A Caribbean Christmas Carol

(Original story by R. Samuel Braden for Christmas 2011. Revised and updated for Christmas 2014)

It was Christmas Eve, 1979, and the tiny Caribbean island of Esperanza was bustling with activity. The holidays were good to the hard working people of the island, bringing tourists by the boatload with money to spend. The hotels always packed full, and some enterprising folk had taken to renting rooms in their own homes for tourists wanting a “native experience.” It was a time of much prosperity and much holiday cheer. At least it was such among most people. But there was one individual on the island who didn’t feel any cheer in the holiday air, no joy in the music and dancing, no pleasure at the smells of the baking. He barely even cracked a smile at the cases full of money that passed by his desk as the sales were processed. No, there was not much to lighten his heart at Christmas, not much to sooth the lines of care etched on his hardened face. He was a man old beyond his years, who felt no compassion, no care for his fellow man, and he never seemed to share feelings of mirth. His name was Alejandro Verdinez.

Now lest you think Alejandro to be a total Grinch, you should know that he was not always this way. Indeed, some of the older residents of the island tell stories of a time, many years ago, when Alejandro was a happy man. They say he used to walk the streets with a spring in his step and a smile on his face. But that was before the Pale Death, the epidemic that struck the island in ‘67. People don’t speak of that time very much; it brings many painful memories for those who lived through it. But it is said that Alejandro lost someone that year, someone very dear to him, and in the decade and more that followed he was never the same. A piece of his heart died with the plague, and the man that survived has born the scars of his wound ever since. Now he walks the streets slowly and deliberately, a scowl on his face and a lock on his heart. He feels nothing for the holiday season, only that it provides more opportunities to line his pockets with money from gullible tourists.

Well as it happened on that Christmas Eve, 1979, señor Alejandro was about to have a run-in with hope, and he would find it in the most unlikely of places…

* * * *

The four o’clock bell chimed and Alejandro looked up from his desk. There was still much to do, but a knot had begun forming in his back and his legs had begun to cramp up, and for all his repositioning he started to feel that the only relief would be in getting out of the office. A glance out the window showed the bright tropical sun reflecting off the water by the shore, and in his mind he could imagine the salty breeze blowing in among the palms. His thoughts wandered to the hotels along the beach and the hundreds of tourists running around on this island, stepping on this soil, breathing this air, and spending a fortune in money. Finally he glanced down at his desk again, realizing he hadn’t been thinking about work for some time. In frustration he slammed the records book shut and got to his feet. He would take a walk. As much as he enjoyed looking at the beautiful numbers on those pages, he was certain he wouldn’t be getting any more work done tonight.

On his way out through the main hall he stopped only long enough to put on his hat and sunglasses, then it was out into the street with barely a nod to the guards at the door. It felt good to stretch his legs and breathe the fresh island air. Soon he found himself walking along the palm-lined avenue toward the docks. Pausing for a moment under a brightly decorated palm tree he took out a cigar, hand-rolled, and lit it. Then taking a puff he glanced up at the garland and lights above him. “Meh,” he said and continued on down the street.

It was only after he’d gone a few blocks that he became acutely aware of a gnawing emptiness in his stomach. And as he rounded a corner and the smell of freshly baked bread, grilled steak, and the abundant variety of imported foods hit his nose he knew it was time for dinner. Just up ahead was the luxurious Foreign Diner, a restaurant catering to the tourists, and also carrying the best food on the island. The decision to dine there was an easy one for Alejandro, who of course had the distinct privilege of being able to eat wherever he pleased, courtesy of his position. And so he headed toward it, his polished black boots clicking the pavement like a clock, ticking down to the time when his hunger would be satisfied.

