TITLE: A Christmas Tale

BY: layla_gray

SUMMARY: A Danish take on the old Dickens classic

Chapter 1 - So it begins.

"Are you sure you don't want to come home?" Sharon asked over the phone.

"Yes, mom. I'll be fine here, don't worry." Dana took a sip from her steaming mug of coffee and sat back in the rocking chair. Stretched out before her was a world that was slowly coming alive. Shadows faded away shyly and the last of the stars bid their farewells. Morning had come on this cold winter day.

Dana heard her mother sigh. "Mom, really I'll be alright"

It took a few seconds before she answered, "If you insist. I just don't like the idea of you spending Christmas alone."

"I know. But if you think about it, I'm not exactly alone. There's plenty of folks spending their Christmases at Lake Tahoe."

"Dana, you know what I mean."

"I know, I just feeling doing some skiing this year. I'll be home by New Year's, I promise"

"Oh alright, it's not as if you're going to change your mind." Sharon answered, exasperated.

A twinge of guilt washed over Dana at the note of defeat in Sharon's voice. "I'm sorry mom. I need some time alone."

"I'm trying to understand." Another sigh followed. "Call me on Christmas alright?"

"I will, send my love to Dad and Howie."

"They miss you too. Merry Christmas honey."

"Merry Christmas mom."

With a final goodbye, Dana was left alone with the gentle awakenings of another day. From her rented condo, she could see people making their way down to the lodge. No doubt they were all getting ready for a full day of skiing.

She didn't feel the urge to move from her comfortable spot, opting instead to stare blindly at the snow-covered peak of the mountain.

This would be her first Christmas alone and she didn't mind it one bit. The past six months had left her tired and empty. The only positive thing she could find was her flourishing career but it wasn't enough.

She knew perfectly well what was needed to fill that hollow feeling in her heart, a feeling made worse by the bright lights and cheers of the holiday season. Alice. She hated how simple the answer was yet how far away it seemed to her.

Her ringing mobile startled her, causing her to spill a little of her coffee. Cussing, she pressed the answer button.

"Is this how you greet people nowadays?"

Dana smiled at the familiar voice, "Shane! You made me spill my coffee."

"Wow, so I have that effect on women even over the phone." Shane chuckled.

A pang of homesickness hit Dana. "Of course you do. To what do I owe the pleasure of this call?"

Shane grew serious, "Can you explain to me what you are doing at Lake Tahoe?"

Dana played the innocence card, "Skiing?"

"Dana." Shane chided.

She shook her head wearily. "I already had this conversation with my mom, Bette and Tina. You can get the details from them."

Shane ignored her, "How long do you plan to keep avoiding her?"

Her. Here comes that ache again. "I'm not... well not really. Shit, it's… I'm..." Her voice trailed off, unable to come up with the right words.

"Are you ever going to finish that sentence?" Shane asked after a moment of silence.

"Still thinking about what to say. You can go on talking first," Dana half joked. Until Shane asked the question, she hadn’t realized how at a loss she was about Alice.

Shane's low guttural laugh came over the phone, "Damn it Dane, I fucking miss you here. Come home, we all miss you. You've been gone for months."

"Not true, I was back a week ago." Dana defended herself, though she knew it was a weak attempt. She had been gone for five months at least. She had a good reason, after all it was her job to tour the circuit. Perhaps she admitted unwillingly, she was also using it as an excuse not to see anyone.

"Ha! You want to talk about that visit? Alright, let's talk about that, shall we?"

Dana cut in, "Ok, ok, I get it."

"They broke up." Shane followed immediately.

It took a moment for the information to register. She couldn't figure out that weird churn in her stomach.

"Dana?" Shane asked.

"I'm here. Um… when?" She found herself asking despite her resolve.

"Six days ago to be exact, the day you flew off."

"Oh." It was all she could manage.

"Oh? That's it?" Shane pressed on.

"W-why, why? Did she tell you why? " Dana's mouth tried to keep up with her thoughts.

"I think that's a question you should ask her yourself."

