Christmas in Paradise - A Saviour Story (Complete)

[Gogowars329]

Christmas in Paradise – A Saviour Story

Union Cove is said to be beautiful. A place that everyone who lives there is happy and lives a thriving life but in paradise, there always are some who aren't getting by so well. This is a story where the children who are used to getting nothing for Christmas, get a whole lot.

Chapters and Characters

Chapter 1 – New Arrivals
New Characters Introduced

• Eve Wreath-Official guardian of 3 and principle of Union Cove Grammar School
• Holly Spirit-Young child who spends her time alone
• Four Adults-Four adults that have big ideas for Eve and her family

Chapter 2 - Introductions
New Characters Introduced

• The Saviours-Cam Tele can teleport, Canary Bald can create screeches or soothing sounds, Alec Star was the leader and had strength and brains and Kelsey Cashick was a telepath who already had used her powers multiple times
• Nicolas Clausa-Loves the Saviours, but then again he is easily impressed by a lot of things
• Carol Pine-Excitable little girl who is a fan of the Saviours

Chapter 3 - The Paint of Home

Chapter 4 - Deck the Halls with Boughs of Holly

Chapter 5 - Festival Fun Part 1
New Characters Introduced

• Nicole Brustle-The event organiser and piano teacher at Union Cove Grammar School
• Thea Voice-The vice principle and Head of English at Union Cove Grammar School

Chapter 6 - Festival Fun Part 2

Chapter 7 - Holly Spirit

Chapter 8 - Snowballs

Chapter 9 - Christmas in Paradise

Thank You,Things You May Not Have Known,Bloopers

[Gogowars329]

Chapter 1 – New Arrivals

As two men and two women walked towards the door of a two-bedroom cottage on the outskirts of Union Cove, Holly Spirit stood in her room and gazed through the window and watched their movements. She found them peculiar and different compared to the usual visitors. They didn’t look like teachers coming to talk their way to a raise or any of Eve’s friends. They reached the door and Holly heard a faint ‘Ding’ coming from the front room.

Holly returned to her place in the rocking chair and pondered about the four people who had just entered her house. Well, it was more Eve’s house than hers. She had lived with Eve for as long as she could remember. She would always be Eve’s favourite, even if she wasn’t meant to have one.
Holly used to be out going and talkative but when others started to arrive Holly became more shy and preferred to stay alone. Sometimes, the others didn't even know she lived there and totally forgot about poor little Holly. She did, usually against her free will, go to school every day unless she was sick or it was cancelled. Eve made sure of that.

Eve had just heard the ‘Ding’ of the doorbell, she hoped anyone could have figured that out, and stopped cutting the ingredients for a salad and walked over to the door. There was to be four more arrivals waiting at the door. She had already set up the small storage barn to house them but only hoped that they could help out considering they were much older than the usual arrivals. At least 20 years older.
Eve was the principle of the prestigious Union Cove Grammar School (UCGS) and that could be the only reason the children that lived with her could go to school. She often worked extra hours for extra pay and returned home tired and stressed but at least the children would care for themselves on those nights. They took it in turns who cooked dinner and who cleaned up and if they needed help with their homework, would ask eachother.

Eve opened the door and saw four smiling adults looking at her.
“Hello there,” the one with dark tips smiled, “You must be Eve Wreath.”
“Yes, that is me,” Eve replied, “And I sure know who you all are. Now quick come inside. We can talk inside rather than in the freezing outdoors.”
Eve was correct there. It was one of the last days of Autumn and in less than a week, the last day of school. Winter was said to be the coldest Union Cove had ever experienced for the last ten years, perfect for Christmas.

Eve lead the four into her office. Her office was small and the four could barely fit. Eve sat on one side of the desk, besides her computer, while the four sat and stood in front.
“I apologise for not having four chairs but this room is too small for four,” Eve said as she activated the computer with a simple press of a button. “Now I still am not quite sure why you are all here. I don’t usually take in adults...”
“I know I didn’t really explain in the e-mail,” the woman with a scarf said, “but we can explain now. I’m sure you know we don’t need any help. Actually, we’re here to help.”
Eve remained quiet as the man wearing green spoke, “We know you’re poor. Rich enough to own a house, wear clothes and provide food but poor enough to barely pay the bills each week and struggle to pay to go to school.”

