The sixteen year old teen walked slowly down the sidewalk. He was being very careful; it had rained for several days then an Arctic front had come in. It had turned the rain puddles into ice. The blonde haired teen had almost slipped a few times. He adjusted his book bag then stuffed his hands back into his coat pockets. Normally he would be with his older brother, Frank, riding in their van. But Frank Hardy was on the debate team, which was having a Christmas party before the holiday vacation started. Frank had invited his younger brother but Joe hadn’t wanted to join in on the fun – and since he only had a learner’s permit he could not drive the van. He had told his brother that he would take the bus home, but Joe had missed it. Now he was walking home.

He paused as he came upon an open lot. Snow covered the ground. In the middle of the lot was a Christmas manger scene. Joe walked over to have a better look. He passed the Three Wise Men, heading straight for the three prominent figures. He liked staring into the soft loving face of Mary and the joyful face of Joseph. He turned his attention to the baby Jesus and froze. Joe thought he had seen the baby squirm. But when he got closer he found that the wind caused the blanket – which someone had placed on the baby Jesus – to move. Joe let out a sigh of relief. He stepped back to admire the manger before heading home.

Joe’s thoughts turned to Christmas and Iola. This would be the first Christmas they would be celebrating as a couple. He wanted to give her something really special – something that would show her how much she meant to him! Joe let out a sigh; he knew the perfect gift for Iola. He had seen it at the jewelry store. It was a cameo pin – it looked just like the one Aunt Gertrude wore. Joe knew that Iola adored his aunt’s pin. It was on sale but he still didn’t have enough money to purchase it. Joe had managed to save a hundred and fifty dollars – but what with Frank, his mom and dad and Aunt Gertrude plus little purchases for his friends, Joe had less than twenty-five dollars left and the cameo cost one hundred and ninety-nine dollars!

As Joe neared his home, he glanced up and saw something that caused his grim expression to turn into a happy smile. Sitting in the driveway was a dark blue four-door sedan. His dad was home!

Fenton Hardy was a private detective and had been out of town on a case. Christmas was a week away, and the family was afraid that Fenton might miss celebrating with them. Once Joe reached the lawn to his house, he ran across the snow covered grass. Barely taking the time to wipe his feet, he ran inside the house slamming the door behind him.

“Goodness, Joe! Must you come in like a herd of buffaloes?!” Aunt Gertrude stood at the end of the small hallway, one hand on her chest.

“Sorry, auntie, I didn’t mean to scare you.” Joe smiled apologetically. “I saw Dad’s car in the driveway…”

“Yes, he’s back. He’s in the kitchen with your mother,” replied Aunt Gertrude with a smile.

Joe surprised his aunt with a quick peck on the cheek as he ran past. He sped into the kitchen, coming to a quick halt when he saw his dad sitting at the table and his mom pouring hot chocolate into a mug.

Laura had spilled some of the hot chocolate when Joe came charging in – and Fenton almost jumped out of his chair. He swallowed his laughter when he realized it was his youngest son standing at the door.

“Oh, Joe, you startled me! Should I be expecting Frank to come crashing in?” Laura asked a smile on her face.

“Frank’s still at the school – the debate team is having a Christmas party. I didn’t feel like staying.” Joe explained as he went to give his dad a hug and Laura a kiss on the cheek.

When she found out that Joe had missed the school bus and walked home, Laura immediately poured him a cup of hot chocolate.

“So why didn’t you stay with your brother – I thought you liked his friends on the debate team?” Fenton took a sip of his chocolate.

“I do – I guess I just didn’t feel like celebrating.” Joe stirred his chocolate, staring down at his mug.

“Oh – and why not? You love this time of year.” Fenton glanced over at Laura who shrugged.

Joe continued to slowly stir his chocolate as he chewed on his lower lip. He finally looked up, giving Fenton and Laura a small smile.

“I still do, it’s just…I wanted to get Iola something really special but – as usual I’m a little short on funds.”

“Well I’m feeling generous – how much did you need?” asked Fenton.

“Thanks dad but I would owe several month’s worth of allowance!”

Fenton’s eyebrows shot up, Joe’s smile got wider as he took a sip of his hot chocolate.

Later that night when Joe was in bed, Frank knocked lightly on the connecting door to their rooms. Beckoning his brother in, Joe adjusted his pillows so he could sit up. Frank sat on the edge of the bed.

“You okay, Joe? You were pretty quiet during dinner.”

“I was just thinking…” Joe glared at Frank when his older brother snorted.

“Sorry, continue,” said a contrite Frank.

“I was thinking about what I’m going to get Iola for Christmas. Did you get Callie’s gift?”

“No, I’m still deciding. Want to go to the mall tomorrow? Maybe we can help each other out! We could give our opinions on each other’s gift choice!”

“As much as I dislike going to the mall this time of year…I could use all the help I can get!” sighed Joe.

