Page 47 of Bear Creek Christmas
Wednesday, dress rehearsal
This was it. The final run-through with everyone in place and no stops. They were fortunate to have only a light breeze and a few scattered snowflakes but no time to waste with the sun about to set. The community choir stood in small clumps, dressed warmly and wearing black fur hats, complete with bears’ ears. Levi stood on a raised platform holding a megaphone—facing the outdoor stage and surrounded by the audience Mayor Tillman gathered to witness the dress rehearsal. His amplified voice washed over the assembly.
“All right! Is everyone ready? Are my bears all set?”
The choir nodded, the sound tech gave him a thumbs-up, and the bear-minders stepped out to wave an acknowledgment.
“Great! When we do this for real, the music will start as soon as the choir is in place, and we don’t stop until the final number. Let’s get this right so we can all go home. Smiles, everyone!”
Levi put the megaphone down, caught the choir’s attention, and then nodded. The music began with a snappy rendition ofIt’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year, and they were off and running. The choir moved around the stage in organized groups, singing to each other and the audience like carolers. As the song progressed, they reassembled on the risers to make room for the bears, who entered the stage via ramps on each side. They found their positions and stood, each sporting a unique holiday apron.
Jingle Bear Rockcame next, and the audience laughed and clapped as they did their thing. Other songs followed one after another, with the bears grunting, dancing, or gesturing appropriately. At the conclusion of the final selection, the bears lined up in a row across the front of the stage on all fours. On the last note, they turned around to present their backsides to the audience.
Two people held large placards reading “THE END” and then flipped them over for a “MERRY CHRISTMAS” message while the choir waved. The small audience shouted their appreciation, and Levi gave the signal for everyone to exit the stage. After actual performances, the attendees would be handed fliers containing a map of local stores and valuable coupons to use while they shopped.
Levi climbed down from his perch, only to be stopped by excited audience members. Beyond thrilled, they loved the show and were sure it would draw many curious shoppers to Bear Creek this season. Dee Dee actually hugged him.
“The newspeople are going to eat this up, and I expect huge crowds on Friday. You should be very proud, and our bears were wonderful!”
Exhausted and cold, Levi wanted to go home and crash.
“Thanks, Dee Dee. They’ve worked hard and deserve lots of praise. I just hope we don’t slip up in front of the cameras on Friday.”
Dee Dee waved off his concern.
“They’re not going to let us down, and neither are you. Do you and Knox have plans for Thanksgiving? If not, you’d be welcome at our house.”
“I appreciate it, but we’ve already been invited to join the Shaws. I hope you have a wonderful holiday.”
Levi fielded a few more congratulations from the audience and then hurried towards the storage shed to find Knox. He and the other bears stood together, all shifted and redressed. The smiles were a good sign.
“You were terrific! We’re probably going to have producers here offering contracts.”
The guys laughed at him, and the group broke up with wishes for a nice Thanksgiving. Knox grabbed Levi’s hand and walked him towards the jeep.
“So we did OK? They liked it?”
“I couldn’t have asked for a better performance. If we do that well the day after tomorrow, the media coverage should bring in a lot of visitors. If you don’t mind, can we not even mention all of this until Friday? I seriously need to relax.”
Knox’s bear went into protective mode, and his aggravated huffing sent plumes of mist into the air.
“Whatever you need. I’ve got you.”
Knox directed Levi to swing by the Bear Creek Cafe and pick up something to go for supper. Back at the apartment, they enjoyed the meal and then Knox ran a soothing bubble bath for his mate. After a good soak, he washed Levi down, dried him with a soft towel, and joined him on the sofa for one of Levi’s favorite Christmas movies. They did some canoodling duringMiracle on 34thStreet, missing parts here and there. Eventually, Levi began to doze, and Knox carried the exhausted man off to bed.
