A Witchin' Winter's Night

by Isabel Micheals

  With a wave of his hand, the Ghost of Christmas Present returned Scroogey to her bedroom. In the blink of an eye, he had disappeared without a word.

  CHAPTER ELEVEN

  Ghost of Christmas Yet To Come

  There was no time for Scroogey to ponder all the questions swirling around in her head. In a matter of minutes, she was standing at the front gate of the old graveyard outside the city limits. She took in her surroundings and shivered at how eerie the graveyard felt. It became crystal clear how lonely a graveyard could be. She was positive that it had something to do with being visited by ghosts all night long.

  In all honesty, she had always hated graveyards and this one was no different. Either it was her overactive imagination, or the headstones were trying to draw her into the abyss of fog. When the Ghost of Christmas Yet to Come appeared to her left, she let out a blood curdling scream. It was so loud, she could have woken the dead. Shaking uncontrollably, she turned to see a large figure. It was a mix between the Grim Reaper, a phantom, and a Wraith, which caused her to scream again. Was it because unlike the other ghosts, the Ghost of Christmas Yet to Come hadn’t spoken a word? Was it mute? Regardless, she had a bad feeling about all this. If she started repenting now, all would be forgiven. Right?

  With a heavy sigh, Scroogey searched deep in her soul for the most humble voice she could find. “Am I in the presence of the Ghost of Christmas Yet to Come?”

  When the ghost nodded in agreement and pointed, Scroogey ignored the request. It took a bit, but she mustered up enough courage to speak from the heart.

  “Spirit. I fear you the most than any specter I have met on this journey. Please tell me it’s not too late to change my ways.”

  “CeCe is putting on a helluva performance,” Camille whispered to her partners in crime. “If I didn’t know it was her under all those robes playing the strong, silent, scary type, I’d be afraid myself.”

  “Shh! We don’t want to ruin the moment. We’re almost at the finish line. It looks like Scroogey will make a change for the better,” Mistress Fiona murmured.

  “Sorry! We’ll be quiet,” Symone said in a hushed voice.

  Scroogey had laid all her cards on the table, but there was still no response from the Ghost of Christmas Yet to Come. So in a moment of desperation, she pleaded with the ghost for forgiveness. Bowing her head in surrender, she said, “With a thankful heart, I am prepared to follow and learn. Will you not speak to me?”

  Instead of answering, the Ghost of Christmas Yet to Come placed its hands on Scroogey’s shoulders. It turned her toward the cemetery, which transformed into a group of witches at a Council meeting. They were talking about a witch who died and whom they clearly didn’t give a damn about. It seemed as though all her worldly possessions had been stolen because her magic had failed her. Suddenly, she was transported to the service of the fallen witch. Scroogey couldn’t see the body or the face. But the one thing she did notice was that the deceased witch had no mourners. She tried to ask questions, but it was not to be. The Ghost of Christmas Yet to Come had already transported them to a different part of the graveyard. In the blink of an eye, it transformed into Crachette's house.

  Scroogey immediately recognized the woman and family weeping. Heartbroken by the scene playing out before her, she turned to address the Ghost of Christmas Yet to Come. “Why must there be a Christmas that brings this awful scene. How can we endure it?”

  When no answer was forthcoming, she walked closer to the window. It didn't take long for her to see Cratchette and her family grieving for the loss of Tiny Tina. It was obvious they were overwhelmed by the loss of such a sweet, young child. There was no doubt in her mind that the child had brought inspiration and love to all those around her. The grief and sorrow almost brought Scroogey to her knees. She understood loss and loneliness. She had lived it the majority of her life, which was the reason she decided then and there it was time for a change. She needed to spread more love and happiness in the world because her parents had been wrong. She wasn’t a lost cause. At one time in her life, she had been a loving, caring young woman and vowed to become that girl again.

  She listened as Cratchette tried to console her grieving family. “Life is made up of meetings and partings because that is a part of life. We will never forget my sweet, baby girl Tiny Tina because of the joy she brought into everyone’s life. And for that, we should be forever grateful.”

