Since I've been neglecting to write anything besides a few random blog posts and random fanfic lately,

I might as well force--I mean, ask myself nicely to write something as a gift, to both you and me. :) So, en...joy? *** More to Christmas "I don't know how long it'll go on," she said. "He's been acting up so much I do n't even know him anymore. I know it bothers him--it'd bothered us all--but it's been a year, Ed. I don't know how long I can hold up until... I dont know what to do anymore, and he wont even talk to me." The room was white and quiet, as it'd been for one year. There was the occasiona l laughter from outside where children were playing, but it was otherwise calm. The winter sun shone weakly through the white-laden world outside, offering spec ks of warmth to the ground. Christmas; its almost here. She sat by his bed, twining a stray thread on her woollen shorts around her fing er. She curled up on the pillow, savouring the softness of it. "I don't know if I can do this, Ed. It's like trying to catch hold of a mirage. One minute I have it, then the next everything's gone wrong again. What if I fail?" The specks of stray snow landed on the window sill. "I can't do this. You're wrong, Ed. I can't do this. I'm going to fail terribly, and he's going to hate me forever." A muffled thump came from downstairs. Al's home then. The subsequent bang of the door followed; she'd expected it. She sighed. Time to catch that mirage then. " Thats my cue, then," She got up from the bed, straightening the covers. As she ope ned the door, she paused and turned around. She added quietly, "It's... nice, ta lking to you, Ed." She closed the door softly behind her, taking a moment to compose herself. It wa s a hard time for all of them, Christmas. *** Alex was angry. He had no idea why he was, or how it is that he was that angry, but all that mattered was that he was angry. He slammed the door with all his mi ght, throwing himself on the single bed in the middle of the neat room. He wanted to scream. Christmas was supposed to make a person happy. And he was a nything but happy. The piles of unfinished homework were scattered across his de sk, the only clutter in the room. He flicked them a glance, guilt swelling insid e him. He crushed it before it could overcome him. He sighed heavily. He knew he was being difficult, and his mom hated him for it. He deserved it, after all, to be hated. It was only right. The night before flo ated in front of his eyes. He came home exactly as the clock struck two in the morning, having roamed aimle ssly around the streets. He didn't know why he did that; it was oddly comforting to see all the hustle and bustle as Christmas approaches. It calmed him slightl y too, to be in the crowds of people, to be pushed around by the continuous stre am of people and noises. He didn't think his mom could have understood that. That helpless, lonely feelin

g that threatens to smother you in your sleep. He was supposed to be back before ten. But as were the case with all the other h ouse rules, he ignored his curfew. It wasn't just yesterday night though; it'd g one on for a few days. His mom had done everything she could; yelled at him, thr eatened him, grounded him. As if it worked. But when he reached home, he was a little surprised to find his mom staring at h im quietly, a strange loathing lurking in her eyes. "Go to sleep." She'd said, not even looking at him. There was no threats, no sco ldings, no yells; nothing. It hurt. Sleep eluded him like all the other positive emotions had. He couldn't help pict uring being thrown out. Had she stopped caring, finally? Had she given up hope? He didn't mean to push his mother so far, but sometimes he couldn't help it. The re were some things he had to do if he wanted to keep functioning. But if she did throw him out, he'd understand. He wouldn't even hate her for it. After all, it was his own doing. Sometimes he wished though, if she'd been a little more understanding of his nee ds without needing him to spell everything out for her. Some things can't be put into words, after all. "Why'd you leave, Dad? You shouldn't have. It's all your fault, Dad. It's all yo ur fault." Even as he uttered the words, he knew it wasn't true. He remembered what happened. It was all because of him. He could lie to the worl d, but not himself. Mom had a right to be angry, to be mad at him. Better to push everyone away before it hurts more. He sighed, and trudged over to his desk, pulling his English homework towards hi m. Might as well finish it to keep his mind off such thoughts. *** Ellie knocked on her son's door, mentally bracing herself from whatever might co me her way. Her son was so unpredictable nowadays; calling him for dinner could set him off. She'd tried to be understanding, to at least try to fathom what her child needed, but it seems that Alex had wrapped himself up in metal walls. She knocked , expecting t welled up didn't even reakfast. again when no reply came. Slightly panicked now, she opened the door the room to be empty--or worse, that Alex might have been hurt. Guil in her. She shouldn't have pushed her son away the night before. He have dinner, and he took off this morning before she could prepare b

