Chapter 10
KIRIAKIS MANSION
Victor opened his eyes to find that he was not in a tomb at all, but in his own bed.
VICTOR: I'm back? I'm back! They did it! The Spirits did it! Oh, it feels so good to be back!
Henderson walked in.
HENDERSON: Forgive me for not knocking sir, but I heard some screaming, and was wondering if everything was all right.
Victor jumped out of his bed.
VICTOR: All right? I'm better than all right, Henderson! I'm overjoyed! I'm as giddy as a young schoolboy! Tell me, what day is it today?
HENDERSON: It's Christmas Day, sir.
VICTOR: That means I didn't miss it! I've still got time! Henderson, run down to the butcher's! Buy the biggest turkey you can find! Send it to my grandson, Brady's loft!
Victor dug into his dresser and pulled out a large sum of money.
VICTOR: Here's some money! And keep the change! Now, hurry!
HENDERSON: Sir, this...this is more than five years pay, even after taking away the expense of the turkey!
VICTOR: Indeed it is, Henderson! Merry Christmas!
HENDERSON: Merry Christmas to you, too, sir!
Henderson ran out of the room to go buy the turkey. Victor put on his best suit and walked out into the streets.
HORTON TOWN SQUARE
As he made his way to Brady's loft, Victor saw the Charity Worker from the previous night.
VICTOR: Excuse me, good sir, I wish to apologize for the manner in which I spoke towards you last night. It was incredibly rude and unacceptable, and you have my humblest apologies. Now, I would very much like for you to accept this.
Victor handed the man a check. The man looked at the number, at his eyes almost popped out of his skull.
WORKER: Sir...can this number be correct? Do you realize how much this is?!
VICTOR: Indeed I do, my good man, and I expect it to be put to good use!
WORKER: Yes, sir! All of the money! All the food and clothes we can buy! The orphans will be so happy! Merry Christmas to you, Mr. Kiriakis. Merry Christmas, indeed!
As Victor continued on his way, he ran into Bo.
VICTOR: Merry Christmas, Bo!
He grabbed his son by the shoulders and gave him a big hug.
BO: You're...you're being nice to me?
VICTOR: Of course I am, you're my son! Now, run home and get that lovely wife and adorable daughter of yours, and bring them to the loft which my grandson, Brady owns!
Without waiting for Bo's reply, Victor ran off happily. He had one stop left to make before going to the loft.
TITAN
He sat at his desk at Titan, watching the clock. At about twenty minutes past, Philip walked in.
PHILIP: Sorry I'm late, father. It won't happen again.
VICTOR: No, it certainly will not! I tell you, Philip, I'll not be having anymore of it! And therefore...
Victor stood up.
VICTOR: Therefore...
Victor walked around his desk.
VICTOR: I'm giving you a pay raise!
Philip was dumbstruck
PHILIP: You...what?!
VICTOR: Merry Christmas, Philip!
Victor and his son embraced.
VICTOR: Now, run as fast as you can! Fetch that lovely young woman, Melanie Layton, and meet me at Brady's loft!
PHILIP: Oh...okay...
Still slightly confused, Philip followed Victor as he ran out of Titan.
THE LOFT
A few minutes later, Victor arrived in the hallway in front of the loft that Brady and Chloe were sharing. Henderson was already there, carrying a giant bird.
HENDERSON: Here it is, sir. One turkey, big as they come.
VICTOR: Excellent! Excellent! Here's another ten grand for you.
Victor gave Henderson another large chunk of money. As Bo, Hope, Ciara, Philip, and Melanie all arrived, Victor told them to keep their voices down. Then, Victor knocked on the door. Brady opened it.
BRADY: Grandfather?
VICTOR: Hello, Brady. I have decided that I'd very much like to take you up on your offer from last night...if you'll have me, that is.
BRADY: Have you? Of course we'll have you! All of you! Please, please, everybody come in!
Everybody entered Brady's loft.
BRADY: Hey, Chloe! Look who's here!
CHLOE: Philip! Melanie! Mr. and Mrs. Brady! Ciara! Victor...
VICTOR: My dear Chloe, I am truly sorry for all of the things that I have said and done to your over the years....
Victor turned to Melanie.
VICTOR: This apology goes to you, too, Melanie. You will never know, either of you, how truly sorry I am. Can you two forgive a silly old man who doesn't wish to be left out in the cold anymore?
Melanie and Chloe gave Victor a big hug. After that, they all sat down to dinner. Then, Victor stood up.
VICTOR: Attention, everyone. I have a few announcements to make. First, to my son, Philip. I am promoting you to partner with increased salary, as always. I know that you shall do a fine job.
PHILIP: Thanks, dad!
VICTOR: Brady, I would like to re-hire you and start you at Philip's old position.
BRADY: You're having me on!
VICTOR: 'Fraid not, my boy! It's straight up! Next, to my ever faithful butler, Henderson. I am going to give you the week off. With pay and a bonus, as well as an all expense paid trip to the Bahamas. Now, to Bo and Hope. First thing tomorrow, I will be meeting you at your house, and we will all go to the hospital to get Ciara that operation, fully paid for by me.
Bo and Hope smiled at Victor, kissed Ciara, and then turned back to listen to the rest of Victor's speech.
VICTOR: And finally, to Chloe and Melanie. You two are very fine beautiful young ladies. I have no doubt that you will make my son and grandson very happy. Therefore, you have my blessing. And, should you ever decide to marry, your weddings will be fully paid for by me. I wish you many long years of happiness together!
Victor did all of the things he said he would, and many more. He became a better father, a better grandfather, a better master, and a better person all together. It was often said of Victor, in his later years, that he knew how to keep Christmas and keep it well. And, he did, too.
VICTOR: To Christmas. And to all we have to be thankful for.
ALL: Cheers!
VICTOR: Well, Ciara, I'm sure you know the cliché. There's only one way to end it now.
CIARA: God bless us.
VICTOR: God bless us, everyone! And...
ALL CAST MEMBERS: And have a very merry Christmas, MyHourglass Forums!
