Santa's Secret

by Heidi McLaughlin

  “What’s wrong? Are you hurt?”

  She looks at me oddly and shakes her head. “You told me to get ready for my bath.”

  “Right. I’m sorry, I forgot.” I did because my mind was elsewhere, places it shouldn’t be. Holly’s my only priority in life right now. I kneel over and start the water, pouring the right amount of bubbles into the tub. I swear, whoever is lucky enough to marry my daughter better do this for her every night because she deserves it.

  “I heard you saw my most favoritist person today.”

  “Favoritist isn’t a word, Holly.”

  She shrugs and does nothing to correct herself, but continues to look at me as if I owe her something. “Who would that be?” I hedge. In my world, I should be her most favorite, but something tells me I’m not even on the list.

  “Delaney,” she says.

  Right, of course. I nod and turn away from Holly so I can shut off the water. “There ya go. I’ll be in my room if you need me.”

  “Wait,” she says, grabbing hold of my arm. “I’m dying to know.”

  That’s when it hits me. My adolescent daughter transformed into a needy teenager while I was out shopping. Shouldn’t she be worried about other things, like what time Frosty’s on? “I’m not sure we have anything to discuss,” I tell her as I stand there with my hands on my hips. She mimics my stance but does it with so much more flare.

  “Dad,” she says, drawing my name out in her whiny tone. “You were with her today. I heard all about it. Why can’t you just tell me? Everyone in town says you saved her life.”

  “Your bath water is getting cold.” I point to the tub of bubbles.

  Holly sighs. “Fine, but once I’m in, you come sit on the toilet and talk to me.”

  This takes me by surprise, and as much as I’d rather not talk about today, I’m not going to pass up the opportunity to sit and talk with my daughter. I step out and wait by the door. It’s seconds later when she hollers for me. When I walk back in, she’s covered in bubbles and the only part of her visible is her head.

  I sit on the toilet and sigh. I don’t want her growing up so fast, but it seems inevitable. “Did you kiss her?”

  “Holly!”

  “What? She’s very pretty.”

  “You can’t go around kissing people. It’s called harassment.”

  Holly rolls her eyes, making me second-guess my reason for being in here. I could try to change the subject but have a feeling she isn’t going to stand for that. “Yes, Delaney is very pretty, and yes, I was with her today.”

  “Are you boyfriend and girlfriend?”

  “No, why would you ask that?”

  She shrugs. “Because Rachel said that Becky said Delaney was your girlfriend. Rachel made fun of me when I said it wasn’t true and she said her mom told her and Rachel called me a baby for not knowing.”

  My mind is frazzled by the gossip these seven-year-olds participate in. I know it’s not their fault, what they hear their parents talk about, but come on. Starting rumors where they aren’t needed doesn’t benefit anyone at all.

  “Holly, you can’t believe everything someone has to say.” I almost add ‘in this town’, but refrain. “People like to make up stories so that they seem important or have information someone else doesn’t have. Delaney and I are acquaintances. Do you know what that means?”

  She nods. “You say hi, but don’t invite them to dinner.”

  “Right, close enough. Today, Delaney was in trouble, so I helped her because it’s my job to help people. That’s the truth. Just because we were in the same spot at the same time doesn’t mean we’re dating.”

  “Do you want to date her?”

  I shake my head. “Delaney lives in California. We live in Vermont. Now I’m going to leave you so you can have your bath. The timer's on, so wash up.”

  “Wait.”

  “What, Holly?”

  “If you saved her today, that makes you her hero.”

  I nod and smile before stepping out of the bathroom and pulling the door closed until there’s a small crack left. Within a few steps, I’m in my room and sitting on my bed doing everything I can to forget Holly’s question about dating Delaney.

  The locker next to me slams shut, causing me to jump. I’m half asleep, and the coffee I guzzled down on my way into work hasn’t kicked in yet.

  “Did you ever know that you’re my hero…?”

  Dominic’s hand is outstretched as he continues to belt out the words to whatever song he’s singing. I push his hand away and continue getting dressed.

