"THE NIGHT BEFORE CHRISTMAS'' It was the night before Christmas and quite a lot was stirring. Duane swung another heavy box onto the grass outside the house. Another four boxes and an armoire, and they were out of there. Working this late was darkening his mood.

Why would anyone want to move in on Christmas Eve? On the other hand, it was better than Christmas in an empty hotel. They'd probably order a pizza and try to find the one box in 214 that had the Christmas decorations. If they had a phone.

Duane yawned and stretched. In another 20 minutes he'd be on his way. Jay was heading for Somerset and his mama's home cooking. He was going home to St.

Gorges, to his wife, a back rub and a hug from the kids. Tired as he was, he knew the kids would not let him rest. Christmas Eve is still a big deal when you're four and six.

The last box slid across the bed of the truck, the words TOYS (CHRISTMAS) hand-lettered across the side. The new tenant smiled. She gestured to a place just inside the door. "That's the one that I need the most. I was getting a bit worried that it disappeared on the way from the North Pole. I guess I'd better cover it up. The eldest is learning to read.'' "I've got two about the same age as your two, and just as excited''. Duane draped a piece of packing material over the top of the box.. "This is the one night of the year I can get `em to go to bed. Well, that's it. Merry Christmas.'' The woman surveyed the boxes piled around her. "Merry Christmas to you, too.'' She placed a $50 bill in his hand. As he pulled away, he saw the woman put her hands in her hair, and then let them drop to the head of her youngest child.

Dusk was falling as he got to Barnes Corner. A Christmas tree vendor paced in front of his sign. Good thing Sylvia was so organised. Their tree had been up and decorated for two weeks. This guy only had one left, and it was pretty small. $50, the sign said. Who would pay $50 bucks for that? I know one woman who would, he thought. But she doesn't have a car, or even a friend with a car. Fresh off the boat.

He sighed and fingered the $50 she'd put in his hands. It took 6 hours to earn that tip. It only took a minute to spend it.

When he pulled into the driveway the children ran to the patio door, smearing the window and peering out into the dark. When they saw the tree, they grinned. He could see them hauling their mother to the door.

"I thought you could use this. I saw a tree stand in the shed that'll do''.

Duane shifted his weight to hold the tree away from his body.

The children flew around the tree. Their mother touched a branch, then raised her fingers to her nose and inhaled. "These grow at home behind our old house. I thought this would be my first Christmas without one.'' "Are you Santa's helper in Bermuda?'', the little boy asked. He frowned when the grownups laughed.

Duane climbed into the truck to a chorus of thank yous and Merry Christmases.

His muscles felt loose and his stomach rumbled.

And as he turned the big truck Eastward, he found himself humming his favourite song.

SHORT STORY COMPETITION CPN