"No, no. I'm not going to do anything about this. It's over." Dana said quickly, hating how her voice quivered.

"Then why don't I believe you?" Shane asked firmly.

Dana drew a deep breath before answering, "I can't. I don't think I'd survive another breakup with her."

"God, Dana. You're giving up even before trying." The frustration in Shane was not lost on Dana.

"We did try, look what happened. Listen, I don't want to talk about this. You're my friend, I'm asking you to drop this."

Dana held on tight to her cell in the few seconds of silence. Finally Shane spoke, "Alright but won't you at least come home for Christmas? Everybody wants to see you, even baby Angelica… Alice has been asking about you."

The ache intensified, but she couldn't, it was too hard. "I'll be back by the first of the New Year, we'll meet up then."

"Okay, we'll all be at the Planet for Christmas Eve, should you change your mind, you know where to find us."

She could feel her eyes moistening; it was time to end the conversation. "Yeah, thanks Shane. I have to go, I'm joining a group on the mountain for skiing."

"Go on, have fun. Hey, be careful out there."

"I'm a pro at this, don't worry."

"Fine, go already!"

"Merry Christmas and give everyone a big kiss from me, will you?"

Shane laughed, "You can do that yourself when you get back. Merry Christmas Dane."

________________________________________________________________________

Dana stood by the edge, studying the slope. It was a lot steeper than she anticipated. She had never skied one of this magnitude before, her heart raced at the thought of going down the mountain. Looking around, she saw none of the others she rode the lift with seemed intimidated at all.

"Yeah! Last one down buys dinner!" One of the guys shouted and with a loud whoop, he launched himself down the mountain. The others followed immediately, leaving Dana to stare after them.

"Shit." She cursed, there was nothing she could do but follow. "Oh god, here's goes." She pushed her quadriceps and smoothly started skiing.

She found her body moving easily with the flow once she got the hang of it. Now if only she could concentrate.

"How long do you plan to keep avoiding her?" Snippets of her conversation with Shane kept coming back to her.

"They broke up." Why? Does it matter?

"Alice has been asking about you." It was too painful, losing not only a lover but her best friend. She wouldn't let herself fall like that ever again.

She was nearing the foot of the mountain, speeding past the rows of trees. She didn't see the bump ahead until it was too late. Her skis hit it hard, she fell and lost complete control.

All she could see was masses of white as she tumbled down the remaining distance until darkness cloaked her vision.

________________________________________________________________________

She strained to open her eyes, feeling fuzzy headed. The lights stung. She glanced around, she was in what looked like a hospital room. Fleeting images floated in her head, the phone call with Shane, the mountain.

She felt groggy. Trying to wake up she wondered what they had given her. It was a useless fight, the sedatives were winning, her eyes closed unwillingly.

"My dear child, it is time to wake." A gentle nudge accompanied that refined voice.

She peeled opened her eyes, turning to her side she said in surprise, "You...you're Peggy Peabody."

Peggy clocked a brow, "Physically yes. Before we go into details, I would appreciate you getting up from the bed and kindly following me."

She must be dreaming but why would she dream of Helena's mother, she thought to herself?

Peggy tucked her hand under Dana's chin, "Honey, contrary to what you think, this is not a dream. Now please get up, we do not have much time to waste. There are two others after me."

"What are you talking about? Did Shane put you up to this?" Dana asked, sitting up straight. To her amazement, the tiredness was gone but it was hardly a consolation given the strange situation she was in at the moment.

Peggy gave a deep laugh, "I highly doubt Shane would have the power to pull this off. Come on, let's go."

"Go where? This is not funny, I'm calling the nurse." Dana was starting to feel uneasy, there was a weird tingling feeling she couldn't quite put her finger on. She grabbed the buzzer from the side of the bed and pressed the button.

"They can't hear you." Peggy said.

Dana flipped the buzzer around, "Why is it broken?"

Peggy smiled, "Dana, stand up and you will get your answer."

