are not the first or the last this kind of situation is happening to. And you are not alone. I and the compound residents will help you, and let you help us."
The small elf drew a shaky breath and mouthed "Thank you."
"And if you are worried about your employment back at my workshop, don't be. You will always be welcome, as long as you don't go to the dark side."
I won't let that happen." Elissa said quietly.
"That's the way." Santa said, patting her shoulder. "Welcome back."
They talked a little while longer until Elissa's nerves were much calmer, and Santa could tell she was in need of some good rest.
"I better be on my way now," he said to her, "I need rest as much as you do. But you might want to take one last look between your dresser and closet before turning out the light tonight." With that, Santa excused himself and left, closing the door quietly behind him.
Elissa looked down between the dresser and the closet, and to her astonishment, she discovered something that hadn't been there before.
It was a medium sized box all wrapped in irridescent white and silver wrapping paper, with a green bow that was tied by a red ribbon. A tag bore the words "To Elissa From Santa"
She felt a delighted smile and the weightless sensation of turmoil being replaced by relief and delight as she went to retrieve her gift. Santa could be so mysterious. She was sure she had been on the naughty list until now. How could she ever thank him?
The box was quite heavy, and that heightened her curiosity.
She opened it as carefully as she could, trying to save as much paper as possible, and put the wrapping in an empty drawer.
Inside the box were a few individual packets of gourmet hot chocolate drinks, some candy, and the large object was something Elissa had wanted for a long time. Her eyes and mouth opened wide in sheer delighted surprise as she took out her very own lava lamp.
All of this wonder filled everyone with Christmas spirit even more than they thought possible. It was surely to be the most memorable Christmas of their lives.