[Wick_ed]

What with the Iconic character leavng around Christmas time, I thought I pay tribute to one of Walford's finest. Using Charle's Dicken's classic novel, I have attempted to adapt the story to modern day Walford, with Pauline Fowler taking the role of Ebenezer Scrooge.

Sure the grammar needs to be changed but I can't be bothered lol. So here it is:

Pauline Fowler ~ A Christmas Carol

Starring:

Pauline Fowler
Martin Fowler
Dot Branning
Jim Branning
Sonia Jackson
Rebecca Fowler
Ian Beale
Lou Beale
Arthur Fowler
Den Watts
Cindy Beale
Bradley Branning
Pete Beale
Pat Wicks
Peggy Mitchell
Phil Mitchell
Ben Mitchell
Deano Wicks
Billy Mitchell
Honey Mitchell
Petal Mitchell

1.
It was Christmas Eve, and miserable Pauline Fowler was in Launderette, washing away other people’s clothes. She was busy folding the towels, when she came to a tea towel with a snowman on it. ‘I hate Christmas, it’s just nothing but an excuse for those to celebrate an hollow affair’ said Pauline.
Just then, her old friend Dot entered. ‘Oh I’m rushed of my feet’ stated Dot; ‘still at least we have the day off tomorrow in which we can celebrate the good lord’s entering in to the world’.
‘Oh no you don’t missus, you had msot of today off and your working first thing come Boxing Day’ argued Pauline. ‘But I was thinking, what with it being Christmas, we could have more than one day off?’ replied Dot. ‘What? and miss two days business? Besides I don’t see the fuss about Christmas. Just an excuse for the lazy to sit around getting fat eating mince pies watching brain rotting telly’.
‘Oh Pauline, it’s so much more than that, it’s a time for family, the one time of the year when we can come together in harmony and celebrate with loved ones, and exchange gifts’ said Dot. ‘Come off it' said Pauline. 'family? Your family? Is that the half who won’t be rotting away inside in a prison cell? The real meaning of Christmas is about them fat cats getting richer whilst hard workers like me slave away struggling to make ends meet. I hate this time of year, I hate those who celebrate it and once more, I hate the fact that I’m seen as the anti Christ for my beliefs. You need to take those rose tinted glasses off and see the world for what it is. Now if you don’t mind, I’m off, I’ll leave these retched towels for you’.

