Daddy Dearest: A Christmas Story

by Rachel Burns

  Morgan looked at the doctor, who was here making a house call. He checked her father’s pulse and listened to his chest for a long time before he proclaimed that he was dead.

  For some reason, Morgan didn’t expect it. At least, not today.

  She turned away from the doctor and the nurse who had moved in to take care of her father. She stood in the corner, trying to breathe, but she couldn’t.

  Her feet could no longer hold her weight. She sank down to her knees as she gasped for air, crying in the corner like a naughty little girl.

  Chapter 32

  Martin felt himself being lifted up by a warm light. It was nice and comfortable in the light. He looked down and saw Morgan crying heart-wrenching tears in the corner. She loved him.

  The light was getting brighter. He headed towards it, feeling that he had used his second chance with Morgan. His only regret was that he couldn’t do something wonderful for her.

  A spark of hope filled his heart. Would Stephanie be waiting for him? She’d want to hear what he could tell her about Morgan.

  Martin found himself relaxing. He’d never been so relaxed. His soul was lifting higher and higher. Suddenly, he was facing a man he’d never met before.

  “So you made it,” the man said to him.

  “I guess so. I thought it would hurt, but the pain stopped.” He tried to take a deep breath and couldn’t.

  “No need to try. You don’t need to breathe anymore. You’ll get used to it. Follow me. I’ll show you where you can rest.”

  “Rest?” Martin asked him surprised.

  “Yes, most people want to rest.”

  “I want to check on my daughter. She was crying when I left.”

  “Your daughter?” the angel asked him.

  “Morgan.”

  “She’ll be fine. They always are. You can rest now. You had a busy life.” The man was trying to lead Martin a certain way, but Martin was too stubborn to let himself be led anywhere.

  “How long would I have to rest?” Martin demanded to know.

  “You can rest forever. It will be good for your soul.”

  “I don’t want to rest. I’ve been in bed for the last two months. I want to check on my daughter.”

  “Only angels can do that. With your track record, I’d say that might not be for you.” The angel tried to reason with him.

  “No. I need to see that she’s happy. She was before I got sick. She gave up everything to be there for me.”

  “Chances are things will work out for your daughter. You don’t have to worry about her anymore. You don’t need to worry about anything.”

  “But I am worried. She’ll never swallow her pride and go to the man she loves. And he thinks he isn’t good enough for her. They need help.”

  “That isn’t your problem anymore.” The angel pointed out.

  “But I owe her. I take that seriously.”

  “Fine. You can start your training, but she might find someone else in the meantime. It’s better for us not to worry about the people down there too much. Everything works out in the end, and they come here.”

  “There isn’t anyone else for her. She loves Sawyer,” Martin insisted.

  ~

  Martin tried to stay focused. He now understood why angels were so rare. The training took years, but he often got a chance to see Morgan. She went back to school and got her degree. She ran his company with lots of help, but everyone liked and respected her.

  Morgan was successful, but she wasn’t happy. Her kind soul was still suffering. She was lonely and getting used to it. He couldn’t let that happened.

  He checked on Sawyer too. Sawyer was working hard. He started a ranch, and he was building a big house on it. It was a house fit for a rich mayor in a major city. He had to be doing it to impress Morgan. That meant that he wanted her.

  Martin could work with that.

  ~

  “I need to take my test,” Martin told his trainer.

  “You aren’t ready. There’s so much you need to learn.”

  “My daughter needs my help now.”

  “Chances are you won’t be assigned to help your daughter anyway,” his trainer told him.

  “What?” Martin had never heard that before, and he had always been clear that he only wanted to help Morgan.

  “You’re too emotional about her. It might blind you into making the wrong decision and misusing your powers.”

  “What powers? I haven’t gotten any yet,” Martin snapped at the head angel.

  “This is what I meant by too emotional.”

  “I want to talk to your boss.” Martin was used to getting what he wanted. He had no problem standing up for himself.

  “Martin, that isn’t possible. And besides, he’s our boss not just mine. You didn’t even believe in him until you got here.”

  “I need to talk to him. I have to explain everything.” Martin felt if he could explain it, God would understand.

  “You mean that you want to help your daughter not for her sake but for yours because you feel guilty for abusing her?”

  “Why can’t I right my own wrong?” Martin demanded to know.

  “Because chances are she isn’t suffering enough to get an angel. Only a very lucky few ever get our help. Are you even prepared to help someone who you aren’t related too?”

  “Only if I can help Morgan first,” Martin told him flat out.

  “And that is why you will never be an angel. You should go rest with the others. You aren’t cut out to be one of us,” the head angel sighed.

  Martin wished that he still had his body so he could take a swing at the angel and teach him a lesson.

  Suddenly, Martin felt his soul being lifted up. Something was pulling him in. He had no idea what was happening, but he feared that his soul was being transported to the mountain where the souls slept for eternity.

  “No, I need to help my daughter. Morgan!” he screamed out.

