Ok, you boys ready to embrace Christmas present? ;)

Micky: You betcha! :D

Davy: I sure am. ;)

Mike: (Wipes his eyes) Yeah.

Lauren: This oughta be ineteresting. ;)

Peter: It's my turn! I'm on, with Valerie and the twins! :D

(We begin directly after Davy has vanished. Mike lays in his bed, sobbing and muttering.)

Mike: (Mutters) Man, I wish I could find Em backstage. I wanna tell her how much she means to me...

(Mike pokes his head out, a bit fearful.)

Mike: Hello? Anyone there? At this point, nuthin' between a baby and a rhinocerous would surprise me much!

Katie: MAKE UP! (Runs from the opposite direction she and the twins did before with the powder puff; lightly powders her father before she and the twins go running offstage giggling again)

Mike: (Coughs and brushes powder off his face) Well, ok, that might have surprised me a little bit.

*Suddenly, a voice calls out...*

Voice: Scrooooooge?

Mike: Huh? (Looks over to a door, where a stream of light is coming out. He stands and opens the door)

*It's his own room, but it's undergone a transformation. The walls and ceiling are so hung with living green that it looks a perfect grove; from every part of which, bright gleaming berries glisten. Crisp leaves of holly, mistletoe, and ivy reflect back the light like so many little mirrors; and a mighty blaze roars in the fire-place. Heaped up on the floor, to form a kind of throne, are turkeys, geese, game, poultry, brawn, great joints of meat, long wreaths of sausages, mince-pies, plum-puddings, barrels of oysters, red-hot chestnuts, cherry-cheeked apples, juicy oranges, luscious pears, immense twelfth-cakes, and seething bowls of punch that make the chamber dim with their delicious steam. In easy state upon this couch, there sits a jolly Giant, glorious to see: who carries a glowing torch, in shape not unlike Plenty's horn, and holds it up, high up, to shed its light on Scrooge, as he comes peeping round the door.*

(There sits Nyles on a mountain of pillows.)

Nyles: Come in! Come in and know me better, man!

Mike: Oh, man... (Comes in a bit timidly) Um, I don't think that's a good idea. :o

Nyles: *grins* I am the Ghost of Christmas Present! Look upon me!

Mike: (Looks, shaking his head) I've never seen anyone quite like you, Spirit. :o

Nyles: *makes a face* Well, ain'tcha seen my older brothers? Man, they're all over the place! ;)

Mike: (Shakes his head) No, I haven't. Do you have many older brothers?

Nyles: Yeah, man, about eighteen hundred and...something. I lost count. :P ;)

Mike: Eighteen hundred? (Grins) Imagine the grocery bills! ;)

Nyles: I'd rather NOT imagine them. :P ;)

Mike: (Nods) Spirit, conduct me where you will. If you have anything to teach me tonight, like the Spirit I met before did, let me profit by it.

Nyles: *looks confused for a moment, then realizes* Touch my robe! *pauses; grins* You'll never believe how soft this thing is! ;) :D

Mike: Guess I'm gonna find out. (Touches his robe)

*As soon as Mike takes hold of Nyles's robe, the stage lights begin to flash as the set changes. When the strobe effect stops, they are standing on a country road, in front of a small, but much-lived-in home. They move closer and go inside the house.*

Mike: Why did you bring us here? This place means nothing to me.

Nyles: *sighs* Hang on a minute, and you'll find out. *shakes his head* Geez... :P ;)

(A proud Valerie, in a simple, ribbon-trimmed blue Victorian gown, comes out of a back room as the set "slides," revealing the main room of the Cratchits' house. A small boy with auburn hair turns a goose on a spit over a "fire." Valerie carries a pot of potatoes.)

Valerie: Don't forget to check the goose every now and then, honey. (Smiles) And watch your shirtcollar. That's your father's second-best one. :)

Little Peter: (Blushes) Yes, Mama. :">

(The twins come running in, dressed in little Victorian costumes, screaming and squealing at the top of both their lungs.)

