A Seasonal Second Chance - Christmas With Stephanie Poppins

The Seasonal Second Chance A Christmas Short Story Written and performed by Stephanie Poppins The coloured lights lining Mount Chase moat twinkled happily through the best bakery window,

Their tiny bowls reflected in the frosted ice squares that sat in neat little lines ready to be packed away.

The best bakery in Mount Chase really was just that,

The best cakes and pastries in the prettiest little village around,

Although it was getting harder and harder to compete.

Up until summer of that year,

The best bakery had supplied all the baked products for the community and opened every day but Sunday when its plumpest victorious sponges would be found along with its proprietor at morning service in the old church high on the hill.

Then convenience arrived under the guise of the new supermarket and things changed.

It was Christmas Eve and Chelsea Chase was wiping down the countertop for the third time that minute,

Her hands moving in tight circles that matched the anxiety swirling round her chest.

You're going to polish a hole in that marble if you're not careful,

A friendly voice said.

This was John Mullings.

He was standing in the doorway with fresh snowflakes on his shoulders and gentle concern on his face.

Being only next door,

He was no stranger to Chelsea's quirks and truth be told he had a few of his own.

Getting up each day at the crack of dawn did that to a man,

He reckoned.

The only difference between me and you,

John,

Is you use salt and I use fairy liquid,

She shot back.

Well that's the only way with butcher's blocks.

He placed her coffee down on the very plate she just cleaned.

Jonathan Mullings,

She snapped.

Chelsea Chase,

He returned.

I made it with extra milk,

Just the way you like it.

The village butcher was strong,

Quiet,

Understanding and reliable.

Everything Chelsea was not looking for in a man.

But in his defence,

She wasn't in the market for any kind of man at all.

No,

She could do without any more complications in her life.

John Mullings was her friend and that was what she needed right now.

Someone to listen to her when she rambled non-stop about creme fraiche and the latest state-of-the-art espresso machine.

Someone to be impressed by her dream of opening an artisan cafe.

That was the only thing on Chelsea's mind.

Well,

That and Drake Smith.

That's it,

I've had enough,

She said,

Throwing her tea cloth into the wash bin.

I'm ready to close up now.

Chelsea was tired,

But tired didn't pay the bills,

Did it?

And tired did not keep the best bakery open till late.

Where's Mr Cotton,

Said John.

I thought he was closing up today.

He talked me round.

Talked you round?

That's the fifth time this week,

Chels.

It's Christmas Eve.

He's supposed to be dropping in next door for his Christmas joint.

I know,

You're going to have to stick up for yourself a bit more.

He's busy,

What can I say?

Chelsea turned away to close the cash register,

Even though she'd already counted it out twice.

She didn't want to be in the middle of this.

She had problems of her own.

Seventy-three pounds.

There was barely enough here to cover the ingredients,

Let alone January's rent.

It had been a slow week for Mr Cotton,

Slower than she anticipated.

She wondered how he would make ends meet.

Then she remembered her plans.

It'll all change when I get my cafe,

She thought.

I can use all his products in the production of my own,

And business will be booming for the both of us.

Pass me my phone,

John,

Will you?

John leaned on the counter,

Trying hard to divert his eyes from Chelsea's ebony mane.

The girl was beautiful,

There was no denying it.

The loveliest girl he'd ever met.

But he couldn't tell her that.

She oozed arms-length vibes,

So the long game it would have to be.

Chelsea washed her floured hands and checked there were no messages.

It had been six months now.

Wasn't it about time she stopped stressing?

Drake would never find her in a tiny village in the middle of nowhere,

Would he?

So what was she still worried about?

Thanks,

John.

He watched her closely.

You're okay,

Chels.

I've been thinking,

Maybe I should change phones.

Why,

That one's all right.

I know,

But I want to start afresh,

You know.

John had long since had the feeling Chelsea Chase was avoiding someone,

But he hadn't known how to broach the subject.

Have you turned off your location services?

