The Santa Sub: A Captain Swan Story

Part 5/6

Belle watched Emma stare blankly at her computer screen. She'd been like this for days, ever since she'd learned the truth about Killian.

"Emma, you can't go on like this."

"On like what?" she asked.

"I've seen zombies more alive than you. Why don't you just go see him?"

"What would be the point? It's over."

Belle reached over and covered Emma's hand with her own. "Emma, we've known each other since we were 16 years old and working the cash registers in the shoe department. We've been there for each other through the good and the bad, the failures and successes. I want you to be happy. I have never seen you happier than when you were with Killian. And I have never seen you more miserable now that you're without him."

Emma squeezed her eyes closed. "It's not that simple. I can't be with someone I can't trust."

"He's not Neal, Emma. Neal's feelings for you weren't real. Killian's are. I know you believe that."

"I don't know what to believe anymore," she whispered.

Belle shook her head. "Yes, you do. If Killian's feelings weren't real, then you never would have heard from him again. People aren't perfect, Emma. They make mistakes. Terrible mistakes. But sometimes you have to open your heart to second chances if you want a chance at happiness."

With that, Belle stood up and walked away. Emma watched Belle disappear from view before returning her attention to her computer screen.

...

That night, Emma stopped at the same hot dog cart and bought a hot dog. She would never admit it, but Killian had gotten her hooked on them. She'd had one every day since. She also wouldn't admit to herself that eating them reminded her of him.

She ate the hot dog as she walked along the sidewalk, stopping to admire the store window displays. There was something comforting in their familiarity. She could never count on much as a foster kid. Stability was non-existent. But she could always count on those Christmas window displays every year. They were magical and they always gave her hope that things could get better.

Emma continued to walk, stopping outside Macy's. Her eyes moved to the window display. Something was different. The display had been of a living room awaiting Santa's arrival. It had a fireplace with stockings hanging from it. A fully decorated and lit tree stood in the corner and gifts were placed beneath it. A chair sat front and center with an end table beside it. On the end table was a glass of milk, a plate of cookies, and a letter to Santa.

But now there was a new addition. Santa was sitting in the chair. But this wasn't a mannequin Santa or some stuffed, fake thing. No, there was a real, living and breathing Santa sitting in the chair. Emma's eyes met his and her heart skipped a beat. She'd know those eyes anywhere.

Her mouth dropped open, as she stood frozen to her spot. She watched as he picked up the letter that lay beside him on the table and then disappeared behind the fireplace.

He appeared a few moments later, standing in front of her on the sidewalk.

"Killian, what are you doing?" she asked.

"I needed to get your attention. I figured this was a good way."

Emma sighed. "I already told you there's nothing left to talk about."

He shook his head. "I don't want to talk. I just wanted to give you this."

He held the piece of paper up to her. "What is it?"