She slumped in relief when the room came into view, the boy draped across his de sk over his neglected homework, apparently asleep. Padding softly into the room, she brushed his fringe away from his eyes; she hadn't even noticed it had gotte n so long. His cheeks were hollowed out, heavy bags underneath his eyes. Even as he slept, his breaths came in quick uneven gasps, as if something was tormentin g him.

It pained her to see her only child suffering, and it hurts even more when she k new she hadn't been able to help ease it. She draped an arm over the child, pull ing him up into her arms. Long gangly limbs fell all over the place, and the onc e-familiar gesture became a strange, awkward task. The thirteen year old wasnt as heavy as she thought, but he had certainly grown si nce the last time she held him like this. Had it been that long, she mused to h erself. Her son had become a stranger, and she hadnt even notice. She brought the teen to his bed, settling him gently on his bed as he rolled ove r agitatedly, mumbling something about guns and necklaces. His shoulders were in credibly tensed, and he curled into himself in such a way that he looked younger than his age. With his long lashes casting pale shadows on his face and his bro nze hair tumbling all around, Ellie was reminded again of the young toddler hold ing her fingers every night before he fell asleep. When did he grow into this teen with so much pain on his face even as he slumber ed on? She rubbed soft circles between his shoulder blades, trying to ease the tension from her sons body. He melted into the touch, but tensed again suddenly before he whipped around, eyes wide. What are you doing? He snapped hostilely. Ellie reminded herself to remain calm. Its almost six. We need to get ready for dinn er. Grandmas coming over, remember? Alex mumbled something under his breath. Then, I dont want dinner. Ellie smiled tightly. Arent you hungry, Al? I mean, you didnt have dinner yesterday an d you skipped breakfast and lunch. No. Ill manage. At least have some dessert. I made chocolate pudding, she offered. She could see tha t he wavered slightly at the mention of his favourite treat. Then his eyes harde ned with some unknown emotion. No, thanks. Id rather stay here. Alex, Ellie frowned. You have to eat. You cant starve yourself with thistantrum.

Im not having a tantrum! he snapped. I just dont want to eat! Whats your problem? You havent eaten anything since yesterday, Ellie managed through gritted teeth. Strugg ling to keep her voice down, she said, I just dont want you to get sick. Alex snorted. Right. Admit it, you just dont want the neighbours gossiping about the m om who couldnt even feed her son. Leave me alone, alright? I wont bloody tell. What is your problem, Alex? Tell me, hmm? Ellie coaxed. I told you! I dont want to eat! Alex, I just want you to eat something. I dont want you to get sick again. I dont want you to end up in hospital again because your gastric acts up again. Do you want to get all those tubes stuck in you because you cant eat anything without throwin g them back up?

Its not you theyre sticking up those needles, so why do you care? I have money, alrigh t? I can pay for the hospital fees!