At the end of the street he stopped beneath another tree and leaned against its trunk to finish off his cigar. It was a very good one, made locally of course, and he didn’t want to waste it. Besides, he took a distinct pleasure in watching the doorman at the restaurant squirm under his stare. Indeed it wasn’t long before a waiter appeared in the door, spoke quietly with the doorman and then ducked back inside. No doubt they’re going to start rushing about in there, panicking to make sure everything is perfect, thought Alejandro with a grim smile. Let them run about, some of them could use the exercise!

So deep were his thoughts that he didn’t notice for a moment that he was no longer alone. Another man had come up while he was ruminating and now stood silently watching the building beside him. Suddenly aware of this other man’s presence, Alejandro turned to him and frowned. This was no native, that was for sure. The man was young, probably around twenty, with skin a pale white; shaggy brown hair and long sideburns adorned his face. He wore a brightly colored polo shirt and had the look of someone who was out of his country for the very first time. Noticing Alejandro glaring at him, the man gave a nervous smile and said, quite unnecessarily, “I’m, uh, waiting to go inside.”

Alejandro raised an eyebrow at him, thinking to himself, And why should I care? But he didn’t say that. These tourists were the livelihood of the island, heaven forbid he should run them off by being rude. After a moment of awkward silence he said to the man, “I take it you are from America. How are you enjoying our pleasant little island?”

The man smiled again, looking rather silly Alejandro thought, and said, “Oh this island is awesome! It’s so warm and pleasant, totally feels like paradise, man!” And he grinned, making his face stretch into an even bigger smile. Alejandro almost told him to stop, that he was afraid the young American would hurt himself by smiling so much, but he managed to just nod quietly.

Taking another puff on his cigar, for the first time he wished it would hurry up and burn down so he could go eat and not stand around by this annoying foreigner any longer. He glanced back at the restaurant. Now there were two doormen standing by the entrance, their postures straight and their jackets spotless. Looks like they’re ready for me, he thought with a grim smile. Apparently the American had been watching him and immediately asked, “What’s so funny?”

Immediately the smile evaporated and Alejandro turned back to the tourist, regarding him coolly from behind his dark sunglasses. This man is excitable and inquisitive… great. He forced the smile to return. “The workers in the restaurant,” he replied, “always make such a fuss whenever I come here. I find it amusing.”

The American stared at him for a moment, then appeared to realize for the first time that Alejandro was someone of importance. His eyes darted up and down at the suit, the polished boots, the emblazoned hat and dark sunglasses, and coming to rest on the glinting medal of the national emblem on Alejandro’s jacket pocket. “Oh, you must work in the government, right? I’m sorry I didn’t realize… I’m a little nervous tonight. I… have big plans.”

Alejandro raised his eyebrows in surprise at the tourist again. This man really has no clue, he thought as he reassessed the excitable young fellow. He was about to inform this ignorant foreigner of exactly who he was and why he shouldn’t have to be explaining it to people who should inherently know better, but something made him stop. An idea came to him then, that it could be much more amusing to leave the man in the dark and wait to see how events transpired. And amusement was one thing that would be quite welcome tonight. For the past twelve years Christmas Eve had been a particularly depressing time of year for the grim official. Perhaps this year he would have a little fun to take his mind off things. And what could be more fun than watching the workers in the restaurant have to deal with this silly young tourist? Taking one final puff on his cigar Alejandro nodded to the American, “Well, if your ‘big plans’ involve the Diner, would you be interested in a reserved table on the roof?”

If it was possible for the young man’s face to get even more contorted by surprise it would have to be something for the records. He opened his mouth to say he doubted that was even possible, then stopped and managed, “Are you serious?”

Alejandro nodded. “But of course, I do have some influence here. I could arrange a table for you if you wish.” He allowed a bemused smile to cross his face as he watched this stranger fumble with his shock. Dropping the stub of his cigar he gestured to the building. “Are you ready to go inside?”

“Oh, uh, no. I’m waiting for someone,” he replied, immediately turning a little red.

Ah, so it’s that kind of ‘big plans’, thought Alejandro. “What is your name young man?” he asked.