It was a wild guess,

But he reckoned he couldn't be far wrong.

Wanting a new phone,

When you already had a more than decent one,

There must be a reason for it.

Right,

Good point.

But I don't think I ever had them on,

Did I?

Give it here.

John scanned the phone.

Yep,

They're on all right.

Shall I turn them off?

Chelsea's face dropped.

She was getting that sinking feeling again.

She picked up the cloth and carried on cleaning.

She didn't want John to see the devastation in her eyes.

How could she have been so stupid?

She'd been too busy dreaming and making plans,

But this could send her right back to square one.

Keen to take her mind off whatever it was she was worrying about,

John said.

What are you going to call it when you find the right location?

My cafe?

Yeah.

The yellow corner,

She said proudly.

That's my favourite colour.

Nice.

It'd be the world's safest safe space.

John wondered why Chelsea said that.

But he listened on.

It was nice hearing her plans.

There'll be soft lighting,

Soft music,

Loads of books,

And of course my outstanding customer service.

Of course.

Not to mention the resident cats.

Everyone loves cats.

Okay.

You do like cats,

John,

Don't you?

John was secretly flattered his opinion mattered that much.

Yeah,

Of course.

Love them.

Good.

At this,

Chelsea brightened up considerably.

There was nothing to worry about.

Everything was going according to plan.

Just get Christmas out of the way,

Then that £18,

000 she'd tucked away would be enough for her deposit on that fully equipped unit she'd had her eye on since she arrived.

And with the savings she'd added since working here,

It hit the ground running.

Chelsea Chase might not have had the best start in life,

But she was going to give herself the best future.

No one asked to be forgotten,

Did they?

No one asked to be a child of the state.

Most people had parents,

Be they good or bad.

But Chelsea Chase had always managed alone.

This time,

She would be at the heart of the community that had been crying out for an upmarket cafe ever since the walking trail was reopened.

Talk about the perfect timing.

And hadn't it taken everything she had just to get here?

Her old life had been the worst.

Every night,

She'd driven Drake's passages across London for him without question,

Available at a moment's notice,

Often driving for him.

Through the night and sleeping all day.

Just drive and deliver,

He used to say.

I'll get you guaranteed fares,

Just drive and deliver.

That was music to the ears of a struggling taxi driver with nothing but a borrowed car and targets to hit.

And he had paid her exceptionally well.

Drug money it might have been,

Blood money she hoped it couldn't have been.

But whatever it was then,

It would be clean money once the tenancy was signed and the ingredients bought.

Chelsea sighed.

She hated keeping secrets from John.

He was her best friend.

But a secret it would have to be.

She needed all the friends she could get right now.

Your phone's ringing,

Chels.

Oh,

OK.

Mr Cotton?

A surprise!

That sounds great.

Right,

OK then.

I'll see you tonight.

Fantastic,

Bye.

What's going on?

Well,

He sounded very upbeat.

I think it must be good news.

He certainly needs it.

He wasn't able to pay his rent last month.

This put Chelsea's back up.

He's doing his best,

John.

I don't know what else to say.

The words came out sharper than she intended.

It wasn't John's fault his father was the landlord.

But she had to defend the old man.

He'd given her a job,

Hadn't he?

At very short notice.

She'd sailed in unannounced,

A complete stranger,

And asked for his help.

And he'd given her a job without question.

So she owed him her loyalty above all else.

Friend or no friend.

John took this as a sign to leave.

The last thing he wanted to do was go down this road.

See you later then at the street party.

And as the bell above the front door rang,

He exited through the backyard.

Meanwhile,

Chelsea put on her business-as-usual face,

Eager to get rid of the last few slices.

Then she could really say she'd done her best.

We're just about to close.

It's just these ones in the window left.

She turned to face the door.

But the man slouching there had no interest in the last few slices whatsoever.

All right,

Chels?

Drake,

What are you doing here?

I could say the same to you.

Chelsea felt sick.

How could he have found her?

She brushed her eyes with the back of her hand,

As if that would somehow make it all go away.