*Somewhere in their screaming, "Mama!" is heard, along with nonsense squeals.* ;) :D

Valerie: (Smiles, puts the pot on the table, and pats both twins on the head) Now, Belinda, Georgie, you two calm down. The goose is done, and Martha and Papa and Tim should be home any minute. :)

Jen: *enters* Mama, I'm home! :)

Valerie: Martha, you came! (She goes to Jen and embraces her; the twins run up to her next)

Little Peter: (Smiles at her from the goose) Hi, Martha! :)

Jenny: *waves to Little Peter and ruffles the twins' hair* We had a great deal of work to finish up last night and clear away this morning, Mama!

(That's when the sound of "We Wish You a Merry Christmas" sung by a boy soprano and a familiar gentle baritone drifts into the room. Peter enters with a very small boy carrying a crutch on his shoulder, both dressed in threadbare Victoriana. Everyone goes to greet them.)

Valerie: Robert, my darling! (Peter sets the boy in a chair and hugs each of the children in turn, then hugs Valerie and gives her a kiss)

Peter: Hello, Emily. How were the little ones today? :)

Valerie: Oh, they were wonderful. How was Tim at church?

Peter: (As the other children gather around Tim and Jenny takes him in her lap) As good as gold and better. He told me coming home that he hoped that people saw him in church because he was a cripple, and it might be pleasant to remember on Christmas Day, who made lame beggars walk and blind men see. (Peter gulps back a sob at this, his eyes briefly filling with tears)

Valerie: Oh, honey... (She hands him a handkerchief, which he takes gratefully) He's stronger every day, Robert. He'll be fine. You'll see! :)

Peter: Yes, yes, you're right, my Emily.

Mike: (Frowns, watching the kids talk to the frail boy, telling him jokes and playing word games and making him laugh) Tell me, Spirit, what is wrong with that kind lad?

Nyles: All I can tell you, Scroogey, is that if these shadows stay unchained *shakes his head* I see an empty chair, and a crutch without an owner. *pauses* But, then, my realm is the here and now.

Mike: Oh, man, no... (They return to the Cratchit family, as Mrs. Cratchit brings the goose to the table)

Tim: Oh, what a lovely goose!

Mike: Awful small goose for a big family.

*Nyles just smiles, watching.* :)

Little Peter: Papa, I think it's the best we've ever had!

Mike: Ain't too much else, either. No tree, no presents, no nuthin'.

Nyles: They don't need all the material things that you like, Scroogey. They have each other. :)

Mike: Yeah... (Frowns and glares at the ghost while his back is turned) Scroogey? :p (Returns to the Cratchits, who are sitting down at the table. Peter stands at the head of the table.)

Peter: (Lifts his glass) My darlings, I give this toast in honor of Mr. Ebeneezer Scrooge, the founder of the feast! :)

Valerie: (Angrily) The founder of the feast, indeed! I'd like to give him a piece of my mind to feast upon, and I hope he has a good appetite for it! X(

Peter: (Blushes) Emily, please... :">

*Nyles smirks slightly.* ;)

Valerie: He treats you like you're little better than a slave, Pet...Robert! He criticizes you, orders you around, makes you change things in your music...ledger that were never wrong in the first place, and all for just fifteen bob a week! X(

Peter: (Blushes even harder; whispers) Val, that's not in the script! :">

Valerie: I know, Peter, but Mike's been so nasty to you since you came back from the tour! X(

Peter: Val, he's my best friend...and this isn't really the place to discuss it.

(Mike coughs and tries to act like he can't hear them. :p)

Valerie: (Mutters) Fine, but we WILL talk about this later.

Peter: (Nods; out loud) Emily, the children! Christmas Day! :o

Valerie: It's only on Christmas Day when we'd drink to the health of such an odious, stingy, unfeeling old miser like Mr. Scrooge. (Sighs) I'll toast his health for the day's sake and for yours, Robert, not his. (Reluctantly lifts her glass) A merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to Mr. Scrooge. He'll be very happy and joyful tonight, I'll have no doubt. :p

Cratchit Children: (Lifts their glasses) To Mr. Scrooge!

Tiny Tim: I still don't think he's so bad. He could be a nice man if he had a family of his own, like you do, Papa. :)

Valerie: (Mutters under her breath) He has a family and he's STILL a jerk. :p

Peter: (Nudges Valerie) Val! (Out loud) I agree with Tim. God bless Mich...Mr. Scrooge!