And with that, Pauline made a hasty exit onto Market Street. She was greeted by snow, where carol singers sang heartedly, and Market sellers were busy selling their stock to the last minute Christmas shoppers. Pauline began to make her way home when she was called over by her youngest son Martin. ‘Hiya mum, I was wondering if you had change your mind, and decided to come to mine and Sonia’s for dinner tomorrow?’ Asked Martin. ‘What? And watch you and that dyke playing happy families with a daughter who has had more parents than one of those Mormons you read about,’ Pauline replied angrily ‘ You know, I thought you had a bit more about you Martin Fowler, but you obviously can’t see night from day so let me spell it out for you, she (referring to Sonia) is a Jackson. She uses you, and as soon as that Naomi dumped her, she came back to Mr door-matt. And despite my warnings, she just clicks her fingers and you go running after her like my Betty did after a plate of Chops. And for that reason you can shove your dinner and all the trimmings where the sun don’t shine.’ ‘But mum, it’s Christmas, can’t you let bygones be bygones?’ said Martin. ‘Oh so suddenly the snow falls so my heart should melt. It would take ten thousands St Nicholas's to come down my chimney before I eat at the same table as that scheming bitch’ Pauline responded angrily. ‘ But I’m the only family you have. I know it’s been hard since Joe passed on, but I don’t like thought of you cooped up all alone in there, on Christmas day’. ‘It’s just one meaningless day my boy. It’s going to take more than tacky baubles and tinsel for me to come round. Now if you don’t mind, I’ve a arm chair in there with my name on it.’ Pauline began to make her way to her back door, when her nephew Ian made eye contact with her whilst he was throwing the rubbish out from the café. ‘Merry Christmas auntie Pauline!’ Shouted Ian. ‘Christmas? Bah Humbug’ Muttered Pauline, slamming the garden gate behind her. Pauline wrestled round in her pockets, before she accidentally dropping her keys. After picking them up, she put them in the lock when suddenly the doorknocker morphed into the face of her old mother. ‘Don’t end up like me’ wailed the knocker, before morphing back to normal. ‘What?’ said a startled Pauline? 'I need to lie down cos my eyes are playing tricks on me’. Pauline entered her dark and dingy kitchen, which had been un-kept for some time. She made her way into her living room, where she acknowledged the pictures of her family. There was a picture of her Joe, holding her beloved Betty. Both had tragically died in a hit and run incident that occurred several months ago. Then there were pictures of her daughter Michelle, with her family, now all living in the US. Then there was one of her son Mark, her first husband Arthur and Her mother Lou. ‘No point in getting sentimental’ thought Pauline. 'They only leave you in the end'. With that thought in mind, Pauline made her way to the mirror, where she began to comb her hair. ‘What’s the point? Asked Pauline. ‘It’s not like there’s anyone to impress’. A bang at the front door startled Pauline, and she made her way to see who it was. She opened it and standing there was a charity collector for the Walford Orphanage. ‘What do you want?’ asked Pauline. ‘Hello dear, I’m collecting for all the poor orphans, who this time of year, can be hard done by.’ ‘Stick it’ said Pauline, before slamming the door.
Pauline re-entered the living room, when standing there was her old mother, Lou, covered in chains. ‘What the?’ said Pauline, before being interrupted by the ghostly figure. ‘Pauline, change your ways, before it’s too late…don’t end up like me…Change your ways!’ Before Pauline could observe the situation, hooded ghostly figures dragged her mother away. Her mother shouted ‘Pauline you will be visited by the ghosts of Christmas, acknowledge their words and don’t end up like me’ and with that, they disappeared out of the side window. Pauline stood in silence, completely flabbergasted. The night was drawing in and she could hear the carol singers in the street. ‘Right time for bed, before I lose all my marbles’. And with that, Pauline went up the stairs and into her bedroom. After removing her clothes and getting in to her pyjamas, Pauline climbed into bed and nodded off.

Her sleeping came to an abrupt end because standing at the bottom of the bed was a ghostly figure, which resembled the image of her archenemy Den Watts. Pauline sensed that something was a miss and looked up. ‘Den Watts! What are you doing in here?’ shouted Pauline. Pauline got out of bed before she froze in her tracks. ‘Wait a minute, you’re…’ ‘Dead’ interrupted Den. ‘And I’m here for one reason, Pauline, and that is to show you why your past has made your situation so grim’. ‘Get out now’ replied Pauline. ‘Take my hand’ said Den. ‘Do you think that is going to happen? OUT, NOW!’ yelled Pauline. But before she went any further, Den had grabbed her hand and they began to fly, going straight through the wall. The next thing Pauline knew, she was flying over the snow-covered streets of Walford. ‘Where are you taking me Dennis Watts?’ shouted Pauline. ‘To your past, for I am the ghost of Christmas past’. ‘Wait a minute; I know these roads’ stated Pauline, as they lowered to the ground. ‘That’s my old school!’ and the two landed in the playground. Stood there were two teenagers. ‘Wait a minute, that’s me! And that’s my Arthur! But how is this possible?’ asked Pauline. ‘We have entered your past. Look at you, pretty as a picture. Who would have thought you would turn into this sour old crow’ said Den. ‘shut it you. Just because your transparent, doesn’t mean I cant land you one’ said Pauline. ‘Shush, Listen’ said Den. Just then the younger Pauline and Arthur moved close to Pauline and Den. The Younger Pauline began to cry. ‘What do you mean you can’t come round mine on Christmas day? It’s only a ruddy allotment. Surely I’m more important than some old spuds’. Arthur argued ‘Allotments don’t celebrate Christmas, the vegetables still need looking after’. The younger Pauline stormed off, shouting back at Arthur ‘some happy Christmas I’m going to have. You need to sort out your priorities. I’ll guess I’ll see you after the new year’. The younger Arthur looked crushed. The older Pauline looked at Den. ‘was a miserable Christmas. Stuck in with my mum and dad. I yearned for my Arthur.’ ‘Pride is a terrible thing’ said Den. Because of your ways, you ruined your Christmas and his’. ‘Well he should have sorted out what was more important, the allotment or me’. ‘And so should have you’ argued back Den. ‘take me home, I cant be doing with you and this. Lord knows I’ve relived all those times Arthur and me argued'. ‘But don’t you see Pauline’ said Den ‘that even back then, you failed to see the true meaning of Christmas, which is to celebrate to be with those who love you, and take the bad with the good’. ‘Oh this is a bit rich coming from you' replied Pauline. 'You forced poor Ange to drink, got my poor Michelle pregnant then you disappear for all those years and surprise us all, especially Sharon. And then you sleep round that square and get bumped off by Chrissie. So what puts you in the position to give me advice on life?’ ‘Because I learnt from my mistakes when it was too late. It’s not too late for you’. And with that Pauline awoke in her bedroom. ‘What on earth just happened?’ said Pauline. ‘Just as I thought, was a dream. Now to get back to sleep’.

