The Secret About Christmas Read Free

over my shoulder to make sure I wasn’t holding up the line by talking to this sweet child, but Santa aka Mr. Rude-as-shit-asshat, was still talking to the little boy who had gone up before this little girl.
    “No. I think Mommy lied so I wouldn’t feel like it was my fault that Daddy didn’t want to come be with us, but I know.”
    I sat back on my heels in awe of how honest this small child was. She had to be only about five years old, but her maturity level was greater than even some of my friends. It amazed and baffled me that a five year old could comprehend all the bad things along with the good, and she didn’t even seem fazed by it. “I’m sure your Daddy loves you very much. Sometimes people just have to grow up before they can be responsible for anyone else.” As much as I wish I could talk to her all day, I knew her turn was coming up next, and sooner or later, her mom was going to start getting mad.
    I glanced over my shoulder to see the little boy walking out towards the exit rope, and Santa was waving for me to let the next child go. I looked up at the little girl’s mom, and smiled as I stood to speak to her, but I was literally at a loss for words. I had no idea what to do in a situation such as this one, and I really didn’t want to offend anyone by saying anything. I must’ve been standing there a bit too long, because suddenly “Santa” was calling my name.
    “Elf Christmas, could you please send the next child?” I swear if there weren’t so many kids around, I would walk right up to him and punch him in his chestnuts, and then possibly roast them on an open fire.
    Before I could do anything I would regret, I quickly turned back around and unlatched the hook. “Looks like you’re next, cutie.” I pulled the velvet rope to the side to let her and her mom go through.
    “Is your last name really Christmas?” Her whole head of curls were now bouncing as her excitement from hearing my last name grew to exponential amounts.
    “It sure is.” I smiled.
    “My name is Lexie-May, but you can call me Lex.”
    I couldn’t help the wide genuine smile that formed across my face as she spoke. “Well it is a pleasure to meet you Lex. I hope you get everything you wish for this Christmas.”
    “Thanks.” And before I could respond, she was running full speed into Santa’s arms, leaving her mother behind.
    “Thank you for that.” I looked to the side as her mother spoke softly to me. “It’s been a rough year, and I know that what you just did, meant the world to her.”
    “She is an amazing little girl, and no thanks needed. She made my day brighter just in the five minutes I got to spend with her. I hope you both have a very Merry Christmas.”
    “Thank you, you too…” She paused, waiting for me to say my name, I assume.
    “Noel.” I stuck my hand out to shake hers.
    “Wait, you’re name-“
    “Yes, my name is Noel Christmas. You don’t even want to know my middle name. I am proof positive that parents should not be allowed to name their children without someone’s permission.” I let out a loud laugh, and so did she.
    “I’m Vanessa, it was really nice to meet you. Happy Holidays, Noel.”
    I smiled as Vanessa made her way past me and over towards Santa. I couldn’t help but stare at her and her daughter. I’m sure I looked like some sort of stalker, but I just couldn’t fathom how someone my age was raising such an amazing child. It wasn’t just that she was only twenty-one and raising a five year old, it was that she had been raising said five year old since she was only sixteen, I’m assuming. It was amazing.

Four
    Hayden
    I watched her intently as she interacted with the little blonde girl. I couldn’t hear a word either of them spoke, but I could tell that the little girl was getting to her. I could visibly see her heart melting as that little girl pushed that strand of hair out of her face, and I couldn’t help but wonder what this girl was all about. I knew she