“Christmas is coming up,” the beautifully voiced one exclaimed, “and it is quite obvious that the children here will get no presents. While we don’t plan on just buying presents, we plan on doing a few things.”
“Like what? No one really knows what I do here par the UCGS staff and students as well as my friends.”
“We don’t want to reveal it just yet. We’re still deciding ourselves,” the man with dark tips chucked. “But whatever we do, it will be good.”
“We first have to know who lives here. First and Last names.” It was more of a demand that a question that the scar wearer said. Eve already knew she was an interrogator but didn’t think she was that good.”
“There is me, Eve Wreath. We have one boy here named Nicolas Claus. There is also Carol Pine.”
“I have a feeling there is someone else. Who are you neglecting Ms Wreath?”
Holly’s room was next to Eve’s office and she could hear snippets of the conversation but heard the names being called perfectly. She wondered why Eve hadn’t named her. Was it because they would probably never see Holly? Or was there a better explanation?
Eve began to stutter out the final name, “There is also Holly Spirit, but I doubt you’ll ever see her.”

Holly was now lying on her bed against the wall listening like there was nothing else to listen to. Why would Eve say they would never see Holly? Holly definitely wouldn’t see them often but she always was sure to greet new arrivals before totally ignoring them. Holly sat on her bed in wonder. What was Eve doing?

[ratchie]

Some interesting characters here.Great writing gogo.

Rachel

[SimBlip]

This is a wonderful surprise, Gogo! 

[Gogowars329]

Some interesting characters here.Great writing gogo.

Rachel

Thank you Rachel. I definitely agree that some of these characters are interesting.

This is a wonderful surprise, Gogo! 

Thanks SimBlip.

I had planned for another chapter to be up by now but silly me thought that the last week of school meant little to no homework but my Maths teacher likes to give homework for every lesson.  Will try to get one up tonight.

[Gogowars329]

Chapter 2 – Introductions

With their meeting over, Eve lead the four adults out of the house and to the garage.
“I know I said barn before,” she muttered as they walked, “but it is really a garage. We used to have a horse but it has been gone for a while now. Since then it has been renovated to become my spare room.”

As Eve opened the door to the garage, the four adults saw a bunk bed, a loft bed and a table for four. There were two doors against one door and to the left of them one door. The doors led into the kitchen, bathroom and actual garage respectively.
“There were meant to be two bunk beds but the shop only had one so one of you will be sleeping a sleeping bag. Hope that’s all right.” Three adults remained silent.
“That is fine Ms Wreath. We will survive.” Kelsey Cashick hoped she was right as she spoke.
“The door to the left enters the actual garage that holds my new car. It is fairly new,” Eve said almost jokingly, “so make sure you don’t ruin it. The left door on the other wall enters the kitchen. It is small and there isn’t a stove but it is in case of a snow day and you’re trapped over here.” The four adults all exchange looks of concern. They had been told that a lot of snow would be falling soon.
“I’ll leave you all to get unpacked. I’ll introduce you to the kids tonight at dinner. Until then, just relax in here.”

Kelsey walked over to where the four would be sleeping and was quick to say, “I bags the bottom bunk!”

That night, dinner was served at about 6. As Carol, Nicolas and Holly were nearly done eating; Eve finally arrived with four adults.
“Now everyone, these four will be staying with us for a while so I hope you make them feel welcome.” As Eve spoke Kelsey felt like she was the new kid at school again.
“You’re the,” Nicolas stuttered, “the Saviours!”

“Can I like have an autograph?” Carol asks excitedly.
“Maybe later. For now let’s get introduced. This is Nicolas Clausa,” Eve points at Nicolas as she speaks,” and this is Carol Pine. Holly Spirit is right there.” Holly sat in her usual spot at the table, away from everyone else, but now that more seats were added she would have to sit next to one of the Saviours.

“Now I am Kelsey Cashick,” Kelsey said,” this is Canary Bald, the one with the screeching and soothing voice. That is Cam Tele, the teleporter, and this is Alec Star.” Each Saviours smiled and waved when they were named.
“With the introductions over, let’s eat!” Eve exclaimed and grabbed a plate of food for each Saviour and herself.
“Is it true that you rescued that lady from falling off the cliff? Is it true that Jack Spareow tried to kill you?” Nicolas asked with such curiosity it was almost creepy.
“Would the Saviours lie? I don’t think so Nic.” Carol smartly said.

