A Christmas Carol

It had been bitterly cold these last few days, but Eliot was warm inside the church. He was doing his practise for his spot at the morning mass service. The candles were lit and there was still the faint aroma of incense from a benediction service. A troubled boy, he still enjoyed singing. It was a release from all his problems. The carol he was doing solo was ' In the bleak midwinter'. He particularly liked the words of the carol, especially the last verse: ' What can I give Him, Poor as I am? If I were a shepherd I would bring a lamb; If I were a wise man I would do my part: yet what can I give Him -- give my heart.' Poor Eliot would certainly give his heart.

Eliot returned home to find his Uncle Tony in the family lounge.Tony was always very generous with Eliot; he favoured him over his brother Jeremy, who was two years older. Tony had brought some Christmas presents and they were now neatly placed under the christmas tree. The tree was flashing and sparkling with many-coloured lights; the silver and gold baubles reflecting the light, and in those baubles were refelctions of the faces of Eliot, Jeremy, their parents and of course Uncle Tony. Tony had never married, maybe this was why he felt close to the boys, particularly Eliot. Joan, Eliot's mother was slightly worried by the closeness, but said nothing. She didn't want to appear cheap.

Father Barnes said his prayers before the crucifix in the now empty church. He often reflected there: his thoughts turning to many things, not least his charges in the parish, Eliot, Jeremy and all the other altar boys and choristers of the church. He prayed for them all, and also for himself. No man is an island, he thought, and he reflected on the John Donne poem.

Christmas Eve came very quickly and there was such excitement in Eliot's household. Tomorrow, not only would he receive his longed-for X box (he hoped), but he would sing at the morning mass on Christmas day. The church was decked out with holly, and white lilies were placed in vases on the altar, contrasting with the red berries of the holly garlands. The candles were ablaze and the congregation was full. Eliot performed his carol with such aplomb there were tears in his mother's eyes. Eliot was such a special boy; he had such talent and he looked so lovely too, with his clear skin and fair hair. He was a boy to cherish. His only regret today was that the priest had requested he return to the church at four o' clock for a special benediction service. He would have to go alone and he wasn't relishing the prospect.

Concluded in Part Two