Tim: And god bless us, every one!

(The children sing "We'll Have the Brightest Christmas" from "Mr. Magoo's Christmas Carol," asking their father for a tree, presents, stockings, and "razzleberry dressing." Peter replies that they don't have the money, then goes to the piano with Valerie and sings about prizing what they have now - each other. :) )

Mike: (Sighs) You know, I'm almost wishin' I could say somethin' to my clerk right now. (Mutters) And tell his opinionated wife what I think of her. :p

Nyles: Now, now, Scroogey. :P ;)

Peter: Now, who is up for games? :)

Tim: (Claps) Charades, Papa!

Peter: Yes, we'll do that. (The lights begin to fade as they start their game)

Nyles: Next stop...

Mike: (Still watching the Cratchits as the light on them fades and the set rolls out) Where are we headin' to next, Spirit?

Nyles: You'll see. ;)

*When the lights come on fully again, the two stand in the living room of another home. This more "well-off" than the Cratchits'. Several adults sit around the room, chatting, and generally having a good time. A rather familiar laugh cuts through the entire theater.* :D ;)

(The Angellettes, Tilly, the Four Martians, Jack, the other three Abbies, and Micky's sisters all happily eat food on a long buffett table and chat amongst each other.)

Mike: (Rolls his eyes) Oh, man, don't tell me we're at my nephew's party!

Nyles: Okay, I won't tell you. *grins* ;)

Tilly: He really wouldn't come to your party, Fred?

Marcus: What a jerk! :p

Lillian: You shoulda tied him up and dragged him over! ;)

Mike: I still wouldn't have come. :p

Micky: You know, I did consider doing just that! *shrugs* But I can't force him.

Lauren: *rolls her eyes* Since when? :P

Mike: He would. :p

Winnie: I can't believe he'd rather sit in that cold ol' countinghouse of his than have a good time with us!

Micky: That's just how he amuses himself. Thinking up more ways to save money. (He sighs) I don't know. I kinda feel bad for him, always holing himself up like that.

Mike: (Frowns and goes to Micky, even though he can't hear him) You...do? You feel sorry for me?

Audrey: Yeah, but he's loaded, man. He can buy himself any kind of pleasure he wants!

Lauren: And he does! :P

Micky: So what if he's loaded? I once heard that you're never truly rich until you have the love of family and friends, and, well...that's what counts, you know?

Lauren: That's sweet, Mi...Fred, but I'm wondering if he's beyond that.

John: You're never too old for a second chance, Laur. :)

Mike: Thanks there, man. :)

*Lauren just makes a face.*

Micky: I still have faith that he'll come around, whether it's with my help or not. I'd really like to be at least part of the reason, but, more than anything, I'd like to see him happy with something other than just his mu...money. *blushes slightly at the accidental flub*

*Lauren gives a small grin and jabs Micky lightly in his side with her elbow.* ;)

(Mike makes a face.)

Tilly: I'm sure he'll come around, Fred! He's not an alien, after all! Those aliens have been known to...

Everyone In Unison: TILLY! :p

Tilly: What?

*Micky laughs again.* :))

(Even Mike can't resist a small grin. ;) )

Marcus: (Goes to the piano) Hey, everyone, who's for a song for this jolly crew? ;)

Micky: *nods* I'm always ready for a song. ;)

Lauren: *grins* No kidding. ;)

Marcus: How about one I once heard from a rolly polly fellow in the snow? ;)

Tilly: Oooh, play it, Marcus! That sounds like fun! :D

(Marcus starts "Holly Jolly Christmas" as the orchestra picks up the music and Micky picks up the vocals.)

