Page 75 of Cross Check Christmas
I dash over to him, nearly tripping on an extension cord. "Mr. Chen! Thank goodness you're here."
"Just making sure everything's ready for my introduction." He adjusts his tie.
"Actually..." I clasp my hands together. "We have a tiny emergency. We need someone to play Santa."
His eyes widen. "Oh no. Absolutely not."
"Please? It's just one scene at the end. You kneel at the manger, say two lines about honoring the Christ child, and that's it."
"Ms. McAllister, I don't do costumes."
I lean in closer. "Remember how you said you'd make it up to me after giving the pageant budget to the hockey team?"
He winces. "That's not fair."
"Neither was taking my budget." I give him my best pleading look. "The kids have worked so hard. We can't disappoint them now."
Principal Chen sighs heavily. "Fine. But if anyone takes pictures..."
"Thank you!" I grab his arm before he can change his mind. "The costume's this way. And don't worry—the beard will hide most of your face."
He mutters something under his breath that sounds suspiciously like "the things I do for this school" as he heads to the changing area.
I call places, my heart swelling as my students take their positions. The music begins - a soft, ethereal rendition of "O Little Town of Bethlehem" - and I hold my breath.
Lily glides onto the stage as Mary, her movements graceful in the beautiful new sapphire costume. Gone is the nervous girl from twenty minutes ago. In her place stands a young woman radiating quiet strength and wonder.
Even Dylan and Marcus, who spent most of rehearsals poking each other with shepherd's crooks, transform the moment the spotlight hits them. Dylan delivers his lines about the angel's appearance with such genuine awe that I feel tears pricking at my eyes.
"Do not be afraid," Addison announces, her wings catching the light as she spreads her arms. Her voice rings clear and true across the auditorum. "For behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy!"
The group of shepherds—led by Brenden, who was convinced he'd forget everything - moves as one, their faces upturned in perfect wonderment. When they begin their journey to Bethlehem, the audience leans forward in their seats.
I dab at my eyes as Peter, who just an hour ago was claiming stage fright, strides confidently across the stage as one of the wise men. His voice doesn't waver as he presents his gift, explaining its significance with the perfect mix of reverence and dignity.
The manger scene brings fresh tears to my eyes. The way they arrange themselves around the cradle, the tender expressions on their faces—it's everything I dreamed this pageant could be. These aren't just teenagers playing parts anymore. They'vebecome storytellers, sharing this timeless message of hope and love with their whole hearts.
I press my hand to my chest, overwhelmed with pride as they move through each scene flawlessly. Even the little ones playing sheep and donkeys stay perfectly in character, creating that magical atmosphere I always hoped for but never quite achieved in previous years. I only wish Hendrix were here to see it.
Despite everything, I'm not angry anymore. And it's not just because he saved the pageant. Maybe it's because it's Christmas, and you can't stay mad at people on Christmas. Or maybe I just needed time to cool off and process. I don't know. But I realize now that I've fallen in love with Hendrix Ellis. And I miss his stupid handsome face.
Now there is only one scene left—Santa's entrance. My eyes dart to the opposite side of the stage where Principal Chen should be getting ready for his entrance. He was just there, but now he disappeared behind the black curtains.
"Where did he go?" I whisper-hiss to no one in particular. My stomach churns as I scan the backstage area.
I wave frantically at Josh, our stage manager, my hands fluttering like panicked birds in the dim backstage lighting. He nods and darts off to find Principal Chen. The music swells, right on cue—the familiar strains of "Silent Night" filling the auditorium—and my heart races so fast I can barely breathe.
Did he get stage fright all of a sudden? What will the rest of the cast so if Santa no-shows for baby Jesus? How good are they at improv?
I close my eyes, unable to watch this disaster unfold. But then I hear the collective gasp from the audience, followed by excited whispers.
My eyes snap open.
Santa strides onto the stage, but it's not Principal Chen's stiff walk. This Santa moves with confidence, purpose. Eventhrough the fake beard and padding, I'd recognize that swagger anywhere.
Hendrix.
He kneels at the manger, his movements graceful despite the bulky costume. When he speaks his lines, his voice carries across the auditorium, deep and clear: "I come to honor the Christ child, for He taught us that the greatest gift is love."
