PIP/Santa/Convincing the Family
Santa arrived at his old house first. It hadn't been long since he had seen it as Randal, but it still felt like it had been ages ago. He opened the front door with his hidden key and went in to wait for Rachael. He was sure that she would bring Sean, but wondered if Kirk and Brandy would be there. He hoped that they would. He needed to make peace between them before things got any more awkward than they already were. The funeral was only going to cause some of that tension to increase. He heard voices outside from two different directions so he looked around quickly, trying to figure out where they were coming from.
He saw two cars in the driveway. One was Sean's and the other was Kirk's. They were all here, his children and their spouses. He smiled and made his way out back through the kitchen and into the living room where he sat on the couch and waited until everyone else came inside. When the family was all present, Santa stood up and walked over to Kirk.
"It's good to see you, Kirk," he said, shaking his hand.
"Do I know you?" asked Kirk.
"That's what I'm here to settle," said Santa. "This is not going to be easy to hear. Please, everyone sit down."
Santa turned toward the rest of the family while they took their seats. He then turned to face Kirk again. "You've lost your father recently. I'm here to tell you that he lives on."
"That's ridiculous," said Sean. "You're just trying to prey on us in our time of mourning. You won't get a penny, old man!"
"Please," said Santa, "hear me out. Your father lives on in a way that is hard to fathom. Let me finish, then you can decide for yourselves."
"Go ahead, Nick," said Kirk.
Santa cleared his throat. "Your father had an unusual destiny. When he was on his deathbed, he was given an opportunity... He was offered the mantle of Santa Claus."
Sean laughed and started to speak, but Santa held up his hands to stop him.
"He knew the risks of taking the job when he did it as Randal. There was no guarantee that things would go well; but it meant that he might have more time to spend with his family... That I could have more time to spend with you." So saying, Santa used his magic to change into his traditional Santa clothing. He smiled at Kirk and Brandy with tears running down both sides of his cheeks. Sean stopped laughing, and Rachael looked stunned. Kirk put his hand over Brandy's and shook it gently. She nodded her head in acceptance.
"Dad?" said Rachael, her voice quivering.
"I'm here, darling," said Santa.
"Who are you really?" she asked. "How did you change like that."
"That is what we need to discuss, my love," said Santa. "For now, let's take this one step at a time."
"If you're my Dad, prove it," said Rachael.
"Do you remember when I picked you up from your junior prom?" Santa asked. "Someone had spiked the punch and you were as drunk as a sailor. I promised not to tell your mom, and I never did. I never told anyone until now."
"It is you!" exclaimed Rachael. She threw herself into his arms and hugged him tight. Soon Kirk and Brandy joined her. Only Sean stood apart, glaring at them. Finally, he left the room alone, still staring daggers at his father-in-law.
"It's up to you," said Santa, "but I'd like to ask if I could take my grandchildren to the North Pole for Christmas break; you too if you can get off work."
"We'll talk about it when we've calmed down some," said Kirk. He turned to look at Rachael who was hugging Santa again. He was crying himself; and they all knew that there was nothing wrong with it.