The Magic of Christmas

[bttf4444]

When Life Hands You Lemons

December 26, 1986
10:00 PM PST
Land of Colour Universe

"Being trapped isn't always a bad thing," Marty was saying to Alex, as the two friends were relaxing in the guest bedroom, listening to Christmas carols, and eating from a big bowl of chocolate candies. "After all, it was certainly a result of Doc being trapped in the Old West that led to him meeting Clara. I mean, it's almost like it was meant to be that way. Although the two of them are literally a century apart, they're so happy together. Blessings sometimes can come from certain trials in our lives."

"Well, I really would not mind being trapped in an elatator with Ronald Reagan," Alex said, laughing. "In all seriousness, though, I can see what you mean. Sometimes our trials happen to us for a reason. When my friend, Kyle, had fallen off the jungle gym and hurt his head - it was then that a cancerous tumour had been found. If it hadn't been for the incident, he might not even be alive today. In a way, I thought it was a real miracle. There's a lot of truth to that old expression of how, when life hands you lemons, you should make lemonade. We often don't consider stuff like that, though."

"Of course, it was also a result of me being trapped in 1955," Marty added, "that led to my family life improving greatly. Even though, I should say that it was a stressful event in my life. In the end, though, I would say it was worth it. I mean, you should look at Linda. Even though there are shades of her old self in her new self, her life really has improved greatly. She was certainly boy crazy for a long time, though."

"She sure seems to have a lot in common with Mallory," Alex said, smiling. "I guess I do sometimes give her a hard time for not being the most intelligent person around - and maybe I don't always appreciate the good qualities in her, like I should. I really don't mean to be nasty to her or hurt her feelings, but I guess I do sometimes take things a little too far. I guess I can understand better why got a bit overly sensitive with me the other day. I guess I am down on her too often."

"I have to admit that, in the old timeline," Marty offered, "I often felt embarrassed by my family. Looking back, I say this with regret. Of course, spending this whole week getting to know my parents when they were my age really did a lot to help me view them in a different light. Of course, I found out that my mother wasn't as innocent as she often claimed to be. I mean, the old her even disapproved of Jennifer."

"I sometimes give my parents a hard time for their political views," Alex commented. "Despite our political disagreements, though, I always have loved them. Also, when you consider the big picture, we do sort of balance each other out a bit. So I would say that, in many ways, we really have influenced each other a lot. That being said, I have to agree that your mother from the old timeline was a real hypocrite. In a way, I really couldn't blame you for being a little embarrassed by them. It appears to me that there was a little bit of friction between you and your mom of the old timeline."

"She would blow hot and cold," Marty replied, sighing. "I mean, there were times that she got verbally abusive with me - or, even worse, there were times she was silent with me. She wasn't really as affectionate as she was in the new timeline. Still, I do feel ashamed that I was often so down on my parents. After all, my father in the old timeline often didn't care what I did. It was my mother who was the disciplinarian in the home. I guess it bothered me to have two unstable parents, which is why I often had regarded Doc as the father that I never really had."

"I can imagine that must have really awful to you," Alex said, sympathetically. "Even though I may often disagree with my parents - they have always been there for me, whenever I needed them. I have to admit that I often go to my room and cry, after I have a really heated disagreement with them - because I really hate fighting with my parents. I also really hate it whenever I hear my parents fighting with each other."

"My parents in the old timeline didn't really fight," Marty said, shrugging. "Often, it was my mom who would be yelling at dad - and my dad would be tuning her out. I did often feel bad for my dad, too - although I have to admit I often felt disgusted by his lack of a backbone. I mean, it was a result of letting Biff bully him about the car that I came home to discover that I no longer had a car to use to take Jennifer to the lake. Although, granted, I have to admit I was being a little selfish."

"No, I think it's quite understandable," Alex said, gently. "I mean, your father did let you down, and it wasn't right. So, did you like being in 1955, for the most part? Did you feel like you were trapped? I can imagine it was really hard for you to convince your dad to be more confident in himself. Would you say it was maybe the best and worst week of your life? I mean, the prospect of being erased from existence would be a scary concept. Maybe time travel really isn't all that it's cracked up to be."

"There were certainly bad things that happened during the week," Marty replied. "I mean, I really did disrupt my parents' first meeting - still, if that hadn't happened, I might have returned to 1985 with the same family I had before. There was also the time that Biff nearly raped my mom, but this gave my dad a chance to really prove himself to my mom. The scheme that my dad and I had might not have been quite so convincing. My dad had another chance to prove himself - when he had to stand up to Dixon, who cut between him and my mom at the dance. It was also the time that I was starting to erase from existence. It was real scary."

