Holly Garland on Santa's Lap [COMPLETE]

Chapter 23 ~The whole truth and nothing but the truth~

It's the day before New Year's Eve. Seven in the morning. And I'm walking out of a police station barefoot.

Oh, and with a face that screams, "Don't mess with me."

No doubt about it now. The Universe is officially done with me.

Up until today, I thought it was just throwing me little warnings. But this year? It's like I got served an eviction notice:

Miss Holly Garland,

After several ignored warnings, we regret to inform you of your imminent expulsion. Please vacate your small, miserable life immediately. Failure to comply will result in the intervention of a certified Grim Reaper.

Yours sincerely,
The Universe.

I knew it! I've always felt out of place, not just in my family, but in the whole damn world. I've been certain something was off since the day I was born, like the Universe slipped up and has been regretting it ever since.

And now it looks like it's fixing its little mistake. Great timing. Not only is this the worst Christmas disaster of my life, but it's looking like my last one too. Like some grand finale fireworks show.

The Universe wants me gone in style. How sweet.

And if it's planning to boot me out with a swift kick, fine. I'll save it the trouble. If this is how my next Christmases are going to go—worse and worse every year—then I'm calling it quits now.

I'm done. Tapping out. Gloves off.

"Ginger! Wait!"

I step out of the taxi without a glance back, drowning in a dead silence.

We spent half the night in the hospital and the other half at the police station. If Nathan Reed, Nick's lawyer buddy, hadn't shown up, we'd probably still be there. So, no, I'm not in the mood to wait around for anyone.

"You can't just leave like this, without shoes!" Nick calls after me.

"Oh, really?" I snap, not even looking back. "Watch me."

"You're gonna cut your feet!"

That's it.

I stop, spin around, and face him.

"Whose fault is that, huh? Wanna remind me who thought it'd be funny to toss my shoes out the window like birdseed? Who's the reason I spent the night outside in December, barefoot and coatless? Do you really think I give a damn about my feet after having a gun pressed to my head? I almost died, Nick. And I still don't know why! Are you finally going to tell me something?"

He says nothing.

Thought so.

"Then shut up!" I snap, practically spitting the words. "I'm sick of you telling me what's good for me."

"You want me to carry you again, kiddo?" Tony offers in his big, gruff voice, breaking his silence for the first time since we left the taxi.

But I'm onto him. He might look like a walking brick wall, but he's just a big ol' teddy bear.

"No thanks, Tony. That's sweet of you, but I'm fine."

I soften my tone for him. After all, I might not even be standing here if it weren't for him. He's earned my gratitude—unlike Nick, who nearly got me killed.

I march toward the apartment entrance, Nick and Tony trailing behind me, still barefoot.

"Good morning!" the doorman greets, holding the door open.