In the style of a hallmark movie or story (sad beginning, a diner, a Christmas tree and a happy ending being the common elements)

 

Maggie's Christmas

Re-entry was going to be harder than she thought. Yesterday she was an inmate at the penitentiary; today she was being driven to the trailer park she hadn't seen in ten years. The drive had been quiet the entire way. The taxi driver knew when his fare was from the prison he should not ask questions or pry. It wasn't his business. He had met all kinds....the reformed, the unreformed, the tough, the timid, the guilty and the innocent. He had no idea which of these this passenger was but she was quiet and subdued. Didn't seem like she would cause much trouble.

"If you don't mind, could you drop me at the gate? I don't want everyone looking out their windows wondering why a taxi is pulling in although most will still be sleeping," Maggie asked. "I don't even know who lives here anymore," she said aloud although she hadn't meant to share her thoughts.

He hesitated a moment not knowing whether to delve into a conversation. Glancing in his rearview mirror, he noticed she looked lost, a bit nervous and very alone. There was something more than sadness. I wonder what he story is?

At the entrance, he stopped the taxi and opened the hatch to retrieve her backpack. "Are you sure you want to walk from here? I don't see any movement around the park. At least let me carry your backpack to your place."

"No, but thanks, I can do it," Maggie firmly stood her ground.

"Well, good luck. Is there anything you need before I go? He reached into his back pocket and pulled out his wallet. Here is a little something to help you get settled." He pulled out a crisp one-hundred dollar bill and a fifty-dollar bill.

"No, I couldn't; I'll be alright," Maggie said as she turned away.

"You are going to need groceries and a few things to settle in. It's Christmas Eve you know! You'll need to pick up everything you need today. Stores will be closed for a couple days. This is a gift to get started. I insist. By the way, my name is Bill. My number is on the cab door or take my card if you ever need anything."

"Thanks, but I can't take your money," she quietly said as she picked up her bag and headed down the road.

The trailer didn't look any better or any worse than the day she was taken away. She hadn't been given time to clean up the mess but obviously someone had tidied up and locked it up. The car keys were on the hook where they always hung. Well, I better see if the car will start before I do anything; she had to prioritize. Get car running, get to the bank, get to the grocery store and get home before people are out and about. She wasn't ready to see anyone. People talk. People don't know the story. People always believe the worst.

As expected, her old beater wouldn't start after sitting for ten years. After a quick look around in the old shed, she found the battery charger he ex had bought before his death. Well, maybe I will get lucky. She attached the charger, crossed her fingers and went into the trailer to take inventory of what she would need over the coming days. When she went back to the car a couple hours later, she was surprised that it turned over. Gee, maybe my luck is changing!

Ten minutes later, as she pulled into the grocery store parking lot, a police cruiser with lights flashing pulled up beside her. She reached for the door handle to step out but the officer put his hand on the door.

"Stay in your car ma'am. I need ID, your license and vehicle ownership."

I can't believe this is happening, Maggie thought. "What have I done wrong?" she asked.

"Your sticker is expired! Ten years ago to be exact," the officer said.

"Sorry, I wasn't thinking. The car has been parked for ten years. Hasn't been on the road in that time," Maggie explained.

"Your license is also expired. 'Margaret Anne Johnson' do you have any other ID? Why haven't you renewed your license?"

"I've been away," was all Maggie offered.

"Well, when Christmas and Boxing Day are over, you better look after your sticker and license because the next time I pull you over, you will face a hefty fine; get going and get what you need. Merry Christmas."

"Thanks, and Merry Christmas to you! I will take care of it next week," Maggie said and meant it.

Bill stopped for a late breakfast at the local diner after delivering his fare. His breakfast special and coffee had just been delivered to his table when he felt a hand on his back. "Bill, what are you doing out here? Long way from your home. I haven't seen you in here before." Surprised to hear his name, Bill turned around and saw his old friend, Jerry.

"What are YOU doing here, Jerry?"

"I own the place!" Jerry responded, "but you haven't answered my question. What are you doing out here on Christmas Eve?"

"Oh, I had a delivery to make early this morning."

Jerry was puzzled. "What kind of delivery? Flowers? Gifts? Appliances? Do tell."

"I actually drive a taxi shuttle. I delivered a woman who was just released from prison. She didn't even tell me her name. Lives over in the trailer park."

"Maggie Johnson?" Jerry asked.

"I don't know her name. I dropped her off at the gate. She wouldn't take help. Seemed kind of lost...sad, lonely. I don't know anything about her," Bill told him.

"That is a sad story...poor Maggie served time for a crime she didn't commit. He ex got in with the wrong crowd. He was shot dead on Christmas Eve. Maggie came home from last minute shopping and found him but it was all pinned on her: finger prints, no real alibi, a history of cops responding to complaints at the trailer. Maggie wouldn't hurt a fly but the investigation was so flawed. She must be happy to be home!" Jerry surmised.

"I don't know, she just seems scared. Sad maybe. Keeps to herself. Didn't want to talk."

Just then the door swung open and Stan, the local policeman came in. "Not sure if this is a late breakfast or an early lunch but I'm starving! What's the Christmas Eve special, Jerry?"

"What would you think the special is? Turkey, ham, the trimmings. It is Christmas you know!"

Stan continued, "Just had a weird one...I pulled over a car at Super Penny just now. Expired plate. Not just expired or a missed birthday sticker... ten years expired and out of date! She seemed pretty frightened when I pulled up on her. Margaret Anne Johnson. Her drivers' license was expired too. I let her go with a warning being Christmas Eve and all. She will have to sort it out next week."

"We just call her Maggie around here," said Jerry. "By the way this is Bill and he told me he just dropped her off this morning...released from prison just yesterday, poor woman. No family left in these parts. She's totally alone."

Stan, Bill and Jerry sat quiet for a bit. Each one was looking forward to the end of the day when they could get home to their families and the celebration of Christmas. Jerry had friends and family coming over. He had spent his entire life in the area and knew everyone. Stan had a new bride and was looking forward to their first Christmas together. Bill was recently widowed but planned to attend the Christmas Eve service in his home town an hour away and spend Christmas Day with his sister and family.

But wasn't Christmas about love and giving and good will?

Jerry spoke first. "I over estimated the food today. Business hasn't been as busy as I hoped. I have plenty of turkey and ham meals for a pretty big gathering."

"I offered her $150 for groceries that she wouldn't accept but I could pick up a few little gifts for her tree," offered Bill.

"I doubt she has a tree," thought Stan out loud. "I'll grab a decorated one at the hardware store. They will be on sale Boxing Day. I will sweet talk them into starting their sale today."

"Jerry, maybe you can gather a few friends and neighbours to feed your excess food at Maggie's," Stan suggested. "I'll grab some paper plates and cutlery when I get the tree."

By five o'clock when the businesses had shut down to celebrate, Bill, Jerry and Stan had gathered their families, friends, food, a decorated tree and some gifts. When they pulled up to Maggie's trailer, Jerry rang the doorbell. Maggie opened the door a crack to see a happy group of people carrying all the goods of Christmas.

"Welcome Home, Maggie! Merry Christmas!" they sang out as they stepped into the trailer.