"You know, Marty," Alex said, softly, "I sometimes think it would be interesting to go back in time, and see my parents when they were young. I would, of course, be a bit worried that I might accidently do something to endanger my own existence. Also, I really don't want any other parents. I might disagree with my parents on quite a few issues - but that's all right. The world would be a boring place if we all thought alike."

"You certainly have that right," Marty replied. "Sometimes it does get very confusing to have two sets of memories - even though my memories of the new timeline feel more real to me, now. Still, I guess I always will retain some hazy memories of the old timeline - even when I'm 48 years old and my son is the same age that I am now. At least I'm pretty used to it, now. It can sometimes make taking about my childhood a bit difficult, though - as I sometimes confuse the two memories. It's a good thing I always thought to keep a diary. It makes things a lot easier for me.'

"Well, I don't know how you do that, Marty," Alex said, laughing. "I mean, it could be hard enough trying to keep track of one set of memories. In a way, I guess it's like you've lived two different lives. Maybe you are a bit lucky. I still wouldn't want to be in your shoes, though. At least I keep a diary, too - so that does help out a lot."

"Actually, I really have more than two sets of memories," Marty said, sighing, "as I have gone on several time travel trips that significantly changed my future. There are even quite a few difference between the good Clayton Ravine timeline and the good Eastwood Ravine timeline. Instead of hearing stories about a teacher who fell into a ravine - which was popular, as we all had teachers we would like to see fall into a ravine - we would hear stories about a courageous young man who fell over the ravine while trying to stop two hijackers, never realizing the hero was me."

"Whoa, this is heavy!" Alex said, laughing. "I may have had a few teachers who I felt were rather annoying - but I would never have wished death on any of them. After all, that does strike me as a bit harsh and extreme. I don't like to wish ill on others."

"Well, I really don't, either," Marty said, blushing. "There are a few teachers who can be rather abusive, though - and really have no business being teachers. I mean, I'm quite certain that Clara was a wonderful teacher. There was also the time I was back in 1880 to prevent the tragic death of my namesake, who was Seamus' brother. It was always a story that made me feel so sad, and I was happy to prevent that."

"Well, anyway, Marty," Alex said, sighing, "thinking about time travel really can give me a headache. Why don't we check our sisters now, and see how they're doing?"

"That's a good idea, Alex," gushed Marty, as he reached out to hug his friend. "We can see if there's anything nice to watch on TV. I need to relax my mind a little bit. I must say that this is a very wonderful Christmas vacation! The kids are so adorable and sweet, and I really enjoy spending a lot of time with them."

"Maybe we can watch a nice comedy," suggested Alex. "Believe it or not, but I think I really should take a little break from thinking about politics - and ease our minds."

Marty and Alex both laughed, as headed over to the room where their sisters were.

[bttf4444]

To Wish Upon A Star

December 29, 1986
8:00 PM PST
Land of Colour Universe

The light streaked across the sky, leaving a trail in its wake. For a minute, Marty was reminded of Doc's time DeLorean - which would leave fire tracks behind whenever it would travel through time. Then Marty realized that what he saw was a shooting star.

"Did you see that?" exclaimed June. "Mommy says that when you see a star fall from the sky, someone's wish is being granted. I wonder whose wish is granted tonight."

"Right now, my wish is to have our family move here," commented Mallory. "It was wonderful spending some time in this world. It's a shame that we have to leave for home in two days. Our world will seem really cold and mundane, after this."

"We'll really miss you folks a lot," April replied. "I mean, you have all been so swell - and it was great getting to know you people. Maybe you all can come back to visit."

"That would be great!" exclaimed Marty. "I should say that, of all the dimensions I have visitied, this one is my favourite." Except for maybe Doxopolis, Marty thought. Narnia was really nice, too. It'll seem boring back home, after this.

"You guys are very wonderful people," added Alex. "How about we talk about some things that we wish for - and let's leave out things like world peace, even though I guess you guys already have that. At any rate, let's try to be a bit original."

"All right, then," April said, smiling. "I guess my greatest wish would be to travel the world, and to see all of the other cultures in the world. I greatly enjoy travelling."

"My greatest wish would be to bring Grandma Emma back to life," added June. "After all, she died a year ago - and I really do miss her greatly. I greatly wish we could all live forever, you know. I mean, it's really sad to lose people that you're close to."