Dana stared hard at Peggy for a moment, fighting off her growing fear.

"Do not be afraid, nothing can harm you." Peggy coaxed.

Dana obeyed, gingerly she got up and stood beside Peggy. She asked cautiously, "Now what?"

"Turn around" Peggy answered.

Slowly she turned around, holding her breath. A cry escaped from her lips at what she saw. "Oh fuck! That's... that's me. Oh my god, oh my god!"

The room started to spin. "I'm dead, aren’t I? Shit, shit!"

With a strength that surprised her, Peggy grabbed her by her shoulders, "Stop it this instant. Look at me."

Dana stared back wide-eyed at Peggy.

"Good." Peggy nodded. "You are not dead."

"But-but-but… that's me lying there and I'm fucking standing right here looking at fucking myself and-and you're fucking Peggy Peabody!"

Peggy's eyes narrowed, "It would help greatly if you would tone down your cussing. I do not care for such foul language."

"Oh, I'm sorry" Dana apologized then wondered why she did.

"Good, we shall continue then. As I was saying, you are not dead. You have left your body yes, but rest assured you will be given the opportunity to return later."

Dana was in a state of numbing confusion, nothing made sense yet she knew it was all real. "I'm trying to stay calm. You need to tell me exactly what is going on here? Who the hell are you?"

Peggy answered, "I am the Ghost of Christmas Past."

________________________________________________________________________

A Christmas Tale

Chapter 2 - The First of the Three Spirits

Laughter fell upon Dana immediately after Peggy finished her sentence. "That's so funny... you're so funny."

Peggy stood stone-faced staring at Dana, her blue eyes darkening with each passing second. The laughter died down slowly, "You're not joking." Dana stated, backing away from Peggy. "How... is this possible, “The Ghost of Christmas Past”? It's just a story, Charles Dickens wrote it!"

Peggy winked, "Let's just say Mr. Dickens's tale was inspired by a true story."

Dana started pacing, finding herself on the brink of breaking apart. "Ooooooookay... I need to sit down."

"It wouldn't make a difference. You're a floating spirit, you'll feel the same regardless of your position."

"I'm a-a-a fl-fl-fl... " Dana stammered, stopping in her tracks.

"Is it always this hard for you to put together a complete sentence?" Peggy took a step closer to the hapless woman. "Dana, work with me. Keep breathing, you're not dead, honey. I'll give you a minute to gather yourself then we have to go."

Dana stood staring at a spot on the floor with her mouth agape. Her mind was running at the speed of light as she struggled to regain her breathing. She was acutely aware of Peggy's stare, telling herself to stay calm she asked, "Alright, assuming all of this is true, why are you here? I maybe not be the kindest person on earth but I'm no Scrooge."

"We know. You have a slightly higher than average record when it comes to charitable acts. That's not why we're here. We don't only handle cases like Scrooge, you know. Dickens really spoiled it for us." Peggy replied.

"I didn't know that." Dana answered with a nod. "Ok then why are you here?"

"To help you silly." Peggy said looking at Dana like she was dim witted.

Dana waited. Realizing there would be no more information coming, she said, "Could you be less vague about this? I need a lot more than that for me not to freak out."

Peggy extended her hand to Dana, "Here, take my hand and follow. Soon you will understand."

Dana hesitated. Peggy added in a stern voice, "Dana, this is not a choice. You have to come with me whether you want to or not."

Looking at Peggy, Dana knew she was not joking. She let out a shaky breath and slowly stretched out her hand to Peggy, "Just one more thing? Why do you look like Peggy Peabody?"

"We had a change of 'policy' at the turn of last century. Appearing as ourselves seems to have scared or traumatized a large portion of our ‘guests’. So the TPTB decided that we should appear as friends or relatives of those we visit. Never someone too close to the person, it would affect their judgment."

"I see..." Dana said cautiously. "Er... what's TPTB?"

"The Powers that Be. The Big Boss."

Dana nodded her head, trying to process the information. "You said there's two more, that would be the Ghost of Christmas Present and Future?"

