Note: While authors are asked to place warnings on their stories for some moderated content, everyone has different thresholds, and it is your responsibility as a reader to avoid stories or stop reading if something bothers you.
A Christmas Gift - 2. Chapter 2
Christmas and New Years’ came and went. Soon it was time to leave. Mom and Dad gave Tony an option of going back with me or staying there. He could finish school, and since he was now 18, he is independent of his parents.
“Chet, what should I do?
“Tony, only you can answer that question. I can see that my parents have taken to you and have feelings for you. But you have a home no matter what you want to do. Think about it tonight, pray about it and let me know in the morning. We’ll go to the diner for breakfast, whether you stay or come with me.”
Leaving Tony in his room, I went downstairs to chat with my folks. I had already told them about what happened and how I met him. They asked me what I thought about him staying with them. “Truthfully, I want him to come with me. It’d be nice to have someone around; sometimes, it gets lonely. But the decision is what is best for Tony. He can finish school with me, and a large university close by that he could attend. I can even get him a part-time job where I work.”
We chatted some more, and then it was time to hit the hay. The next morning, I woke to a knock at my door. When I yelled yes, the door open, and Tony was there. I padded the side of my bed for him to sit. “I have given it a lot of thought, and I think I’d like to go back with you if that’s ok.”
“Yes, it’s fine with me. May I ask what made you decide to go back with me?”
“I only have half of a semester to finish my senior year. The university where I wanted to go is closer to you than Mom and Dad. I could help out at your place, like clean and cook. So I wouldn’t be in your way. Maybe I could get a part-time job and help out with the food. How do you think Mom and Dad will take this?”
“They understand, and I think they’ll be happy with whatever your choice would be.”
That morning as we packed the car, dad came out and pulled me aside. “I like the boy. He has had some rough stuff thrown at him. He’ll always be welcomed here, and if you need anything, and I mean anything, you let me know.”
“Thanks Dad. I love you. Why don’t you and Mom come with us to the diner? We’ll get Stella to fix one of their special breakfasts.”
Dad and Mom followed us to the diner. Of course, we all got a hug from Stella, and Tony hugged back. I think that’s the first time Stella was hugged back. She gave him a kiss on the cheek and a big smile.
True to form, the same breakfast that we had when we arrived, we had again. We enjoyed it as a family. Saying goodbye to Mom and Dad was always hard. I love my parents and wish I could have stayed close by, but we go where the jobs take us.
On the drive back to the city and home, I had a chance to reflect on all that happened in the last two weeks. As I passed the spot where I first saw Tony, I noticed a bus shelter existed at that spot on the highway for the first time. Why hadn’t I seen that then? Was it raining too hard, or were my eyes too tired? Or was it that I was destined to help this young man. Maybe he was a surprised Christmas gift.
- 22
- 20
Note: While authors are asked to place warnings on their stories for some moderated content, everyone has different thresholds, and it is your responsibility as a reader to avoid stories or stop reading if something bothers you.
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