It was evening when Cratchit spoke to Scrooge. “Um, Mr. Scrooge? It’s closing time, sir.”
Scrooge looked up at the clock and saw it was indeed seven o clock. He doubled checked his watch. “Hmm. I thought that was two minutes fast. Must’ve gotten it fixed. Very well.” Scrooge began to put away his books when he noticed Cratchit still standing there and sighed heavily. “I suppose you and the bookkeepers want the day off tomorrow?”
“I didn’t think I would have to ask, sir. It is Christmas tomorrow. Other places would be closed. They’ll be nobody to do business with. It would be poor for business and waste on coal.”
Scrooge looked unmoved. “It’s a poor excuse to pick a man’s pocket every December the twenty fifth.” He then got up. “But I seem to be the only person here who knows that. Take the day off. All of you.”
The bookkeepers cheered as Scrooge went to grab his coat and hat before he angrily turned to them. “WILL YOU STOP THAT?”
The bookkeepers quickly stopped and hurried to their desk.
“Thank you, Mr. Scrooge.” Cratchit thanked as Scrooge walked by him and out the door.
“Be here early the next day.” He ordered before he took his leave. As he walked through the town, he past by Charles, Karai, and Gamer who watch him pass by.
With their employer gone at last, Bob Cratchit and the bookkeepers immediately began their pleasant of activities- the celebration of Christmas!
Back at the counting house, the blue haired bookkeeper watched Scrooge leave through the window before turning to the others. “He’s gone!”
“Gentlemen, let’s close up for Christmas.” Cratchit smiled as he began to sing.
As Cratchit sang, he and the bookkeepers swept the floor, put away their books, and put out the candles and furnace. Before long, the place looked ready for the next day.
“Looks like that’s everything!” the black-haired bookkeeper thumbed up.
Cratchit looked around and nodded. “Good work, gentlemen.”
After they all got their coats and hats, they headed out the door. Cratchit locked it with a key before he sang more.
As they walked, they saw a couple kids (Lancer, Ace, Patch, Logan, Half Note, and Sweet Note) sliding or skating on a skinny icy patch and having fun. Cratchit joined in and everyone clapped at his skating performance. After Charles skated a little bit himself, Karai grabbed Gamer, against his wishes, and the two slid in fast, hitting a barrel that Gamer fell in.
“Fun, huh?” Karai asked smugly as Gamer looked at her annoyed.
Afterwards, Cratchit and the bookkeepers left, wishing the kids a Merry Christmas as they hurried home. The bookkeepers both left as well, saying goodbye to Cratchit as he finished singing, watching every house turning off their lights and a shooting star in the sky.
He then turned to see the singing beggar from before, shivering while covering himself with newspapers. Thinking a little, he took off his scarf and gave it to him, plus a couple shillings.
“B-Bless you!” the singer shivered as he accepted it.
“Merry Christmas.” Cratchit smiled before he finally headed home for the Holidays.
To Be Continued