“Chris… err, Christopher Rawlings that is,” he said, then added rather uselessly, “I’m from America.”

“You don’t say?” said Alejandro wryly. “Well Christopher Rawlings, when you are ready to enter tell the doorman that you have a special table reserved on the roof. Be sure to give him your full name of course.” Then before the excitable foreigner could do anything to make him change his mind, Alejandro turned and briskly made his way across to the restaurant door.

The two doormen crisply saluted as he walked up, radiating an air of personal discipline. Alejandro paused just for a moment to say, “That American over by the tree is a special guest tonight. Arrange a reserved table on the roof for him. Name is Christopher Rawlings.” Then he stepped past them and into the cool interior of the Diner.

He hadn’t gone five paces when one of the doormen came bustling inside and hurried over to the kitchen. Amusing indeed, watching them scurry about like that, he thought. Then his attention was drawn away as a waiter appeared, bowing quickly. “Excellency, so good to have you here tonight. Your table is ready on the balcony, if you’ll follow me.”

They made their way through the busy restaurant to a set of stairs on the far side which led up to the roof and a private balcony overlooking the beach. The cool evening breeze coming in from the sea was quite refreshing, and in the distance a salsa band was playing Feliz Navidad. Alejandro ordered his meal, then sat back to listen to the music and watch the other guests from behind his impenetrable shades. They were mostly well-to-do tourists from Europe, and he realized with some dismay that the net worth of the people on this roof at that moment was probably greater than the entire island.

He sat, thinking glumly about that for some time when suddenly some movement by the stairs caused a bit of a stir among the nearby patrons. Turning to look, Alejandro saw that the excitable American had arrived and was leading an exceptionally beautiful young lady by the arm. Big plans indeed, thought Alejandro as he watched them cross to a table not far from his own. In contrast to the formal attire of the other diners, these two were quite plain in their clothing. But the lady, with a smattering of freckles on her cheeks and auburn hair hanging loose around her face possessed a natural beauty that Alejandro couldn’t help feel was far more appealing than all the makeup-drenched elite that surrounded them.

Dinner arrived at that moment, and Alejandro immersed himself in the imported foods. The pork was rich and juicy, the wine exquisite, and as he sat watching the sun sink into the ocean he couldn’t help think that perhaps there were still some moments to be enjoyed in life. The music on the beach changed with the sunset, from a lively party rhythm, to a quiet, elegant selection of Christmas hymns. As the sky burned ruby red the music faded, and the voices of the cathedral choir took over, singing Silent Night. The music was beautiful and sweet and stirred up feelings in his heart that he hadn’t allowed himself to feel in years. Suddenly Alejandro realized there was a tear in his eye. It took him a moment to realize why this had happened, but by then it was too late to stop. He got to his feet and strode over to the rail of the balcony, gazing out at the sea. The choir below was singing, “…round yon’ virgin, mother and child…” and he felt the weight of years bearing down upon his shoulders. The years that he had buried the pain and grief and distanced himself from any relationship. The years that all started because of a mother and child: his child.

He could see them, at that moment, clearer than they’d been in twelve years. He could see his beloved wife and their young son, sitting on this very beach watching the sun set. The waves were falling on the shore in peaceful rhythm, and his wife and son filled his heart with a warmth unmatched by even the heat of the tropical sun. But they were gone now, gone from his life forever, taken by that dreadful plague of ’67. The pain he felt at their loss had driven him for all this time. There were nights, even days over the years that he’d cursed his life, even cursed at God for what he’d lost. But now a new feeling was beginning to grow in his heart. As he listened to the choir sing, he realized that he was not the only man to ever lose a son, not the only man to have his family taken from him. This very time of year was a reminder of that. It all started with the birth of a Son who would grow up only to be killed in a gruesome way, all for the message of love and forgiveness. And had that Son’s father become filled with hate because of his loss? No, he had continued to show love to the very people who had done this wrong. And because of that love, all people could come to know forgiveness and find peace.