But before she could back to sleep, she was awoken once more. ‘Who’s that?’ said Pauline ‘Me? Well I am the ghost of Christmas present’ replied the ghostly figure ‘I don’t believe it! Cindy Beale! You can get out of here you poisonous slag!’ ‘Pauline, I’m here to take you on an adventure, to show you how your actions effect those who love you’. ‘I’m going no where with you’ replied Pauline. ‘Too late’ said Cindy, has she grabbed Pauline, throwing theme selves through the wall. Pauline was flying again, over the square until they landed in the Branning’s kitchen. Sat there was Martin, with Sonia, Jim, Dot, Bradley and Rebecca. Pauline was about to speak when Dot spoke up. ‘Did you ask her?’ ‘Yeah’ replied Martin. ‘And what did she say?’ asked Dot. ‘Something on lines about shoving the dinner where the sun don’t shine’ ‘Oh I say!’ replied Dot. Sonia began to speak ‘Well perhaps it’s better the old cow doesn’t come, who wants that misery round her ruining our fun. She can have all them rats for company’. Pauline was about to lash out at Sonia but the sound of everyone’s laughter stopped her mid action. ‘I wouldn’t bother’ said Cindy. ‘They can’t see you.’ ‘Do they really hate me that much?’ asked Pauline. ‘Hate is such a strong word. No they don’t hate you, they are just concerned for their loved one. The happiness of this event brings out the best in most people, but as for the likes of you, it brings out the worst. Martin reached out to you earlier but your venomous reply left him not hating you, just pitying you.’ ‘I didn’t realise’. Just then, Bradley began to cough loudly. Jim asked him ‘that cough still bothering you?' ‘Yeah’ replied Bradley. ‘Well it’s a good job your Gran has got the time off to nurse you back to better health’. ‘Unfortunately not’ interrupted Dot. 'You see, Pauline’s only giving me tomorrow off, and then I’m working double shifts of Boxing day to make up for lost time’. ‘No worries’ said Bradley, before coughing heavily again. ‘Some Christmas this is turning out to be. We have very little to eat for tomorrow, Bradley’s Ill and that old witch is making you work harder than usual.’ Fumed Jim. ‘Well never mind' interuptted Martin, 'because as soon as Father Christmas arrives, the look on our Rebecca’s face will be all we need’ said Martin. Sonia looked sad, realising that she had very little ready for Rebecca. ‘To the best Christmas ever!’ announced Jim. At that moment everyone cheered ‘the best Christmas ever!’ Just then Bradley coughed louder. Pauline made her way out of the Kitchen, and Cindy followed her into the hallway. ‘They have nothing, yet they don’t seem saddened by this’. ‘Another lesson you learn Pauline, is that Money and possessions are not everything. Love and family are far more important. Your attempts to avoid celebrating Christmas with those who reach out to you may have dampened their celebrations. Your old friend Dot will work Boxing Day but when she comes home the news will be bleak.’ The two re-entered the kitchen, and standing their looking out the window was a tearful Jim. Dot was sat at the table, still wearing her overall. ‘Can’t believe it. He was looking better when I set off this morning’ said Dot. ‘But to think he’s gone so soon, poor Bradley. If only I had been here for him’. ‘Now now.’ said Jim. 'He’s off to a better place. Granted if only the emergency services weren’t busy and you were here to drive, things could have been different. But you had to work. He’s in a better place.' Pauline began to scream ‘No!!!!! If only I was to know’. Cindy replied ‘ but you do know Pauline. In this tale there is much to learn, and if you alter your ways you can change the situation around’ said Cindy. ‘And just who are you to tell me what is what? This coming from a slut who slept round the square, tried to kill her own husband and then died in prison?’ Pauline said angrily. ‘But in retrospect, I have seen the error of my ways. It is not too late for you. Change Pauline. Change!’ And with they both flew away and Pauline landed back in her bedroom, alone.