  “My sister was going on and on and on about the man who saved her,” he says as he falls back into the row of lockers, placing his hand over his forehead in a very dramatic way.

  “Whatever,” I mumble.

  “Seriously, though. As soon as Delaney came home, it was Aiden this and Aiden that. I wanted to plug my ears with glue so I wouldn’t have to listen to her talk about you. It was like we were back in high school when she had those ridiculous puppy dog eyes for you. I used to sneak into her room to read her diary. She used to write Delaney Fisher all over the pages. Man, she took your break-up hard.”

  I keep my head down so Dominic can’t see my expression. The reason we broke up was because he wouldn’t stop teasing us. Delaney and I could never be alone, and when we were, he would interrupt us.

  “You listening?”

  “Yeah,” I say, as I start to tie my boot.

  “Anyway, I thought you should know she’s back at it.”

  “I’m sure she was just experiencing some post-traumatic stress and needed to talk to someone about the incident.”

  Dom slams his locker door shut, causing me to jump again. “Nah, I think she has a crush.”

  I don’t move a muscle until the door to the locker room shuts. It’s only then that I allow myself to think about what Dom said, what Meredith said to me last night and what Holly told me. If things were different, I’d probably ask Delaney out, but her and I live in two completely different worlds.

  Eleven

  Delaney

  “I can do this. I can do this.” Somehow repeating a positive affirmation is supposed to calm my nerves about driving in the snow. I can’t say if this is the case or not because my car is still idling in my parents’ driveway. I thought about arranging for an Uber, but when I mentioned it to my father, he shook his head. Apparently, the state isn’t keen on allowing such services, leaving me no choice but to drive in two feet of freshly fallen snow.

  Each winter, when I was a child, I’d sit in the window and pray for so much snow, the district would have no choice but to cancel school. The thought of staying home and putting on a play with my stuffed animals was more exciting then sitting through math class to learn multiplication – something I knew I’d never use in my profession. I can’t recall one time a director has asked me to solve a math problem.

  Somehow, Mother Nature never heard my prayers. Sure, the snow would fall, but school was never canceled, unless the roads were too icy. Too much ice meant everyone in our house stayed home and I was unable to hone my acting skills.

  Acting and living in Los Angeles doesn’t prepare you for driving in the snow or being able to see through rapidly moving wipers. I should stay home, but this is my now or never moment. Ever since Aiden mentioned the festival play, I can’t seem to get it off my mind. I’m not sure if directing is what I want, but I do know I want to be involved. I want to give back to the community for all their support.

  My knuckles are white from the tight grip I have on my steering wheel. Navigating unplowed roads is a nightmare and something I haven’t done in ten years. I miss Calvin, my bodyguard who doubles as my driver when I’m not on set. After the incident at the mall, it’s apparent I need him here. I should’ve known better than to think I could roam around without being noticed.

  However, Aiden was there to save the day, and he’s the reason I’m driving through this storm. All because he planted an idea in my head that w
on’t go away. I don’t know if the drama club needs or wants my help, but I’m going to volunteer anyway.

  By the time I reach the main roads, they’re at least drivable and I’m able to relax. At the stop sign, I shake my hands out and flex my fingers, bringing some life back to them. Across from me, a police car is parked along the snow bank. It’s easy to see someone is in there, but I can’t tell who. I’m tempted to pull along the side and see if it’s Aiden or Dominic, but don’t want to bother either of them at work. Yet, I’m tempted to show up just to torment Dom and maybe spill a few adolescent secrets to Eileen. I’m really looking forward to spending more time with her, to get to know her better, especially if she’s going to my sister-in-law.

  I honk and wave as I turn onto the road in case it’s Aiden or my brother. Only a few more blocks and I’ll be back at the school that opened my mind to acting. One simple school play, and I was bitten by the bug that would become my career. Funnily enough, I still remember the words to Little Red Riding Hood, my first lead.

  Thankfully, there’s a parking spot somewhat near the building, but between the slush, puddles and falling snow, my pants have water spots, my boots are dirty and my face is wet. I call this a win for the day, even though others may disagree. I think things could always be worse, like being dumped publicly by my B-list boyfriend who can’t land a lead role.