Alejandro bowed his head, ashamed that he’d been so self absorbed by his own feelings over the years that he hadn’t thought of anyone else. There were others around him whose lives were far worse off than his own, who had lost loved ones too and were hurting. Christmas was a time of beginnings, a time of peace on earth and good will toward men. And it conveniently led into the New Year when one could start fresh. As he thought this a feeling of peace came upon his heart, and the weight of all those years of pain was lifted from his shoulders. A smile as big the sea spread across his face, and he breathed deep the fresh night air.

Turning back to the balcony and the diners enjoying their extravagant meals, his eyes came to rest on the young American couple seated not far off. There was a couple about to start off their lives, and with a little luck actually get things right and have a good future together. Despite the cool air, Alejandro could see beads of sweat on the excitable man’s face. He was trying to eat, look civilized, and work up the courage to ask his lady the important question, and Alejandro could see he was having a terrible time doing all three. And as he watched an idea began to form. A chance for him to give back to life, to help start two young people on a road he had long since left behind. The idea came to him suddenly and took flight in his mind, and before he knew it he was walking over to their table, carried by feet with a will of their own.

“Excuse me, Señor Rowlings,” he said in his most formal voice. “Might I have a word with you?”

The young man looked up, his face a mix of relief and annoyance in equal parts. Recognizing Alejandro he immediately grew a smile and said, “Hey, it’s my patron! Such an awesome table sir, I really mean it.” Gesturing across the table he continued, “And this here is the l-lovely and… am-amazing Sophie Lauren.”

If his face had been a mirror of the sunset it couldn’t have been redder. To his rescue though, Alejandro diverted the lady’s attention with a bow and exchange of pleasantries. After which he turned back to Christopher and nodded to the rail. Proving he had more intelligence than he’d shown, the young man immediately understood and got to his feet. Excusing himself from Sophie he turned and followed the dark official to the edge of the balcony.

“Let me ask you something, Christopher,” Alejandro said when they were out of earshot of Sophie’s table. “The girl, you are planning to propose, yes? I could tell by the way you were suffering over there. No meal here is as bad as that.” He smiled.

The American gaped at him for a moment, then slowly nodded. “Yes sir,” he said. “She’s the most special lady I have ever met. We’re here with some friends on vacation, and I figured Christmas Eve in the Caribbean would be the best time to make my proposal. I want it to be special… but it’s hard! She likes the ocean breeze and the outdoors, especially at nightfall. I thought the restaurant roof here would be perfect. I want this to be something she’ll never forget, but it’s so crowded I keep feeling people are going to watch me fail. And I’m worried it won’t be special enough.”

Alejandro looked down at the man, for a moment seeing the face of his own son who would have been a teenager now if he were still alive. Choking back that feeling he took a breath then said, “Christopher, if she knows that you really love her, than whatever you do will be special enough. But…” he grinned, “if you want something that she will never forget, and where no one can watch you, I have just the idea.”

* * * *

The young American’s mind was awhirl with emotion as he staggered back to the table where his lady sat waiting. She looked up at him expectantly, then leaned forward with concern as he fell into his chair. “Chris, are you alright?”

“I’m, uh, quite alright,” he replied, “just in shock. I never would have believed someone would be so nice. I mean I know it’s Christmas, but…” his voice trailed off and he looked up at the sky where the first night stars were beginning to appear. “God must be watching out for me,” he added quietly.

“That man did something nice for you? How sweet,” said Sophie, taking his hand. “What was it?”

“Well,” the young man replied, “You’ll see in a few minutes. We have something special arranged.” He grinned, a twinkle in his eyes.

Soon they had finished their meal, and he led her by the arm down the stairs and out onto the turf by the beach. Then reaching into his pocked he surprised her by pulling out a blindfold. “My lady, if you would permit me?” He held it up.