  Unable to stop the tears streaming down her face, Scroogey placed her hand over her heart. She said a prayer to the Goddess that it wasn’t too late to help Cratchette and Tiny Tina. She took one last look at Tiny Tina’s wooden leg in the corner and shook her head in sorrow. How could she have been so stupid and blind all these years? She was more determined than ever to make things right, if given the chance. Lost in thought, she’d almost missed the fact that they had returned to the gloomy graveyard.

  With a heart full of sorrow and grief, Scroogey turned to look at the Ghost of Christmas Yet to Come. “Must we return to this dreadful place? There’s something else that I must know. Is that not true?”

  When the spirit remained quiet and continued walking, Scroogey knew her time was up. It hadn’t escaped her there was one final lesson that she needed to learn. She wasn’t sure if she could handle the outcome.

  Taking in a deep breath, she turned to the Ghost of Christmas Yet to Come and in a pleading voice said, “Spirit. I know what I must ask, but I fear too. But, I know that I must. Who was the wretched witch whose demise brought so much glee and happiness to others?”

  In response, the Ghost of Christmas Yet to Come turned and pointed toward one headstone.

  Scroogey turned as well and forced herself to walk to the grave. Deep down, she knew the name, but there was still a part of her that hoped she was wrong. Before she unveiled the truth, she turned and said, “Please Spirit. Answer one more question for me. Are these the shadows of things that will be? Or, are they the shadows of things that may be only? Can they not be changed?”

  Once again, the Ghost of Christmas Yet to Come pointed to the grave.

  Trembling with fear, Scroogey slowly made her way to the grave. “I’m positive these events can be changed.” Turning back to look at the phantom, she shook her finger and said, “A life can be redeemed. Humans and witches are granted second chances all the time. If you could give me a second chance, I promise to make things right.” Then, she knelt down in front of the cold, desolate grave and proceeded to wipe the snow off the headstone.

  “Scroogess Ebesneezer,” she exclaimed. Turning to the Ghost of Christmas Yet to Come, she pleaded for mercy, forgiveness, and a second chance. “Oh please Spirit, tell me it’s not so. I swear, I’m not the uncaring witch I was before. I’ve changed.”

  When once again, the Spirit said nothing, Scroogess continued pleading her case.

  “Why would you show me this if I was passed all hope?” she asked, as the tears flowed freely down her face. “I promise from this day forward, to honor Christmas. I will keep it in my heart throughout the year,” Scroogey insisted, as she continued to beg for another chance. She looked the phantom in the face and said, “I will live my life in the past, the present and the future. I will always remember the lessons that the other Spirits have taught me. Please Spirit. I beg of you. Give me another chance to make things right.”

  CHAPTER TWELVE

  Scroogey’s Redemption

  No. No. Please Spirit. Don’t leave me all alone,” Scroogey yelled, as she tossed and turned in her bed. When she was brave enough to open her eyes, she assessed her surroundings. She let out a sigh of relief when she realized she was no longer in the graveyard on the outskirts of Bass Ackwards. Moreover, the Ghost of Christmas Yet to Come was nowhere in sight.

  “Oh, thank the Goddess! I’m once again at home,” she said to no one in particular, as she let out another sigh of relief.

  Scurrying from her bed, she danced with glee before floating to the open window in her bedroom. She felt as light as
a feather and as giddy as a child on Christmas day opening her presents. Once she reached the window, she immediately wished everyone a Merry Christmas. Unsure of how long she had been amongst the Spirits, she was unsure of the date. When she noticed the child building a snowman, she smiled and said, “Hello there young man. What is today?”

  Confused by the question, the young man repeated it. “What is today?”

  “Yes. What is today?” Scroogey asked again.

  Shrugging his little shoulders, he began scratching his head in confusion. “Today is Christmas.”

  Elated that it was not too late, Scroogey squealed with joy. “Oh, thank the Goddess! The Spirits have managed to show me the way in one night. I haven’t missed Christmas. Tell me young man. Do you know if they’ve sold that prized turkey at the market?”

  “You mean the one as big as me?” the young man replied.