  “He’s right. You will never become an angel.” Martin found himself in the presence of an angel he had never seen before. This angel shown in a golden light, brighter than any angel he had seen before. “He was also right about you wanting to help Morgan for your sake more than for hers.”

  “Please, I need to help her, or I won’t be able to rest in peace.”

  “I agree with you. I also agree that you have a wrong that you desperately need to right. You tried at the end, and I believe Morgan forgave you. But you have to forgive yourself too.”

  “I don’t deserve forgiveness. What I did was terrible. I admit that. And I want her to be happy. She just doesn’t know how to stand up for herself. I never taught her how to do that,” he pleaded with this angel, who he thought might be God. “I owe her. I have a debt to repay. She was there for me when she didn’t need to be. She sacrificed so much. I have to repay her, or I won’t be able to rest easy.”

  “Because this is a special time of year, I’ve decided to give you angel powers for one night and one night only. If you can’t fix what you broke in that time, it will remain broken. Use your time wisely.” The angel turned away from him and disappeared like a shooting star.

  Then Martin felt a pain, like a punch in the gut. Since he died three years ago, he hadn’t felt pain like this. He had no idea how to use the powers he suddenly had.

  He thought about Morgan, concentrating on her. Suddenly, he was beside her. She was sitting at the table and eating alone. Automatically, he looked at the other chairs to see if she had her doll with her, but the chairs were empty.

  Morgan finished her meal and left the room.

  Martin followed her, telling her how happy he was to see her again, but she couldn’t hear him.

  She went into the living room and sat down by the tree. It was Christmastime. That was what the golden angel meant when he said this time of year.

  Morgan sat up on the sofa so straight, almost as if she were a figurine as she stared at the tree. Out of nowhere, she got up and turned out the Christmas tree l
ights and headed up the stairs. She went to bed alone.

  Martin was surprised to see that she was still sleeping in her old room. The master suite was much more spacious. Why hadn’t she moved into his old rooms?

  Before Martin could figure out what he should or even what he could do, she was asleep. Knowing that he only had this one night, he wracked his brain to think of a way to help her.

  Then he realized what he should do. It was a little cliché, but he didn’t have time to think of anything better.

  Chapter 33

  “Morgan, wake up. I need to show you something.” Martin called to her, waking her from her dreams.

  “What? Who’s there?”

  “Don’t be afraid, darling. It’s just me.”

  “Dad?” She couldn’t believe what she was seeing.

  “Yes, darling. It’s me.”

  “But you’re …”

  “Dead. I know. You have nothing to worry about. I’m not here to collect you. I just have something that I want to show you.”

  “Show me?” Morgan was getting more confused.

  “Yes, I need you to get out of bed, put on a warm robe and some slippers. Hurry now. I don’t have much time.”

  “I’m just dreaming, aren’t I. This can’t be real.” She laid back down and snuggled into her pillow.

  “Get up. I’m not going to say it again.”

  Morgan opened up one eye and looked at him. “But the bed is so warm, and this can only be crazy.”

  “I told you that I have something to show you.”

  “You’re going to show me Christmas past, present and future. I get it. I read the book, and I’ve even seen a movie or two about it. Why don’t you just tell me how terrible my future is going to be?”

  “Because I’m not going to show you your past, present, and future. I’m going to show you Sawyer’s.”

  That got her attention. She sat up and looked at her father’s ghost. “But I haven’t heard from him in years.” In fact, it had been over three years. They were good and broken up. “Besides, he’s probably married and has a kid by now.”

  “But he still thinks about you. He wants you. There is no wife or a child. He doesn’t even have a girlfriend. Come with me and get to know him. I’ll show you more than he showed you. You’ll understand him better.” Martin reached out his hand to her.

  Slowly, Morgan reached for her father’s hand. She never would have trusted him, but they had gotten slightly close before he passed away.

  Suddenly, she was on her feet with a warm robe wrapped around her and warm slippers on her feet. They were floating through time, going through light and dark patches. Then she saw Sawyer. He was younger than she had ever met him. He was at school, sitting at his desk and looking forward. His head was lowered, but his eyes were focused on the front.

  Morgan turned her head to see what he was looking at. The teacher had a girl in tight jeans over the top of his desk, and he was paddling her.

  Morgan looked back at Sawyer. With the palm of his hand, he tried to push his penis down. Morgan knew exactly what he was doing. He was turned on and trying to stop himself from being that way. She’d seen him do that before.

  The girl returned to her seat, sniffling and sobbing. She was even mumbling under her breath about how unfair this was.

  “I’m sorry that had to happen on your first day, Sawyer,” the teacher said, making Morgan look back at him. “Sawyer Dalton will be living with his uncle from now on after losing both of his parents in a car accident a couple of weeks ago. I expect everyone to be kind to him as he goes through this hard time.”

  A dark look swept across his face. Morgan could taste the pain he was feeling. She stepped forward, wanting to give him a hug, but they were disappearing again.

  “Hey, I thought we would have more time,” Morgan complained.

  “That’s exactly what I don’t have. We have to hurry.”

  They swept through the light and dark patches as their feet never touched the ground, first stopping when they reached a beautiful home.