"Oh, yeah, I certainly know the feeling of that," Marty said, nodding. He remembered how, during his first time travel adventures, he ended up preventing Doc's death on two separate occassions. Furthermore, his father had been murdered in that horrific version of 1985, when Biff Tannen was rich and corrupt - and married to his mother!

"I also miss Grandma Emma a lot," May said, nodding. "Another wish I have, though, is to one day become an actress. I enjoy acting in our school plays, and I really want to be in a movie someday - or, at least, a television show. That would be my dream."

"I would rather be a singer," insisted June. "I sure hope to, one day, be able to write my own songs. My teacher tells me I write great poems, but I would rather sing."

"I play lead guitar in a rock band with my friends, called The Pinheads," explained Marty. "I really hope our band gets discovered someday. I mean, I still remember how we used to have a problem at dance auditions - and how we often got told that we were too darn loud. I really believe Strickland had it in for us."

"I don't think Strickland liked anyone," Linda said, as she made a face. "He's always taking down to all of us, and calling us 'slackers'. You know, I sure wonder what his relationship with his wife is like. Do you think he calls his wife a 'slacker', too?"

"What is a slacker?" asked April. "Strickland doesn't sound like a very nice person."

"Yeah, he sure wasn't," Marty said, sighing. "A slacker is a person who evades his or her duty or work - which, in his mind, would account for 99 percent of the students."

"Y'know, I really can't think of too much that I want," August commented. "I mean, we live in a nice neighbourhood - and we have a very lovely home. Our parents are very supportive of us, and they love us dearly. We also have a countryside near by, as well as a nice lake we can go swimming in. So what would you wish for, Alex?"

"You know, if you had asked me this question a few years ago," Alex said, sighing, "I would have said that I would like to have lots of money and be rich. I mean, I would still like to have lots of money - but I now realize money isn't everything. I am now vey ashamed to remember that, a few years ago, I actually scoffed at Christmas as being sentimental nonsense. I guess I was just being selfish, and I was a bit tired of doing the same things year after year. However, that night, I had been visited by two ghosts who had shown me what Christmas was really all about. I certainly learned."

"You mean you didn't like Christmas?" asked April, shocked. "How can anyone not like Christmas? I mean, it's a joyful time of year - and I'm sad it's almost over."

"Looking back,' Alex said, blushing, "I realize now I was being silly. I have to say it was great spending Christmas with you folks, and I'm looking forward to spending Christmas with my family, too. Let's see, if I was to wish for one thing not related to money - I would wish that Uncle Ned never took his first sip of alcohol. It was scary to discover that my favourite uncle had a drinking problem. He's in rehab, now - but we still have to watch him, to make sure he doesn't slip up again."

"Speaking of uncles," Marty said, nodding, "I wish Uncle Joey had been grounded the first time he stole something. Then, that way, he never would've been in prison. I mean, I used to really look down on him - but once I got to know him a little more, it turns out that he really isn't all bad. He's just a bit of a troubled individual, I guess."

"I don't think grounding him would have work," Linda replied. "According to Mom, he was one who would spend a lot of time in his bedroom. He seemed a bit anti-social."

"I guess you do have a point, Linda," Marty said, sighing. He remembered how, back in 1955, Grandma Stella said that he liked being in his playpen all the time. Then, in 1968, he had pretty much locked himself into his room all the time. Marty did talk to him a little bit, and it appeared that Joey's social skills left something to be desired.

"It was so devastating for me, though," Alex said, sighing, "when I found out that he had a drinking problem. I really don't like to think of him as being the black sheep in the family. My parents really had to crack down on him, and tell him that he had get some councilling. Sometimes, I really believe we should bring back Prohibition."

"That really wouldn't work," Marty said, matter-of-factly. "I mean, I myself am no fan of alcohol - but prohibiting it is not really the answer. People would just find their way around the law - or they may move to Canada. It wouldn't be good for our country."

"I guess you have a point, Marty," Alex said, sighing. "Well, I don't dislike alcoholics - or else, I would have to dislike Uncle Ted. Anyway, I can't say that I dislike anyone. I just don't like how many people's lives are ruined by alcohol usage."

"I hear you, Alex," Marty said, sympathetically. After all, in the old timeline, alcohol had messed up his mother - and it often made her very aggressive. He remembered how, when he was in the Packard with his mother-to-be in 1955, he was insistent on getting his mother to stop drinking. It bothered him that his mother was often drunk.

"So what about you, Linda and Mallory?" asked April. "What do you girls wish for?"