  “Yes. The one as big as you,” Scroogey said with a smile. She was enjoying the young man’s excitement about Christmas and the turkey. It had been a long time since she had felt the Spirit of Christmas. It was delightful. “Would you go and buy it for me? Make sure they bring it back here. If you can do this for me, I promise to make it worth your time,” she finally said.

  “Seriously?” the young man asked. He was skeptical given Scroogey's history of being mean.

  “I promise on my witch’s honor and the Spirit of Christmas,” Scroogey replied.

  In a dash, the young man was off to do Scroogey’s bidding. She still couldn’t believe it was Christmas. More importantly, it wasn’t too late to change the present and, thereby, the future. Once the turkey arrived, she would take it to Cratchette’s house as a peace offering. She would also offer her job back with an increase in pay, so that her family wouldn’t have to struggle. As for Tiny Tina, she would make sure the young girl received the medical care she needed to live a long, healthy life. It was an excellent plan even if she did say so herself.

  She waited on the gentleman from the market and the young man who had agreed to do her bidding. Once she changed clothes, she pulled enough money from under her bed to impress a King. Like some humans, she didn’t trust banks. She had learned early on when her parents lost all their money in the stock market, never to trust anyone. Hopefully, her willingness to trust people had changed for the better. She intended to do right by Cratchette and her family. But if she was going to pull off the Best Christmas Party Ever, she would need the help of three powerful witches. Money was not an issue and if need be, she'd practice a little hocus pocus of her own to get the job done. She was positive the Witches Council would understand and forgive. After all, Christmas was a time of forgiveness, unconditional love, generosity and happiness.

  When they arrived with the turkey, Scroogey paid them in full. Then, she instructed them to take the turkey to Cratchette’s house. She stressed the importance of keeping where the turkey came from a secret.

  Cratchette was about to cut the huge turkey when someone knocked on her door. She gasped in surprise to find Scroogey standing on her doorstep.

  “Greetings Cratchette. I know that it’s Christmas, but I promise not to take up too much of your time. May I come in?” Scroogess asked in a humble voice.

  Cratchette was shocked by the humbleness in her former employer's voice. In the past, her demand would have dripped with a condescending tone she had come to know well over the years.

  Startled by the request, Cratchette was at a loss for words. When the awkward moment passed, she stepped aside so Scroogess could enter her home. “Um… How may I help you Miss Scroogess?”

  “First, I come to apologize for not appreciating all the hard work you’ve done for me over the years. Second, I would like to offer you your job back, but only on one condition.”

  “I-I don’t know,” Cratchette hesitantly replied. Only the Goddess knew how bad she needed her job back. She wasn’t sure if she could deal with Scroogey’s verbal abuse any longer. Yes. She could find another job in time. Unfortunately, time was not on their side. She was damned if she did and damned if she didn’t. The dilemma made her want to cry, but she wouldn’t allow Scroogess to witness her vulnerability. Straightening her back, she looked her former employer straight in the eye. “What is your condition?”

  “You accept the huge raise I'm about to offer you. We both know it's long overdue. Besides, you've earned it for all the years you've put up with my crap. I would like to apologize to you in front of your family for my behavior. Not only was it unprofessional and unproductive, but it was also flat out mean. I’d also love to help pay for Tiny Tina’s surgery, so that she’ll be around for years to come.”

  Scroogess’s last condition had Cratchette’s eyes welling with tears. They had struggled for so long. She wasn’t sure what or who had prompted the change in her boss, but she would forever be grateful. It seemed as though, Christmas truly was a time for miracles. “Thank you, Mistress Scroogess. I have no other words to express how grateful my family and I are for your kindness and generosity.”

  “Does that mean you’ll come back to work for me?” Scroogey asked.

  “Yes. I’ll be there bright and early tomorrow morning.”

  “That won’t be necessary. Spend time with your family this holiday season and I’ll see you after the New Year. I’ll also be throwing a party later on tonight for the citizens of Bass Ackwards. I hope you and your family will come. I plan to make it the Best Christmas Party Ever,” Scroogey replied. When Cratchette agreed, she bid the family farewell. “Next stop. Cecelia’s,” she murmured. Hopping on her broom, she headed to the home of her new friend. Well, she hoped that would be the case when all was said and done.

