Page 10 of Christmas Wishes

"I'm sure of it. I'm going to ask him to introduce me to them."

When she finishes fixing up Connor's dinner she goes and knocks at his door. He shouts something that I can't make out and she comes back, a frown on her face.

"Was that a yes, maybe or?"

"He'll be out in a minute."

"How are you feeling? You look better. Talk to me. How can I help?"

"I don't want to burden you with my problems, Gene. That's not what our friendship is about."

"It depends on how you define friendship. We've definitely become close in the past two years. Even though our texts and phone calls haven't been that deep I feel a connection with you."

Her eyes snap towards me when I let out this confession.

"I feel it too."

"Come sit down. Let's talk."

"Let me make us some hot chocolate first."

"With marshmallows?"

"Of course. What do you take me for?"

"An evil temptress."

It was a joke but her cheeks gain some color and I think she's embarrassed. Her movements in the kitchen are swift and certain, like she has done this a hundred times over. I'm a little enchanted by her. So much so that I'm startled when she hands me the cup of hot chocolate.

It's got Christmas designs on it and she put a ton of tiny marshmallows in it, making me drool. I'm heading for the living room, when Connor comes out of his room and sits down at the table. We sit at the table with him while he eats.

"Why are you guys staring at me? And why ishehere?"

"Connor, you didn't really promise me you won't steal again or do anything illegal for that matter." Lilah says.

He bites his sandwich and chews for a bit looking directly at his sister. If I were to guess as to what he was thinking I'd say he's trying to think of words that would appease her but that at the same time give him leeway to find a way to get her more money. But then, I don't know this kid that well.

"Lilah…"

"Connor, please."

"I need to be able to help you with this. We're a family, right?"

"Yes, but I had hoped you'd have more time to grow up and find your own way in life. Not be burdened with my failures."

"You're not a failure, Lilah." I interrupt their conversation.

"I can barely keep food on the table, Gene. If we're not careful social services might intervene and take Connor away from me. He'd go into the foster system."

"No! Never that! My friends have a horrible foster family. That's why they keep stealing and saving in order to have enough to run away." He jumps up in agitation.

"Wait. Sit down. Are these friends the Mcallister boys?" Lilah asks in a gentle voice.

"Um, yeah."

"I'd like to meet them. Talk to them. You've been spending a lot of time with them this year."

"Are you going to embarrass me in front of them?"

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