Billy Troll’s Happiest Christmas

“Hi Billy,” said Dianne Troll, walking into Billy’s kitchen.

“Dianne!” exclaimed Billy. “How are you?”

“Fine,” said Dianne. “Hey, Billy, what are your plans for the holidays?”

“I’m not sure,” said Billy. “I’m hoping that I can talk my parents into coming here this Christmas.”

“That would be neat,” said Dianne. “Don’t you have any concerts or tours coming up?”

“Yeah, I do have one concert,” said Billy. “It’s on Christmas Eve. I was hoping that maybe I could get my parents here on time to see me in concert. They’ve never been a real fan of mine.”

“That would be wonderful,” said Dianne. “Look Billy, I know that you are really busy, so do you want me to look after all the arrangements for you.”

“You would do that for me?” asked Billy. “That is so sweet. Yes, please do. I would really appreciate it.”

“Okay then,” said Dianne. “Consider it done. I’ll look after getting the plane tickets, hotel reservations and concert tickets.”

“Hotel reservations!” exclaimed Billy. “No, you can forget about that. My parents would not appreciate that at all.”

“Well, where are they going to stay?” asked Dianne. “Your place isn’t big enough for two more people.”

“Yes, it is,” said Billy. “They can sleep in my room and I’ll get a cot and sleep in the den.”

“But all your equipment is in the den,” said Dianne. “That’ll never do. Look, I’ve got an idea. My place is huge. Why don’t your parents stay at my place?”

“That’ll never work out,” said Billy. “They’ll want me there all the time, too. I can’t come into your house at all hours of the night.”

“Alright,” said Dianne. “Then, why don’t you stay at my house, too. I can stay over here in your place while they are here.”

“I don’t want to push you out of your own house,” said Billy. “No, maybe I should just put them up in a hotel.”

“No,” said Dianne. “You’re not going to do that. I won’t mind staying here. It’ll only be for a few days, anyway.”

“Only if you’re sure,” said Billy.

“I’m sure,” said Dianne.

The day before Christmas Eve, Billy’s parents arrived at the airport.

“Hello son,” said Mrs. Troll, tightly hugging her son. “You look too thin. I’ll have to get some of my old-fashioned cooking into you.”

“Hello Mom,” said Billy.

“Well, let’s get out of this place,” said Mr. Troll. “I don’t like airports.”

“Come on, the limousine is this way,” said Billy.

Once at Dianne’s place, Billy left his parents alone to unpack.

When he came back a few hours later, his Mother had a roast beef, roasting in the oven.

“Smells good,” said Billy. “When’s dinner?”

“Soon,” said Mrs. Troll. “By the way, I couldn’t find any forks. Where do you keep your forks?”

“Dianne keeps them in the china cabinet,” said Billy.

“Dianne!” exclaimed Mrs. Troll. “Billy, are you holding out on us? Are you and Dianne living together? You know how your father and I feel about that!”

“Relax Mother,” said Billy. “Dianne, very kindly, lent her house to me while you and Dad are here. She is staying at my house, next door.”

“Oh, I’m sorry,” said Mrs. Troll. “That was very nice of Dianne, but dear, we could have stayed at your house, you know.”

“Yes, you could have,” said Billy. “However, my house is too small, especially with all my equipment laying around, everywhere.”

“Your music is another thing that I want to mention,” said Mrs. Troll.

“Mother, please don’t start in on me about my music,” said Billy.

“Start in on you!” exclaimed Mrs. Troll. “I just wanted to tell you how proud your father and I are of you!”

“Really,” said Billy, taken aback.

“Really, son,” said Mr. Troll, just getting up from his nap. “You are a very talented musician and we are both very proud of you!”

“Wow!” exclaimed Billy, holding back a tear that was forming on his cheek. “You know, this is the very first time that you have ever said that to me.”

“Yes,” said Mrs. Troll. “And we are very sorry for that. We should have been more supportive of your music career when you were younger.”

“We all make mistakes,” said Mr. Troll. “I only hope that it isn’t too late to make it up to you.”

“Not at all!” exclaimed Billy. “You know what, I’m very proud to have you two as my parents!”

Mr. and Mrs. Troll both hugged their son, tightly.

“Listen,” said Mrs. Troll. “Why don’t you go next door and get Dianne for supper?”

“Alright,” said Billy.

Sitting down at the table, Dianne handed Mr. and Mrs. Troll an envelope.

“What’s this?” asked Mrs. Troll.

“Open it up, Mom,” said Billy.

“Oh wow!” exclaimed Mrs. Troll. “These are front row seats to Billy’s concert tomorrow night!”

“That’s great!” exclaimed Mrs. Troll.

Mr. and Mrs. Troll were very excited about being able to see their son in concert. They had heard from neighbours and friends back home how good of a musician their son was.

The night of Billy’s concert finally arrived.

“Merry Christmas, everyone,” said Billy into the microphone. “Tonight, I’d like to dedicate this concert to two very important people. My parents. Mom and Dad come on up here.”

Mr. and Mrs. Troll, proudly went up on stage and stood beside their son.

“We love you,” they both whispered to Billy as he started his performance.