Its not about the money, Alex, Ellie pinched the bridge of her nose. Its about you. ant you to get hurt. I dont want to see you in pain. Then bloody close your eyes. What has gotten into you, Alex? Why are you doing this? Ellie burst out. Then, just as quickly her temper got away from her, all her energy slipped away, and she sl umped into a chair. It was Christmas Eve, and they were fighting again when they should be settling down for a calm happy night. She couldnt see what was botherin g Alex, and as much as she wanted to help, she couldnt when Alex was so damned det ermined to keep her away. Alex crossed his arms, trying to keep his tears back. What has gotten into him? That was a good question, one that hed been trying to answer for so long. Guilt sw elled in him again when his mother slumped into a chair, looking as though shed tr ekked across the Sahara with no sleep at all. Ever since his dadleft, shed looked li ke that, trying to prevent the family from crumbling away. I know you miss your dad, Alex, she startled him by saying. Her voice trembled sligh tly and the room fell silent. The pitifully few times they talked about this had ended badly without miss, with Alex running away from the house until it was la te in the morning. But Ellie trudged on bravely. I do too. We all do. So what? So nothing. I just want you to know youre not alone. The words struck a little to near for comfort. Alex turned away. The snow was fa lling heavier now, the world outside nothing but a white blur. He could see a bl ack dot in the distance, but nothing more. Youre wrong. Ellies eyes rose to rest on the back of Alexs turned head in surprise. This wasnt what she expected. How so? Alex shrugged. The black dot was getting nearer and bigger now, but he couldnt mak e it out. Ellie approached her son slowly, finally settling behind him on his bed. His sho ulders tensed as she rested hand against it. Its okay to miss him. I know its been a l ong year for both of us, but its going to turn out fine. Alex ignored her. Your dad would have wanted us to be happy. You know how he was, always cracking jokes trying to make you laugh. You have no idea how much you ar e like him, Alex. When you come back from school, with your hair ruffled and you r clothes all crumpled up. You remind me so much of him. You even talk like him sometimes, the words you used, the way you fling your hands all around, Ellie paus ed, taking a deep breath to steady herself. I used to tell your dad that, and hell l augh and say what a lucky thing that was. Alex was having trouble holding back his tears now. He tried to keep himself fro m listening, tried so hard not to listen, but he was hanging on to each and ever y word. Theyd never talked about dad like this, not even when hed first left.

It was hard to lose your dad, Alex. I couldnt Ellie searched for the right word, s ng back the grief that threatened to rise. I couldnt accept that he was gone. He had been in my life for so long, Alex, even before you were born. He was my best fr iend.

Alex heard the longing and sorrow in his moms voice, and in that moment, he hated himself. If only he hadnt. If only he hadnt been born, all of this wouldnt have happen ed. He deserved to be punished; he deserved to be pushed away. He deserved to be alone. Ellie was oblivious to the change in her sons thoughts. Your dad used to bring me to this small dingy caf by the huge Christmas tree in the middle of the park of this very city every Christmas. He would go on the stage and tell a few lousy jokes to all our old friends in the caf, then started singing with his guitar. Then hed pu lled me up to sing with him even though I refused every time. Alex focused on the growing black dot in the distance. He didnt need this, but he didnt have the heart to stop his mom. He wanted to scream, to shout at his mom, to tell her he didnt deserve to be his dads son, to be her son. It wasnt really fair, to have him stripped away so suddenly. Suddenly he wasnt there. I still expect him to be there when I go into my room sometimes, but Its hard to adj ust. I know you had a hard time adjusting too, Alex, Ive noticed. Ellie paused, and then said bitterly, But Id noticed too late. I had been so wrapped up into myself th at Ive neglected you. She pulled a stiff Alex into her arms. Youve been so brave and ong that time. Even your Grandma commented on it. I was useless, and you had bee n instrumental in getting the house back the way it was before your Dad di NO! Dont, Alex cut her off before she could continue. Dont say it. Please. Ellie frowned. It couldnt be, could it? Its been one year, Al. Your dads been Please, dont, Pulling away, the teen turned around and pleaded. Ellie flinched from th e raw pain in her sons eyes. Had he been wearing a mask all along? There were none of this pain in Alex eyes for the past year, and it had been a bit strange at f irst. A wave of realization swept over her. Alex had been suppressing his grief ever since Edward had died, suppressing it so that he could function when she couldnt. And when she finally returned to herself, everyone had assumed Alex had gotten o ver it too. Nobody had notice. Nobody knew. The fact struck Ellie in the gut like a sharp cold knife. Her son had suffered f or so long and she didnt even have a clue. She had merely thought he was adjusting poorly and acting up for attention. She had never suspected her son was still t rying to come to terms with his fathers death.