Flicking the sign to close,

He stepped towards her.

Pulling out an envelope from his jacket and slapping it onto the counter.

Chelsea winced.

Another bribe,

She supposed.

He smelled like cheap cologne and promises he had yet to keep,

Like leaving her the hell alone.

Long time,

No see.

You walked before we had the chance to settle up.

I don't need your money,

Drake.

I just want out.

You've got to see that.

Oh,

Come on.

Everyone wants money.

Most of all,

You.

You wouldn't have done what you did if it weren't for the cash now.

Would you?

And I've come all this way,

Haven't I?

It's Christmas Eve,

Chels.

You wouldn't see me out on the streets on Christmas Eve,

Would you?

The man was ignoring her,

Just like he always did when he wanted something.

Just through Christmas.

Come on,

Chels.

I miss you.

I miss us.

Us?

Chelsea swallowed hard.

How could anyone in their right mind define a one-night stand as us?

Are you in trouble,

Drake?

Is that what this is?

Drake's smile failed to reach his eyes.

When am I not?

Look,

I can't do this anymore.

I don't want to do this anymore.

So you'd rather work in a bakery,

Then?

Minimum wage?

Yes,

I'd rather do that.

Look,

He persisted.

It's Christmas.

Let's at least do that for old time's sake.

Then we can talk.

There's big money to be made,

Chels.

You know you want it.

His grubby thumb brushed her cheekbone,

And she shied away.

I quit for a reason,

Drake.

I've got a new life now.

Please.

John's words were still ringing in her ears.

See you at the street party.

And anyway,

I'm going out tonight.

Something like jealousy flickered across Drake's face.

No problem.

Then I'll stay at your house,

And I'll wait.

Village get-togethers are not really my scene anyway.

And they're not really yours either,

I think.

You don't know me anymore,

Drake.

I've changed,

And I like it that way.

Whatever,

Bae.

You're finished here,

Then?

And seeing she had no choice but to agree,

Chelsea Chase followed Drake out of the door and across the village to her ground floor flat.

It was eight o'clock,

And Mount Chase was alive with all the joy of the season.

Visitors,

Locals,

And late-night shoppers flooded the streets amid stalls,

Ballads,

And carol singers.

High above the village,

The church bells rang,

And lining the moat,

Strings of golden glass lit the seasonal stalls that ran from one end of the village to the other.

It was such a beautiful scene,

It almost caught Chelsea's breath.

She had only ever known a busy city with its flashing lights and big brass bands belting out Christmas favourites across high street tannoys.

This village had a real band,

And real musicians,

And a shiny sleigh with Santa,

And all the things she had ever wanted as a child.

Merry Christmas,

Someone called.

And Chelsea wanted to call back,

But her voice caught in her throat.

No,

Chels.

She reminded herself,

You only cry alone.

She made her way to the small square,

And the huge pine tree watching over the proceedings.

This was Christmas Eve,

Supposedly the best time of the year.

And yet,

Chelsea wasn't even sure how she would get through the next 24 hours.

She just needed to find John.

Whatever happened,

She must say goodbye to him,

The best friend she ever had.

Chelsea?

She looked up,

And there was Mr.

Cotton on the busiest stand in the market.

So this is what you've been up to behind my back,

She smiled,

Diving under the brown canvas roof,

Eager to see what he'd done.

I've been inundated,

He said.

I had to do something,

Chels,

And this was it.

But why didn't you tell me?

I would have helped.

No,

Dear.

You've run that shop single-handed the last few months.

Ten hours a day.

I couldn't have done it without you,

Kid.

And I've got my little Joe here to help.

He pointed to his teenage grandson,

Who was busy writing out orders for Boxing Day in the new year.

Chelsea sighed with relief.

This was good news,

At least.

These sales would go a long way to settling Mr.

Cotton's outstanding debt.

And he would definitely be better off in the new year when he didn't have to cover her wage.

That was for sure.

I've got to speak to John now.