As more questions leave Nicolas’ mouth and more yes and no’s leave the Saviours’ mouths, Holly just watches and remains silent all through dinner. That is until Kelsey notices her.
“Holly, how has school been recently?” She had left her seat to go speak with Holly.
“Good.” Holly muttered.
“You know what, go excuse yourself. You look tired. Go to sleep early.” The fact was Holly wasn’t tired but she felt obliged to go to bed. Once in bed she realised why she wanted to sleep, Kelsey was a telepath.

[SimBlip]

The children know that their special guests are Saviours! That is exciting!
Holly really intrigues me.

[Gogowars329]

Chapter 3 – The Paint of Home

After dinner, the Saviours all went to bed (sleeping bag for Alec) and were asleep almost instantly. Kelsey was the first to wake, and she was awoken by the beep of the school bus. She watched from the window as both Carol and Nicolas ran out the front door and to the bus but there was no sign of Holly.

The bus tooted again, waiting for Holly. The bus driver didn’t look irritated by the missing Holly. Kelsey took a look at her and saw that she was used to it. She heard Eve call for Holly. She sounded bored, sick of Holly always being a few minutes late. Kelsey stood by the window and watched with interest what would happen next.

She saw Holly walk out of the front door and she did not look like she just woke up. She looked as if she had been ready an hour ago. Kelsey wondered what she had been doing. She made the decision that she would check out her room after the bus had left.

Once the bus left, Kelsey walked out of the garage and over to the house. Eve was getting all of her books and papers ready for the day. Kelsey saw that she had to return a test paper today when one of the tests fluttered off out of her hand. Kelsey picked it up for Eve.
“Thank you Kelsey. How was your sleep?” Eve asked.
“It was fine, you should ask Alec later. I’m pretty sure I stood on him when I got up,” Kelsey joked and Eve laughed.
“Well I must be off but before I go,” she rummaged through her pocket, “take these keys. There is one for the house and one for the garage. If all of you go out, make sure you lock up.”
“I’m sure no one would want to rob you when the Saviours are leaving with you.”
“It’s not the criminals, it’s the stray animals. They tend to like hanging around the joint.”
“Well I’ll be sure to lock up.” A car tooted.
“I better go, bye.” Eve waved as she ran out the room and into her carpool.

Now that she was alone in the house she walked out of Eve’s office and over to the kitchen. She made herself some cereal to eat and sat alone at the table, thinking.

She finished eating and washed up. She used her mind to see if anyone was awake. Cam was getting up and Canary was in the shower. Alec was half asleep.
With the others Saviours busy, she walked into Holly’s room and saw a few things. A rocking chair, a few candles, a bookcase, a bed and an easel were in her room but it was what was on the easel that made Kelsey wonder.

The painting was of a house. The painting was still being worked on, Kelsey could tell by seeing that part of the canvas was untouched and as white as snow. The house had a red roof and lightly coloured walls. A tree was in front of the house (well, half a tree was) and the windows were black rimmed and showed a blue interior.
The most important part was the painting’s symbolism. For some reason it seemed like the painting was the house that she lived in currently, even though the outdoor walls were much darker and the inside definitely wasn’t blue. Maybe it was how she wanted to change the house. Maybe it was someone else’s house. Maybe it was just a house.

That afternoon, Nicolas and Carol had gone out with Alec and Cam, Canary was organising something for later on in the week and Holly was in her room, presumably painting. Eve was in her office adding Head of School comments onto reports. Kelsey walked in to ask about Holly but Eve had already begun talking.
“This is sooo frustrating!” She muttered to herself, not even noticing Kelsey. “I wish I could just write ‘this student was a pain, all the teachers hated him’ but I can’t.”
“Of course you can’t,” Kelsey gave Eve a surprise.
“I do love my job but this has to be the worst part. So time consuming!”
“Well I’ll leave you in a second but I’d like to have a chat with you.”
“Take a seat. I need a break from this endless report less. I need to work somewhere with less children.”

“Did you know Holly is an excellent artist?” Kelsey asked.
“An excellent artist? That would explain the brilliant marks for Art but how do you know?” Eve was curious.
“After breakfast, I noticed the door in the kitchen, I wanted to see what was on the other side.” This wasn’t a total lie. She did notice a door and want to see what was on the other side, except she knew it was Holly’s bedroom.
“Holly doesn’t look others in her bedroom, it disturbs was tranquillity or something.” Eve said.
“Inside her room was an easel and on that easel, a beautiful painting of a house.”
“An easel? When and how did that get in there?”

