Chapter 5
Later...
Jeff POV
I tapped Nick's arm.
"Nick?" I whispered.
"What?" He whispered back.
"I need to use the bathroom."
"So go."
"I'm nervous."
"Oh... You want me to come with you?"
"Yeah."
"Ok, let me just tell my friends."
After Nick told his friends, we snuck out of the theater.
"So... You don't like to be alone, right? Being alone makes you nervous?" Nick asked.
"Yeah, that's one of the things that makes me nervous... I'm sorry..."
"It's ok, Jeff. Don't feel bad. I don't mind."
Nick walked me to the bathroom and I quickly did my business.
"Are you enjoying the movie so far?" Nick asked.
"Yeah."
"Good."
We snuck back into the theater and found our seats again. I started eating some of the popcorn that Nick had bought for us to share. He's been so nice to me.
Later...
Nick POV
We were currently at the kitchen table for dinner. Mom had made soup since it's so cold out.
"How was your day, boys?" Dad asked.
"Good. We went to the movies with 2 of my friends from Dalton," I said, starting to eat.
"Jeff, did you like the movie?" Dad asked.
"Yeah. I never get to go to the movies, so it was super fun," he said, smiling a little.
"Jeff, after dinner, I want you to make a Christmas list, ok?" Mom asked.
"How?"
"Just write down a few things you want for Christmas."
Jeff seemed lost in thought for the rest of dinner.
Later...
Jeff POV
I helped Nick do the dishes after dinner. And then we went up to his room.
"How do I make a Christmas list?" I asked.
"Just write down what you want," Nick said.
"But what do I want?"
"I don't know. You tell me."
"But I don't know. How many things do I need to write?"
"I don't know. A few."
Nick gave me a piece of paper and a pencil.
"What do you think I should write?" I asked.
"Um... You don't have a cell phone, so how about a phone?"
"But that's expensive!"
"So?"
"I don't want them spending that kind of money on me!"
"Jeff, Christmas is the time for spending that kind of money."
"No. I feel weird asking for that."
"Ok, then what do you want?"
"I don't know! I have everything I need right here."
"How? You barely have anything."
"I have a house, a bed, blankets, clothes, and a nice family to stay with. I don't need anything else."
Nick rolled his eyes.
"What did you put on yours?" I asked.
"I don't remember. I wrote it a long time ago."
I flopped down on my bed.
"I'm tired," I mumbled.
"So go to bed early then."
"I don't have any pjs to wear. They're all in the wash."
Nick dug out some pjs of his and threw them to me.
"Wear mine. I'm going to talk to my mom for a minute."
Nick POV
I went downstairs to the kitchen where mom was.
"Hey, Nicky."
"All I want for Christmas is for you to not call me that," I said, sitting down at the table.
"Not going to happen. What's up?"
"Jeff can't write a Christmas list."
"Why not?"
"He told me that he already has everything he needs and he feels weird asking for stuff."
"Aw... He's such a sweetheart."
"I think you should get him a phone because he doesn't have one."
"Ok. You're taking good care of him, right?"
"Of course, mom. I'm trying to establish a new normal for him. He said he never has fun, so I've been trying to do things he doesn't normally do, like going to the mall and going to the movies."
"I'm sure he appreciates it."
"I think he does... He seemed like he loved going to the movies today. The only thing is, he's a bit clingy. He says he gets nervous when he's alone. But it's not that annoying. I get it. He's been through some stuff. So it's fine."
"I'm very proud of you, Nicky. You're being a great foster brother."
I rolled my eyes.
"I'm heading to bed."
"Ok. Goodnight, Nicky."
"Night, mom."
I went back upstairs. Jeff was curled up in bed. I got changed and got into bed too.
"You're tired too?" Jeff asked.
"A little."
I shut off the light between our beds.
"Night, Jeff."
"Goodnight."
I turned on my side and started texting with Trent and David. They liked meeting Jeff. They said he was nice and stuff, but kind of shy. But he can't help that after what he's been through. Maybe he'll warm up when he gets more comfortable here.
After a while, I finally got tired, so I put my phone underneath my pillow and went to bed.
YOU ARE READING
The Christmas Foster Boy
FanficNick Duval is off from school for Christmas break. He thinks he's going to have some nice relaxing family time, but when his parents volunteer to be foster parents for Jeffrey Sterling, he has second thoughts.
