Santa Loves Curvy Girls

22. Belle

22

BELLE

I woke up on Christmas Day and stared out my window. There was fresh snow on the ground, and the sun shone bright. I smiled before everything that had happened recently jumped to the forefront of my mind.

I went through the motions that morning, doing my best to enjoy Christmas with my family.

Dylan got a new PlayStation, which he plugged in right away. I got some baking supplies, including a special cookbook I’d been eyeing for a long time and some unique new cookie cutters.

Opening presents always brought a smile to my face. My parents always gave us the best gifts, but after we were done, I couldn’t help but think that there was one thing I likely wasn’t going to get this Christmas after all.

And that was seeing my Christmas wish come true. There were just a few more hours left, and short of a Christmas miracle… Well, it was time to let it go.

We had our traditional Christmas Day lunch of giant turkey sandwiches from yesterday’s leftover roast turkey, and then I got ready for my last shift at the mall.

A celebration and party, really.

The mall would be open but just so everyone could come by and say goodbye to Santa and his elves before they set off for the North Pole again.

I pulled on my elf hat, bundled up, and set off for Cider Center. It was probably going to be awkward seeing Santa, but the faster I could get this over with, the better. Leave it all behind, from the sweet, fun memories to the heartbreak.

Maybe I’d see Bethany or Holly there. For sure we’d all be together for New Year’s Eve, and that was something to look forward to.

As soon as I got to the mall, I wished I was back home, baking and blissfully ignoring everything that had happened the past few days.

I stood with all the other elves near the chair where Santa Claus sat as the mayor himself dropped in to congratulate us on a job well done.

“Three thousand,” Mom said, microphone in hand. “That’s how many children and families you made a difference for this year. I hope you’re all proud of the incredibly important work you did this holiday season.”

The mayor began clapping wholeheartedly, and we all joined in. My heart lit up. It was worth all the clean-up, crazy kids, and long hours. Even the heartbreak.

Mom handed the mayor the mic. He addressed us, looking around. “I really do hope you’re proud of the work you’ve done for the town of Garland. I know I’m proud.” Everyone clapped at his remark. “Our citizens and families are proud, and you’re the reason for this year’s magical Christmas season.” He glanced at Santa Claus, who sat in his chair several feet away from me, clapping and joining in as well. “And I hear that this year’s Santa is the best we’ve ever had, which is really saying something. Please join me in thanking him.” He set the mic aside and began clapping. We all joined in, and I finally chanced a glance at Santa. He stood up and gave a humble bow.

When the clapping finally died down, Mom told us to eat and drink up. This party was for us. The music came on and the elves and other workers dispersed, talking excitedly and getting in line for food.

I talked to a couple of the girls my age who I’d gotten to know more during my shifts here, but mostly, I wanted to head back home.

Mom wanted to walk home together, though, so I stuck around a little while longer.

It wasn’t long before everyone was ready to go home. I was itching to get back into my thick Christmas pj’s and crawl into bed. Maybe text my friends for a little while.

I saw Santa hang around and talk to some of the elves and even the mayor, and I made sure to stay away. Talking to him wouldn’t fix anything. That I knew.

But when I walked toward the back room to wait in Mom’s office, I was surprised to hear a “Belle, wait!” behind me.

I turned back and saw Santa approaching me. He entered the hallway that led to Mom’s office. I froze, wondering what he wanted.

“Hey,” he said, finally coming to a stop in front of me.

“Hey,” I said quietly.

“Listen, I know I’m probably the last person you want to talk to right now, but I just wanted to…” He slowed down, his brows knitting together. “I just wanted us to say goodbye before we go back to our regular lives.”

I realized what he already knew. This was it. The last time I would ever see him.

Maybe he would see me. He’d recognize me. But I would not recognize him. We would just be two normal people with some history.

“I’m sorry for the way things ended, Belle,” he went on. “But I’m not sorry for everything that happened between us.”

Before I could say anything, he reached down and kissed me on the cheek. For a second, I thought he might start really kissing me, like that time outside with snow falling all around us.

But he didn’t.

“Bye,” I managed.

And then he was gone.