She pulled her son closer. Alex, Im so sorry. I didnt know. She squeezed her son, who d tensed up at the contact, as if trying to atone for her neglect. You dont have to be sorry, Alex managed, fighting hard not to melt into her arms. It w ould be so hard to not care then, when his mom found out the truth and hate him for it. I dont deserve it. Ellie pulled back a little, frowning in confusion. Why? Alex turned away. This was it. This was the moment hed been dreading. Better to ri p it all out once and be done with it. Dad died because of me. He died because of me. A single tear rolled out and he wiped it away angrily. He had no right to cry over this. He had no right to grieve his dad because he deserved it. Wh-what do you mean, Alex?

Alex thought back to one year ago, another tear rolling down his cheek. Taking a deep breath, he started to recount the events in a flat, emotionless tone. *** Dad had come home that day before Mom did, surprising Alex. Hed said he wanted to surprise Mom with a gift before her birthday, which comes two days after Christm as. Alex had agreed enthusiastically, following his dad to the jewellery shop im mediately, offering his opinions non-stop. Hed paused to admire a necklace he thought a girl in his school would like when Da d paid for the pair of earrings theyd chosen together, even though Dad had asked h im to go to the car where it was parked. He didnt even notice when Dad left the sh op. Dad, of course, noticed eventually that he was still in the shop and went ba ck to retrieve him.

That was when the robbers came in. Dad saw them right before they arrived with g uns in hand, and threw him into a hidden corner behind an unused shelf, ordering him to be quiet. But Dad didnt stay. He went out and confronted the robbers, tryi ng to draw their attention away from Alex. There was some sort of conflict then, and the robbers started to shout. Alex heard everything, but he dared not say a word. He was determined to follow Dads instructions this time. He didnt know what happened exactlyeverything was a blur when the gunshots rang, his heart dropped. He bit down on his hand, silent tear s falling down his face, not even daring to hope. All he could do was wait, and pray. When the shop was quiet again and he was sure the robbers had left, he climbed o ut of his hiding place. And there, in a growing puddle of blood, lay his dad. Hi s legs gave out under him as he stared in horror at the motionless body. He coul dnt find his voice. He couldnt do anything. When the police sirens rang, he jumped and ran from the scene, tears streaming. Once home, he hid under his blankets, the scene playing out behind his eyes as he wept. But after a while, he pushed everything back, everything he saw, everyt hing hed felt and adopted a blank mask. He couldnt let anyone know. He couldnt let anyone know hed caused his dad to die. He c ouldnt let his mom know, even though it was wrong, because he doesnt think hell surviv e it. No. He wouldnt survive if his remaining parent decides she hates him and leaves hi m all alone. Like he already was. *** Ellie watched in growing horror as her son revealed more and more. Her own son h ad witnessed his own father murdered in cold blood, and she hadnt known a thing ab out it. She hadnt even suspected it. How did her twelve years old son manage it, p ulling through such a traumatic event without leaving a clue that hed been through so much? Tears welled up in her eyes at all the struggles and hurt her son must have suffered for one whole year. There wasnt even a single clue. Shed came home to find police scattered all across h er lawn, and her own mother consoling a blank-faced Alex. She was informed of th e robbers capture, and the condolences so many had offered. She remembered askin g a stone-faced Alex if he was alright, and thought he was in shock. And then it was all a blur; days spent moping around in bed, having meals prepared by twelv e-year-old Alex, bills and whatnots handled by her son.