I'll see you later,

Mr.

Cotton.

Bye.

She made her way along the Christmas market,

Relieved the snowfall was beginning to subside.

As she passed,

Each stall seemed to tell its own story.

There were hand-carved wooden toys and ornaments,

Row upon row of hand-knitted scarves,

Mittens,

And clay models painted in glazes of red,

Green and gold.

In the square,

There were candy floss machines and toffee apples,

Hot chestnuts and toasted marshmallow stands.

Whilst the moat running alongside carried a Christmas boat,

Its passengers bundled up in blankets and waving to the various stallholders.

Chelsea crossed her fingers and hoped she would be brave enough to say what she had to say.

She didn't want to lie to John,

But he mustn't know just what kind of a person she really was.

She couldn't bear it.

If only Drake was more reasonable.

No,

Get real,

Chelsea.

For goodness sake,

Get real.

You live and breathe survival mode.

That's what you do.

And Cash is king,

Isn't it?

That's why he tried to entice you with the envelope.

But I don't want to be that girl anymore.

I want to be Chelsea of the village that cares.

I want to be the girl that cares.

This is the only place I've ever lived where I feel at home.

John!

And all at once he was there,

His broad checkered back easy to spot in the crowd.

He turned to face her and an unexpected rush of colour flushed her cold cheeks.

Then all at once she realised,

This was what home looked like.

John was what home looked like.

How had she not seen that before?

She couldn't say goodbye now.

She wasn't ready to say goodbye now.

Then from behind him a girl waved too.

It was Emma Perks from the village manor house.

Pretty Emma Perks with her perfect degree,

Perfect family and perfect smile.

How could she possibly compete with that?

He made it then.

John handed her a steaming cup and Chelsea did her best not to look disappointed.

But what was she thinking?

Only five minutes ago John Mullins was very firmly in the friend zone.

You look nice.

Thanks Em,

So do you.

Cheers!

Chelsea raised her cup and stared at the vision in the Christmas hat and matching earrings.

She had to admit Emma Perks was perfect and John deserved someone perfect,

Didn't he?

She pushed back her heavy mop of black curls to reveal seductively shadowed eyes.

She had gone all out for Christmas Eve,

Although now she wasn't quite sure why.

Did she belong here at all?

Everyone was so settled.

Everyone had got it sorted.

I've never been that girl,

She said to herself.

This isn't really my story and the shadow from my past is still waiting in the flat.

There would be no easy way to shrug Drake Smith off.

He was a man who wouldn't be happy until she was as broken as he was.

And when all was said and done it wouldn't take much more for her to succumb.

Her expression sank.

There was nothing really to celebrate.

In fact,

This was going to be the worst Christmas ever.

Chels,

You okay?

I need to speak to you,

John.

Alone,

She whispered when Emma turned her back.

The least she could do was say goodbye properly.

She owed him that.

Her hand rested on the envelope in her pocket.

She would run away again.

That's what she would do.

She had cash now.

The big money was safely stashed away,

But this would get her through the holiday season.

Then she could start again somewhere new.

But catching the concern in John's bright eyes,

Chelsea realised her heart just wasn't in it anymore.

She liked Chase Mount.

She belonged at Chase Mount.

People were kind at Chase Mount.

And she just didn't want to leave.

John moved closer to her.

What's up,

Chels?

She felt the irrepressible urge to hold him close.

He was warm,

Strong and masculine.

Everything she needed right now.

Who cared about perfect Emma Perks?

Chelsea,

Chase was the catch of the day.

But before she could ask for help,

There to her horror was Drake.

Coming along to spoil everything.

You gonna introduce me then,

Chels?

Chelsea's blood ran cold and John backed away.

This was unexpected.

Drake threw his arm around her and whispered,

I see you took the envelope.

What do you need that for tonight?

Chelsea ignored him.

John,

This is Drake.

Drake,

This is John.

John didn't know what to make of it.

He'd always known there was something.

