Barbie in a Christmas Carol Page #3

---

Of course not. After dinner, we rehearse.

I know, but I thought

we could maybe make an exception today

because it's Christmas.

They all said

they'd really love to see me there.

Catherine even said it'd make her Christmas.

Make her Christmas? Make her Christmas?

What about your Christmas?

More importantly, what about your future?

You want to be a star, don't you?

I do, but...

More than anything else in the world?

Yes, but...

Then, what Catherine and the Beadnells want

doesn't matter.

What do I always tell you?

In a selfish world, the selfish succeed.

That's right.

And if you want to succeed, you must use

every second of your time selfishly.

Yes, Aunt Marie.

Good choice. I'm proud of you.

Now go work your scales

until dinner's ready.

KELLY:
Wait.

Aunt Marie's making Eden

work on Christmas?

Well, every day. But, yes, on Christmas, too.

- But that's not fair.

- It's not.

And there's nothing Eden can do about it?

- Mmm.

- That's horrible!

Wait a minute.

I thought you said Eden was mean.

I did.

I mean, she was, but...

Maybe it's just tougher

to judge when you know the whole story.

Maybe.

Tell me what happened next.

Okay. So, Eden stayed in her room

and practised her scales for an hour.

(EDEN VOCALISING)

Okay, I know it's devastatingly sad,

but this is how

you're celebrating Christmas?

(GIGGLES EXCITEDLY)

But I can't even tell you

what a thrill it is to hear Eden Starling,

the early years.

I mean, am I lucky or what?

(LAUGHING)

(STOPS PLAYING)

Wait, why did you stop?

You'll see.

(SNORING)

Come on.

(WHOOPING)

(LAUGHING)

Oh, this is so much fun.

Did you do this all the time?

As often as I could.

(EXCLAIMING)

(GIGGLING)

(GASPS)

Eden! I'm so glad you made it.

I can't believe I'm back here.

This was my favourite place in the world.

I remember...

(EXCLAIMS)

(GRUNTING)

Oh, did I forget to mention

we float through walls?

(LAUGHS) Oopsy!

(PEOPLE LAUGHING)

Ooh! A party! Ooh!

Gingerbread. Ah, it's wonderful, isn't it?

(MEOWS)

(SNIFFS)

Oh, look, there you are.

You put up my stocking.

They always did.

We always do.

And have you noticed

the pile of presents under the tree?

(GASPS)

I think there's more for you than for me

or Nell this year.

(LAUGHS) No, it's just for Eden to taste.

MRS BEADNELL:
Well?

- Snickerdoodles.

- Your favourite cookie.

Which makes you an expert.

What do you think?

Best I've ever tried.

Kiss-up.

(BOTH LAUGH)

(GROWLING)

(BARKING)

(SHRIEKS)

Chuzzlewit.

I thought you said they couldn't see us.

People can't. Animals are more sensitive.

Paws, there's nothing there.

No more barking at shadows

or we'll put you outside.

(WHIMPERING)

(GROWLING)

MRS BEADNELL:
Paws, no.

Here.

(GASPS)

Catherine!

(CHRISTMAS CAROL PLAYING)

O Christmas Tree.

Because you sing it so beautifully,

it made me think of you.

Catherine, thank you so much. I love it.

But I couldn't bring a gift for you

or for your family.

Are you kidding? You're here. That's enough.

(CHRISTMAS CAROL CONTINUES PLAYING)

I really love it.

I'm really glad. Come on.

(BOTH GIGGLING)

(CHUZZLEWIT MEOWS)

(SLURPING)

(BARKING)

Paws!

MRS BEADNELL:
That's it.

Out of the house with you.

(YELPS)

(GROWLING)

(SHOUTING EXCITEDLY)

(LAUGHING)

Okay, everyone. Gather round!

It's time for the show!

Ooh, a show! Come on!

(ALL CHATTERING)

Oh, it's not like it's a real show.

It's just a little thing we did every year.

Oh, those dresses are stunning.

I know.

She's been working on them since June.

And Eden's been planning the arrangement

and choreography just as long.

"Just a little thing"?

(LAUGHS)

Fine, so it was a big thing.

But it's still just kids' stuff.

CATHERINE:
And now, presenting...

EDEN:
From Eden Starling

and Catherine Beadnell,

the future toast of London...

The greatest Christmas pageant ever!

(ALL CLAPPING)

(SINGING) Jolly old St Nicholas

Lean your ear this way

Don't you tell a single soul

What I'm going to say

Christmas Eve is coming soon

Now, you dear old man

Whisper what you'll bring to me

Tell me if you can

EDEN:
When the clock is striking 12:00

When I'm fast asleep

Down the chimney, broad and black

With your pack you'll creep

All the stockings you will find

Hanging in a row

Mine will be the shortest one

You'll be sure to know

Eden wants a singing book

Catherine wants a dress

BOTH:
Charlie needs a brand new bib

Because he makes a mess

Now I think I'll leave to you

What to give the rest

Choose for me, dear Santa Claus

What you think is best

Jolly old St Nick

(ALL CHATTERING)

(LAUGHING) And you said

you didn't bring gifts for anyone.

What do you mean? I didn't.

Your talent.

Look how happy it made everyone.

Oh, I guess it did.

I never really thought of it that way.

Performing has always been about work

and being a star.

Except then.

(BANGING ON DOOR)

I'll get it.

Take me home. Now.

Why? We're having so much fun.

(BANGING ON DOOR CONTINUES)

Now!

Where is Eden?

(GASPS)

I didn't realise.

I should have left when you told me to.

I had no idea.

She ruined the whole holiday.

Just stood there screaming

for what seemed like forever.

At me, at Catherine, at the Beadnells...

Oh, it was horrible.

That was my last Christmas there.

Aunt Marie never left me alone

for a second after that.

I'm so sorry, Eden.

(SIGHS)

Don't be. Aunt Marie was right.

I wasted time on those

silly Christmas pageants for the Beadnells.

After that, I concentrated on myself.

And do you know what happened?

I made my Covent Garden debut at 13.

Don't you have someplace to go?

You're not even real, anyway.

I'm sure I'm just dreaming all of this.

When I go back to bed, you'll be gone.

Spirit?

See, it was a dream.

(CHIMING)

(CHUZZLEWIT SNORING)

(CHRISTMAS CAROL PLAYING)

Chuzzlewit.

Chuzzlewit.

Why, hello.

(GASPS)

(GASPS)

Who are you,

and what are you doing in my room?

Why, I'm celebrating. It's Christmas!

(BLOWING)

(CHUZZLEWIT SHRIEKS)

Was that a little loud? Sorry about that.

Now, come on and join the party.

Oh, but I'm being terribly rude.

(CLEARS THROAT)

I am the Spirit of Christmas Present.

(WHISTLES)

Some travelling music, please.

(UPBEAT MUSIC PLAYING)

(GIGGLING)

(BOTH EXCLAIMING)

How dare you drag me off like that?

Don't you have any idea who I am?

(CHRISTMAS CAROL PLAYING)

Wait, but you said

we were going to Christmas present, right?

- That's right.

- And everyone's here to work.

And they're happy. Look at them. See?

Working through Christmas

isn't such a hardship at all.

What is that, Eden?

You want us to work for Christmas?

Oh, ho! That must have hurt.

Rate this script:5.0 / 1 vote