People had marvelled at Alexs maturity, praising him for his strength, and even sh e was amazed by Alexs sudden independence. But she didnt notice until it was too lat e that with Alexs independence, he also grew colder and further away. Alex had quietened down, looking away from her as if awaiting judgement, his eye s blank and glassy, his shoulders tense. It was as if oh. Alex blamed himself. And he expected Ellie to blame him. There was no telling how much she hated herself that moment. She hated herself f or not noticing, hated the world for not noticing what Alex had been through. Sh e hated fate for putting this upon the young thin shoulders. She reached towards Alex and he flinched, expecting a blow. Ignoring it, she hugged the thirteen-ye ar-old as tightly as was possible.

Alex, Im sorry. Im so sorry you had to go through that, she said in a rush of emotio Its not your fault, Alex, its not. Those robbers killed your dad, not you. No! Youre WRONG! It is my fault! Alex began to struggle, trying to wrench himself away . I killed dad! If I had listened to him and went to the car, hed still be here! I k illed him, I did! Dont lie to me! No, Alex, listen. Listen to me. It was not your fault. You didnt know that would hap pen. You didnt know the robbers would come. Your dad wouldnt have wanted you to blam e yourself. Its not your fault, Alex. Its not, She kept hold of the struggling boy, tr ying to speak some sense into him, to ease the heavy guilt that swallowed the bo y. I would never leave you, not even if it is your fault. But darling, its not. Its no t. Alex had broken down into huge wrecking sobs, still struggling. His mom believed him, and she had gotten it in her head that he wasnt responsible. But he was, god , he was. It was the only part of his life he was certain now, and if he lose it H ed lose everything. Hed desperately tried to keep control, especially after his dad left them, trying to make up for what he did, trying to prepare himself for the inevitable hatred, to distance himself. To keep control. But everything was so wrong now. Everything had gone so wrong, and he cant even fi nd it in himself to feel relief at his mothers soothing promises. He sobbed and me lted into his mothers arms, feeling like he was five again. Nobody noticed the huge black silhouette sailing closer towards them outside the window until it was knocking on their window. The snow was falling so heavily t hat they couldnt make out anything besides huge black object in the middle of a th ick sheet of snow. They were so startled that both of them jumped when it knocke d again on their window. Alex, still sniffling, attempted to pull away to open the window, only to be pul led back by his mother, who pushed him behind her despite his protestations. Th en the window slipped open with a loud crack, and a red-green object tumbled int o the room in a flurry. Ellie screamed in shock, and grabbed for the hairbrush on the nearby dresser, at tacking the object, which assumed a human form, viciously while Alex stared as a nother smaller form came through the blizzard and into the room. Through his tears he made out bronze hair very much like his, round glasses, and that familiar smile that made his heart lurch. He wiped away his tears and the blurry figure came into focus. It was all he could do not to tackle the man.

Dad? Ellie, having heard Alex, paused. Her eyes widened impossibly as she took in the figure next to the window. Alex. The man replied, dark brown eyes shining. Dad, Alex mouthed. Dad. Dad. Dad, he gasped in a frenzy, taking slow steps at first, n running full speed as he tackled the man, wrapping his arms and running his ha nds over his Dads body, staring at him like he was the greatest present. Then as quickly as he had tackled the man, he retreated abruptly as if being sho cked. Dad would be angry; he wouldnt want his murderer hanging on to him like a mo nkey. His arms suddenly felt hollow, his body empty as he yearned to touch his f ather just once more. The man bent down slightly, putting both hands on Alexs shoulders. Whats the matter, L exus?