“More than you know!!” laughed Frank trying to duck out of the way when Joe swung his pillow at his head.

Joe hit Frank on his back then he pushed himself forward to fall on top of his older brother. Frank wanted to tell Joe that they were too old to be wrestling but then his brother started to tickle him. With great effort, Frank managed to roll onto his back, Joe now lying underneath. 

“Oh man, you gotta lay off the potatoes!” yelped Joe.

“That’s what you get for tickling me!”

Before Joe could retaliate, the door to his room opened – Aunt Gertrude stood in the door way, hands on her hips.

“Goodness boys! I thought the house was falling apart! Aren’t you too old for this kind of nonsense?!”

Frank rolled off Joe then helped his brother up off the floor. Looking contrite, they mumbled apologies. Giving her nephews a stern glare, Aunt Gertrude let out a “humph” before walking away. When she was gone, Frank and Joe glanced at each other, huge grins on their faces. Giving Joe a friendly punch in the arm, Frank turned to go back to his room when he was hit from behind with a pillow. He slowly turned around – with a mock glare, Frank pointed his finger at Joe.

“Remember what Aunt Gertrude always says: Santa doesn’t give presents to bad little boys!”

Joe rolled his eyes. “I’m a little old to believe in Santa anymore!”

“Oookay…just don’t blame me if you find coal in your stocking!”

With that said, Frank threw the pillow back at Joe before running into his room. He heard his brother’s laughter as he closed his door.

*****

The sun shone brightly that Saturday morning Frank and Joe drove to the mall. The brothers were glad that it was such a nice day as Frank had to park the van at the far end of the parking lot. They had a long hike to get inside the mall. The brothers went inside a couple of jewelry stores, and although they found several items they thought Iola and Callie would like, the pieces of jewelry were a little over their budget.

Frank was starting to feel hungry and figured that Joe probably was too. “Let’s take a break – let’s get some lunch, my treat.”

“Now that’s the best thing I’ve heard all day!” Joe said with a smile.

The Hardys walked past a Santa who was standing by a bucket and ringing a bell. Joe dropped some change in the bucket as they went by. He had just stepped on the escalator when Joe heard Santa shout.

“Thief! Thief – stop that kid – he stole my charity bucket!”

Frank turned and saw Joe begin to push his way down the up escalator. He let out a sigh as he followed his brother.

“Excuse me – pardon me!” said Frank as he made his way down. He was glad that he hadn’t traveled up very far.

As soon as Joe’s foot hit the floor he took off running but it was slow going. He had to dodge around shoppers although the thief didn’t have any problems with knocking down a few. The thief headed for the elevator but he saw that two teens, one with blonde hair and one with brown, were catching up to him. So the young man turned when he saw an exit. Frank and Joe were right behind him as they all ran through the parking lot.

Joe glanced quickly at Frank, giving his brother a thumbs-up when he saw where the thief was heading. They were nearing their van! The thief jumped inside a yellow car that was parked a few feet away from the Hardy van.

Frank had to pull Joe back when the car backed up and almost hit the younger teen. “Climb over my seat!” yelled Frank as he clicked his key ring to unlock the door.

Joe scrambled in and was buckling his seat belt when Frank took off after the thief. The older Hardy didn’t like having to drive so fast in the parking lot, he had no choice. He kept a tight grip on the steering wheel when he had to swerve to avoid hitting a car that was backing out. Seeing the yellow car make a right turn, Frank followed suit – and both brothers gasped. Frank hit the brakes but it was too late: the van was hit head-on by a truck.

Because he wasn’t wearing his seat belt, Frank hit the steering wheel. Although Joe had his seat belt on, it didn’t lock up and he hit his forehead on the window.

*****

Frank could feel that he was lying on a soft surface. He could smell peppermint and cookie dough. He slowly opened his eyes and blinked. He wasn’t in a hospital – he was in someone’s bedroom. He turned his head and saw Joe lying beside him. He was surprised not to feel any pain when he moved to touch Joe’s shoulder.

“Joe…wake up, Joe.”

“Let me sleep…it’s Christmas vacation, Frank!”

“Come on Joe…wake up!”

Hearing the anxious tone in his brother’s voice, Joe forced his eyes open. He looked around and saw a fireplace on the other side of the room. Candy cane decorations were prominent in the room. Joe was going to ask Frank where they were when the door opened.

An elderly plump woman with silver hair and wearing a red dress with white fur trim entered. She was carrying a tray with two mugs on it. She smiled at the brothers.

“Hello Joe – Frank, I’m glad to see you’re up.” Noting the surprised expressions on their faces, she chuckled softly. “Of course I know your names. Why wouldn’t I?”

She paused and gave them a look as if she expected them to know who she was.

“Don’t you think I of all people would know who you are? I’m Mrs. Claus.”