"Hm, well," replied Linda, "right now, I guess I would just wish that marry Kevin, and have have a family together." Then, turning to Marty, she added, "I think you would make a very wonderful uncle. You really do have a way with kids. I mean, I see how you are with Jules and Verne - and the little ones here obviously like you, too."

"I think you'd make a great aunt, yourself," Marty said, smiling back. "You have a really great way with kids. I really wish you and Kevin the best of luck.'

"As for me," Mallory said, smiling, "I would also love to have a family in the future. I hate to sound mean, but I really do want Skippy to leave me alone. I believe a man should be strong - so he can stand up for himself, and protect the woman he loves."

"Kevin sure fits that description," Linda said, smiling. "I guess you guys can tell that I am pretty smitten, eh? I will certainly look forward to seeing Kevin again. Although, I do admit that I wish Kevin and I can move here and live together. Then again, there is also my family to consider. Well, this certainly will be a memorable event."

"Well, why don't we all go inside, now," suggested August, "and we could drink some hot chocolate and eat some more sugar cookies. Those cookies are really delicious."

Everyone nodded in agreement, as they followed August into the house.

[bttf4444]

All Good Things

December 31, 1986
10:00 PM PST
Land of Colour Universe

"I can hardly believe we have to leave in two hours," Marty said, with tears in his eyes. 'This has been a wonderful week. I hope we can come back in the future."

"Yeah, I'll really miss all of you," Alex agreed, as he blinked back tears. "Thanks so much for having us over here. It's a shame that all good things have to come to an end. You people have all been so wonderful. The kids have all been so adorable!"

"We'll be sad to see you folks go away, too," Victoria replied, sighing. 'The kids have all spoken positively of you. It looks like your sisters have really come to appreciate you, too. Look at it this way, you folks will be seeing your families again. Also, you'll be able to celebrate two Christmases this year. You'll be so lucky!'

"Now that you've put it that way," Marty said, with a smile. After glancing around the room to make sure that Linda and Mallory were out of earshot, he added, "If you do not mind, after we return home - it will be easier if our sisters could just remember this whole thing as a dream. Maybe they could remember it as a very vivid dream, but I really don't want Linda to find out about my friend's time machine."

"Well," Victoria replied, "I was going to have you all wake up in your beds at seven the next morning. Linda and Mallory will most likely remember this as more than just a dream, but you needn't worry. She doesn't need to find out about your secret. The two really are not related, anyway - although I knew you were a time traveller."

"Well, maybe Marty and I can just pretend we didn't share their dream," suggested Alex. "I dunno, I guess some of Marty is really rubbing off on me. He actually visited our universe a few months ago - but Mallory never found out that his true identity was Marty McFly. He is a fictional character from a movie in our universe - while I'm a fictional character from a sitcom in his universe. It's something I still have difficulty getting my head around - and I'm not sure how well Mallory would take to that."

"I understand what you're saying," Victoria said, nodding. "So not only are the two of you considered fictional characters in each other's universe - but so are your sisters, right? But your sisters never figured that out. So am I understanding you correctly?"

"That's correct,' replied Alex. "Fortunately, my sister isn't really a fan of Back to the Future - and, likewise, his sister isn't really a fan of Family Ties. They could still end up hearing our names, though - if you know what I mean. So I am concerned."

"Ah, I see," Victoria said, sighing. "Perhaps the experience will open up their minds a little. Even if your sisters end up discovering that they were visiting our universe with two fictional character - I'm sure they would realize, in the world of magic, anything is possible. They really won't be able to figure out that they themselves are fictional characters in another universe. So you folks really don't need to worry."

"Phew, that's a relief!" breathed Marty. "I mean, if Linda ever finds out about Back to the Future - then she'll end up discovering my secret about Doc's time machine."

"I'm sure I have a few secrets of my own," Alex added, nodding, "that Mallory might discover, if she ever found out about Family Ties. I'm glad our secrets will be safe."

"Well, why don't we all go in the living room now?" suggested Victoria. "Gee, I could imagine that the kids will be hyper the next day. They're all so excited about being able to stay up until midnight. They don't get to do that too often, you know."

"I remember being a little kid," Marty said, smiling. "Being allowed to stay up until midnight was a big deal to me. I wasn't allowed to stay up until midnight on New Years Eve, until I was eight years old. I can remember being six, and I really did resent the fact that Linda and Dave were allowed to stay up - but I had to be in bed by nine. You know, being the youngest child in your family can really suck."