'Must have been them fumes coming off that washing powder.’ 'Some of the people round here, there's bound to be a mix up with the white powder.’ Pauline looked at her watch. ‘Coming up to eleven must try to get some sleep.’ Pauline then climbed into bed. ‘Den Watts then Cindy Beale. Who’s next I wonder?’ chuckled Pauline. But before she could close her eyes, the answer to her question stood in the doorway of her bedroom. ‘May I introduce myself, for I am the ghost of Christmas future’? ‘Who now? Said Pauline rolling her eyes. ‘Come into the light so I can see’. In walked her old brother, Pete. ‘All my stars! What are you doing here?’ asked Pauline. ‘Hello sis’, and with that, the two embraced each other in an friendly hug. The tears welled in Pauline’s eyes. ‘I didn’t get to say goodbye. I came home from work to hear that you’d been run over. It broke my heart' cried Pauline. ‘ I know, but I am here to save you from a fate far worse than mine’ replied Pete. ‘What could be worse than having your body splattered all over the road by a HGV lorry?’ enquired Pauline. ‘Let me show you’ replied Pete. And with that they both flew out the wall and landed in the square. It was daylight, and Pauline looked around. ‘Nothing out the ordinary here’. Just then Pat, standing outside the Vic banged on the door, and Peggy came out. ‘Here, they’re bring out her body’ said Pat. ‘I wonder if were going to get some new neighbours?’ asked Peggy. ‘Whoever they are, I hope they’re more fun to be around than that sad old Bat’, said Peggy, with a smirk on her face. ‘Suppose it won’t take much beating’ replied Pat, and the two began to laugh. ‘Typical Mitchell, never could show respect’ Pauline said, turning to her brother. ‘So whose body is that they’re bringing out of my house?’ Pete leaned over, and whispered in Pauline’s ear. ‘It’s yours’. ‘Mine? Are you sure?’ asked Pauline. ‘Come with me’ and with that Pete grabbed his sister and they began to fly. Pauline was confused, as it was still winter. Surely her death couldn’t be that soon? The two lowered to the ground and landed in a place Pauline knew all to well. Standing around in the fog was gravestones, which bore names she knew. ‘Why here? Why now?’ asked Pauline. ‘Because, this is your fate’ replied Pete. ‘You die in a fall on Christmas night, and your body isn’t discovered for three weeks. Your nephew Ian finds you after smelling something rotten and the news spreads fast round the square. But not a tear is shed, has you are partially blamed for the death of Bradley, and that is why you are buried alone, with not even one mourner to shed a tear’, said Pete. Pauline began to run, in any direction before tripping over. She looked up and standing there was a grim scene. For it was her gravestone. It read ‘ Pauline Fowler Macer 11.04.1945 – 25.12.2006.’ ‘Make it stop!’ screamed Pauline. Just then, she saw two familiar faces, her friends Dot and Jim. They were holding a bunch of flowers. ‘Here she is, Pauline’ said Dot ‘Look, no one has left her any flowers. May lord have mercy on her soul. She was beyond help in the end anyway.’ ‘Come now Dot, lets go visit our Bradley’. And with that, the two left, flowers in hand. Pauline laid on the grass, tears welling. Pete picked her up, and shrugged the dirt of her. ‘Not even Dot said goodbye, and she was closest I had to a friend. What about Michelle? Or Sharon? Or even Vicky? Did they pay their respects?’ asked Pauline. ‘They did, in their own way. They didn’t fly over, but they thought about you’ replied Pete. The two stood in silence. ‘Right I’ve seen enough. Take me home. Pete?’ but there was no reply. The fog thickened and Pauline shouted louder. ‘Pete?’ and still there was no reply. Pauline began to run, meandering between the gravestones, each bearing names she knew. Dennis Rickman, Den Watts, Angie Watts, Ashley Cotton. Pauline still ran and then came the graves she knew all to well. Arthur Fowler, Pete Beale, Lou Beale, Mark Fowler. Pauline froze and walked backward. She fell backwards for the second time and rolled on to her front and there stood the fresh grave of Bradley Branning. Pauline closed her eyes and screamed ‘NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!’.