Alex crumpled at the nickname. Im sorry, Dad. I didnt mean to. I really didnt mean to so sorry, Dad. I didnt mean to, he blubbered. I should have listened to you, I should have waited by the car, I didnt mean to Hey hey hey, Lexus, what are you going on about? The man frowned in consternation be fore crouching before his son, wiping away his tears with the pad of his thumbs, his hands cupping Alexs flushed cheeks. Alex melted into the touch, even as he said the dreaded words. I killed you, Dad. Im so sorry. I didnt mean to. You mean you shot up to six feet, got into a ski mask and those rubber suits, then got a gun and shoot me? Alex flinched. No, but- Then how on earth could you have killed me? When Alex didnt reply, Edward pulled the t een towards him, brushing his hand through the bronze curls. You did nothing, Alex . You followed my instructions, didnt you? You kept quiet. You did everything you could to keep both me and you safe. No, I didn- You kept yourself safe. Thats enough for me, Lexus. When Alex made to protest, the man put a finger on his lips. You were twelve, Al. You did the best you could. I dont b lame you; in fact, Im proud you kept as quiet as you did. Alex started to cry again when those words washed over him. It was all he wanted to hear, all he needed to hear. His dad was proud of him, and, if he dared to b elieve, his dad wasnt mad at him. His dad didnt blame him. In fact, Im very proud of you taking care of your mother like you did. I cant believe you did it, Lexus, but you did. Youve grown into a fine young man, Edward said to th e teen buried in his hollow under his chin, running his hand through the curls a gain. Im proud to have you as my son. Alex wrapped his hands tighter around the mans neck, feeling the mans arms circled h im and lifting him up, just like he used to before he turned eleven. Alex didnt ev en balk; he melted into it, savouring the moment.

Ellie could only watch as her husband talked to their son, blinking furiously. W as this an illusion? Was this some sort of dream and shell wake soon and find that shed overslept? How was this even possible? She turned her gaze back onto the personshe assumed it was humanshe had been attacki ng. White beard and red assaulted her eyes as she took in the very myth that chi ldren all over the world behaved for. This is no way to treat Santa, now is it? the man huffed irritably as he heaved hims elf to his feet. Though I supposed itll be asking too much for a woman not to attack an unknown intruder in this century, eh? He straightened his clothes over his rat her large belly, eyeing the embracing pair near the window. Ah, well, worth every bit of it, I guess. You exist? Ellie finally found her voice. The self-declared Santa eyed her with exasperation. Another non-believer. I should have known. Your husband had warned me. Then again, about every other adult in this dimension are non-believers. That one there, he gestured at Edward with his c hin, was a refreshing exception. Edward had picked up Alex by then, and he walked over to Ellie, a smile on his f ace. Hi, Ellie. Ellie stared at him, then breathed softly. You bastard. Santa chuckled. Vindictive one, isnt she? Attacks me, then verbally abuses husband s he hasnt seen in a year. You bastard, having our child suffering like he did. You couldnt have given me a hea ds-up, now could you? You couldnt have heaved your lazy butt over and tell me, hey, Alexs having trouble with my leaving? I talked to you every day, Ed, complained to y ou; hell, I begged you! Ellie, Edward replied. I was unavailable, remember?

Then what is this? What on earth do you call this this I dont even know what this is! es head was trying vainly to sort out the logic of all this, but she could hardly not believe her eyes when Edward was standing here, like hed always been. She had wanted too much to see him again, that her brain didnt even want to try to explain the situation anymore. Edward eyed the self-declared Santa. I dont know the details, Ellie, but it seemed t hat Alex wrote a letter to Santa. He what? He wrote a letter to our friend here, and apparently got angry, because he burnt t he letter. But what he didnt know was that, burning letters was the only way Mr C here could receive them. Burniyoure having me on. No, really. I had a good laugh too when he showed up. Thought it was some cruel jo ke. But turns out Alex did write a letter. He produced a small piece of regular wr iting paper on which Alexs angry scrawl decorated it. Here. Mr C gave it to me. He put the paper in Ellies hand. Ellie ran her eyes through it. The scrawl was indeed Alexs.