  “Wow, look at this,” Morgan proclaimed. “This is like something from those TV shows about remodeling. I love it.” She smiled as she looked around. “I’m happy for him. He’s doing well for himself.”

  Sawyer and a beautiful woman walked into the room. “This is the family room. It’s still very stylish, but it’s also perfect for having popcorn and watching the game.”

  “It’s amazing. Thank you. I never could have done this without you. I’m impressed.” Sawyer thanked the woman.

  “He found someone. I’m happy for him.” Morgan meant what she said. She wanted him to be happy and do well in life.

  “I can’t believe you got this done in time for Christmas. It’s my only day off each year,” Sawyer told her.

  “I know. You work too hard. I hope you enjoy your day off tomorrow in peace. Have fun getting to know where everything is and how it works. If you have any questions, you can call me.”

  “Oh, they aren’t together yet, but she’s working on it,” Morgan stated in a snide way, crossing her arms over her chest.

  “Thanks for the offer, but I would never disturb your family on Christmas Day.”

  The woman beamed at him. “I hope the kids like what their getting. Jerry is building Samantha’s dollhouse as we speak.” The woman’s eyes were filled with excitement.

  “I’m sure you’ll help her decorate it tomorrow,” Sawyer joked.

  “You better believe it. You have to teach kids about style while they’re young.” The woman looked at her watch. “I have to leave now and pick up my kids and get Jerry’s suit from the cleaners. It’s supposed to snow too. Is it okay if I go now?”

  “Sure. I don’t want you guys to be late for the Christmas pageant. The kids will be great in it.”

  “Are you coming to see it?” she asked him.

  “No, I’m going to look around the house and get familiarized with it. Thanks again to you and your team for everything. This is exactly what I wanted.” Sawyer praised her work.

  “It was a treat for us to be able to decorate a whole house like this. And elegant-farmhouse style is my absolute favorite. Merry Christmas, Sawyer.” She gave him a wave as she headed to the door. It was clear that she wanted to get to her kids.

  When the door closed and Sawyer thought he was alone, he opened his bag and got out a magazine. He sat down with it in front of the fire.

  Morgan recognized the magazine immediately. It was the one with her picture on the cover. There was an article about her and the company in it. They sang her praises to no end in it. She thought it was over the top. The magazine had come out months ago, and Sawyer’s copy look well-read. He smiled as he read it, and his fingertips brushed over her pictures.

  Morgan looked at her father surprised. “He still remembers me,” she declared.

  “He more than remembers you. He built this house for you. This is all an effort to impress you.”

  “He doesn’t have to impress me.”

  “I know that, but he sure doesn’t. Right now, he’s trying to get the courage to give you a call. I’m afraid he won’t because he thinks you won’t remember him.”

  “How could I forget the man who saved my life?” Morgan shook her head at such nonsense.

  “You thought he forgot about you too.” Her father reminded her as he reached for her hand.

  “No, I want to stay and watch him,” Morgan protested, but they were already heading forward. This time there were several jolts of lights also off to the side.

  “How do you know where to go?” she asked her father.

  “I have help, lots of help,” he admitted.

  “Where do the other paths lead to?” she asked him.

  “Because the future isn’t written in stone, there are endless possibilities. But this is the path that he’ll be on because he was too scared to call you.”

  “Scared?”

  “Yes. He’s always seen you as the one with the power
in your relationship,” Martin confessed.

  “Me? That can’t be right. You don’t know what kind of relationship we had exactly.”

  “I do, but let’s not talk about that.” Martin didn’t want to get into that.

  It was Christmas again. The house looked a little different, but Sawyer was sitting in the same armchair in front of the fireplace looking at the same magazine. The corners of his eyes wrinkled up when he smiled at her picture. Morgan could see how old he had gotten.

  “I sold the truck stop, Morgan. I’m too old for it. If you ever come through again, I won’t be there to cook you a meal and make you a chocolate shake.” He leaned back in his chair. He was a lonely old man with no one.

  “But nothing changed for him. He’s exactly where he was before,” Morgan protested.

  “That’s right, darling. Nothing changed for him because he stayed where he was, believing that you could never truly love someone who didn’t own a yacht.”

  “That’s ridiculous,” Morgan stated.

  “He fears rejection so much that he isn’t willing to take a chance and reach out to you. You heard him. He still hopes that you’ll reach out to him.” Martin took hold of her hand again. It was time to take her back home.

  He brought her back to her room, muttering that she should move to the bigger and better room as he tucked the covers in around her to keep her warm. “Here’s your doll, darling. I’m so glad I had her repaired for you. I love you, Morgan,” he told her, knowing that this would be his last chance to do so.

  “Why didn’t you love me when I was little?” she asked him.

  “I did. I just didn’t know how. I thought that there would be time for that later,” he confessed.

  She closed her eyes and fell asleep again. Martin could see tears on her face. It killed him how lonely she was.

  He stared down at her for a long time. When he was finally ready to let her go, he stepped back, expecting to be back in heaven again, but nothing happened.