A sense of excitement coursed through her, and she nodded. Quickly he placed it over her eyes and tied it off in back, taking care to be gentle. Then taking her arm he led her down the beach to the platform that awaited.

Alejandro stood by the platform steps, remembering his own proposal as he watched the two young lovebirds approach. The sun was fully set now, and a multitude of stars sparkled in the sky overhead. Down the shore a Jamaican steel drum band was playing Joy to the World, and all the palm trees along the road were lit up with Christmas lights. It was a spectacular sight, and this young couple was about to see it in a way neither one of them would ever forget.

Nodding to the young man, Alejandro jogged up the steps to begin preparing their vessel for release. Behind him he heard Chris cautioning his arm-bound lady about the steps, and it brought a smile to his face. Final adjustments made, he turned around just as the Americans stepped aboard. Then with a nod to Chris to hold on, he cranked up the gas and a spout of flame shot up into the air. Sophie shrieked and grabbed hold of Chris, and then they were airborne! Twisting around to face her, the young American slid the blindfold off her face, and for the first time she saw where they were: a hot air balloon.

The ground was rapidly receding below them, and up above a sea of stars opened to embrace the rising trio. Sophie gasped in silent awe, staring one moment at the indescribable beauty around them, then the next at the remarkable man beside her who, until that day had been just a plain, ordinary guy with nothing particularly amazing about him. But now, he stood there by her side as they floated on the wind into a window of eternity.

Below them now the island was aglow with Christmas decorations. Lights shone from every palm tree and every building. It was a cadence of light and warmth that spoke of holiday cheer like the most glorious Christmas tree ever cut. And around the island, the sea was still as glass, reflecting perfectly the light of a million stars. As they hung there in the sky, the stars above, the stars below, and this tiny island like a beacon of light in the midst of an infinite abyss. Time stood still, and Alejandro watched as the two of them stood mesmerized by the awe of the moment. He smiled and adjusted the flame down as the balloon hit a light air current, taking it slowly around the island.

In silence they drifted through time and space, and then it happened. There in the sky above Esperanza on Christmas Eve night, Christopher Rawlings went down on his knee and held up a ring that sparkled like the very stars around them. And as he watched the young lovers embrace in teary joy Alejandro sighed with contentment. All these years of holding back his emotions, of keeping people at bay, of being mad at the world, all that was washed away forever. In this moment he saw love blossom and a new couple begin their life together. In this moment, he felt he’d done something right.

The two Americans hadn’t let go of each other the rest of the flight, and as the balloon came drifting down toward the platform once more suddenly there began a chorus of bells. They chimed and bonged, big and small across the island. Alejandro looked at his watch and smiled. To the new couple he said, “Merry Christmas.”

Glancing at his own watch for the first time Chris replied with amazement, “My word, it’s midnight!” Then as the balloon thumped into the ground he said, “Alejandro, I don’t know how I can ever repay you for what you’ve done for us tonight. It… it was the best Christmas present anyone could ever hope for. Please tell me, how did you manage all this?”

Alejandro smiled and spread his hands wide. “How? The same way I manage everything else on my island, I give a command and people carry it out.”

“Your island?” Sophie replied in surprise. “You mean you’re…”

“El Presidente, si.” He said with a grin. “El Presidente Alejandro Verdinez, elected ruler of the island of Esperanza.”

“But, but you were… I mean why would you…!?” Sophie sputtered in amazement.

“Why would I help a couple of American tourists have a wonderful night when I could have been in my palace relaxing in opulence?” He chuckled. “It’s a long story, but suffice it to say that the two of you have given me a glimpse of true love and reminded me of the warmth of Christmas. If there was ever a gift I could give to someone that would make a lasting difference, it was this. I wish you both the very best, and may you have a long and happy life together. Merry Christmas,” he bowed, “Merry Christmas indeed!”

* * * *

"He who has not Christmas in his heart will never find it under a tree."
~Roy L. Smith