  The entryway of the school is as cold as I remember. Back when I was here, I used to run through this ice-cold space and into the warmth of the school. Dominic and I were two of the lucky kids because our parents drove us every day. I try the handle, but the door doesn’t budge. I pull again, only to have the same result. The sign on the door tells me I have to push the button.

  “What button?” I mutter to myself as I look for something to press.

  “It’s on the wall,” a voice says, echoing through the corridor.

  “Since you see me standing here, can’t you just let me in?” I ask. There’s a long silence until I hear the door click. I resist rolling my eyes as I paste a smile on my face. The woman behind the Plexiglas grins from ear to ear, no doubt realizing who I am.

  “You’re Delaney Du Luca, the Sweetheart of Ramona Falls.”

  Thanks. “Oh, I don’t know about that.”

  “What, that you’re Delaney? Have you fallen and hit your head? Do you need me to call your parents?” the woman asks.

  Only in a small town. “No, the sweetheart part. I’m sure there are other more deserving people than I am.”

  She shakes her head.

  “Anyway, is Mrs. Winters available?”

  “Let me see.” She sits down and picks up a phone, smiling at me while she waits for someone to pick up the other end. In hindsight, I should’ve called and made an appointment with her. Dropping by in the middle of the school day is so unprofessional. I can’t believe I’ve done this.

  “Yes, I said the Delaney Du Luca.”

  My name catches my attention, only to find the receptionist gawking at me. I try to smile, but it feels forced so I stop trying.

  “Mrs. Winters is waiting for you in her classroom.”

  “Great, thank you.” I head toward the hall where I remember her room being. Artwork from the students lines the hall and each bulletin board is decorated for the holidays with green garland and snowflakes. I remember making trees with cotton balls and construction paper. Art was my favorite subject in elementary school.

  I knock on the wooden door and turn the handle. Mrs. Winters turns her attention toward me as I step into her class. The loud gasps bring a wide smile to my face. I wave at her students and rush over to give her a hug. “It’s so good to see you,” I tell her.

  Mrs. Winters pulls away, leaving her hands on my shoulders. “Look at you, Delaney, so grown up.”

  I nod and shrug. “You haven’t changed one bit, Mrs. Winters.”

  “Just older,” she says, brushing me off. She keeps her hand on my shoulder as she turns me to face the class. “Children, allow me to introduce you to Delaney Du Luca.” I wave and everyone says hi. Most of the girls whisper among themselves, and I find myself looking for Aiden’s daughter, even though I have no idea what she looks like and the kids in this class seem to be older.

  “I’m sorry to interrupt your class, Mrs. Winters.”

  “Oh no, worries. We were working on our songs for the festival play.”

  “That’s why I’m here. I’d like to help,” I tell her, watching as her eyes light up. She clasps her hands together.

  “Oh, Delaney, I think that’s just wonderful. Don’t you, class?”

  The chorus of yesses gives me a surge of happiness. I don’t know why this means so much to me, but it does. Mrs. Winters tells me there’s a meeting after school and suggests I be there. I promise her I will be before leaving her to tend to her class.

  With time to waste, I stop at the local diner and pick up lunch to take to my favorite guy. Stepping inside my dad’s office is like stepping into a time machine. His walls are covered with pictures of Dominic and me, from the time we were toddlers until now.

  My finger runs along the frames, each image bringing up a good memory. The more time I seem to spend here, the more I feel like I’ve been losing myself in Hollywood. Everyone makes a big deal out of me being Delaney Du Luca, when I really just want to be the girl who used to follow her brother around, begging to play with him and his friends.

  “Well, aren’t you a sight for sore eyes,” my dad’s voice has me spinning on my heels to face him.

  “Hi, Daddy.” I hold up the greasy bag of food from the diner.

  “To what do I owe… oh no you didn’t.”

  “I did, but only if you don’t tell Mom!”

  My dad rushes over to his door and peeks his head around the corner, asking his secretary to hold his calls. He shuts the door and rubs his hands together. “You can guarantee I won’t tell your mom. Come on, let’s sit.”