"Correct and that is why we must hurry. We are running a little short on time, shall we?" Peggy asked.

Dana bit her lip and answered, "Lead the way."

Peggy's smile grew bigger. She led Dana to the wall in front of them.

Wait, what are you doing? Are we going through the wall?" Dana pulled Peggy back.

"Yes we are, just relax. Remember you're a floating spirit, walking through walls will not be a problem for you."

"Ok, ok, I can do this."

A loud gasp escaped from Dana as most of Peggy disappeared through the wall, leaving only her hand, which was grasping Dana's.

She could still hear Peggy, "Dana, come on. Do not be afraid, you can close your eyes if you want to."

Taking a deep breath she edged towards the sky blue wall. She found herself engulfed by darkness as she passed through, the panic rose in her. It was only a second before her vision came back.

Dana stood in a familiar place, somewhere she missed more than she would let on. And there she was, Alice.

"Do you remember this?" Peggy asked gently.

The warmth was coming back to her, "How could I forget?" She was transfixed by the scene before her; it was like watching a movie.

She heard Alice call as she balanced herself on the ladder besides the newly decorated Christmas tree, "Dane! Come on, I want to put the star up!"

Dana laughed at the eagerness in Alice's voice. She saw herself bounding out of the kitchen with two steaming mugs. Alice had insisted that Dana be the one to place the star on top of the tree. She felt the same physically weakening feeling now as that night when Alice pulled her into a passionate kiss after the tree was decorated.

"It was our first Christmas together as a couple. Alice loves Christmas, I never realized how much until that year." Dana said wistfully, looking at herself and Alice as they snuggled up to each other on the couch.

"You both looked very happy." Peggy said.

"We were, it was the perfect Christmas." She heard them laughing and it ached. It was so simple then, all they needed was each other. Her vision lingered on Alice, there was a beautiful glow on her face, heightened by the shadows of the twinkling fairy lights.

"I love you Dana. Merry Christmas," Alice's words cut through the air.

Dana saw the sparkles that danced in Alice's eyes and the smile that she gave to no one but her. "She's beautiful, I almost forgot how it hurts sometimes just to look at her." Dana said softly.

"Sounds like you miss her." Peggy said.

Dana stayed silent for a while. There was no denying the bizarre jealousy she felt towards her own past self who got to kiss and hold Alice. She closed her eyes, wondering why it was so hard to let her go. Reluctantly she admitted, "I do miss her. God I hate it that I do,"

Peggy nodded, "Love does tend to hold you in its stubborn jaws, doesn't it?"

"Fucking hell it does and it sucks." Dana chuckled, feeling good to finally admitting it out loud.

"You still love her. Why are you here and not back in LA?" Peggy pressed.

"Because..." Dana paused, hating to say it. "Because she moved on and we're never going to work."

"I would believe you if your voice didn't quiver when you said that."

Dana turned to face Peggy, "It's over."

"No, it's not. If it were, you would be back home celebrating Christmas with your family and friends, not hiding here miserable and alone." Peggy said, searching the woman before her. Pulling out a packet of tissue, she added "And it looks like you're about to cry. Can I offer you tissue?"

Dana quickly wiped away the tears she didn't even realize were forming. She made an excuse, "It's ok, thanks. It has been a difficult day with the accident and all."

"I'm sure." Peggy gave her a knowing smile. "Dana, you've known Alice for exactly 10 years, 5 months, 9 days, 7 hours and 28 minutes. Don't you think it's rather callous of you to dismiss what you shared just like that?"

"What, no seconds counted?" Dana joked. She needed a diversion to catch her thoughts.

Peggy glared at her. "They warned me that you tend to crack jokes at inappropriate moments."

Dana hung her head, "Sorry, just trying to lighten the mood."

A smile played on the corners of Peggy's mouth, "I must admit you are very entertaining and I guess the jokes don’t hurt.

Dana smiled gratefully.

"Now can we get back to the topic at hand?" Peggy continued.