(The Four Martians toast with their "cups of cheer." :D)

*Micky plays to Lauren, keeping her from remembering there's an audience. She sighs, listening to him, a dreamy smile on her face.* :x

(The Angellettes go front and center and sing a chorus on their own, girl-group style. ;) )

(Tilly gives Marcus a present. He unwraps a gag gift she made him - tie covered with little cartoon sharks. He grabs her and gives her a huge kiss that leaves her breathless and as red as her hair. ;) )

(Coco chases Jack around the room, while her sisters eat cookies and watch them, giggling. :D :X)

*Lauren has practically melted into the couch.* :x

(The three remaining Abbies sip liquor. Maxine giggles and picks up a glass. She hands a small bottle to Daphne, who fills Micky's glass and puts it on the table next to him and Lauren. They run away snickering. ;) )

*Micky takes a sip in between verses. He pulls the glass away to look at it, then shrugs and takes another sip.* ;)

(The girls watch, grinning, as he finally makes some strange faces. ;) )

*As the song ends, Micky's eyes widen. He opens his mouth and fans air in, then finally jumps up and bolts offstage as everyone else on stage laughs.* :)) ;)

Maxine: (Holds up the hot sauce) That was a GREAT idea for a gag, Kim!

Kimberly: Why thank you, Maxine! (She curtsies as well as she knows how) ;)

Lauren: *still snickering, shakes her head* I wonder what he'll come up with to get you back for that. ;)

Kimberly: I'm not sure I want to know. ;)

Lauren: We'll find out eventually. ;)

Marcus: Hey, Freddie, while you're out there, do something constructive and get me a drink! ;)

Mike: (He's dancing around with the others and having a fine old time) That was a GREAT gag, Maxine! I love Fred's friends! :D

*There's a yell from backstage. It isn't quite a curse, but it isn't quite nonsense, either.* :P ;)

Lillian: I think he just told you what to do with your drink, Marcus. ;)

*Nyles just shakes his head, grinning.* :D ;)

Lauren: I'd say so. ;)

Danny: Hey, guys, why don't we play a game?

Lillian: Call Fred back in!

Audrey: Yeah, he knows good games! :D

Marcus: (Leans over to stage left) Yo, Freddie, get your rear back in here! We're gonna play a game! ;)

*It takes a few moments, but Micky does come back. He seems a bit steamed, in more ways than one.* :P ;)

Maxine: Fred, we were going to play a game. :)

Coco: Got any ideas, Curls? ;)

Micky: *feigns a grin at Coco, seeing as his curls have been somewhat plastered to his head* How about a word game? ;)

(General acceptance and "yes"es from the crowd. :) )

Mike: I'm good at word games. :)

Micky: Very good, then. I'll think of something and all of you ask questions that I'll answer with a yes or no, okay? ;)

Lauren: Sounds like fun, Fred, dear! :) ;)

Micky: (Thinks)Now, let’s see. (Pause; he finally grins) Alright, I have something in mind.

Marcus: Is it an animal?

Mciky: *nods* Yes, it is.

Tilly: Is it an alien? :o

Micky: *rolls his eyes* No.

Everyone In Unison (even Mike): TILLY! :p

Tilly: WHAT? (Crosses her arms and grumps) :p

Lauren: Is it living?

Micky: Yes.

Maxine: Is it a savage animal?

Micky: *chuckles* Well...

Jack: Can it be found in London?

Micky: I'm afraid so, yes.

Coco: Does it pull a hansom cart?

Micky: No.

Danny: Is it an insect?

Micky: No.

Jack: *smirks* Is it an ass? ;)

*Micky snorts, then all out laughs.* :)) ;)

(A couple of raised eyebrows; the girls giggle. ;) )

Mike: What's so funny? :p

Micky: *in between laughter* No! ;)

*Nyles smirks.* ;)

Mike: Is it a rat?

Lillian: Is it a rat?

Mike: (To the unhearing Lillian) I said it first!

Nyles: Man, I KNOW they can't hear you. :P ;)

Mike: (Shrugs, to Nyles) Sorry. Got carried away.

Micky: *chuckles* No, but maybe a pack rat. ;)

Jack: Wait a minute. Is it a man?

Micky: *nods* Yes.

Lauren: *eyes widen* I've got it! :D

Audrey: Well, girl, tell us!

Micky: *grins* Do tell. ;)

Winnie: I'm stumped!

Gina: Me too!