"Being the oldest child really isn't always all that it's cracked up to be, either," Alex said, sighing. 'You are expected to be the responsible one - and if your younger brother or sister does something wrong, and you happen to be in the room, you often end up getting blamed too. I really resented that. Jennifer always did love being the youngest child, and I remember she was resentful of having a new little brother. I must say that there were times when I wish I wasn't the oldest."

"Well, Dave always seemed to like being the oldest," Marty replied. "He would always boss Linda and I around - and whenever Dave wasn't around to boss us around, then Linda would be bossing me around. There were times that I wished I had someone to boss around. People wonder why some kids are so anxious to grow up, and why they hate not being the oldest in a group. Of course, now that I am an adult, I realize how easy children have it. It is ironic how some things tend to work out."

"You know how the expression goes," Alex said, smiling. "The grass always appears to be greener on the other side. Well, Marty, it's been nice seeing you again. It'll be sad to see you go. We won't even be able to write, or talk on the telephone."

"Well, don't forget," Marty said, as he forced a smile. "I have the DeLorean. I could visit you whenever I want. Of course, there is the rather pesky bit of needing Doc's approval. He's concerned with making sure the space-time continuum stays intact."

"I'm sure your friend has a valid point," Alex said, quietly. Then, he began to cry a little bit, as he threw his arms around Marty. "Oh, Marty, I really will miss you!"

"I'll miss you too, Alex," replied Marty, as he also began to cry. "Sometimes it's so hard to say good bye. You really have been a great friend to me."

After about ten minutes, Marty and Alex both wiped their eyes and began to join the rest of the group in the living room. Marty figured he should savour his last moments here. He made it a point to focus on the positive - that he would again see his family and friends. He also missed Jennifer, come to think of it. It will be great to be home.

oooooooooo

Marty glanced at the clock on the wall, and he realized there was only five minutes left until minute. He, Alex, and their sisters, all went around to hug everyone. The children all seemed a bit sad that the four visitors would be leaving for home soon.

"All right, everyone!" called out Todd, as he grabbed his camera. "Let's go take some pictures. Why don't the four of you stand over there? Then, we'll take your picture!"

Marty and Alex then stood in front of the tree, and they wrapped an arm around each other. Their sisters kneeled in front of them, while the boys laid their other hands on their respective sister's shoulders. Everyone then smiled at the camera, while Todd took their picture. Marty was impressed, as the picture of them was developing.

"Now how about taking a picture of you folks with the kids," suggested Todd, smiling.

The four visiters then stood side-by-side, in order of age - then the children stood in front of the visitors, also in order of age. The visitors then rested their hands on the shoulders of the children, as all of them smiled at the camera. Marty then admired the beautiful picture, wishing he could bring the pictures home with him. He sighed.

"Now let's have a picture of our family!" called out Todd. Then, turning to Alex, he handed the camera to him and asked, "Why don't you take our picture?"

Marty, Linda, and Mallory all stood behind Alex, as Alex snapped the camera. Todd then turned up the television, as the countdown was just about to start.

"Five!" everyone called out. "Four! Three! Two! One!"

Everything then went black.

[bttf4444]

Christmas With The Keatons

December 25, 1986
7:00 AM EST
Family Ties Universe

Alex stretched his arms, as he opened his eyes and realized he was lying on his bed. He was stunned to discover he had fallen asleep in his clothes, which was not typical for him. He glanced at the digital alarm clock that was resting on his dresser, and he saw that it was 7:00. He could not even remember going to bed the night before. He just awoke from what seemed to be too real to have been a dream.

He then discovered a wrapped package on his dresser, which was under the colourful stone that he found last night. Thinking about that stone brought back memories of what had happened when he was admiring the stone. Somehow, the stone formed a portal that had warped him into a world where colourful people and muppets resided.

Alex then lifted up the package from under the stone, and he carefully opened up the package. Inside the package, he found a tuxedo - along with some pictures that had been taken at the Greenwood family's home, shortly before he had returned home.

"Hey, Alex, did you sleep in your clothes last night?" teased Jennifer, as she ran into the bedroom. "Mom is making some breakfast. I'm feeling so hungry right now."

"Oh, good morning, Jennifer," gushed Alex, as he threw his arms around his sister. "I really do love you! Listen, Jen, I'll be in the living room soon. I just have to take care of a few things first. By the way, a very merry Christmas to you, my darling sister!"

"Thank you, Alex," Jennifer said, sweetly. "I love you, too! I can hardly wait for you to open up my present. You really should see what I bought for you."