  * * *

  “Ladies, I want to congratulate you on a job well done. I have it on good authority that Scroogess has been making amends all morning. She’s turned over a new leaf and I have you to thank. I could have never pulled off this transformation without your help. Thank you," Mistress Fiona said.

  “Wait a minute! What do you mean you couldn’t have pulled off Scroogey’s transformation without our help?” Camille asked. She had a niggling feeling in the back of her head that they had been set up. Now, all she needed to do was get confirmation from the only person who could provide it.

  “I guess the cat’s out of the bag,” Mistress Fiona said with a sly smile.

  “What are you talking about?” Cecelia inquired.

  “She means that we were set up. If I had to guess, we were never in trouble with the Witches’ Council for using our magic,” Symone suggested.

  “You would be correct, Symone. We knew Scroogess was lying about loving Christmas. But, we still allowed her to apply for the Christmas Witch position. It allowed us to come up with a plan to teach her a lesson. Her misguided hatred toward you was also a way for us to kill two birds with one stone. If we were successful, Scroogess would learn her lesson and embrace her true destiny. Moreover, the feud between you would come to an end,” Mistress Fiona admitted.

  “Huh! Sure it will. When pigs fly,” Camille quickly replied. She knew they had taught Scroogey a lesson, but she still had her doubts. The verdict was still out. Would the vindictive witch would let go of the anger and disgust she harbored for them anytime soon?

  “I know it’s been difficult dealing with Scroogess in the past. I also know that you were only trying to be her friend. But trust me when I tell you that she’s turned over a new leaf,” Mistress Fiona insisted.

  “From your lips to the Goddess’s ears, so mote it be,” Cecelia said.

  “I’m afraid it’s time for us to part ways,” Mistress Fiona said, as she gave each woman a hug. “All I ask is that when Scroogess knocks on your door for help, let bygones-be-bygones and lend a helping hand. It’s the last step in the healing process for you all. You won’t be sorry,” Mistress Fiona encouraged. When the women nodded in agreement, she disappeared in a cloud of magenta smoke.

  “Hmm. Could she be right?” Symone asked, right before Cecelia’s doorb
ell rang.

  Sensing it was Scroogey on her doorstep, Cecelia looked at her friends and said, “I guess we’re about to find out.”

  * * *

  Scroogey insistently knocked on Cecelia’s door. She was torn between being nervous and terrified as she continued knocking. Nervous about what to say if Cecelia answered the door. Terrified that Cecelia wouldn’t answer when she saw who was standing on her doorstep. She had been nothing but a royal pain in the ass from the moment they met. Now, she was on her former nemesis doorstep asking—no begging—for a favor. One that would change her life forever, but in a good way. She needed help in executing her plan. The Spirits were right. It’s never too late to teach an old dog new tricks. Everyone deserved a second chance, especially Cecelia, Symone, and Camille. They had only wanted to be her friend. She was prepared to gravel on her knees if necessary.

  When Cecelia answered the door, she sent up a silent prayer of thanks to the Fates. Letting out the breath she had been holding for the last ten minutes, she smiled. “Thank the Goddess you’re home. I know we haven’t gotten along in the past, but I’d like to change all that today. May I come in?”

  Remembering Mistress Fiona’s prediction, Cecelia gave Scroogey a warm, inviting smile. “Sure. Come on in.”

  “Thank you,” Scroogey replied. She followed Cecelia into the living room where she saw Symone and Camille. “Hello ladies. I’m glad you’re all here because I’m in desperate need of our help and I’m prepared to beg if necessary.”

  Camille looked at Symone in shock and vice versa before replying to Scroogey’s plea. “Given the way you’ve treated us over the years, why should we help you?”

  Letting out a sigh, Scroogey looked Camille directly in the eye and said, “That’s a fair question.”

  “Yes. It is,” Symone countered.

  “Look. I know that I’ve made your life a living hell over the years and for that I am truly sorry. I was blinded by my past and let it control my destiny. It wasn’t until now that I realized I had chosen the wrong path, so I’m trying to make amends for all my indiscretions. I know it won’t be easy, and I know that I have a lot to make up for, but I’m willing to try. Will you help me?”