“Don’t ask me, but I think if Holly has been painting, maybe you could make an extra dollar from her art. I know I’d pay money for it.”
“But I mustn’t snoop. If she finds out I know about her painting she might not be happy.”
“I can help. I can use my telepathy to calm her down. Besides we can do it after you complete your report writing.”
“Don’t remind me.”

[SimBlip]

I read this twice. There are so many psychological elements at play.
When kids paint a house, the details can indeed tell a lot about them, and I love the fact you worked that into the story.
Kelsey is probably my favourite saviour. She has a keen sense for diplomacy. Her capacity for empathy, whether it concerns big or small matters, is exemplar. No other person could put telepathic abitlities to better use!

[Gogowars329]

The children know that their special guests are Saviours! That is exciting!
Holly really intrigues me.

I read this twice. There are so many psychological elements at play.
When kids paint a house, the details can indeed tell a lot about them, and I love the fact you worked that into the story.
Kelsey is probably my favourite saviour. She has a keen sense for diplomacy. Her capacity for empathy, whether it concerns big or small matters, is exemplar. No other person could put telepathic abitlities to better use!

Thank you SimBlip. The Saviours are famous among the SimVerse but Moonlight Falls don't know these Saviours. Kelsey has had the biggest role so far but the next chapter will not have Kelsey as a star but in fact another Saviour. Kelsey is also my favourite.

[Gogowars329]

Chapter 4 - Deck the Halls with Boughs of Holly

Carol, Nicolas and Holly return home from school the next day and Canary is the only one at home to greet them.
“How was school today?” she smiles. Mixed answers of alright, good, bad and ok were heard. Canary replies with ‘What was the best part?’ or ‘Why didn’t you have a good time?’
After a quick snack, and before Holly can hide in her room, Canary tells the children where everyone is. “Now you probably now Eve has a few meetings tonight to prepare for the end of year.”
“She told us that yesterday,” Carol said, “Apparently there are going to be fireworks!”
“I’m not too sure about that,” Holly replies, “The budget isn’t large enough for a firework display.”
“Fireworks or not, it doesn’t matter right now. The Saviours are all out watching a show but I choose to stay because I have a brilliant idea!” Canary beamed with happiness. She was probably the most out-going and fun loving of the group. “We are going to prepare for the holidays!”
“I went out earlier today and got us a tree,”
“Awesome!”
“And I found some lights and decorations in the garage and bought a few as well,”
“More awesome!!”
“So we have until Eve and the Saviours return home to make this place look Christmasy.”
“When will they be back?” Holly asks.
“The show finishes at 6 but they are going out to dinner afterwards so the Saviours will be back at around 7. Eve has two meetings each running for an hour and a half. Her first meeting starts at 4. It takes her ten minutes to drive home from school.”
“Are you trying to get us to do maths?” Nicolas complains.

“Yes.”
“Eve will be back by 7. That gives us 3 and a half hours to prepare.” Holly calmly says as if she had worked it out before Canary had even spoken.
“Well we better get started!”
Outside there is a bunch of boxes, some with decorations, some with other junk.
“Okay, we will all work together to get the tree inside and then Nic, you and Carol can decorate it.”
“Awesome!” Nicolas and Carol say in unison.

Working together, the children and Canary are able to get the tree inside which allows Holly and Canary to work outside. Canary grabs a chair from the dining room and drags it out into the front. Meanwhile Holly walks to the front to get an idea of what needs to happen.
“We need a ladder,” Holly points out as Canary places down the chair, “How do you plan on getting lights onto the second floor?”
“Don’t worry, I have an idea.” Canary relies.

Holly and Canary then work together to carry the boxes to the front and after moving all the boxes, take a five minute break. After their break, they work together to put up the decorations and leave the lights for last.

 As Canary and Holly add the finishing touches to the exterior, Carol and Nicolas look at their work and smile.
“It looks great Nic,” Carol says excitedly.
“I know Carol,” Nic screams, “It is soooo awesome!”
Carol thinks to herself about fishing to have a fish to slap Nicolas around but soon that thought is erased as Canary and Holly walk in.

“It looks amazing!” Canary exclaims. Holly just stares.
“We found some extra decorations,” Carol explains, “and put up a few things around the house.”
“How did you guys go?” Nicolas asks.
“It was tough to get onto the rooves but we did it.”
“How on Earth do you jump that high?” Holly asks Canary.
“Saviour training don’t worry about it,” Canary smiles.
“Can we see it?” Nicolas grins.
“Of course,” Canary replies as Holly walks to her room and Carol and Nicolas walk outside.

