CHRISTMAS STORY
Page 29
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He turned, realising calmly that it hadn't been a dream after all. His great, great grandfather, still looking like an extra from a bad zombie movie, no longer seemed frightening. In fact his voice was gentle as he leaned down from his high wooden seat and extended that clawlike hand.
"No", screamed Benny. "I'll be good — I promise I will change. Just give me a second chance."
The clawlike hand withdrew and the founder of Scrooge Haulage disappeared. Benny blinked — and catight sight of the horse shoe imprints still fresh in the snow. He shuddered at the grim reminder of what could have been.
The children peered round the back of the truck, sniggering. As Benny caught sight of them they all turned to run away.
"Stop," boomed Benny. They froze, expecting another mouthful of abuse. Benny's tone softened: "I only wanted to say Merry Christmas, I'm sorry I shouted before and yes, I would like a humbug, please."
The children crept suspiciously forward. However, they soon relaxed as Benny tucked into the Humbugs while cracking jokes. After a while, Benny dipped into his grubby pockets and pulled out a hand ful of change. "Here," he said with a beam, "get yourselves more sweets."
The children trotted off and Benny immediately set about cleaning his wagon which had not seen any elbow grease for many years. He gave it a good wash down and a polish. "You know," he whispered to the trusty vehicle as he guiltily looked at where he kicked it earlier: "I promise when we get home all these scrapes and bumps will be sorted out."
Once the wagon was gleaming, Benny strolled over to the truckstop which had opened on Christmas morning for drivers like Benny. As he lumbered in, the woman behind the counter grimaced and shouted to the chef "single egg on toast".
"A very Merry Christmas," said Benny smiling. "Actually, I could do with a real fry-up. After all, it is Christmas." The stunned look had not left her face before Benny planted a rather grimy kiss on her cheek and he wandered off, plate in hand singing God Rest Ye Mem Gentlemen. He strolled back to the wagon. Although he had one delivery left, he decided to get it over with as quickly as possible to try and surprise his family.
When his work was finally finished Benny stopped off for some diesel.
As he walked into the filling station to pay for his fuel, he suddenly had a brainwave. "Good day," he boomed at the checkout lad. "I want to buy all your boxes of chocolates." "All of them?" queried the lad. "Yes all," said Benny. Once he had paid, he handed a huge box of sweets to the young lad. "Thank you and have a wonderful Christmas — I am."
Back at the Scrooge household, the family were gathered round the tree opening their presents. Clutching his third or fourth drink, George Scrooge grasped hs wife's hand and raised his glass. "Here's to Benny wherever he may be."
"I wish he had decided to stay here with us today," said Benny's mother looking mournfully down at her glass.
Suddenly they heard the heavy rumble of Benny's wagon. The family looked at each other. Suddenly the door burst open and in rushed Benny with boxes of chocolates cradled in his arms. "Merry Christmas. Merry Christmas — and a happy new year to all," he said beaming.
In the stunned silence that followed George Scrooge's voice could be clearly heard: "Bloody hell, what's up with you?"