"That sounds lovely, Jen," gushed Alex. "I bought you a really nice present, too."

As soon as Jennifer left the room - Alex realized, with dread, that he never even got around to wrapping up his presents. He was so grateful that the family didn't open up presents until the afternoon, as that would give him some time to do some wrapping. He decided that he should maybe check up on his other sister, Mallory.

Alex was a little nervous, as he walked up to his sister's bedroom. What if, for some reason, his sister decided to be angry with him again? He really didn't feel like could really stand being yelled at on an early Christmas morning. He softly knocked on his sister's bedroom door, hoping his sister wouldn't be in a grouchy mood.

"Who is it?" called out Mallory, in a surprisingly cheerful voice.

"It's me, Alex," Alex haid, gently. "I would wondering if I could come in and talk?"

"Oh, sure, come right in," Mallory said, as she opened the door. "Listen, if it's about wrestling - well, I was thinking about it. Perhaps you're right, and it's better for me to find a different activity. I'm sorry I yelled at you last night."

"Oh, that's all right, Mallory," Alex said, gently, as he sat on the bed. "I was thinking about this, too - and I guess I'm maybe down on you too often. I should offer you an apology, too. I really love you a lot, and I just want you to have a good life. I know I often give you a real hard time about Nick - but if the two of you are happy together, then that's fine with me. I don't really dislike him, but I guess we just sort of have a personality conflict. Still, if you're happy with him..."

"You know, Alex," Mallory said, smiling, "I had the strangest dream last night - and you were in it!"

"What did you dream about?" Alex asked, enthusiastically - even though he already knew what the answer would be.

"Oh, it was a real wonderful dream!" gushed Mallory. "I was in this world that had all kinds of colourful people in it. This wonderful family let us spend the Christmas week with them. It seems like it was more than just a dream, however. After all, you were there - and so was someone else who looked like you. I believe his name was Marty McFly. His sister, Linda, was also there. We spent the week bonding together."

Just then, Jennifer ran into the room, and she asked, "Do you mean Marty and Linda McFly from Back to the Future? I thought you really didn't care for that movie. After all, you're always talking about how Michael J Fox is so overrated, and all that other stuff. Why don't you admit it, Mallory? You have a guilty pleasure for that movie!"

"Jennifer, what are you doing..." Mallory started to ask, somewhat sharply. She then softened her voice and threw her arms around her sister. "Never mind, Jennifer. I'm sorry I almost yelled at you. You're a wonderful sister, and I really love you a lot."

"I love you, too, Mallory," Jennifer cooed. "Mom's cooking breakfast for us. You don't want to miss our traditional Christmas breakfast, do you? So hurry up, you two!"

Alex and Mallory watched, as Jennifer left the room. Mallory then looked over at her dresser, and she noticed a wrapped package under the colourful stone. She reached for the package, and she began to open it up. Mallory's eyes then went really wide.

"Hey, this was not a dream at all, was it?" Mallory asked, stunned. "We really were in that world, weren't we? Don't even try to deny it, Alex - or else I will have to tickle it right out of you. So just tell me, Alex - we really did spend a week there, didn't we?"

"You're right, Mallory!" Alex admitted, as he burst out laughing. "You're right! It was real! We really were there! We cannot tell anybody else about this, though - got it?"

"Oh, are you kidding, Alex?" Mallory asked, laughing. "You really believe I would tell all my friends about this? Get outta town! They wouldn't believe me. They would just laugh at me and tell me that I'm crazy! I promise, Alex - I won't tell anyone else."

"Good," Alex said, smiling. "This could just be our secret. I really love you, Mallory."

"I love you, too, Alex," replied Mallory. "Listen, Jennifer was saying something about how Marty and Linda McFly are in Back to the Future. Is that true, Alex?"

"Uh, yeah, it's true," Alex replied, knowing he had to tell the truth. "Still, it could just be a coincidence that they looked the same and had the same name."

"Yeah, you're probably right," Mallory said, smiling. "After all, Back to the Future is a fictional movie. Although, I suppose it could be possible for fictional worlds to exist in a different dimension. It seems a little far-fetched, though. Well, maybe I should give Back to the Future a chance - and I should stop resenting Michael J Fox so much."

"Good for you!" Alex gushed, as he threw his arms Mallory and gave her a hug.

oooooooooo

"Oh, isn't this wonderful?" gushed Steven Keaton, as he glanced around the table. "I mean, how often do we all get to eat breakfast together like this? Even little Andy is at the table with us. Now, Alex, don't feed him too much of that coffee cake. It's nice that you love our baby so much, but he still needs to eat baby food."

