Page 34 of Bear Creek Christmas
The seats began to fill before long, and one by one, Hugo, Thad, Rowan, Jace, and Leroy arrived to join Knox. All of them were nervous about their own performance tonight, but Levi had drafted Eden and a few others to help them with their aprons and get them on stage at the right time. After that, they were on their own.
Knox craned his neck to see who was in attendance, impressed with the size of the crowd. Usually, only sports events brought in this many people from the community, and his bear preened. They came to see, admire, and praise his mate, as well they should, or he’d have to knock some heads together. The walls echoed with excited chatter, greetings between friends, and moms herding their children.
Gossip swirled like a stiff, cold wind when Blanche Kramer arrived. People were polite to her face, but the scuttlebutt was divided concerning her reaction to the first program led by her replacement. As a veteran educator and a long-standing community member, she had every right to be here. Knox, however, wouldn’t tolerate any denigration of his mate if the old woman decided to make a fuss.
The lights flickered, and everyone found their seats as the first group filed in from stage left to take their places on the risers. Levi walked in, looking snazzy in his black pants, white shirt, and crimson vest. Knox’s white-knuckled grip kept him in the chair, and he stifled a growl at the sight of his gorgeous mate. Levi picked up a microphone to address the crowd.
“Good evening, and welcome to Tri-County High School’s Fall concert. My name is Levi Green, and I trust you will enjoy the lively selections we’ve prepared. Thank you for joining us tonight.”
Levi turned to face the Freshman Chorus and then nodded to the accompanist. The reggae notes of a Disney song filled the air. Knox didn’t recognize the number but judging by the crowd’s scent, they were quite pleased. He managed to relax and was soon swept up in the music, eyes on his talented mate.
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About an hour later
Eden and her helpers slipped festive aprons around all six bears and then whispered some final encouragement.
“As soon as Levi stops speaking, march right out there and take your places. When the music starts, give them a good show, boys! Is everybody ready?”
Six fuzzy heads nodded, and she lined them up in order and out of sight. Not even the students knew about the special number, though Levi did give Mayor Tillman a heads-up. When the final number finished, the applause was deafening. Levi made a quick announcement once the audience settled down.
“Thank you again for coming. I’m very proud of my students, and I hope you are as well. Before you go, I have one final surprise. This year’s downtown entertainment will include a very special group of performers, never before seen on stage! We’d like to share a song with you calledJingle Bear Rock. Let’s give the boys a hand.”
The applause faltered when the first bear shuffled in, mingled with laughter, surprised gasps, and sharp whistles by the time all six of them appeared. Levi made sure they were all in place, signaled for the music, and got them started with the first few bars before retiring to the wings. There were a few missteps, but by and large, the men nailed it. On the second time through the chorus, some audience members mimicked their arm movements, and the bears finished with renewed energy. The place exploded with applause and calls for an encore as the bears gave abbreviated bows and exited the stage.
When the house lights came up, the crowd buzzed with excitement. Backstage, the bears managed to shift and dress quickly. Levi was right there to praise them.
“You’re a hit! They loved it, and I’m so proud of you!”
Knox lifted his mate off the floor and kissed him. The others laughed at them, and Eden tugged on Levi’s sleeve.
“You need to get out to the lobby. There’s a long line of well-wishers waiting to talk to you. Go!”
Levi grabbed Knox’s hand and led him down an empty side hallway until they reached the entryway. The place was packed with parents and students alike, all wanting a word with Mr. Green. Knox’s bear didn’t like all the noise or the people touching their mate, but he stood close with one hand on Levi’s lower back. His presence raised a few eyebrows, but Levi simply introduced him as his boyfriend and went right on rubbing elbows with the crowd.
Dee Dee and Sunny Tillman filed past, full of smiles and congratulations.
“Levi, you’re going to have a hard time topping that one. And our Christmas bears were magnificent! This is going to be the best holiday entertainment we’ve ever had. Remind me to tell your boss they aren’t paying you enough.”
A dozen more people filed past before Blanche Kramer stepped up to shake Levi’s hand, a wide smile on her wrinkled face. His heart raced, and Knox stood ready to defend his mate.
“Mr. Green, I must tell you how much I enjoyed that wonderful program! I am quite impressed with your choice of music and your students. Such excitement and enthusiasm!”
Astonished, Levi groped for the right words.
“You’re very kind, Mrs. Kramer. It’s not easy trying to fill your shoes.”
She gave him a knowing look.
“Oh, pshaw! I suppose I grew weary these last years and probably should have retired long ago. I couldn’t have asked for a better replacement, and I intend to make my pleasure known to the board. I simply cannot wait for the Christmas concert!”
Levi thanked her again, and she blended back into the noisy mob. He gave Knox a puzzled look and shrugged his shoulders. Having Mrs. Kramer’s support might not make any difference, but Levi was glad she wasn’t bitter or angry.
It took another thirty minutes before the crowd dissipated, leaving a happy but exhausted pair behind. As they prepared to leave, Levi realized he could now focus entirely on Christmas music. While the thought thrilled him, he needed time to recover before diving headfirst into the holiday.
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Early November
