Santa's Secret

Right. Got it. Except I don’t, and I’m trying not to panic. I fumble through the kitchen, barely escaping a toe-stubbing accident and use my hands to guide my way until I’ve reached the cool metal of the flashlight. I press the button, and it comes on instantly. “So much better,” I say with relief.

I do as Aiden asks, making sure all of Holly’s stuff is ready to go in the event we have to evacuate. It’s only when I pick up my coat, does my cell fall out of my pocket. I bring it to life; surprised I still have cell service here. It’s always been questionable here.

Numerous texts are sitting there, unread. Most of them are from Calvin, asking if he needs to come pick me up. The last thing I want is for him or anyone else to drive in this storm, and honestly, I don’t want to leave Aiden and Holly.

There’s a soft glow coming from the fireplace, illuminating Aiden. His back is to me, giving me the perfect opportunity to stare at him. Under his bulky clothes I imagine his muscles are straining each time he stokes the fire and how much he must feel a sense of pride for making sure his little girl has heat.

My phone vibrates again with a text from Calvin. I open it and reply with: I’m fine. See you in the morning, before shutting it off. The weather turned what could’ve been a quick night into the slumber party Holly wants to have.

“The fire feels great,” I say, standing next to Aiden with my hands hovering toward the opening.

“Thanks. As I said, I don’t normally use it.”

“Why not? It’s a great source of heat.”

Aiden shakes his head slightly and doesn’t answer. I use this as my cue to go back to Holly. She’s lying down, watching her father as he builds a fire, but as soon as I sit, she crawls into my lap and nestles into me.

“What’s it like to make a movie?” she asks.

“Oh boy… well, it can be a lot of fun, but can also be a lot of work. I have to memorize my lines and say them repeatedly, all while someone is telling me what to do. However, I get to play dress up all the time, and someone is always playing with my hair and doing my makeup.”

“That sounds fun.”

“It can be.” My fingers start moving through her hair. She looks up and smiles.

“What else?” Aiden asks. He sits down in the middle of the couch, his leg touching mine. I make zero effort to move.

“Well, let’s see. Sometimes I get to travel and go to these amazing places to shoot the movies. Other times, they’re done on a studio lot.”

“What’s that?” Holly asks.

“It’s a giant place where a lot of television shows are filmed, along with commercials, movies, and a few other things. Someday, I’ll show you.”

“You will?” she asks, sitting up straighter. “You mean I can come to your house?”

“Of course, you and your dad can come anytime you want.”

I can feel Aiden’s eyes on me. I’m hesitant to look at him, knowing I’ve overstepped. It happens. I get excited. I haven’t been able to be me in a long time. I mean sure, Holly’s asking about making movies, but somehow her questions feel different. She’s not doing it to be intrusive. She wants to know about me and my life.

“Tell me, are you a Girl Scout?”

She nods, and a yawn quickly follows. “A Brownie. I’m earning my badges.”

“I was a Brownie too when I was your age. I couldn’t wait to become a Girl Scout so I could sell cookies.”

“Cookies are my favor…” another yawn cuts off her words.

“Why don’t I take you to bed, Holly.” Aiden reaches for his daughter. Only she snuggles deep into the hole between my body and the back of the couch.

“No, I want to stay with Delaney, and I don’t have a nightlight.”

“It’s late,” he states.

“I’ll go to sleep right here.” Holly closes her eyes, causing Aiden and me to chuckle. He shakes his head, clearly admitting defeat. When he doesn’t reach for her, I adjust slightly, giving her more space, and making sure she’s covered.

There’s a long bit of silence, where only the crackling of the fire, the whistling wind, and our breathing fills

the void.