"Yes, Dad," replied Alex. "I must say, this is really nice. I hate to get so sentimental - but I sometimes get sad thinking about how I am already 21 years old. Sometimes I really do miss being a kid." Then, turning to Jennifer, he smiled and said, "Make sure you enjoy your youth while you still have it, Jennifer. You're really lucky right now."

"I will, Alex," Jennifer said, smiling back. "You know, I can remember how I used to resent Andy, back when he was first born. In a way, though, it will be really nice to have a younger brother. By the time I turn eighteen, he will be five years old."

"Please, Jennifer," Elyse said, softly, "one day at a time. Let's not be in such a hurry to rush things. I fully intend to savour every milestone of Andy's growth. Also, Alex and Mallory, even though you both are adults now - you'll always be my children."

Mallory then turned to Alex, smiled, and said, "Today, Alex, why don't we pretend to be kids again? After all, Christmas is the one time of year that should bring out the child in all of us. So no watching economic shows today, got it?"

"Sounds like a deal," Alex said, smiling. "I intend to savour every moment of today. I can hardly wait to see all of our relatives. Christmas is such a wonderful time of year to spend with the family, after all."

"It's nice to see all of you getting along," Elyse said, smiling. "We are a family made up of six different individuals, but we have ties to bind us all. We have family ties!"

Alex smiled, as he glanced around the table. His mother's words were so true.

[bttf4444]

Christmas With The McFlys

December 25, 1986
7:00 AM PST
BTTF Universe

As Marty opened his eyes and stretched out his arms, he realized he was lying in his bed. It seemed surreal to him, as he figured the week he spent in the Land of Colour couldn't have been just a dream. Then he recalled how Victoria did mention that he would wake up in his bed the next day. He looked down at his body, and he realized he had his clothes on. That was nothing unusual to him, considering that he had been known to regularly fall asleep with his clothes on. Just then, there was a knock on his bedroom door. Marty wondered who was there, as he took a glance at the alarm clock on his bed - and he saw that it was only 7:00, which was a bit early.

"Who is it?" called out Marty. "I just woke up a few minutes ago, and I'm still tired!"

"Hey, Marty, it's Christmas morning!" insisted Dave, as he walked into the room. He took a glance at Marty, then he ribbed, "I see you're still sleeping in your clothes!"

Ordinarily, his older brother's ribbing would have irritated Marty. However, having considered the importance of family a lot, Marty couldn't feel too bothered with him this morning. Anyway, it's not exactly like his older brother really meant any harm.

"Yeah, I guess I did," Marty said, smiling a little. He then threw his arms around his brother's neck, and he gushed, "Merry Christmas, Dave! I'm getting up, now!"

"Good for you," replied Dave, as he returned the hug. "Mom is making fruit soup for breakfast this morning. I really love you, Marty. Today is a very wonderful day!"

As soon as Dave left the bedroom, Marty glanced over at the dresser - and he saw that there was a wrapped package over there - and it was under the coloured stone, no less. Marty reached out for the package, and he carefully opened it. There he saw a denim outfit and a few pictures. Marty then smiled to himself, as he realized that the adventures he spent with the Greenwoods was real. He really would miss them.

Marty then thought about Doc, and he thought about how wonderful it must have felt for Doc to have a family to celebrate Christmas with. He would also have to discuss with Doc about Doxopolis. When he mentioned to Alex that he felt a bit hurt that Doc had never mentioned Doxoplis to him, Alex had suggested that Doc maybe did so in the interest of preserving the space time continuum. After all, there really was only one Doxopolis - and, thus, there was only the timeline where Doc from 1886 had met Marty and Alex from 1986 there. Time travel can be confusing, Marty thought.

As Marty headed for the living room, he passed Linda's bedroom. He could see his sister motioning for him. Marty was so nervous. What if Linda wanted to yell at him more about his being buddies with Kevin? He slowly entered the room.

"Hey, Marty," Linda said, quietly, "I would like to apologize to you about last night. I now realize how unreasonable I was being. I shouldn't have said some of the things that I said to you. I can't really blame you, if you never want to talk to me again."

"No, I forgive you, Linda," Marty said, smiling. "After all, today is Christmas - and I was thinking about how family is really important around this time of year."

"Oh, yeah, there's something else I should tell you, Marty," Linda said, quietly. "You know, last night I had a rather strange dream - and you were in it. The thing of it is, though, I kind of suspect that this might be more than just a dream. You and I were in this world that we've dubbed the Land of Colour. We stayed with the Greenwood family, and they had four girls - and all of them were named after months. Also, the family were made up of different colours. The world reminds me of Sesame Street."

