Page 11 of Christmas Wishes

"I'll try my best not to, buddy."

With that he takes the remaining half of his sandwich and stomps back to his bedroom. Lilah looks at his retreating form and sighs then turns to me.

"Want more hot chocolate?"

"I'm good, thanks."

"Let's sit in the living room."

I follow her like a puppy after it's master and sit down next to her on the couch.

"Thanks, Gene. For your support."

I search her face to see the truth. See how she's really holding up after all of this, but I find nothing but a placid smile.

"He still didn't give you what you asked for."

"I'll keep at him, don't you worry. Right now I want to know how you are doing."

"Me?"

"Yes. Seeing your mom like that isn't easy for anyone, much less someone that loves her as much as you do."

"I…don't know what to tell you."

"Just open up to me, like I did for you."

She turns her body so she's facing my side and grabs my large hand into her tiny soft ones. An electric current passes between us and I almost take my hand away. Her face doesn't show that she felt the same shock I did. Should I feel relieved about that?

"I shouldn't have left her, but things got out of control really fast here. You saw how it was. Hell, you've been living with the consequences."

"I'm sorry, but I'm not about to let people talk badly about someone I care about."

Her words hit me hard in the feels and I don't know if she realizes what's she's said about me.

"Growing up, it was just me and my mom. Dad passed away in a freak accident when I was three and left her widowed and me half an orphan. Mom had to work hard to keep food on the table. That's why I admire you so much. I know what that's like."

Memories of growing up with such a wonderful woman such as my mother flood my thoughts. They soothe me, but they also hurt me. I should have been a better son.

"You are a good son, Gene."

I didn't realize I said the words out loud. I feel her hands tighten around my own. Her skin is warm against mine and the desire to touch her almost overwhelms me.

"The thing is, Lilah. I did all those horrible things they accuse me of. The blackmail, the stealing, the manipulating. I did all of it."

Her tiny hands let go of my hand and I see a look of horror come into her face.

"There's a reason." I hurry to add. "Or at least what I consider a good reason. My mom was my best friend and biggest supporter. I gave her a good life when I was a hot shot lawyer in Austin, and she enjoyed herself. When she started feeling poorly I rushed her to all the best doctors in Texas. But there was nothing they could do."

I take a few moments to gather my thoughts. I want to tell it right, but I don't want all the rage and anguish to come back and overcome me.

"My mother accepted her prognosis like the angel she is, but the diagnosis left me bitter and angry. At the doctors, at God, at everyone. I was hurting and I wanted everyone else around me to feel the same way. She said she wanted to move here to Woodland Falls where things were simpler, so I packed us both up and came here. I thought I could care for her."

I'd been so sure I could handle caring for my ailing mother, but seeing her wither away hurt me deeply.

"Unfortunately I had too much time on my hands and got involved in politics and ran for Mayor. I've always been very charismatic so I wasn't surprised that I had made an impression in the town. Inside, though, I was sore and hurt. I don't know if like attracts like, but shady characters started approaching me because of my position of power, and they did not have good intentions."

"So what the Hoffers are saying is the truth?"

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