Santa Loves Curvy Girls

27. Nick

27

NICK

N ew Year’s Eve was right around the corner, and all everyone could talk about was the big party at Haley’s house.

But all I could think about was Belle, how much I missed her, and what Mom had said about there always being a way.

The day after our conversation, I was lying in bed, bored and missing the Christmas season at the mall, when it hit me.

The committee had been able to communicate with me through the post office. What if I could communicate back?

I had no idea what they would say to the idea of me letting Belle in on my big secret, but what I knew for sure was that I had to try.

If I didn’t, it was guaranteed that I’d never get her back.

But if I wrote to them… then maybe I had a chance of fixing this. Of having a real relationship with her, not as Santa, but as Nick St. James.

I dug through my school bag waiting in my closet, found a pen and sheet of paper, and made my way to the kitchen table. My room was hardly big enough for my bed and dresser, let alone a desk, so I always did my homework in the kitchen anyway, ever since I was little.

I sat there, pen in hand, not knowing where to start. I glanced over at my goldfish, watching him swim about his tank for a moment while I thought over my words.

Dear Secret Santa Committee of Garland,

My name is Nick St. James. Also known as this year’s Secret Santa. But you already knew that.

I’m writing to you today for two reasons.

One, to say thank you. I never would’ve guessed that I would be selected and have the honor of doing this job. It changed my perspective, and I’m truly grateful for the experience, knowing I got to participate in one of Garland’s most sacred traditions. Seeing how happy it made the children in town was worth more than any present I could get under the tree.

Two, I want to ask for a favor. I want to break the rules and tell one very special person that it was me behind the beard and the suit. Please allow me to explain why…

I exhaled and kept writing.

Before long, I was on my way to the post office, my letter carefully folded and sealed in an envelope. I couldn’t help but think that my letter probably sounded stupid. Maybe they wouldn’t even get it, but I had to try and hope my mom was right—that there was a way for Belle and me to be together.

My hands were cold and so were my ears. I’d been so focused on getting this letter to the post office that I’d forgotten to grab my hat and gloves.

I stood outside the brick building, in front of the blue metal letter drop box, hoping Mr. Long would know how to get my letter to the right place. I looked at the front of the envelope one more time. It was addressed to the Secret Santa Committee of Garland. There was no return address. They would know it was me. They would know how to get in touch. But hopefully, this letter actually got to them in the first place. Otherwise, I had no idea how else I could reach them.

Finally, I dropped my letter in, shoved my hands in my pockets to warm them up, and made my way back home.

The whole time I kept thinking: Where was Belle now? Would I get to tell her the truth?