Walking the downtown streets of Chicago during the holidays is magical. The lights twinkle and sway in the brisk winter breeze. Christmas music wafts on the evening air. People and families are shopping. Laughter and smiles abound this time of year. Tugging my coat a little tighter to fend off the brisk cold, my stride quickens to find my destination.
The coffee shop I frequent is decked out for the holidays. Upon entering, the scent of cinnamon and coffee permeates the establishment. Even in a big city when you frequent an establishment on a regular basis people know you by name.
"What would you like today, Mary?"
"Surprise me, but whatever you give me make sure it has whipped cream on top."
"You got it!"
I paid for my purchase then took a seat at a corner table. I sat and watched families and couples walk by the frosty window. I thought of how much I miss my Master.
His business takes him to other destinations a few times a year. Even though the holidays are wonderful, they also fall close to the end of the fiscal year. I stayed behind this trip because he wanted to make it short and to the point. He flew out 2 days ago with hopes of being home by Christmas Eve, but as always nothing is ever set in stone. As if reading my thoughts the radio station in the coffee shop started playing "I'll be home for Christmas". I miss him horribly but chastise myself for being so melancholy.
I left the coffee shop to brave the cold again. My feet took me aimlessly along Michigan Ave hoping that the spirit of the season would lift my spirits. Not that I was sad, but the holidays are special when you can share them with someone you love. I found a taxi and headed home. When I turned the key to our condo I decided that I would make the most of Christmas Eve, with or without him.
I turned on the television and settling down on the couch with a warm blanket for the night. CNN, the travel channel, the learning channel, you name it I saw it as I flipped through the channels. Then I checked the weather channel. An incoming snowstorm may close the Chicago airport. I held back tears knowing that this would probably keep my Master from making it home tonight. Before long I drifted off but it wasn't a restful sleep.
During the night I woke to a sound. Glancing around I didn't see anything but sensed a presence. After checking around and finding nothing I laughed to myself and imagined it was probably just Santa coming down the chimney. Just for amusement I walked to the tree to look at the presents again. I was shocked to find a new package there. I felt a distinct fear wondering where it came from and how it got there. I already checked the condo and found no one, but there was obviously someone there. The tag on the box had my name on it.
At this point I began to wonder if I was losing my mind. Maybe the Christmas movies I watched on television were playing with my mind. Maybe I was dreaming. I pinched my arm and let out a yelp. I was definitely not sleeping or dreaming. I thought about calling 911, but what on earth would I tell the police? I could imagine their laughter if I told them there was a present under my tree and I don't know where it came from. I was afraid but not sure what to be afraid of. For safety sake I decided to get dressed and walk to the neighbors. When I reached in my closet a hand came out to grab my wrist. I screamed loudly, everything started to swirl right before I passed out.
I woke up bound and blindfolded.
A voice spoke to me, "It's about time you woke up little girl."
"Who are you?"
"I'm Santa Claus."
"This isn't a joke. Who are you?"
"Santa Claus."
"Why are you here?"
"It's Christmas Eve, I'm here to deliver presents."
"Oh please, can we cut the crap."
"I'm being honest."
"If you were honest you would not have me hogtied and blindfolded."
"Perhaps, but because I'm Santa Claus I know what you want for Christmas."
"You don't now anything."
"Hummm, another naysayer... an unbeliever, tsk tsk. What ever happened to the mystique of Christmas?"
"Let me go."
"I can't do that."
"You're Santa Claus, you can do anything you want."
He laughed openly, "Your plight has definitely sweetened your tongue, but it won't work."
"What exactly do you want from me?"
"I already told you why I'm here, to deliver presents and Christmas wishes."
"Just wait until my Master gets here, he will take care of you."
"I happen to know that he isn't coming home tonight."
"Yes he is."
"No, he isn't. The snow storm has changed his plans."
"How did you know that??"
"I already told you, I'm Santa Clause I know everything."
Shaking my head, I acknowledge that this man knows things that no one else could possibly know. There is only one explanation.
"Master, why are you doing this to me?"
"Excuse me?"
"You have to be my Master, no one else knows the travel itinerary."
"That is where you are wrong little girl."
"Then WHO are YOU?"
"I already told you I'm Santa Claus."
"Why are you fucking with my mind like this?"
"I'm not doing anything of the sort, I am just here to make sure you have a Mary Christmas. Get it? M-A-R-Y," he laughed loudly at his own joke.
"Being tied up and blindfolded by a stranger isn't my idea of a very nice Christmas."
"Oh but it is little girl. I know what your wishes are. I work all year making my lists."
"I haven't set on Santa's lap and made Christmas wishes since I was very small."
"You don't have to sit on my lap... although, mmm what a delicious thought that is."
"You're a sick bastard."
"Judging from your Christmas list you're a little slut too," he chuckled.
"So what am I suppose to do, lay here tied up all night while you get your jollies?"
"Nah I fully intend on using you before I go to deliver more wishes and presents tonight."
"Use me, how?"
"Oh Mary, you know exactly what I mean. Do I have to spell it out for you?"
"My Master will never allow it."
"Your Master is snowed out of Chicago."
"Just leave now and I won't tell him you did this tonight."
He laughed heartily, "You just don't get it do you. You wish for things all year and now that I come to deliver you can't just send me away."
"I haven't wished for anything."
He clapped his hands together. I heard feet rustling close by, then heard two feminine voices.
"Hello Tidings and Joy, thank you for coming."
"Yes Santa, what do you need?"
"Mary has wished for a woman to eat her pussy but was too bashful to actually do it."
