To Whom Much Is Given-A Short Christmas Story Read online

To Whom Much Is Given

  ~A Short Story~

  by Amy Leah Magaw

  To Whom Much Is Given

  Copyright © 2013 Amy Leah Magaw

  All Rights Reserved. No part of this work may be transmitted or reproduced in any form or by any means mechanical or electronic, including recording or photocopying, without prior written permission from the author, with the exceptions of brief cited quotations in reviews, indexing for internet search engines, and brief cited quotations for use by libraries and retailers.

  Forward

  This short story was inspired by a news story I read online about young people who are making a difference in our country. The story highlighted several young people around America who are creating non-profit organizations to help those in need. One story really spoke to me. Even though the foundation isn’t expressly Christian, I believe that they are showing the love of Christ in a very unique way. I’ve written this fictional short story to show the compassionate side of teens that is so often hidden behind stereotypes and cliques.

  Please remember, that this story is loosely based on the interview I read online—it is fiction. At the end of the story, I will reveal the identity of the teen whose organization really spoke to me. I don’t want to give the story away, but I would like to spread the word about what he and his foundation are doing to bring a little joy to others.

  So, stay tuned...

  My arms are full, but I feel so empty. Chase carried the shoe boxes alongside Victoria, his girlfriend of two years. The mall was bustling with shoppers taking advantage of the Christmas sales. Loud songs of the holidays serenaded the passel of people converging on the stores. The people look like ants, scurrying to lay up their treasures before the cold of winter sets in. And I am no better.

  “How much more do we have to get today? I’m tired, my feet hurt, and I’m ready to go home!” he declared.

  “Aw, honey, please? I just need a couple more things! There are lots of Christmas parties coming up, and I can’t wear the same outfit to each of them!” she whined.

  Chase just stared at her. “God forbid that you don’t have something new to wear! This is Christmas, for crying out loud! All you can think about it yourself!” he said as he sat down on a nearby bench in frustration. He dropped the boxes down beside him.

  “Be careful with those!” she scolded. “They’re Pradas!”

  “I don’t care what they are—they’re unnecessary!” His anger was getting the better of him. “By the way, how are you paying for all of this?”

  “Daddy just told me to charge everything to him. He gets it—I don’t know why you don’t get it,” she said trying to justify her extravagances. “Look, we’ve always gotten along, but lately you’ve been very moody. What’s going on with you?” she asked condescendingly.

  “I’m just tired of your attitude. I’m tired of being your pack mule, carrying around your stuff all the time. I guess I’m just tired of you!” he said as he stood up.

  “Where are you going?” she called as he walked away from her and her boxes.

  “Away from you!” he called over his shoulder without even looking back.

  She just doesn’t get it. She’s never had to work for anything in her life. It’s all about her—all the time. I don’t even know why I’m with her anymore, but I can fix that—actually, I think I just did!

  “Excuse me,” Emily said as she wiggled her way through to the bulletin board. The teenagers kept pushing and shoving their way through the halls of Paxville High without acknowledging her request. She pinned a flyer from her stack to the board, and turned to maneuver her way to class before the tardy bell rang. Just as she turned, Frankie Thornton ripped past her, knocking her down. Her stack of flyers was launched in the air and Frankie never even looked back. Emily scrambled to pick them up before the stampede of students trampled them in their path.

  “Back off! Make some room!” Chase shouted as he barricaded the area. “Let me help you, Emily.”

  “Thanks, Chase,” she said, as the fumbled with the papers. She could feel her cheeks burning with embarrassment.

  “I’m sorry this happened,” Chase offered as he extended his hand to her, pulling her up.

  “Oh, it’s okay. I’ve come to expect it,” she answered as she took the flyers from him placing them in her stack.

  “What are you promoting this time—save the whales, save the earth, save the mosquitoes?” he asked with a smile. She’s always wrapped up in some cause!

  “Ha ha, very funny,” she answered with a sarcastic smile. “Actually, this is a flyer for the youth rally at the church.”

  “Oh, yeah! I remember Pastor Wagner mentioning that last night. That’s a good idea, but we’d better hurry. The bell is about to ring.”

  “Thank you again, for your help!” she called as she ran down the hall.

  You know, maybe that’s what I need. Maybe I need to get more involved in helping others. I think I’ll check with Emily after school to see what cause she’s working on for Christmas.

  Chase turned making his way to class. To his shock, he saw Victoria and her entourage walking down the hall without a care in the world, and she was blocking his path. He turned in the opposite direction. I’d rather take detention!