"There's nothing to get back to. We broke up, end of story." Dana insisted.

Peggy said nothing in reply, instead she pointed, "Look."

Dana followed her glance. Her heart danced despite her current situation at the sight of Alice's part nervous, part excited look as she handed her Christmas present over. She was reliving the moment all over again. She was barely breathing, watching herself unwrap her gift with anticipation.

This time she knew the tears were coming, she didn't care to stop or wipe them away. The hair on her neck stood, how it leapt and soared this immense feeling in her chest as Alice's present revealed itself.

"The first print of Rudyard Kipling's Just So Stories, your favorite book when you were a child. It took her a long time to find it." Peggy said quietly.

"I know." Her gentle tears threatened to escalate into sobs as she watched Alice lit up with joy at her reaction to the gift. The memories and emotions came flooding back, no one has ever made me feel so loved. How did they manage to screw it up so badly?

Almost six months to that day, their relationship unraveled and it all started with the reappearance of Lara. Dana was hurt by the distrust Alice had towards her. Alice didn't say much but she didn't need to, her actions were enough to make Dana feel trapped. Breaking up seemed like the right thing to do. It was probably the most painful experience she ever had in her life. One she didn't care to go through again.

Then there was Kelly. Despite her resolve to forget Alice, she couldn’t help but hurt when she went back a week ago and saw them together at the Planet. It was not one of her finest hours, she didn't take it too well. One glance at them and she rushed out with Alice running after her. All she could say to Alice after six months was, "I can't do this. I can't be here."

She left a stunned and teary Alice on the sidewalk, cursing herself for being so weak.

"It wasn't love." Peggy said. Seeing the baffled look on Dana, she continued, "Kelly. Alice didn't love her and you know they broke up."

"Are you reading my mind? Is that even ethical?" Dana asked horrified.

"Of course I'm not, what do you take me for? Besides I don't have to, you're very easy to read."

"I'm sorry."

Peggy nodded her acceptance. Placing a hand on Dana's shoulder, she said, "True love comes once in a lifetime. You may fall in love a few times in your life but deep down you know that none will match the intensity and depth of that one great love. She's the one and you know it."

Dana shook her head, "No you don't get it, I… we ... I can't go through this again. If it doesn't work out...I just can't lose her again. I can't lose everything."

Peggy was not letting go, "You're right it might not work, you might be left with an un-mended broken heart and friendship. On the other hand, you might find everything you have ever dream of."

The words wouldn't come as Dana took in what Peggy said. She turned to take a look at Alice who was now sleeping peacefully on the couch in her arms of all places. For a moment, she yearned to slip into her physical body and feel the warmth of Alice again.

"Can we go now?" Dana asked, her emotions were starting to spiral out of control.

"Alright, if you wish so."

"Wait, can I...can I go closer and maybe sit with her a while?"

"Go ahead, just for a minute."

"Thank you." Dana moved closer and seated herself on the coffee table. Her gaze fell upon Alice, finding comfort being close to her. Her hand reached out with their own accord to brush Alice's untamed hair from her eyes.

Alice stirred lightly at her touch, causing Dana to shoot a questioning look at Peggy.

A thoughtful frown appeared on Peggy, "That's strange, she wasn't supposed to feel that."

"Then why did she...?" Dana asked bewildered.

"I'm not sure."

A loud chuckle jarred them both from their thoughts, "There you are, are you not done yet?"

"No way." Dana stared in disbelief at the blond woman beside Peggy. The last time Dana saw her, she was helping her daughter pack her things from Dana’s apartment.

With a small smile, Peggy turned to Dana, "Dana, meet Dottie, the Ghost of Christmas Present."

________________________________________________________________________

A Christmas Tale

Chapter 3 - The Second of the Three Spirits

"Helloooo Dana!" Dottie closed her outstretched arms tightly on a stunned Dana.

"Hi-hi..Dottie." Dana looked pleadingly at an amused Peggy. Thirty seconds into meeting Dottie and already her over-enthusiasm was starting to wear Dana out.

"