  He clears us off a spot on his table and holds the chair out for me. I rip into the bag of poutine and set it in the middle of the table. “I haven’t had this since I left,” I tell him, taking the first gravy drenched fry.

  “No, I can’t imagine poutine would be very popular in California.”

  My dad and I dig in. Every so often, our forks crash into each other, vying for that one soggy fry.

  “Are you happy to be home?”

  “I am. I still can’t believe I ventured out in the storm today, though.”

  My dad looks out the window and laughs. “Storm? Sweetie, this isn’t a storm.”

  I shrug. “It is to me. If there’s even a hint of snow in Los Angeles, the town shuts down, the grocery stores are emptied and everyone hunkers down. It’s like an apocalypse. I used to laugh, but now I do the same thing.”

  “I suppose people forget how to drive in the snow.”

  “And dress. I had to run to Burlington to buy clothes the other day.”

  Dad puts his fork down and rubs his belly. “I heard about that. Aiden saved the day?”

  “He did. I think I’m going to call Calvin and ask him to fly out here. I thought I’d feel safe, but the other day…”

  “You’re popular, Delaney. People get excited when they see you. I don’t think anyone will fault you for having your bodyguard with you. Maybe you should ask Dom to do it.”

  My eyes go wide at the suggestion of Dominic being my security detail. Something tells me he’d let someone get too close, thinking it’s funny.

  “Yeah, never mind,” my dad says, laughing. “I have a feeling you and I just had the same thought.”

  “It’s okay for Calvin to stay at the house?”

  “Of course. He’s family.” Dad stands and comes over to me. He places a kiss on top of my head. “Duty calls though, sweetheart. I need to meet with the recreation committee about the festival.”

  “Speaking of, I stopped by and saw Mrs. Winters before I came here. I volunteered to help with the play. I thought it’d be a good way to give back to t
he community,” I say, shrugging.

  “Delaney, I think that’s a great idea. I was going to ask if you’d be interested in doing a meet and greet during the festival? We can build a booth, set some time limits. I just know so many people are excited you’re home and they all want to see you.”

  “Like a kissing booth?” I ask, winking at my dad. He turns red and it’s not from embarrassment, but anger. The last thing he’d ever agree to is letting me have a kissing booth. I shrug. “It was worth a shot, but yes, I’ll do a meet and greet for you.”

  “Thank you.”

  He comes back and pulls me from my seat so he can give me a hug. “I’m so happy you’re home, Delaney. You’ve made this holiday even more special.”

  “Thank you, Daddy.”

  He sniffles as he pulls away, making sure I can’t see if his face. Once he’s out of sight, I start to clean up our lunch.

  “He’s happy you’re home.”

  I look at the doorway to find a woman, whom I’ve never met, standing there. “Thanks. I’m happy to be here.”

  “I’m Shelby,” she says, walking toward me with her hand extended. “I’m the chairwoman of the recreation committee.”

  “Nice to meet you.” I try to juggle the trash as best as I can while trying to shake her hand. Unfortunately, the bag falls onto the floor, open side down. Great, there’s going to be gravy and cheese curds everywhere. “Sorry about that.”

  “No worries. Anyway,” Shelby says with a sigh. “It was nice to meet you.” She waves as she leaves his office. I look down at the mess, only to see gravy running down the front of my pants.

  “Lovely.”

  Twelve

  Aiden

  Holiday decorations line the street my parents live on. Everything from classic lights to a waving Frosty, and an inflatable Santa with a reindeer set haphazardly on a roof. People here don’t spare any expense when it comes to bringing holiday cheer.

  Pulling into my parents’ driveway, my truck’s pelted with snowballs immediately. I try to look for the culprit, but only see multiple shadows. Whoever is outside, they’re leaving me no choice, but to sneak out of my truck. As stealthily as possible, I slide out, quickly realizing I’m not as young as I used to be. As luck would have it, my father plowed his driveway, leaving me without any ammunition to face my attackers. Thankfully, I’m a trained police officer and while I don’t participate in tactical training, I did learn a few things at the academy.