But this,

This sly looking toad,

Surely not.

I thought you said you weren't coming.

Oh,

I wouldn't miss it for the world,

Babe.

The volume of the crowd was picking up now.

The music was overpowering.

Christmas carols rang through the air,

But Chelsea could no longer decipher the words.

John watched closely as her breath began to quicken.

There was something wrong with her,

Really wrong with her.

Chels,

You okay?

It was John's voice,

Wasn't it?

But then again,

Maybe it was Drake's.

Chelsea closed her eyes.

The ground was becoming soft,

Malleable somehow.

And all at once the lights faded,

The music stopped,

And the whole world went black.

Chelsea Chase had fainted,

And Drake Smith was the one to catch her.

It was Christmas Day,

And Drake poured himself a large whiskey to celebrate.

In the background,

The same station he always played blasted from the radio.

Chelsea glared at the envelope sitting on the table between them.

Well,

We can't eat that,

Can we?

He sniped.

And you got anything at all?

I'm starving.

I was supposed to collect it last night.

Chelsea still didn't feel right.

It would take a lot for her to feel right now.

Collect what?

Beef joint.

John was going to give it to me.

Drake drained his glass.

Hmm,

That bloke's not right.

Well,

I like him.

He was leching after you,

And he already had a girl on his arm.

No,

He wasn't.

You're not cut out to be a butcher's wife,

Chels.

White picket fence,

Sunday roasts,

All that.

You'll bore yourself to death.

Village life's not made for girls like you.

Drake poured her another one.

You need the edge,

The thrill,

Like I do.

Chelsea took a bitter gulp.

Her stomach was twisted into knots.

Maybe this would help.

But she was different to him,

Wasn't she?

It had never really occurred to her who she was until last night.

But she had felt something then.

It was all coming back now,

Yes.

Yes,

She'd felt something different.

I'm not like you anymore,

Drake,

She said defiantly.

Drake smarted.

The girl had gotten unexpectedly brave.

He wasn't expecting this.

She'd always given in so easily before.

Then the doorbell rang,

And he jumped up to see who it was.

Chelsea thought back to what happened the night before.

John was still interested,

He said.

But what did that have to do with anything?

Why couldn't she get him out of her mind?

John!

And there he was at the door.

Every sheepskin wrapped inch of him.

Merry Christmas,

Chels,

He called.

How are you feeling?

He refused to acknowledge the poor excuse of a man who was blocking his way.

She's fine,

Drawled Drake.

Is that for her?

He took the joint of meat without asking,

And John felt his hackles rise.

He could get past this man easily,

But he didn't want to upset the patient.

Come in,

John,

Said Chelsea,

Desperate for a friendly face.

But Drake was having none of it.

She's resting.

This cider beef will do her good,

Thanks.

John stepped forward.

Then his phone pinged.

And checking the message,

He stepped back with a Merry Christmas then,

Before he turned and walked away.

Director door service,

Said Drake,

Closing the door.

That's one good thing about village life,

I suppose.

Not that I'm taking tips from that mug.

Chelsea smiled weakly.

She knew of old it was best to go along with Drake.

Then once he was too drunk to care,

She would sneak out and not look back.

But now to rest.

She was going to need all the energy she could get.

The flat was quiet when Chelsea awoke,

And the sofa empty.

She reached for her phone,

But it wasn't there.

She listened intently for any sound that would advise her as to what was happening.

But no sound came.

She moved toward the door and listened.

Drake was mumbling incoherently down his phone.

His tone was low and urgent.

Something about more time,

She thought.

And no,

He wanted longer than that.

So that was it.

He was in another one of his financial fixes.

She made her way to the kitchen and the burnt beef.

Drake was well on the way to complete inebriation.

It was just a matter of time.

Ah,

You're up then,

He drawled,

Closing his phone.

She faced him,

Now in full knowledge of the facts.

You're in trouble again,

Aren't you?

It's nothing,

Chels.

It doesn't sound like nothing.

And that's why you want me back,

Isn't it?