[Wick_ed]

Pauline opened her eyes. She was back in her bed. It was now daylight. She lay still, thinking about the events of the night. The thought of her lonely grave sent a shiver down her spine. Pauline reached in to her dressing gown pockets, and in there laid a note. Pauline opened it and began to read it. It stated ‘Change! Change for the good!’
‘I will’ Pauline whispered to her self. ‘I WILL’ she then shouted. Pauline jumped to her feet and ran to the window. In the street was Ben Mitchell, building a snowman. Pauline opened her window and called him over. ‘You my boy, what day is it?’ asked Pauline. ‘Why, it’s Christmas day’ replied Ben. ‘Yes, yes it is!’ said Pauline. ‘I say, boy, get your self a present’ and with that Pauline threw down a five pound note. ‘Thanks kind lady’ shouted Ben, before running off to the Vic, with a huge smile on his face.
‘Right, it’s to put right what has gone wrong’ said Pauline, ‘before it is too late’. Pauline hurriedly put her clothes on and made her way onto the square. Standing there was the charity collector who Pauline had rudely shut the door in her face. ‘Merry Christmas’ said the collector. ‘Yes it is Christmas, and it will be merry!’ said Pauline, before reaching into her purse and throwing a twenty-pound note into the bucket collection. ‘Thanks you so very much’ said the collector but Pauline continued to make her way to the Branning’s. ‘Drat, I need presents’. She then turned around and made her way to the market. Thankfully for Pauline, some stalls were open. A huge smile had hijacked her face. Billy and Honey passed by, with baby Petal in her pram. ‘There’s a sight I thought I would never see’ Billy said to Honey. ‘And what’s that?’ asked Honey.’ ‘Pauline Fowler smiling’. Honey looked at the happy Pauline, and began to smile. The two continued onto to the Vic. Pauline splashed out on many gifts at Deano Wick’s stall. ‘Why are you working on Christmas day?’ asked Pauline. ‘Cos’ it’s Christmas. January sales begin tomorrow and as long as there’s lovely people like you paying twice the price for this tat, then I’ll work any day of the year’ replied Deano. ‘What are you like’ laughed Pauline. ‘Keep the change and most importantly, have a very merry Christmas!’ and then Pauline made her way to the allotments, collecting the winter vegetables that Charlie Slater and Burt had dug up. She then made her to the Slater’s, buying a last minute turkey from Big Mo. Pauline made her way next door to the Branning’s. She banged on the door, and a puzzled and flustered Dot appeared. ‘Pauline? If it’s about tomorrow I said I’d work…’ ‘Oh Dot! Merry Christmas! I have many gifts for you, please may I come in?’ ‘Of course… let me help you with those bags’, and the two entered. In the living room were Martin and Sonia, watching Rebecca playing with her toys. Pauline gave Dot the food. ‘Here some extra for the meal. I take it I can stay? Asked Pauline. ‘Of course’ replied Dot, with a grateful smile on her face. Dot then made her way to the kitchen and Pauline entered the living room. ‘Mum? What are you doing here, I thought that…’ but before Martin could finish his question, Pauline hugged him. ‘I’m so sorry’ said Pauline. ‘What for?’ asked Martin ‘for being a wicked old widow, for being nasty and controlling of you. I hope you can forgive me?’ asked Pauline. ‘Come here you big softy’ said Martin, as the two hugged. ‘And Sonia, I’m so sorry for being so cruel, and so misunderstanding’. Said Pauline. ‘It’s ok, Pauline, I’ve not exactly been compassionate’, replied Sonia, and the two hugged. ‘And you! I have some presents for you!’ said Pauline, motioning to Rebecca. Rebecca opened her presents. ‘Wow! Barbie and Barbie’s car! Thanks Gran! Said Rebecca. She then ran over and hugged her, and Pauline began to cry with joy. ‘I love you so much, you are the only family I have'. And with that, the four played games up until when the dinner was ready. As the family sat, Pauline looked around at the empty chair. Suddenly there was a knock at the door. Dot made her way to the waiting guest. ‘Jim, it’s Stacey, she says she want to see Bradley!’ ‘Bradley! Of course!’ shouted Pauline, then turning to Jim. ‘Jim, promise me you will take that grandson of yours straight to the hospital after dinner!’ ‘Why’? Asked Jim. ‘Because call it woman’s intuition but he’s not far from falling very sick. Please tell me you will take him’. ‘Ok’ said Jim, But you’ve not even seen him’. ‘I don’t need to see him, I just know’, said Pauline with a wink. The family tucked in to their dinner. After pulling their crackers and game of charades, Jim took Bradley over to the Branning’s where Max drove him to the hospital. Pauline and co made their way to the Vic. Inside were the regulars Pauline knew all to well. After finding a table, Pauline made her way t the bar. ‘Yes and what can I get you?’ asked Phil. ‘Actually can you turn the juke box down?’ ‘Ok?’ said Phil with a confused look on his face. When the music lowered, Pauline turned to the crowd. ‘Be quiet everyone!’ Everyone turned round to see Pauline standing at the bar. When they fell silent Pauline began ‘ I know over these last few years I have become what some people would describe as a miserable old cow, and you were right, I have been. Most recently, after the loss of life of those close to me, I have taken those close to me for granted. But after what some may call a most unusual night, I have come to realise the errors of my ways, and I can promise you from now on, you will see a new side of Pauline Fowler. So what better way to make amends than having the first round on me?’ and with that came there was a loud cheer. After everyone had got his or her drinks, Jim made his way to the Piano and began to play ‘Oh Holy Night’. The regulars began to sing along and Pauline, now sat with her family,looked around and was over come with emotion. Not for such a long time has she felt loved and happy. Looking round, Pauline realised that being miserable or sour had got no body nowhere. And so began a new lease to Pauline’s life, in which she was nothing but pleasant to everyone, and everyone was pleasant and loving back to her.


THE END.

[circling girl]

And as Petal the disabled baby said: "God bless us, every one".

[Second Chance]

A tip for Wick_ed

For people to ACTUALLY read your prose you will need to space it out a bit.

After maybe three sentences press enter to leave a line.

A bit like this.

Makes it easier on the eye.

I hope this helps

[Wick_ed]

delete post delete post lol

[\/\/alford []re]

I cant read that - its way to long. I dont come on these boards to be beaten down with LARGE chunks of texts!

[Jaccobabe]

Yes, I think these posts copuld be really interesting, but I just cant be botheres to rwead them.

But you must have spent a lot of time on this, so it could be cool if people could actually read what you ahve written

[iheartme]

I was just wondering if Wick_Ed is a child or an adult. I can understand a child writing that but i don't think it is something that an adult would do. maybe i'm wrong?

[iheartme]

hello, is anybody there

[bambii]

Originally Posted by Wick_ed

delete post delete post lol

Good effort mate, luckily i know the story to Christmas Carol, so i could fill in alot of it myself.

I scanned it, but unfortunately it hurts my eyes to read for that long off a puter screen.
Thanks for the effort tho.