"Wow, that sure sounds like some interesting dream, Linda!" Marty replied, smiling.

"You know, that's not all," Linda continued. "there was another boy who looked like you. His name was Alex Keaton, and he had a sister named Mallory."

"Oh, you mean Alex and Mallory Keaton of Family Ties?" Dave asked, laughing, as he walked into the room. "Hey, Linda, since when did you start watching Family Ties?"

"Family Ties?" Linda asked, confused. "What on earth on you talking about, David?"

"Alex and Mallory Keaton are characters on Family Ties," explained Dave. Then, after taking a close look at Linda, he added, "Don't tell me that you slept in your clothes, too! I swear that some of Marty is really starting to rub off on you! At any rate, you two might want to hurry it up." Dave then walked out of the bedroom.

"So is that true, Marty?" Linda asked, stunned. "Alex and Mallory are characters from Family Ties. Wait a minute! Is Alex the character that's played by Michael J Fox?"

"Uh, yeah, he is," Marty replied, a bit nervously. He knew it would do no good to lie about something like this. "Maybe you just heard me talking about them."

"I guess I haven't really paid attention," Linda said, sighing. "The thing is, this seems like more than just a dream. I do have a friend who postulated the theory of fictional universes existing in other dimensions. I can't say that I really bought that theory before - but I guess I'm starting to reconsider, now." Linda turned to her dresser, and she noticed a package there. "Gee, I wonder who this is from."

Marty was feeling a bit nervous, as he watched his sister open up the package. Just then, Linda's eyes grew really wide. I guess the truth is now out, Marty thought.

"Be honest with me, Marty," Linda said, teasing, "or else I am going to have to tickle you. So this was not just a dream! It was real - and you were there with me, right?"

"Yeah, Linda, I'll be honest," Marty said, laughing. "We did spend a whole week in the Land of Colour world. Now, Linda, you really must not tell anyone else about this!"

"Yeah, right, as if!" Linda said, laughing. "If I was to tell my friends about this, they might just laugh at me and tell me that I need to see a shrink. Don't worry, my dear brother! This will be our secret. We won't let anyone else know about our trip."

"You know, Linda," Marty said, smiling, "I really do love you a lot. I know it might not always seem like it, but you really are a wonderful sister. It's nice that we made up."

"Yeah, I really love you a lot, too, Marty," Linda replied. "I feel bad about last night - or last week, rather. Well, you can probably figure out what I mean. So do you think Alex and Mallory really were the characters from Family Ties? I maybe should start watching the show, and give it a bit of a chance - instead of being closed-minded."

"Good for you!" gushed Marty, as he gave his sister a hug. "We should start heading for the kitchen now. The soup smells very delicious!"

oooooooooo

"Well, isn't this wonderful?" gushed George McFly, as he glanced around the table. "I mean, how often do we all get to eat breakfast together like this? I mean, it saddens me a little to think that you all have grown up. Even our youngest son, Marty, is all grown up, now. Marty, I will greatly miss you when you leave this house."

"Aw, don't worry, Dad," Marty said, smiling. "I probably won't be leaving the house for a while, yet. Sometimes I really do miss being a kid, you know. Looking back, I can now see just how easy kids have it. They don't have so many responsibilities."

"I miss being a kid, too," teased Dave. "I really miss bossing you and Linda around!"

Marty and Linda playfully stuck their tongues out at their older brother.

"You know," Lorraine said, softly, "even though you are all adults now - you'll always be my children. It's nice that we all could get together like this this morning."

Linda then turned to Marty, smiled, and said, "Today, Marty, why don't we pretend to be kids again? After all, Christmas is the one time of year that really should bring out the child in all of us."

"Sounds like a deal," Marty said, smiling. "I intend to savour every moment of today. I can hardly wait to see all of our relatives. Christmas really is such a wonderful time of year to spend with the family, after all."

"It's nice to see all of you getting along," Lorraine said, smiling. "Gee, it's so strange to think that our children are all grown up, now. It seems like almost yesterday that George had rescued me from Biff Tannen, he kissed me out on the dance floor, and then we fell in love with each other. I often wonder what became of Calvin Klein."

Marty smiled, as he himself knew who Calvin Klein really was. If he had never gone back in time to 1955, his family would be very different today.

[Family Ties Forever!]

Interesting

[bttf4444]

Thanks!