Saintwood: Homecoming ✔️(Wattpad version)

Christmas time

Classes were out for winter break, and everyone went home except me. Dad and Mom were out of town because of Dad's job, and I didn't have the money to go back. Ryan and the others offered, but I refused. I didn't want to be a charity case since Ryan's family has done so much for us already. I figured that was enough.

Since it went all students for Christmas, I would have a quiet celebration of my own. After last year, I didn't want to deal with any drama. I know Ryan and Elena's parents hosted their annual Christmas party, so I was a little bummed to miss that, but I'll manage.

Ryan and I talked on the phone every day, and I also spoke to everyone else. I missed them, but with money tight, I knew it was for the best. It turns out that Dad owed many people when he borrowed money to support his gambling habit. I was lucky to have scholarships to attend school.

It is Christmas Eve, and I went down to the diner, picking up some dinner, taking it back to my room. I had my laptop all set up with some Christmas movies and snuggled underneath some warm blankets. It had snowed outside.

Right before I hit play, my phone went off. Ryan's name showed up on my screen.

"Hello?" I answered.

"Hey, baby," he greeted me.

"Hi, babe," I greeted him back.

"What are you doing?"

"Getting ready to watch a Christmas movie. I went to the diner and picked up dinner. Now, I'm all snuggled up under my blankets," I told him.

"You know it's not too late to change your mind about coming. We can send for you."

"I appreciate the offer, but your parents have done so much for me, and it wouldn't be right to take their money," I reasoned.

"Will you stop being stubborn? It's not the same without you. Plus, we can sleep in my room."

"As tempting as that sounds, I'll be fine. You have fun, and I will see you all when you get back," I assured Ryan.

"Okay, I love you."

"I love you, too," I told him.

Yeah, I know, call me crazy for turning down my boyfriend's offer, but it's the principle of it all, plus I'm no gold digger. Money doesn't matter to me. I'm used to not having much anyway, so I'm good.

I was in the middle of watching The Santa Claus with Tim Allen when I heard a knock at the door. I ignored it. No one was here, except me. I went back to watch the movie when I heard another knock. It was probably the cleaning lady the college hired to keep things tidy when the students left for the break. I tried again, then a few minutes later, I heard another knock at the door.

Finally, having had enough interruptions, I answered it. They dressed, standing at my door as Santa Claus. Ok, what kind of freak shows up at someone's door when they're alone?

"Ho, ho, ho, Merry Christmas!" They exclaimed in a jolly tone.

Then I realized, so I went over to my side drawer, grabbed two dollars, and walked back over to him. I handed him the money. "Sorry, I forgot to give this year. It's only two dollars, but at least it's a little something." I gave him a small smile. He arched an eyebrow.

"If you need more, that's all I have. See, I will get a job after the holidays to make a little extra money and next year I'll be able to give a little more. Sorry, if it's not enough. I know some kids have little and I feel bad I can't give more," I said, shifting my eyes down to my feet. I felt embarrassed at that moment, and I felt like a cheapskate.