Dear Santa, it read, Christmass coming. I dont want it to come, but I dont suppose I c an ask Santa to stop Christmas. Its been a bad year, Santa, and I dont think I can b ear it anymore. I can see it in Moms face. She gets this tired look every time I l ose it. It isnt fair on her, I dont think. Ive tried my best to help her, but I really cant bear it anymore. I keep losing control now and it hurts sometimes at night t o see her sad. Please, send me something thatll help me keep it together this Chri stmas. People say you can do anything. Im sure you can think of something. No raci ng cars or guns, though, please. A huge blank space followed until it was broken by a tiny sentence on the corner. It was so tiny, written in hesitant strokes t hat Ellie had to squint. It read, if you cant think of anything, bring my dad back. I want my dad. Ellie covered her mouth with a hand, catching Edwards eyes. He smiled a little sad ly, and continued. So Mr C here checked up on Alex, decided hes a good kid, here he pa used, ruffling Alexs hair, who was looking at them with wide eyes, and came visiting . Ellie turned to stare at the chubby man sitting on the desk chair. Well, thats what I am for, eh? Fulfilling dreams and wishes, reuniting families, yada yada. No ne ed to thank me, he said good-naturedly. Thank your kid over there. Ellie laid a hand on Alexs back, feeling the teen relax. Ive failed him, Ed. I didnt n notice something was wrong. Edward pulled her into a hug with another arm. You did the best you could. Both of you did. He buried his cheek in her hair, chuckling. This feels like a dream, El. Y ou dont know how much I miss both of you. And you think we dont? Edward chuckled. Of course not. I know you miss my chicken dance. Both of you. Alex laughed, an elusive sound that had been hidden for the past year. Then, Daddy , are you going to stay? Ellie froze. Edward released her and put Alex down then, crouching in front of A lex and pulling her down with him. Ive been staying here for the past year now, have nt I? he rested a hand on Alexs left chest. Ellie heart dropped, even though she expec ted the answer.

That means you arent going to stay, isnt it? Youre going to leave. Alex announced m f-factly, even though his voice threatened to break.

Yes. We cant stay forever in this world, Lexus. Life is like the chicken dance. As f un as it is, it ends. No matter how many times you do it again, it ends. It does nt go on and on. No matter how many times I come here, Lexus, Im still going to have to go back. Its okay, Daddy. I understand. Alex wrapped his arms around the mans neck again, brea ng in his scent. Ellie joined his son, feeling tears well up again. Im still glad yo u came back, even once. Right then, Edward broke the group hug a few minutes later. He smoothed down Alexs rum pled clothes, and ran a hand down Ellies face. Its almost time. Grandmas coming over half an hour now and Mr C got to get ready for the big night. He grabbed hold of h is sons arms, rubbing it gently. Listen to your mom, do your homework and take care of your mom for me, alright? Remember, Im proud of you, no matter what you do. Dont blame yourself anymore, or Ill return and give you a hiding youll never forget. Alex nodded obediently. Ill miss you, Dad.

Me too, Lexus. Me too. Then Edward turned to Ellie, wiping away the tears that spilled over. Take care of our son, and also yourself, alright? It hurts more, seeing you leave again like this.

I know, Edward hugged her again, smoothing her hair like he always did. But its bette his way, isnt it? She nodded weakly. I love you. Edward smiled and pulled away. Love you too, El. He straightened up and nodded to Mr C. Were ready. Bye, loves. He waved and just as sudden they appeared, the two man disappeared, lik e theyve never been there before. The window was closed, and the snow outside slow ed and stopped. Alex turned to Ellie, his eyes saying what he couldnt. Ellie smiled at him. Lets go ge t ready for chocolate pudding, hmm? Alex nodded, leaning in for a quick hug and bounded to the bathroom. Their guests arrived half an hour later, with gifts and presents and the largest turkey theyd ever seen. The dinner went on as every feast should; raucous, loud, merry. They exchanged gifts and played games, told jokes and various tales of mi schief until Christmas arrived on the twelve strokes of midnight. And through it all, Ellie had Alexs hand firmly in hers, thanking Fate for bringin g her son back. Love and warmth suffused the air as they exchanged smiles amidst the cheers as the twelfth stroke sounded. It was Christmas, truly Christmas.