To make you some more money.

Chelsy felt strangely relieved.

At least she could do something about that.

Well,

It's not because I missed you,

If that's what you mean.

I could do without your attitude,

Drake snarked.

So why don't you get someone else to do your running around?

Why me?

Because you,

Chelsy Chase,

Are trustworthy.

And you owe me.

Chelsy,

You owe me.

Chelsy felt her temperature rise.

How do I owe you?

I gave you work when you had nothing,

Remember?

Chelsy chose to ignore that.

How much do you owe,

Drake?

This was crazy.

She was actually considering throwing away everything she'd worked so hard for to be rid of Drake Smith.

But she had no choice.

She could see no other way.

If it was just about money.

Money she had.

It all made sense now.

He thought she had nothing.

He thought he could tempt her back into the old life with an envelope full of cash.

Little did he realise she'd saved every penny when they were down south.

But how could she bear to say goodbye to her dreams?

I've got money.

How much do you need?

The words came out without her realising what she was saying.

Drake stared at her in disbelief.

Chelsy,

Meanwhile,

Wanted to cry.

Now there would be no cafe,

No cats,

No cosy book nook.

But if that was what it cost to remain in Chase Mount,

Trouble-free,

Then that was what she would have to do.

This was where she belonged.

Last night had made her see that.

John had made her see that.

You can have it.

You can have it all if you go back and never ask for anything again.

The banks were open on the 27th.

You can have it then.

But now.

.

.

She stood over the pathetic drunken figure.

You can leave me the hell alone,

Drake Smith.

She was shaking.

This voice didn't even sound like hers.

But something deep inside liked what she was saying.

She actually liked it.

And watching him stumble unexpectedly out into the snow,

Chelsea Chase realised.

Actually,

This was the best Christmas present she could have ever given herself.

The light was fading now and the snow was beginning again.

Another flurry just in time for John's arrival.

Chelsea opened the door gently as the church bells rang.

She liked the idea of evening service.

It was the perfect way to end a very unusual Christmas day.

The world was on hold.

Nothing mattered but the village of Chase Mount and the people in it.

This was home now.

She had finally found a place she could call home.

I come bearing gifts,

He declared brightly,

A twinkle in his eye.

Chelsea looked at John as if seeing him for the first time.

Standing tall in his chequered shirt and thick woolen scarf that matched his eyes,

This man was her Christmas wish.

And by the looks of it,

Her Christmas wish had come true.

He dropped his parcels by the fire as she closed the old oak door.

When I said,

Come tonight,

I need you,

That didn't mean with presents.

John turned to face her head on.

I know,

But it's Christmas and you've already given me mine.

I haven't.

Well,

He's gone,

Isn't he?

That Drake,

Whoever he was.

Chelsea smiled.

Yes,

He's gone.

And I wanted you to have this.

He sat down next to her and handed her a small envelope.

A Christmas card.

Open it.

Chelsea looked into his big brown eyes and ran her finger under the seal.

Out fell a small note.

I owe you,

It said.

But what does that mean?

She asked,

Bewildered.

I never really thought you were going to stay,

Chelse.

You always seem to have one foot out of the door.

Until that message.

But there's things I have to tell you,

John.

I understand,

But they can wait.

I spoke to my father.

We've got a little unit round the corner to the shop.

We want you to use it.

The village needs a cafe and you're the perfect person for the job.

It'll be a community project at first,

But you'll be the boss and it'll be just the way you want it.

What do you say?

Chelsea's eyes filled with tears.

But there's a lot about me you don't know.

John took her face in his long,

Rough fingers.

He'd been put off before,

But not this time.

This time it was happening.

Well,

Then I'll have to spend an inordinately large period of my life finding out.

He smiled.

Then gently he lent in to place his mouth upon her.

Merry Christmas,

Chelsea Chase,

He said,

When at last he pulled away.

I've been waiting for that.

And looking into his eyes,

Chelsea replied.

So have I,

John.

So have I.