That night the Saviours and Eve return at the same time and together stare at the decorations.
“What has Canary been doing?” Alec laughs.
“It looks great,” Eve says, “But I might wonder how she got onto the roof!”

The four soon walk inside and look at the bright tree inside. Eve just stares and smiles. This was to be her best Christmas yet.

[SimBlip]

Oh, this so heart-warming! All the kiddies working together and Kelsey giving all that little bit of extra attention to Holly.
I'm so pleased Holly got out of her shell and used her wings. And isn't she a smart cookie working out the maths too?
This episode has me smiling all over. It made my day!

[jasjam]

This story is really interesting! I like you made use of Holly and changed the main characters for different chapters. It gives me a better understanding of each of them in your story.

My favorite will still be Kelsey, though. 

[Gogowars329]

Oh, this so heart-warming! All the kiddies working together and Kelsey giving all that little bit of extra attention to Holly.
I'm so pleased Holly got out of her shell and used her wings. And isn't she a smart cookie working out the maths too?
This episode has me smiling all over. It made my day!

Thank you! I think you may mean Canary not Kelsey. I'm glad you really enjoyed the chapter.

This story is really interesting! I like you made use of Holly and changed the main characters for different chapters. It gives me a better understanding of each of them in your story.

My favorite will still be Kelsey, though. 

Thank you! I try to make this story interesting. Kelsey is probably my favourite too.

I am sorry for the lack of updates but I got a new computer on Friday, spent all day yesterday partying about surviving the end of the world installing Sims and today has been unbearably hot. I hope to have a chapter up before Christmas and finish the story afterwards.

[Gogowars329]

Chapter 5 – Festival Fun Part 1

Eve sat at the pier waiting for two teachers to arrive for their meeting. They occasionally had meetings in places away from the school and this was one of those times. She watched the waves of the ocean splash onto the shore and the sun was slowly heading towards the horizon. Winter had arrived but the first snow still hadn’t fallen. Eve preferred it that way. She much preferred the heat.

She stared at her watch. 4:30, the meeting was to have begun five minutes ago. The teachers weren’t usually late. As she waited for one more minute, two teachers calmly walked to her table and sat down.
“Sorry we’re late,” Mrs Bristle, the school’s even organiser and piano teacher, said, “Thea’s car wouldn’t start so we had to catch a taxi.”
“The taxi driver couldn’t drive. We barely made it to the beach and then we had to walk the rest of the way!” Ms Voice, the vice principle and Head of English, excitedly said.
“Well, that’s all fine but we have important matters to discus,” Eve softly spoke, “The Christmas excursion.”
“Yes,” Nicole bowed her head, “The theatre called yesterday saying that we could no longer go there due to one of the projectors breaking.”
“So what are we going to do now?” Thea shouts a bit too loudly.

“I’ve tried to call a few places, like the police station, but most places are too busy now,” Nicole sighed. “I also asked Steven if we could go to the science centre but he told me the science centre was already packed up and ready to close for the holidays.”
The three teachers sat in silence, looking at the sea, for a moment before Eve spoke.
“When will the festival be in town?” Eve asked, an idea forming.
“It’s coming tomorrow, I think. Why?” Thea replied.

“Nicole do you have any blank periods tomorrow?”
“Ahh, yes Eve. I have the two before lunch free.” Nicole replied.
“Perfect. During those two hours, I want you to call the festival organisers, and see if we can organise for the school to go there.”

“Sure, but do the festival organisers do that sort of thing?” Nicole wondered.
“Not sure. You’ll find out tomorrow,” Eve laughs, “Thea, I need you to write up the flyers promoting the festival once Nicole has gotten a date.”
“What date would you like?” Nicole asked.
“Any school day that we don’t already have something organised on is fine.”
“So Eve, what will you be doing?” Thea curiously asked.

“I think I may be able to have a few stars come to the festival as well.”
“You mean celebrities like SimBlip or Matthew Hamming?” Thea gets excited.
“Yes celebrities, but not because of their fantastic writing and commenting skills or their acting mastery.” Eve finished. “You both have your jobs. After school tomorrow I expect you both in my office at 3:45 to further discuss the excursion. Good bye, I have an email to write to an angry parent.”
As Eve leaves and Nicole and Thea say goodbye, Nicole and Thea begin talking about their plans and their guesses of who the celebrities will be but neither of them can guess correctly.