Lauren: *pokes Micky* It's your Uncle Scrooge! :D ;)

Mike: What? :o

Micky: *feigned* Oh, darn, you got it! :P ;)

*Micky laughs again.* :))

Lauren: That was a good one, Fred, dear. ;)

Marcus: (As everyone joins Micky in laughing) And it's such an accurate description, too! ;)

Micky: *wiping at his eyes* It was accurate, though, wasn't it? ;)

Nyles: *trying not to laugh* Hmm... ;)

Lillian: He IS a stubborn ol' mule, your Uncle, ain't he? ;)

Gina: I think he's mean!

Debbie: He scares me! :o

Mike: Oh, man... :p

Micky: As stubborn as they come. He may come off as mean, though.

Jack: He's rather a pain, too, isn't he? ;)

Micky: Sometimes, yeah.

Lillian: Oh, why don't we forget about your ol' uncle for a while and play another game?

Micky: Okay, sure. What shall we play?

Gina: (As the lights start to dim again) Let's play "name that song!" :D

Mike: Hey, where are they goin'? I wanna talk to that boy!

Nyles: Sorry, man, it's time to head off somewhere else.

*The curtain begins to close. Nyles stays a few steps back from Mike, far enough to have the curtain close between them, leaving only Mike still in view of the theater audience.*

MIke: Spirit, now where are we... (looks around in surprise when he realizes he's alone) Spirit? Spirit, where are you? Don't leave me! (As he wails, fog starts to drift out, the footlights dim, and a lone streetlamp rolls onstage; Mike coughs at the sudden, overwheming fog) Don't go!

(Mike runs offstage as the fog disspates and the house lights go up. We cut to the bustling backstage, where the stagehands are restoring the big London set, but are making it look gloomier and less appealing.)

Mike: Where's Micky? I wanna ask him about that little game. I wanna find Em, too...not to mention have a chat with Val.

Daphne: (As Mike passes her) I think I saw him running back to the bathrooms, Mike.

Mike: Thanks, Daph. (He heads offstage)

*As Mike walks down the hall, the sound of running water becomes louder. The main door is open. Mike goes in and finds Micky bent over a sink, letting the running water go over his tongue. Micky's eyes raise to Mike, but he doesn't move from under the faucet.* ;) :P

Mike: Micky, what are you doing?

Micky: Wha...

Mike: Micky, when we're on the stage, could you stick to the script for at least five seconds? You said you had it memorized forwards, backwards, upwards, sidewards, across, up, down, over, and out!

Micky: *makes a face like he can't understand what Mike's saying; tries to respond anyway* Evewyone's doin' fine wit' the scipt...

Mike: Oh, yeah? What was with that word game?

Micky: Fun! :)

Mike: Mick, you called me an ass! :p

Micky: *his eyes look toward his own rear* Wha 'bou' m'ass?

Mike: Not YOU, ME! You called ME an ass! :p

Micky: You' ass 'ine. *Micky gives a half shrug.* ;)

Mike: Micky, could you PLEASE rein in your language and your ad-libbing onstage from now on? (Turns to leave, then turns back around) By the way, have you seen Em around? I wanna talk to her.

Micky: *takes a moment to answer* Why Em b'ere? :-/

Mike: I dunno, I just...(sighs)...I wanna tell her I miss her.

Micky: 'uh?

Mike: Never mind. I'll find her myself before the third act starts.

Micky: Stalls're 'ree... *waves a hand toward the empty stalls*

Mike: Forget it. I wanna see if I can find Val around, too, and ask her about those unwarrented comments she made during the Cratchits' sequence. (Frowns) Mick...am I really THAT nasty to Pete?

Micky: *again takes a moment to answer, then shrugs, unsure* 'uh, 'eah? :-/

Mike: I never MEANT to hurt him. Just want him to play his best, write his best, you know?

Micky: Wha' 'bou' wats? *looks confused*

Mike: (Sighs) Nothin', Mick. I'll see you onstage. If you see Em, tell her I'm lookin' for her. (He heads out)

Micky: *waves* 'ye, 'ike! *pauses* 'amn 'ot sawce... :P ;)

*And we fade out on Micky still with his head under the faucet, trying to wash away that evil hot sauce.* ;)